3-day tour to Armenia from Tbilisi3 Days | Haghpat, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank, Khor-Virap, Noravank, Areni, Garni, Geghard

At 09:00, our driver will meet you at your hotel in Tbilisi and transfer to “Sadakhlo-Bagratashen” Georgian-Armenian border point. Cross the border, and meet your Armenian guide and driver to start the journey to the land of ancient traditions and oldest temples.
Drive to Lori region and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Haghpat monastery. A stunning example of Armenian traditional architecture was erected in the 10th and 13th centuries. Standing on a hillside, Haghpat beautifully overlooks the Debed River. The location of the monastery was chosen to protect the peace and seclusion of the monks. Drive through Dilijan to the Lake Sevan, “The Jewel of Armenia” and one of the largest high-mountainous fresh water lakes in the world. The coastline of Lake Sevan is rich with thick woods, white bare steep rocks, mountain steppes, and Alpine meadows. Stop at Sevanavank to visit the remnants of the monastery that include two temples – Surb Arakelots and Surb Karapet standing among numerous khachkars, and carved cross-stones. The buildings were constructed from black tuff which probably gave the monastery its name Sevanavank – “the Black Monastery”. The place opens up a magnificent view: the mountains surround the lake from all sides and snow tops are seen almost on the entire perimeter and disappear behind the horizon. Continue to Yerevan for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 370 km

After breakfast head to Khor Virap Monastery (“deep pit”). According to the legend, St. Gregory the Illuminator, the Baptist of Armenia, had been kept in the basement here for 13 years for disseminating of Christianity until King Tradt decided to adopt the new religion. The monastery’s location allows you to enjoy the best views of Mount Ararat. Drive to Noravank Complex situated on a ledge of a deep winding gorge. Noravank stands amidst the bizarrely shaped, precipitous red cliffs. Continue to Areni Cave complex, where in 2008, the earliest shoe in the world was found. Depart back to Yerevan for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Driving distance: 240 km

At 08:30, depart Yerevan and drive to Garni, one of the major villages in Armenia famous for its fortress. The fortress is the only pagan sacred place from the 1st century that survived aggressive introduction of Christianity in the 4th century. Next stop is at the monastery complex Geghard (“spear”). A beautiful landscape of Geghard is framed with towering cliffs. Decorative art cut into rocks reflect and explain Medieval Ages development in this part of the world. The complex appeared in the 4th century as a sacred spring inside the cave. Return to Yerevan for city tour.
One of the oldest cities of the world, Yerevan is famous as a pink city and calls visitors with its humble and at the same time splendid landscapes. Start city tour visiting the Cascade Monument, one of the main symbols of the city. The mega scale staircase is 118 meters high and has 572 steps. A panoramic view from the monument opens breathtaking city view with Opera House, Mount Ararat, Swan Lake, Republic Square, and Abovyan Avenue, which you will also walk by during the tour.
At 14:00 – 15:00, depart to “Bagratashen-Sadakhlo” Armenian-Georgian border point. Cross the border, drive to Tbilisi. Drop-off at hotel in Tbilisi.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 10 - 11 hours
Driving distance: 355km