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Lori Monasteries: Explore Armenian Culture
4.9
53 Ratings
Yerevan
This tour offers stunning natural landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it a favorite destination and a must-visit for tourists.
This tour offers stunning natural landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it a favorite destination and a must-visit for tourists.
Duration:
14 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Monastery of Sanahin - Established in the 10th century, the Sanahin monastery complex aligns with the era of the Bagratuni dynasty. The initial church, Surb Astvatsatsin, was constructed in 951. The monastery comprises five churches, a library, a bell tower, an academy, and a royal tomb. Notably, the oldest academy in Armenia is situated here….
- Monastery of Sanahin - Established in the 10th century, the Sanahin monastery complex aligns with the era of the Bagratuni dynasty. The initial church, Surb Astvatsatsin, was constructed in 951. The monastery comprises five churches, a library, a bell tower, an academy, and a royal tomb. Notably, the oldest academy in Armenia is situated here. Alongside Haghpat, Sanahin was among the first to receive UNESCO’s global protection.
- Haghpat Monastery - Haghpat is situated near Sanahin and is an extensive monastic complex featuring numerous churches and both religious and secular buildings. The first church, Surb Nshan, was erected in 976. The largest library in Armenia was discovered in Haghpat, where books were uniquely stored in holes with wine placed alongside them in an open state to prevent moisture damage to the manuscripts. Haghpat has been a vital center of Armenian history, culture, and education for centuries.
- Akhtala Monastery - The church dedicated to Saint Mariam Astsvatsatsin within the Akhtala monastery complex is the largest in the region among churches named after the holy virgin. With its distinctive frescoes, architecture, and sculptures, this monastery has served as a spiritual hub for Armenians and many other peoples for centuries. The monastery complex includes St. Grigor Lusavorich church, an underground bath, a royal palace, and other structures. The settlement was named Akhtala due to the abundance of copper, which also inspired the monastery’s name. Akhtala is a unique historical and cultural site, featuring a khachkar that records Mariam, the daughter of King Kyurike, as the founder of the monastery.
- Odzun Church - Odzun Church, located in Armenia’s Lori Province, is an 8th-century basilica originally constructed in the 4th century, renowned for its distinctive architectural elements and intricate carvings. It stands as a significant cultural and historical landmark, showcasing Armenia’s rich Christian heritage and drawing visitors with its artistic splendor and surrounding ancient cemetery.
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Alaverdi - Mendz Er cave
The cave is situated in Alaverdi, along the road to Sanahin Monastery. The complex functions as a museum-restaurant, with one section inside the cave and the other outdoors. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of Debed Gorge and nearby settlements. The complex offers both Armenian and international cuisine.

What's Included
- Guide service
- Transportation
- Guide service
- Transportation
What's Not Included
- Insurance, Food
- Insurance, Food
Location
Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan
Sayat-Nova Avenue
Our pick up point in front of the main entrance of the conservatory. It is located in the area adjacent to the opera house. In front of the statue of Komitas.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(53 Ratings)
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1 star
M5091puemanuelac
Jun 17, 2025
Monasteries and flowers - Today I once again experienced a very informative and competently guided tour with Anahit (guide) and Flat (driver). We visited AKHTALA MONASTERY, ARAMYANTS CASTLE, HAGHPAT MONASTERY, SANAHIN MONASTERY and Odzun monastery, which was outside the program. Since we were seven travelers (from Armenia, someone from the USA and me from Switzerland), Anahit suggested this to us and we were very excited about this extraordinary opportunity. Further, we had an extra stop to take fotos of the beautiful flowers!
With Oneway, I also appreciate that the times are respected and enough time is given for individual sightseeing.
A big thank you to Anahit and to Flat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rowelanp
Dec 6, 2024
Superb experienced. - I and my friend decided to visit armenia, we visited the old churches and more! We appreciate Mr. Avto for the kind attitude and he was a very nice person. We appreciate this guy for his kindness. Wish you all the best. You made our holidays extra special. 10/10 star for you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Armenianraisin
Aug 7, 2024
Must See Locations in Armenia - I have taken a couple of tours with this travel agency, and I loved all of them. The quality of the services provided is high, the treatment is very good, and the scenery is stunning.
This trip to the Lori region really showcases the natural beauty of Armenia and its rich and ancient culture.
The road to each of the locations is very smooth and absolutely beautiful as we travelled through the mountains.
We had enough time at each location to take a break and look around. There were enough facilities (shops and washrooms) around for basic needs.
Our guide Knarik Harutyunyan was so helpful, kind, funny and energetic, and she provided us with all the necessary historical information about each location. She also takes great pictures!!:))) Also the driver was very helpful, and I felt safe in the car during the trip.
I absolutely loved this trip organized by One Way Tour!
PS: I highly recommend to have Armenian coffee at the beautiful location in Mendz Er! The view is amazing!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sebastiandx4212oo
Aug 6, 2024
Monasteries, land and people - A well thought-out and organized tour where I saw many unique landscapes and monastery complexes while meeting nice people! Karmela has declared very committed and enthusiastic and has a great background knowledge that she is happy to pass on. Not only have I learned a lot about monasteries, but also Armenia in general. I was lucky that it was a mixed Armenian-international tour group, so beautiful scenes were created, such as spontaneous lessons in Armenian dances during a tea break.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tig-hak
Jul 22, 2024
Pleasent guides, good drivers, good atmosphere:) - I have been to 5 tours with One Way tour. The guides are very pleasant and they give you the feeling of being a part of the team. For a solo traveller like me, it is very important to feel welcome with others in the group. The cars are new and the drivers are experienced. You will visit a lot of places in one day which makes your time even more valueable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zhu_q
Nov 11, 2023
amazing trip - beautiful Armenia village and church,professional tour guide George.it is absolutely worth visiting,
Review provided by Viator
342anushm
Nov 3, 2023
Laurie - I really wanted to see the famous and ancient churches of Haghpat and Akhtala. And with One Way tour we went on this wonderful tour. Our guide Levon spoke very interestingly and in detail about the stories of these churches. I had unforgettable impressions. Thank you very much for your attentiveness and organization.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q516mrannk
Nov 2, 2023
If tour then OneWay - Thank you so much. Excellent tour.
Our guide was incredibly knowledgable and gave us a fantastic day.
I recommend😍🫶🏻
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tanyaav2881mh
Sep 16, 2023
Enjoying places - The excursion to Haghpat, Odzun and Akhtala was very exciting. This is my first visit to these places. The weather was good, the nature was very beautiful. I enjoyed this day. Our guide Tatev was a very talented and smart girl, she told us a lot of important things about these places. So, I would like to thank all the organizers and our guide Tatev.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
722nanea
Sep 16, 2023
Agpat, Otsun, Agtala were great! Thanks a lot - It was very interesting and informative! Thank you very much for your work. I always choose your tour for its organization and pleasant atmosphere. Last time we went to Agpat!
Review provided by Tripadvisor