Let’s embark on a captivating day trip to Armenia from Tbilisi, where history and culture converge to create an unforgettable journey through the South Caucasus region, and more specifically – the northern part of Armenia.
How to do the day trip to Armenia
If you’re in Tbilisi and want to get a glimpse of Armenia, or if you still haven’t visited the northern part of the country (we couldn’t include it on our Armenia road trip in summer), or even if you want to tick another country off your list, the day trip to Armenia from Tbilisi is a great idea.
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We chose the tour by Gamarjoba Tours, a company renowned for its professionalism and enriching experiences, according to the reviews. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and supported our journey in the best way possible, helping us immerse ourselves in both Armenian and Georgian cultures.
Below we’ll describe all the stops that we made during the tour, accompanied by a rich historical and cultural narrative. The day trip was a truly immersive adventure that left us with a lasting appreciation for the cultural richness of Armenia (and Georgia).
Here you can find all the tours available in the region.
Georgia-Armenia border crossing
Before we reached the border (it takes about 2 hours from Tbilisi), the journey kicked off with a fascinating exploration of the historical ties that bind Georgia and Armenia, and the whole Caucasus region. Gaining insights into the shared past set the stage for a day filled with cultural immersion. Passing the border was easy and smooth – we had to use our IDs instead of passports as we entered Georgia with IDs. This created a bit of confusion for the Armenian customs officers, but nothing that a little Russian and the boss of the shift couldn’t resolve. We stopped at the border shop to stock up on snacks and exchange some Armenian drams. On the way back, we were randomly selected for a very thorough search (luggage, body scans, dogs) by the Georgian customs, but now we have a fun story to tell!
Akhtala Monastery
The first stop at Akhtala Monastery unveiled a hidden gem steeped in history. Dating back to the 12th century, the monastery showcases medieval Armenian architecture and houses remarkable frescoes. It stands as a testament to the enduring religious and cultural heritage of the region.
Haghpat Monastery
Continuing the historical odyssey, Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaited us. Set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes, this architectural masterpiece provides insights into the medieval Armenian way of life. The intricate carvings and religious artifacts offer a glimpse into centuries of spiritual devotion.
The legend says that the monastery was built after a quarrel while building the Sanahin Monastery, between one of the master builder’s sons and the master. So the son went to the opposite mountain and built a monastery. When the father saw it, he exclaimed “Akh pat” (strong wall).
Lunch at a local’s house
Our favorite stop and definitely the most delicious was the touch with Armenian hospitality with a traditional lunch at the home of a local woman named Anush. Beyond savoring Armenian delicacies and stuffing our faces like we haven’t eaten for weeks, this stop became a cultural exchange, allowing us to connect with the rich traditions and warm hospitality that define Armenian family life. It wasn’t easy to walk after trying so many typical tasty dishes and some wines.
The MiG 21 airplane
Having a thing for aviation history or not, the visit to a decommissioned MiG 21 airplane added an unexpected layer to the journey. It’s located in the yard of the Mikoyan Brothers’ museum. One of the brothers is the designer of the fighter jet. Uncovering the aircraft’s role in regional history and its significance during pivotal moments, added a touch of adventure to the day.
Sanahin Monastery
The exploration continues at Sanahin Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This spiritual haven not only showcased the evolution of Armenian architecture but also unveiled the intertwining threads of religion and culture that have shaped the region for centuries. Sanahin was renowned for its school of illuminators and calligraphers. We explored the beautiful details in its architecture and history and didn’t forget to look at the other mountain, where the Haghpat monastery was smiling.
Alaverdi town
The final leg of the day trip brought us to Alaverdi Town, where the time had stopped. We could witness the old service funiculars, still hanging in the air, abandoned a long time ago, and the already non-functioning copper smelting factories. The spring was just starting to give a fresh look over this quiet place which was a bustling town not so long ago.
Is the day trip to Armenia worth it?
Our day trip from Tbilisi to Armenia unveiled the layers of history, culture, and hospitality that define this amazing region. Each stop on this journey through history and religion added a piece to the puzzle of the South Caucasus, creating an opportunity to appreciate the rich past and present of Armenia.
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