Tbilisi Transfer Yerevan: UNESCO Monasteries Haghpat Sanahin

Two centuries of stone carving on the way to Tbilisi

A one-way private transfer from Yerevan to Tbilisi that breaks the journey at Haghpat and Sanahin, two monastic complexes on Armenia's UNESCO World Heritage List. You explore both sites (Haghpat founded in AD 976 with its narthex, refectory and chapel-tombs, and Sanahin, a 10th-century episcopal residence with three churches and an academy) before continuing to Georgia. Hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport are included. A guide is available depending on your group size.

The experience

The two monasteries sit in Armenia's Lori region, separated by centuries of the same architectural tradition. Haghpat was founded by Queen Khosrovanush in AD 976 and holds a narthex, two corridor-sepulchers, a refectory, scriptorium, the Chapel of Hamazasp, a belfry and several chapel-tombs carved with khachkars: cross-stones that cover the grounds. Sanahin, built around the same era, served as the administrative center and burial place for the Kyurikyan Bagratids and later as the Episcopal residence for the diocese. Inside are three churches: St Astvatsatsin, St Amenaprkich and St Grigor, along with a narthex, scriptorium, belfry and academy.

The transfer itself is private and sized to your group: you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup from Yerevan and drop-off in Tbilisi. Whether you book with a guide or without depends on your party size, groups of one to two can travel without one, while larger groups have the option to add a guide who speaks English or Russian. The route breaks at both monasteries, giving you time to walk the grounds and photograph the stonework before the drive continues into Georgia.

Moderate fitness is expected. The sites involve walking on uneven terrain and climbing. Dress smart casual and bring layers: the Lori region sits at altitude and weather changes quickly. The transfer runs in all conditions, so plan accordingly.

What’s included

• One-way private transfer from Yerevan to Tbilisi.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Yerevan.
• air-conditioned vehicle sized to your group.
• stops at both Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries with time to explore.

Options for this experience

6 options

Without a guide, for 1-3 travellersUp to 3 per booking · Guide in English or Russian · 17 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 15:00Transfer to Tbilisi, visiting the Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries; includes pickup

Without a guide, for 4-7 travellersUp to 7 per booking · Guide in English or Russian · 17 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 15:00Transfer to Tbilisi, visiting the Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries; includes pickup

With a guide, for 1-2 travellersUp to 2 per booking · Guide in English or Russian · 17 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 15:00Transfer to Tbilisi, visiting the Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries; includes pickup

See 3 more options

Without a guide, for 8-15 travellersUp to 15 per booking · Guide in English or Russian · 17 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 15:00Pickup is included

With a guide, for 3-6 travellersUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English or Russian · 17 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 15:00Transfer to Tbilisi, visiting the Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries; includes pickup

With a guide, for 7-15 travellersUp to 15 per booking · Guide in English or Russian · 17 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 15:00Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day17 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Land of Noah Travel Agency

Is this one for you?Choose a guide if your group is three or more and you want context on the 10th-century architecture and history. Travel without one if you prefer to move at your own pace and explore the khachkars and churches independently. Either way, the private vehicle means you set the rhythm at each stop.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

What's inside the Haghpat monastery complex?

Haghpat holds a narthex, two corridor-sepulchers, a refectory, scriptorium, the Chapel of Hamazasp, a belfry, several chapel-tombs and khachkars: carved cross-stones that dot the monastery grounds. It was founded in AD 976 by Queen Khosrovanush.

Can I hire a guide for the monasteries?

A guide is available depending on your group size. Parties of three or more can add a guide who speaks English or Russian. Smaller groups can travel without one.

Does the transfer include food or drinks?

Food and drinks are not included. You'll want to bring water and snacks for the stops at Haghpat and Sanahin, or plan a meal in Yerevan before departure or in Tbilisi after arrival.

What was Sanahin monastery used for?

Sanahin served as the administrative center and family burial place for the Kyurikyan Bagratids in the 10th and 11th centuries, and later as the Episcopal residence for the diocese. It contains three churches (St Astvatsatsin, St Amenaprkich and St Grigor) plus a scriptorium, belfry and academy.

How does the transfer work if I'm traveling alone or as a couple?

Groups of one to two travelers can book without a guide and travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off. The driver will stop at both monasteries, though you'll explore them on your own.