4.9(82 reviews)
Armenian Heritage Day Trip
FromAMD 29
5 hours – 6 hours
Yerevan, Armenia
About this activity
Embark on a captivating day trip from Yerevan to explore Armenia's rich history and culture, including visits to ancient monasteries and a delightful chocolate tasting experience.
Highlights
- Explore Hovhannavank Monastery
- Discover Saghmosavank Monastery
- Enjoy local chocolates at Chocolate House
- Wander through Aghtsk village
- Experience Armenia's rich history
Full description
Join us on an enriching day trip from Yerevan to delve into Armenia's rich history and culture. Visit the ancient Hovhannavank Monastery, perched on a cliff overlooking the Kasagh River, and the Saghmosavank Monastery, renowned for its stunning views and historical significance. Indulge in a delightful chocolate tasting at the Chocolate House, and explore the charming village of Aghtsk. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and local flavors, providing an unforgettable Armenian experience.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Hovhannavank Monastery
- Visit to Saghmosavank Monastery
- Chocolate tasting at the Chocolate House
- Exploration of Aghtsk village
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
starting and ending point
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Hovhannavank monastery bears the name of John the Baptist. The oldest church here is the one-naved basilica, built in the 5th century. In the 13th century, under the patronage of Vachutian dukes, new buildings were added. The portal of the main church, which is embellished with evangelical motifs, is of great interest.
Duration: 40 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
5 km far from Hovhanavank monastery, on the edge of Kasakh river canyon, in the 13th century Vachutian dukes built Saghmosavank monastery. The main church is adjacent to the scriptorium, where many manuscripts have been produced during centuries. Saghmosavank underwent the devastating influence of the earthquake in 1988. The reconstruction, completed in 2000, returned the church its beauty and glory.
Duration: 40 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
This exquisite church is considered to be the jewel of Ashtarak, resembling a monolith pillar due to its small sizes and architectural solutions. It was built in the 7th century and has come to our days almost intact. The church of Karmravor has a cross-shaped ground plan both from inside and outside.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
"Gourmet Dourme" is a brand of chocolate founded in Armenia in 2007 by Pierre and Diran Bagdadians, two brothers from France and Austria. The name of the brand is of Armenian and French origin: "gourmet" meaning epicure and "dourme" – chocolate. Тhe chocolate production is located in Ashtarak town of Aragatsotn province and there are number of shops in Yerevan, where chocolate lovers can find wide assortment of chocolates: regular, gift and even personalized ones. The tour in the chocolate house lasts around 30-40 minutes, during which visitors observe the process of production from behind a transparent window, afterwards there follows yummy chocolate tasting. Here one can also listen to the audio version of chocolate history and its making stages.
Duration: 35 minAdmission: YES
6
The Arshakid kings' mausoleum is located in Aragatsotn region in the village of Aghtsk, where the remains of both pagan and Christian kings were placed. This small, rectangular hall is truly remarkable for its decorative and thematic elements. The northern wall depicts a relief of Daniel in a lion den. There are also many ornaments and symbolic carvings, belonging to both pre-Christian ideas and Christian art. Just next to the mausoleum there are the ruins of a 4th century church.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Hyur Service, 96 Nalbandyan poxoc, Yerevan 0010, Armenia
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately.
- Ensure you arrive on time to avoid missing the tour.
- A valid ID is necessary for security checks at the sites.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Carry a camera to capture the scenic landscapes and historical sites.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- The duration is approximate
- Seats will not be known in advance
Traveler reviews
4.982 reviews
5
76
4
4
3
2
2
0
1
0
Delight!
5/5. Thank you very much to Nina Manukyan and driver Karen for the great excursion to Tatev. Best way to get to know the Syunik region!
683savavMay 7, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Discover different Armenian monuments with a pleasant and attentive guide. Thank you Maria
Thanks to Maria for the very informative visit and to Karen for the pleasant drive
justinebV5411PPFeb 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Beautiful tour
Thank you very much. As always excellent service and guide
villimsFeb 18, 2026TRIPADVISOR
The best tour
Marina was the best guide you could ask for. Highly recommended to understand and visit this country. I'd pick you up and they'd take you everywhere.
B3021XLmanuelsFeb 8, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Armenia tour 🇦🇲
Edward is really good guide he explain everything about what we visit very recommended I will go again with this group ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Good Car and with good driver .
Gianniz GJan 2, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Children must be accompanied by an adult
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
The duration is approximate
Seats will not be known in advance