
Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 412 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin worth booking?
Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin is a 13-hour experience in Yerevan, Armenia, from $51 per person. It scores 91 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 412 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 91 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (412)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $51 per person
During this long-lasting and engaging group tour first visit is foreseen at the majestic 10th century monastery Haghpat. On your next stop visit Zarni-Parni cave castle complex in a forest canyon with a magnificent view of the Kayan fortress and nice restaurant. After lunch visit magnificent Akhtala monastery, comprised of three churches, located in the territory of the eponymous fortress. Visit Aramyants Castle, one of the jewels of Swiss architecture in Armenia. And last you are going to see the Sanahin monastery. Both Haghpat and Sanahin are included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List and are considered as "gems" of Lori provice. After this trip true inspiration is never going to leave you!
What you get
About this experience
During this long-lasting and engaging group tour first visit is foreseen at the majestic 10th century monastery Haghpat. On your next stop visit Zarni-Parni cave castle complex in a forest canyon with a magnificent view of the Kayan fortress and nice restaurant. After lunch visit magnificent Akhtala monastery, comprised of three churches, located in the territory of the eponymous fortress. Visit Aramyants Castle, one of the jewels of Swiss architecture in Armenia. And last you are going to see the Sanahin monastery. Both Haghpat and Sanahin are included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List and are considered as "gems" of Lori provice. After this trip true inspiration is never going to leave you!
What's included
Included
- Air-conditioned vehicles
- Vehicle & passengers insurance
- Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
- WiFi in the vehicles
- Bottled water & pastries
- Admission tickets
Not included
- Lunch price (3900 - 4900AMD = 10-13 USD)
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off
What you'll see and do
Hyur Service
starting and returning point
15 minutes here
Haghpat Monastery
Situated not far from Sanahin, Haghpat monastery has its significant place in the historical and cultural life of Armenia. It was built during the reign of king Ashot Bagratuni. Numerous valuable manuscripts and miniature paintings have been produced in the scriptorium of Haghpat for many centuries. In the 18th century the famous Armenian bard Sayat-Nova u sed to live and create in this monastery. The belfry with its unique architectural composition is of stunning interest. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
60 minutes here
Zarni Parni
Zarni-Parni is a cave castle complex in Lori region. It is located in a forest canyon with a magnificent view of the Kayan fortress, which is close to the village of Haghpat, famous for its monastery. The complex consists of the "Zarni er" and "Parni er" castles, as well as the "Tsak er" cave. Some historical records note, that renowned scholar and philosopher Hovhannes Imastaser used to live and work in this cave. Currently the area is turned into a historical museum, where one can find number of rare ancient agricultural tools and household items. Near the cave there is a tavern and winery to enjoy local drinks and dishes of Armenian cuisine.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Akhtala Monastery
The Akhtala fortress and monastery are situated in Lori district. It is constructed on a plateau resembling a peninsula, surrounded with deep gorges from three sides. In the 10th century the masons could exactly derive benefit from the nature in order to make the fortress more fortified. The fortress is strengthened with huge ramparts and there are two pyramid-shaped watchtowers, rising above from both sides of the main entrance. The monastery of Akhtala, comprised of three churches, is in the territory of the fortress.
