Akhtala, Haghpat, Sanahin, Odzun, ''Mendz er'' Cave
Private one-day tour from Yerevan to Akhtala, Haghpat, Sanahin, Odzun and Mendz Er Cave, with Lori landscapes and UNESCO heritage sights.
About this tour
Duration 12-13 hours.
This tour is filled with beautiful natural scenery and UNESCO heritage sights, making it one of our tourists' favourite destinations and must-visit places.
Itinerary
1 Stop 1 Akhtala Monastery
The church named after Saint Mariam Astsvatsatsin of the Akhtala monastery complex is the largest in the region among the churches named after the holy virgin. With its unique frescoes, architecture and sculptures, this monastery has been a spiritual centre for Armenians and many other peoples for centuries. In the territory of the monastery complex are St. Grigor Lusavorich church, underground bath, royal palace and other buildings. Due to the abundance of copper, the settlement was named Akhtala, after which the monastery was named. Akhtala is one of the unique historical and cultural places with its passport, a record in the form of a khachkar, in which it is written that Mariam, the daughter of King Kyurike, founded the monastery.
2 Stop 2 Haghpat
Haghbat is located close to Sanahin and is a vast monastic complex with many churches and religious and secular buildings. The first church, Surb Nshan, was built in 976. The biggest library in Armenia was found in Haghbat, where there was a special way to store books. They were placed in the holes, and wine was placed with them in an open state so that moisture would not spoil the manuscripts. Haghbat has been an important center of Armenian history, culture, and education for centuries.
3 Stop 3 Sanahin Monastery
Founded in the 10th century, the Sanahin monastery complex coincides with the period of the Bagratuni dynasty. The first church, Surb Astvatsatsin, was built in 51. The monastery has five churches, a library, a bell tower, an academy, and a royal tomb. By the way, the oldest academy in Armenia is located here. Along with Haghbat, Sanahin was among the first to be included under UNESCO's global protection.
4 Stop 4 Mendz Er cave
The cave is located in Alaverdi, on the road to Sanahin Monastery. The complex is a museum-restaurant, one part of which is inside the cave and the other outdoors. Visitors can admire the beautiful views of Debed Gorge and surrounding settlements. The complex offers Armenian and international cuisine.
5 Stop 5 Odzun
What’s included
- Transport
Pickup & Important information
FAQ
How long does this tour last?
The tour lasts about 12-13 hours. It is a one-day private tour without an overnight stay.
Is this tour available every day or only on certain days?
This tour is available on demand for a custom date. The date should be coordinated with the operator.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is not specified. Please check with the operator when booking.
What places are included in the itinerary?
The itinerary includes Akhtala Monastery, Haghpat Monastery Complex, Sanahin, Mendz Er Cave, and Odzun Monastery. The stops are visited in this order.
Is this a group tour or a private tour?
This is a private tour. The date and organizational details are arranged individually.
What kind of transport is used for the tour?
Tours run on a comfortable minivan or bus depending on group size. The transport is fully heated in winter.
Is there Wi-Fi in the vehicle?
There is usually no Wi-Fi in the transport, but mobile internet works on most of the route.
What languages does the guide speak?
Tours are conducted in Armenian, Russian and English. If there are non-local guests in the group, the guide can speak two languages.
Is the guide local and will they explain the sites?
Our guides are local experts familiar with the history, culture and the sites being visited. They will provide information about the main stops on the route.
How much is the tour for one adult?
The price for one local/Armenian adult is 54675 AMD (Armenian dram). The foreign adult price is not specified, so please ask the operator.
Can we join with a child, and is there a discount?
For day tours, children aged 0-3 are free, ages 3-6 get a 50% discount, and ages 7+ pay full price.
If there are 5 or more of us, is there a group discount?
Yes, groups of 5+ get 500 AMD off per person, since this is a day tour.
Have questions?