5-day Tour to Armenia from Georgia5 Days | Haghpat, Sanahin, Amberd, Kari Lake, Saghmosavank, Oshakan, Yerevan, Echmiadzin, Khor Virap, Areni cave, Noravank, Garni, Geghard

At 9:00, meet our guide and driver at your hotel to transfer to the Georgian-Armenian border point, Sadakhlo-Bagratashen. Cross the border to start the journey to the land of ancient traditions and the ancient churches. Drive to the Lori region and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Haghpat Monastery. This stunning example of traditional Armenian architecture was erected between the 10th and 13th centuries. Standing on a hillside, Haghpat beautifully overlooks the Debed River Canyon. The monastery’s location was chosen to protect the peace and seclusion of the monks. Continue to Sanahin Monastery of the 10-13th century, which is rightly included in the list of best landmarks of Lori as a real treasure of ancient Armenian architecture. Then drive to Gyumri, the second large city in Armenia. It lies on the Shirak plateau which crosses several mountain gorges. The city itself is located in the close quarters from the Aragats northern mountain ranges. Gyumri concentrates a lot of mineral deposits and the whole city’s southern part is located above an artesian basin. Overnight in Gyumri.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8-9 hours
Driving distance: 240 km

After breakfast at the hotel, drive towards Amberd fortress, medieval fortress on the southern slopes of the Mount Aragats, away from the hectic cities. Ambered fortress is a rare historical site that survived and reached us in a good condition from the 7-th century. Some say that it was built in the 11-13th centuries, attributing it to the near located church. Amberd means ‘fortress in the clouds’; the name is due to its location 2300 meters above sea level. Visit the Lake Kari, a freshwater lake in Armenia located on the slopes of Mount Aragats. It is located 3,185 m above sea level. Take the way to Saghmosavank - Greek-cross style monastery of the 13th century, which played an important role in a religious, academic and cultural development of medieval Armenia. Next stop is Oshakan, which is known as a burial place of the father of the Armenian alphabet Saint Mesrop Mashtots. A cathedral named after him houses his grave which was rebuilt by Catholicos George IV in 1875. Drive to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8-9 hours
Driving distance: 220 km

In the morning, drive out of the city to Etchmiadzin*, the Holy See of Armenia and the residence of the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church – the Catholicos of All Armenians. Return to explore Yerevan, the oldest capital city in the South Caucasus. Yerevan is known as the Pink City and attracts visitors with its humble yet splendid landscapes. Our first stop in Yerevan will be at the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on Tsitsernakaberd Hill. Next, visit the Cascade Monument, one of the main symbols of the city. The mega scale staircase is 118 meters high and has 572 steps. From the top of the monument, enjoy a breathtaking city view that includes the Opera House, Mount Ararat, Swan Lake, Republic Square, and Abovyan Avenue, all of which we’ll see as we walk the streets of Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.
*The site is currently under conservation works. Observation of the Cathedral is possible from the outside.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Driving distance: 50 km

At 08:00, we will head to Khor Virap Monastery. 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. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8-9 hours
Driving distance: 240 km

After breakfast, depart Yerevan and drive to Garni, the only pagan temple in Armenia that survived the introduction of Christianity in the 4th century. Descend Garni Gorge to explore a monumental rock formation called Symphony of Stones. The next stop is the monastery complex called Geghard (“spear”). The beautiful landscape of Geghard is framed by towering cliffs. Decorative art cut into the rocks reflects and explains Medieval development in this part of the world. The complex appeared in the 4th century around the sacred spring inside of the cave. After the tour is finished, drive to Tbilisi (5-6 hours). Drop off at your hotel in Tbilisi.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours + 5-6 hours transfer
Driving distance: 80 km + 280 km transfer
Optional stop at Lake Sevan and Sevanavank Monastery

Economy:
Hayasa / Ani Central Inn / Silk Road Boutique / Cascade / President by Hrazdan Hotel CJSC
Comfort:
Opera Suite / Yerevan Place
Luxe:
Tufenkian Historic / DoubleTree by Hilton Yerevan / Republica Hotel / Courtyard by Marriott