60 minutes here
The Aramyants castle, one of the jewels of Swiss architecture, is situated in the town of Akhtala in Lori region. It is distinguished for its magnificent appearance and interesting history of 120 years. The castle belonged to Mikael Aramyants, a prominent Armenian businessman, living in Tbilisi. It was built for his daughter with pneumonia, since Akhtala has the best climate in the entire Caucasus region. Many famous people used to spend their holidays in the town, among them opera singer Fiodor Shalyapin, Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan, spiritual and cultural figure Khrimyan Hayrik and others. The castle of Mikael Aramyants has its own place in the pages of Armenian history, as the declaration of the First Republic of Armenia was adopted here.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Monastery of Sanahin
The monastery of Sanahin is on the right bank of Debed river. This architectural complex consists of several churches, seminary, book depository. The building of the seminary, which connects St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) and Allsaviour churches, was from the outset built to make the edifices more earthquake-resistant. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Yerevan
on the left hand, little bit down from Nalbandyan and Tumanyan corner
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
on the left hand, little bit down from Nalbandyan and Tumanyan corner
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hyur Service
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- The duration is approximate
- Seats will not be known in advance
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 412 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
412 verified traveler reviews for Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Worth it but wish it had Armenian option
Even though the tour itself was a five-star experience, it’s a shame that there is no longer the option to book it in the Armenian language. There is no reason it should not be offered, forcing guests to choose between only English or Russian, especially since a lot of tourists are Armenians of all ages. That being said, the driver was very kind and attentive, the guide was incredibly knowledgeable, and the locations, of course, were very memorable and gorgeous. It is a great day trip for anyone visiting Armenia, highly recommend for Armenians and non-Armenians alike! Oct-12-26
via Tripadvisor
Really lovely tour with beautiful scenaries
Edward, our guide, and Samvel, our driver, were very good hosts for this tour and offered good and entertaining information about all places we visited. Scenaries were really beautiful along the day. Worth it!
via Tripadvisor
Great Time in Armenia
Levon was amazing! We really enjoyed our time! Thanks for the awesome memories!
via Tripadvisor
What a Great Day!
Hyur Tours, with Nina and Ashot was amazing! Lovely tour, lovely country and lovely people.
Response from the operator: Your kind words mean a lot to us! We look forward to welcoming you again in Armenia!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour to Sanahin / Haghpat with Hyur Services
I had a wonderful experience with the tour to Sanahin / Haghpats. Kudos to our guide Nina and driver Ashot. Tour: At each site, Nina gave an explanation of the grounds and was ready to answer any questions we have. She is knowledgeable about Armenian culture and history and she is proud to show it. We have about an hour for each site, with 20-25 minutes to spare for photos and bathroom breaks. Duration: Note that this tour takes 13-14 hours due to the long driving time. So it may not be suitable for everyone. The tour starts at 9 am from the Hyur office in Yerevan, with an optional 8:15 pickup at my hotel. There are bathroom breaks during throughout the tour, and free water was provided. There were 2 places that require 100 dram for the bathrooms, so it’s helpful to bring some coins. Weather: forecast says 22C, actual temperature was more like 30C. All the attractions are in a valley so the hot air gets trapped inside the valley. Attractions: Most sites are spectacular except for Aramyants castle which is in a very sorry state and not really ready for tourists. I hope there will be more awareness and money flowing in to help bring it back to its former glory. Lunch: not included with the tour and have to pay extra. The view is spectacular from the restaurant, but food served is basic.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the excellent feedback! We hope to see you on another of our tours soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 144
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Hyur Service, who run 39 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 77.0 and 8 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Hyur Service runsWhy this scores 91
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Yerevan.
How much does Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin cost?
+
Prices start at $51 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Yerevan usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin take?
+
Plan for about 13 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Yerevan is not rushed.
Is Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 91 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 412 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Yerevan, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin?
+
Around 144 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Yerevan can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Yerevan and add a light layer if any part of the 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Yerevan within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Yerevan?
+
On Outty we rank every Yerevan experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Group Tour: Lake Sevan (Sevanavank), Dilijan (Goshavank, Haghartsin), Group Tour: Khor Virap, Garni temple, Geghard, Lavash baking, Group Tour: Garni pagan temple, Geghard monastery, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Yerevan?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Yerevan?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin?
+
Included: Air-conditioned vehicles; Vehicle & passengers insurance; Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively; WiFi in the vehicles; and Bottled water & pastries. Not included: Lunch price (3900 - 4900AMD = 10-13 USD); and Hotel pick-up & drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin?
+
on the left hand, little bit down from Nalbandyan and Tumanyan corner Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin offered in?
+
It is offered in Russian and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Yerevan. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin?
+
Across 412 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Group Tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Caves, Akhtala, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin.
Pick your date




