Armenia Affordable Tour From Tbilisi
Tbilisi – Haghartsin – Red deer breeding center – Dilijan – Yerevan
Start your journey from Tbilisi to Yerevan, Armenia. Travel by the road that takes you to Dilijan, known as the Armenian Switzerland. Dilijan is one of the most important resort towns in Armenia. We will visit the Haghartsin Monastery, built between the 10th and 13th centuries with limestone and bright white color that creates a beautiful contrast with the background of dark green forests. Due to numerous enemy raids, as well as earthquakes, monastic structures and churches were repeatedly destroyed and restored. In 2011, Haghartsin Monastery underwent a major renovation by Armenia Fund with a donation from HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. You’ll take a short city tour in the Old Town of Dilijan, including Sharambeyan Street in the city center with its craft shops, galleries and museums. Also visit the Red Deer Breeding Center in DIlijan National Park, which was opened in 2017 with the help of WWF and CNF with the aim of restoring the population of these giant animals in Armenia. Arrive in Yerevan and spend the night there.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: None
Duration: 8-10 hours
KM: 246 km
Geghard – Garni – Symphony of stones – Azat reservoir
Start the day with a visit to the pagan Temple of Garni, one of the most visited historical sites of Armenia. Built in the 1st century AD, the temple of Garni managed to survive the destruction of all the pagan temples following the adoption of Christianity in 301. The temple was severely damaged by earthquakes and was reconstructed in 1975, almost 300 years after it was destroyed. Situated on a cliff, the temple overlooks a spectacular view of the Geghama Mountains and the gorge of Azat River.
After lunch in Garni village and an opportunity to participate in the preparation of the traditional Armenian bread: lavash, the trip continues to the medieval Geghard Monastery, located deep within Azat Valley and founded by Saint Gregory the Illuminator. It’s worth mentioning that Geghard has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. After cultural monuments, we still have two monuments of nature to visit: the basalt columns in the gorge of the Azat river, called “Symphony of Stones” and the Azat reservoir. The reservoir is built for irrigation of the farms in Ararat valley, but became a famous and beloved place for tourists due to its beautiful landscapes and views.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 5-6 hours
KM: 92 km
Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries – Tbilisi
On the final day we will drive to Lori province to observe two gems of medieval Armenian architecture and spiritual life.
Both Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries are nestled in the stunning Lori Province of Armenia. They stand as magnificent testaments to medieval Armenian ecclesiastical architecture and cultural richness. Situated on a lush plateau overlooking the Debed River, these UNESCO World Heritage Sites are outstanding examples of Armenian religious heritage and craftsmanship. Founded in the 10th century both were centers of learning and spirituality. Those complexes include several structures, such as beltowers, gavits (vestibule), scriptorium, refectory and smaller chapels.
Drive back to Tbilisi.
Overnight: None
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 9-11 hours
KM: 295 km
