Explore the rich cultural heritage of northern Armenia on this full-day tour from Tbilisi. Enjoy the UNESCO-listed monasteries of Sanahin and Haghbat, marveling at their ornate khatchkars and ancient scriptorium. Indulge in a homemade Armenian barbecue lunch prepared by a local family, providing an authentic taste of the country’s cuisine. With an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, and all necessary fees included, this tour offers a hassle-free and well-rounded experience. But the true highlight may lie in the unexpected discoveries that await as you delve deeper into this captivating region.
This experience made our list of the 24 Best Lunch Experiences In Tbilisi.
Key Points
- Departs from Tbilisi and visits UNESCO World Heritage sites in northern Armenia on a 1-day small-group tour.
- Includes a traditional Armenian barbecue lunch in a family-hosted home, providing an authentic cultural experience.
- Offers an English-speaking professional guide, air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees, and all necessary taxes.
- Explores the UNESCO-recognized Armenian monasteries of Sanahin and Haghbat, showcasing their ornate architecture and cultural significance.
- Tour duration is a full day, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers for a personalized and intimate experience.
Tour Overview
Departing from Tbilisi, this 1-day small-group tour takes visitors to explore the northern regions of Armenia, showcasing its UNESCO World Heritage sites and offering a traditional Armenian barbecue lunch in a family-hosted home.
The tour, limited to a maximum of 15 people, visits the historic monasteries of Sanahin and Haghbat, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as the impressive Akhtala Fortress.
Guests will enjoy an authentic Armenian lunch prepared by a local family, providing a unique cultural experience.
Throughout the day, an English-speaking professional guide accompanies the group, ensuring they learn about the rich history and significance of the sites visited.
The tour includes all transportation, entrance fees, and bottled water, offering a well-rounded and hassle-free exploration of northern Armenia.
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Included Services
The tour includes an English-speaking professional guide who accompanies the group throughout the day, ensuring participants learn about the rich history and significance of the sites visited.
Lunch, bottled water, air-conditioned transportation, and all necessary fees and taxes are also provided, offering a well-rounded and hassle-free exploration of northern Armenia.
The traditional Armenian barbecue lunch is a highlight, providing an authentic cultural experience in a family-hosted home.
With the convenience of these included services, travelers can focus on seeing the fascinating monasteries, fortress, and natural landscapes without worrying about logistics.
This comprehensive package allows guests to make the most of their day trip from Tbilisi to northern Armenia.
Meeting and Pickup
The tour begins at the Envoy Hostel & Tours in Tbilisi, where participants meet their English-speaking guide at 9:00 AM.
After the group gathers, they’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and embark on their day trip to northern Armenia. During the journey, the guide will provide commentary and information about the sights they’ll be visiting.
The tour ends back at the original meeting point in Tbilisi, ensuring a hassle-free start and finish to the excursion.
Whether you’re an independent traveler or part of a small group, this one-day adventure offers a convenient and immersive way to explore the historical wonders of Armenia from Tbilisi.
Monasteries and Fortress
On the day trip, visitors explore two UNESCO-recognized Armenian monasteries – Sanahin and Haghbat – which showcase the country’s rich religious heritage and intricate architectural designs.
These medieval monastic complexes, nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of northern Armenia, offer glimpses into the region’s storied past.
The tour also includes a visit to the imposing Akhtala Fortress, a well-preserved medieval stronghold perched atop a dramatic cliff.
Highlights of the monasteries and fortress include:
- Ornate khatchkars (Armenian cross-stones) adorning the monastery grounds
- Remnants of ancient scriptorium and libraries where scholars once studied
- Impressive frescoes and bas-reliefs decorating the interior walls
- Panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains
- Insights into the cultural and spiritual significance of these historic sites
Traditional Armenian Lunch
During the tour, visitors enjoy a traditional Armenian barbecue lunch at a family-hosted home, seeing the local culinary culture.
The homemade meal features a selection of grilled meats, fresh salads, and seasonal produce, offering a delectable taste of Armenian hospitality.
Guests have the opportunity to interact with their gracious hosts, learning about the preparation of the dishes and the significance of this community-centered dining experience.
The fragrant aroma of sizzling meats and the warmth of the family’s welcome create a memorable experience that allows travelers to connect with the authentic flavors and traditions of Armenia.
This authentic Armenian lunch is a highlight of the day’s journey, providing a perfect complement to the cultural exploration of the UNESCO-listed monasteries and fortress.
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Pricing and Booking
Operated by Envoy Tours, the full-day tour from Tbilisi to northern Armenia is priced at €69.98, offering a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Booking the tour can be done directly through the Envoy Hostel & Tours in Tbilisi, the meeting point for the excursion which also serves as the end point at the conclusion of the day’s activities.
The tour includes:
- English-speaking professional guide
- Traditional Armenian barbecue lunch
- Bottled water
- Access to UNESCO World Heritage sites and Akhtala Fortress
- Air-conditioned vehicle and all applicable fees and taxes
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible, with infants required to sit on laps.
Tour Duration and Size
The full-day tour from Tbilisi to northern Armenia runs from 9:00 AM to the evening, allowing travelers ample time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites and Akhtala Fortress.
It’s a small-group excursion limited to a maximum of 15 participants, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.
With an English-speaking professional guide leading the way, the group will venture to the historic Sanahin and Haghbat Monasteries, as well as the impressive Akhtala Fortress.
Along the journey, guests will enjoy a traditional Armenian barbecue lunch hosted by a local family, providing a unique culture.
The tour’s compact size promotes camaraderie and allows the guide to cater to individual interests and needs throughout the day.
Additional Information
This tour provides travelers with confirmation of their booking within 48 hours if reserved within 2 days of the experience start date.
The tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users, and infants must be seated on laps.
The group size is capped at a maximum of 15 participants.
Confirmation is received at the time of booking.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Infants must sit on laps during the tour.
Maximum group size is 15 travelers.
The tour is operated by Envoy Tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book This Tour for a Smaller Group?
Yes, this tour accommodates smaller groups. The tour has a maximum group size of 15 people, so travelers can book for a smaller number if they prefer a more intimate experience.
Is There an Option to Visit Other Sites in Armenia?
While this specific tour focuses on visiting Sanahin and Haghbat Monasteries and Akhtala Fortress, other tour options may be available that include visits to additional sites across Armenia. Travelers should inquire about customized or extended tours to see more of the country.
Do I Need a Visa to Enter Armenia From Georgia?
Travelers from Georgia generally do need a visa to enter Armenia. However, the tour operator likely handles the visa process as part of the tour package. It’s best to confirm the visa requirements with the tour company when booking the tour.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?
The tour operator generally offers a set itinerary, but they may be able to accommodate minor customization requests. Guests should inquire about flexibility when booking the tour to see if their preferences can be incorporated.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour operator may offer an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can inquire about additional tour options or customizations, as the company may be able to accommodate requests for longer tours or modified itineraries.
Recap
This one-day small-group tour from Tbilisi provides a comprehensive exploration of northern Armenia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Travelers will visit the historic monasteries of Sanahin and Haghbat, experience a traditional homemade Armenian barbecue lunch, and enjoy hassle-free transportation and an English-speaking guide.
With all necessary entrance fees and taxes included, this tour offers an authentic cultural experience in Armenia’s northern region.
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