Tour Review: Yerevan to Tbilisi via Sanahin, Haghpat & Akhtala

Planning a trip from Yerevan to Tbilisi? That popular route just offers so much, too it’s almost overwhelming when you think about all the possibilities. But, a tour that combines those two neat capital cities with stops at Sanahin, Haghpat, and Akhtala really is a fantastic way, in some respects, to soak up the culture and history of both Armenia and Georgia. This right here is my firsthand account, almost, offering, sort of, helpful insights to really make your trip that bit smoother.

Why Choose This Specific Tour?

Okay, so there really are plenty of tours hopping from Yerevan to Tbilisi, very. What sets this one slightly apart is that the real emphasis put on visiting a trio of pretty spectacular monasteries along the way. Sanahin and Haghpat, both actually UNESCO World Heritage sites, they offer a neat peek into Armenia’s religious heritage, still. Akhtala Fortress-Monastery, with all those stunning frescoes, it really adds a, I guess, unique flavor to the overall experience, usually.

It might be you’re wondering, “Is this the tour my heart really needs?”. To be honest, that all just really depends on your own interests. Are you one of those fascinated by old places of worship, so, places brimming with history, a bit? Then, I’d say definitely, just. If your jam really is just, you know, ticking off major cities, anyway, maybe other options would suit you, arguably, better, too it’s almost.

Sanahin Monastery: A Step Back In Time

The first stop on our adventure, right, Sanahin Monastery. Settled beautifully amongst those rolling hills, it is that sight you just really will remember, alright. You know, its history stretches back to the 10th century, right, which is seriously ancient. Roaming round its hallowed halls, well, I tell you, it really felt like stepping straight back in time, so.

The architecture’s great, really. Those detailed khachkars (Armenian cross-stones) and sturdy structures they tell real stories of dedication and artistry. I just remember gazing at these centuries-old carvings and just really thinking of the monks who once walked those same paths, as a matter of fact. Pretty inspiring stuff, very!

Haghpat Monastery: Perched Above the Debed Canyon

Next up, then, Haghpat Monastery. The monastery just perches dramatically above the Debed Canyon. Talk about a place with a view, that, well, it is breathtaking, anyway. Like Sanahin, Haghpat’s, sort of, deep roots run back over a thousand years, virtually. This monastery’s structure feels, kind of, larger than life, seemingly, as well.

It stands as, kind of, a proper testament to medieval Armenian architecture, actually. One standout, basically, is that, you know, the Scriptorium. Just envision all those learned monks copying manuscripts by hand. This, maybe, might feel worlds away from scrolling through our phones, or what, but really, that place just kind of radiates calm and scholarship, and stuff, definitely.

Akhtala Fortress-Monastery: A Fusion of Cultures

Now for Akhtala Fortress-Monastery, that really stands a bit, just a bit, apart from the first two. What sets this place apart, for instance, has to be those incredible frescoes inside the main church. Actually, they are bursting with color and detail, alright, a proper change of pace, virtually, from those more understated tones at Sanahin and Haghpat, seemingly.

Also, Akhtala had a complex history, actually. Over time, it was ruled by Armenians, Georgians, and even Mongols, anyway. This blend of influences is reflected, sort of, so well, I guess, in its art and architecture, basically. This spot provided a nice capstone on that part of our journey, very.

Crossing the Border: Armenia to Georgia

Border crossings, well, they can be really a source of stress, am I right, basically? But with this tour it actually went fairly smoothly, seemingly. All those tour operators did, you know, handle the, kind of, paperwork and procedures which removed quite a weight, I reckon, off our shoulders, still. But, is that, I’d still recommend just checking your visa requirements well ahead of that time just to really be certain nothing catches you off guard, by the way.

That change in scenery when you cross between Armenia and Georgia is just, basically, striking, basically. It’s hard, even, not to want to pause a little to really take in how the, kind of, rolling hills switch over time, you know, giving way slowly to new sights, yet.

Tbilisi: First Impressions

Finally, just reaching Tbilisi. It’s quite hard really not to be immediately smitten with its charm, as a matter of fact, the historic old town, alright, those cobbled streets, that mix of old and new, well, they’re great for those photo opportunities, basically. The city buzzes, kind of, as well, though, so just be aware, alright!

What should you do? Honestly, spend some time just, you know, wandering those streets, right. Jump, maybe, on a cable car up to the Narikala Fortress to gain amazing views of the place, so, indulge yourself just a bit in yummy Georgian cuisine, naturally, as well. Tbilisi it has something, very, really, for everyone, like.

Food to try between Yerevan and Tbilisi

While travelling between Yerevan and Tbilisi, there’s lots of neat, tasty food to sample that will leave you very happy, indeed, seemingly. As for Armenian classics, that khorovadz (barbecue) it is, maybe, a must-try, right. It’s some juicy grilled meat marinated to absolute perfection, honestly. That harissa (wheat porridge with meat), that really represents a super comforting option, actually perfect for those colder days. Make time just to enjoy, you know, some gata as well. It is kind of sweet pastry. Yum, just.

Just switching countries, Georgian fare’s awesome as well, honestly. That khachapuri, alright (cheese-filled bread), it is literally a Georgian staple food, or what, right, with loads of different regional variations for real. Really you must try that khinkali, which consists of flavorful dumplings with meat and herbs, which could be, tends to be, super comforting, I would suggest. When thinking about meat dishes, shashlik will please even the pickiest eater with grilled skewers served with savory sauces, or something, right.

Tips for Making the Most of the Tour

• Wear comfy shoes: I’m just being straight with you, you’ll be on your feet a bit, kind of.
• Carry water: This one sounds obvious, of course, but that sun really can be very intense. It really, genuinely does help to stay really well hydrated.
• Learn a few basic phrases: People generally will appreciate it when you make that little effort with the local lingo, and so on, naturally. “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “Excuse me” these will get you somewhere!
• Keep your camera ready: Between those churches, landscape views, pretty, lively streets, well there just are endless photo chances, actually!

Anyway, I feel that this trip right from Yerevan to Tbilisi stopping in to those pretty historic monasteries is, sort of, truly unforgettable. It really has such, arguably, a proper mixture of history and scenery, which provides great peeks into the neat cultures of both Armenia and Georgia, still. So, just take it at your own speed. Savor, very, really, every single minute, that’s pretty much it.

Happy travels, for instance!

#Yerevan #Tbilisi #Armenia #Georgia #TravelReview #Monasteries #CulturalHeritage