Day 1: Tbilisi – Haghartsin – Red deer breeding center – Dilijan 

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

Day 2: Garni – Geghard – 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

Day 3: Saghmosavank – Alphabet Alley – Amberd

On the 2nd day we will travel to the West. We will visit Saghmosavank monastery on the edge of the Kasagh River gorge. The steep cliffs and rock create a unique landscape view. The main structure of the monastery was built by Prince Vache Vachutyan in the 13th century. Our next destination leads us to the slopes of Aragats Mountain, an isolated massif with four peaks. Among these, the northern summit stands tall as the highest point in the Lesser Caucasus and Armenia, soaring to an impressive 4,090 meters above sea level.

Our journey will bring us to the Alphabet Alley, a tribute commemorating the Armenian alphabet. This monument symbolizes the profound significance of the Armenian script in preserving and fortifying the Armenian identity across centuries, contributing significantly to the nation’s resilience and survival. With the help of our guide, find the letter corresponding to your first name and take a photo for the memory. The final stop of our trip is the 10th century fortress Amberd, located 2,300 meters above sea level. This fortress had a very important military purpose as an outpost in defense of capital city Ani during the kingdom of Bagratuni.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 7-8 hours
KM: 160 km

Day 4: Free Day

Take a break and walk around the city, visit a museum or shopping mall, have dinner or a drink in one of the best local bars and restaurants. Ask your tour guide for recommendations.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Sanahin & Haghpat Monasteries – Tbilisi

We will drive to Lori province to observe two gems of medieval Armenian architecture and spiritual life.
Both – Sanahin and Haghpat Monastery, nestled in the stunning Lori Province of Armenia, stand as magnificent testaments to medieval Armenian ecclesiastical architecture and cultural richness. Situated on a verdant 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, including beltowers, gavits (vestibule), scriptorium, refectory and smaller chappells. After visiting these sights we will Drive back to Tbilisi.

Overnight: None
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 9-10 hours
KM: 295 km