Armenian Monasteries Day Trip with Lunch

From$79
11 hours
Tbilisi, Georgia

About this activity

Experience Armenia's rich history and culture on a guided day trip from Tbilisi, featuring visits to ancient monasteries and a traditional homemade lunch.

Highlights

  • Explore Akhtala Monastery's rich history
  • Discover the ancient Sanahin Monastery
  • Savor traditional Armenian homemade lunch
  • Enjoy scenic views of the Debed River Gorge
  • Learn about Armenia's cultural heritage

Full description

Join us for an unforgettable day trip from Tbilisi to Armenia, where you'll delve into the rich history and culture of this ancient land. Your journey begins with a visit to the Akhtala Monastery, renowned for its unique frescoes and strategic location overlooking the Debed River Gorge. Next, explore the Sanahin Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases Armenia's architectural brilliance. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Midday, indulge in a traditional Armenian homemade lunch, offering a taste of authentic local cuisine. This excursion provides a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, ensuring a memorable experience for all travelers.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of Akhtala Monastery
  • Visit to Sanahin Monastery
  • Authentic Armenian homemade lunch
  • Personal expenses and gratuities

Itinerary

1

At 08:30, our guide meets you in front of Avlabari metro station with our company's branded flag.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

The first sight of the tour which we visit is Akhtala Monastery. A church from the 13th-century with beautiful frescoes, surrounded by copper smelting caves, a copper smelting factory, and the central defensive fortification of the southern part of Georgia.

Duration: 45 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

The second destination of the tour is Haghpat monastery, located in Haghpat village and is a UNESCO heritage site. One of Armenia's most beautiful medieval masterpieces takes your breath away.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

After lunch, we visit the second UNESCO heritage site called the Sanahin Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries from the 10th-century. On the way to Sanahin Monastery, three extra stops are available: one for the bridge, which is originally from the 12th-century and from the bridge you see a copper smelting factory which makes you feel the time of the Soviet Union; the second place is Debed canyon with an astonishing view; the third sight Mikoyan Brothers’ Museum which will amaze you with original aircraft MiG 21.

Duration: 45 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language.
  • Confirm your booking at least 24 hours in advance to secure your spot.
  • Be prepared for a full-day excursion with approximately 11 hours of activity.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historical sites.
  • Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

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

  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • The minimum age of a traveler is 5.
  • Don't forget to take the passport.

Traveler reviews

5.0
1,407 reviews
5
1,371
4
30
3
5
2
1
1
0

From Tbilisi: Day trip to Armenia including homemade lunch

Gio is very informative guide. Will recommend absolutely

fredae2026Jul 6, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Armenia via Georgia

Wonderful experience,very informative. Our guide Gio was super nice and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.

coras438Jul 6, 2026TRIPADVISOR

A perfectly balanced day trip to Armenia

Today we did the Armenia tour with Tota (Nikolas) and it was honestly one of the nicest tours I've ever done. We visited 3 beautiful churches and he explained the history of each one in a way that was interesting & easy to follow. What stood out most was how much effort he made to talk to everyone in the group and help people get to know each other, which meant we all bonded really well throughout the day. He knew exactly when the group needed a break, was incredibly patient with questions, and felt less like a guide and more like a friend travelling with us. He is kind, funny, and genuinely great at what he does. The tour itself was a perfect introduction to this historic part of northern Armenia, with a wonderful mix of landscapes, viewpoints, history, culture, and food. One of the biggest highlights was lunch at a local Armenian household. As vegetarians we were a little worried about the food options, but it turned out there was plenty for us to eat and everything was delicious. Enjoying that meal with the stunning mountain views around us is a memory I'll definitely carry from this trip. I also tried pomegranate wine for the first time and can highly recommend it. A special thanks as well to Mr. B for the smooth and safe driving throughout the day. The border crossing was completely seamless too, just be prepared to be a little patient. Overall, this tour is so thoughtfully designed and beautifully balanced that it genuinely made me want to stay longer in Armenia. I've done plenty of tours over the years, but this one really stands out. 100% recommended! 🇦🇲❤️

946sanchitsJul 5, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Fun and interesting day trip from Tbilisi.

Great experience, Tota is an awesome, knowledgeable guide and made the tour really fun.

CarlosfiestasJul 5, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great day trip to Armenia

Nicolas Totadze. An incredible man and a great tour guide - worthwhile experience seeing the beautiful sites of Armenia with a knowledgeable operator. Highly recommend.

G6970XWsamrJul 5, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

The minimum age of a traveler is 5. Don't forget to take the passport.