Tbilisi to Armenia: The Day Trip Tour to Armenia you MUST Book

ArmeniaGeorgia
Written By Anna Rooker

(This post is not sponsored. I just adore Gamarjoba Georgia Tours SO. MUCH. I have gone on 3 tours thus far with them and have at least 3 more planned to take before I leave Georgia. So take my word when I say that this tour company is doing something right and is worth booking your tours with from Tbilisi).

 

If you are a passport stamp collector or just want to get your feet wet with a simple and guided introduction to a new country, the day tour trip to Armenia with Gamarjoba Georgia Tours is perfect. Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, (and the start and end point for Gamarjoba Georgia tours), is only a short 1-hour 15-minute drive from the Armenia border making this an easy 10-12 hour day trip.

This tour takes you only about an hour into the Northern province of Armenia known as Lori, focusing on religious and historical sites, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, accompanied by a homemade Armenian lunch at a local home and breathtaking landscape views of the region.

You can also visit Armenia from Georgia on your own, of course! But I am going to focus on the fulfilling organized tour that this is as it is a great, affordable, and well-rounded tour option for many on a time crunch but wishing to get the most out of the Caucasus region.

While this tour will not give you a full-scope view of all Armenia has to offer, it’s a small taste of such a wonderfully diverse, historic, and interesting country few have the chance to visit.

 

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READ ALSO: Wine, Culture, & History: Your Complete Sighnaghi, Georgia Guide

Makmani Hotel

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, has thousands of affordable, beautiful accommodation options whether you are looking for a comfortable hotel or a cozy guest house. Here are some top-rated options in Tbilisi!

  • Makmani Hotel located in Old Town, Tbilisi is a newer hotel in a quiet neighborhood a short walk from Freedom Square. Breakfast is offered every morning, select rooms have stunning terraces with mountain views, and the staff is so kind and welcoming.

  • Hilton Garden Inn Tbilisi Riverview is the tried and trusted option for many tourists. This 4-star hotel on Kura River will give you top-tier service and hospitality in modern rooms, some with river views and all of the hotel amenities you could want. For the point earners of Hilton, this one is outstanding!

  • Lea Guest House is the epitome of Georgian hospitality. If you are looking for a simple, affordable place to sleep operated and in support of the Georgian locals who own it, Lea Guest House will be a great choice. It’s ideally located in Old Town near the sulfur baths. The hosts can also help arrange tours around Georgia for you.

  • Constant Tbilisi located in Tbilisi City is an antique-style hotel closely located to many tourist attractions such as Bridge of Peace and Freedom Square. Some units feature a balcony and city views. You will find comfort and ease at this hotel!

  • Twentyone By Vintage Hotel Collections is conveniently located in the historic Old Town for exploring Tbilisi. Public transit is nearby, the area is walkable, and you get all the frills of a 4-star hotel for a relatively affordable cost, especially during low season.

 
 

Odzun, Armenia - Lori Province

Where to Stay in Lori Province, Armenia

If you choose to do a similar trip to the Lori, Armenia region on your own without a tour, I’ve compiled a list of perfect towns to stay in and highly-rated, locally-owned hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs in the area. You can get to Northern Armenia from Tbilisi, Georgia by car or train via the South Caucasus Railway.

Haghpat

  • Guest House Mary is a comfortable guest house in Haghpat with single and double rooms, some with a garden or partial mountain view. The accommodation offers some amenities such as billiards, a picnic area, an outdoor fireplace, and a lounge. You can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner here provided by the hosts.

  • Dream Hotel is one of the few hotels in Haghpat that feels like the standard, modern-day hotels you may be used to. So if you are looking for that familiar comfort, this is a good option. With a wide range of rooms, some with views and terraces of the stunning surrounding valley, you can also find a seasonal swimming pool, restaurant, and airport shuttle service available to guests.

  • AGA Hotel is a family-run bed and breakfast with a terrace, garden, and rooms that sleep 1-3 people. This accommodation is highly rated by guests for its location, staff friendliness, and cleanliness.

  • Kefilyan Family Hotel & Restaurant is a 3-star rated hotel in Haghpat with views of the Debed River. There is a 24-hour front desk, lounge areas, and restaurant and bar on site. There are even vodka-making classes if you wish to join!

Odzun

  • B&B Odzun, a highly-rated, quaint bed and breakfast many guests love for its hospitality and location. Located in a quiet, rural location, you can relax in their courtyard or common guest spaces, eat homemade meals, or walk around the neighborhood.

  • Aghasu Tun B&B offers the perfect authentic farmstay Armenian experience with above-and-beyond hosts, locally grown ingredients from their property for the beautiful meals offered, private drivers to take you around the area to explore everywhere you wish to go with a local’s knowledge, and comfortable, clean rooms.

  • Holiday Home Ruben is a single holiday home surrounded by the hosts’ lush private courtyard and garden. Guests can enjoy homemade meals in the outdoor dining area and expect a welcoming and caring host.

  • Rafting House is an adventurer’s dream accommodation because river rafting tours are offered by the guest house! So if you want a homey, comfortable stay with a side of adrenaline this is the spot for you.

Alaverdi

  • IRIS B&B in Debed Canyon offers a range of hostel-type dorm rooms for inexpensive, to private suites with their own bathroom. The comfort amenities of a hotel such as a laundry service, on-site restaurant, lounge, luggage storage, and 24-hour front desk are all offered by Iris. It is located close to public transit stations.

  • ArmBee Honey Farm has maybe some of the best views of all of Alaverdi and the surrounding canyon. Private chalets are available, some with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies perched high on top of the mountainous ridge boasting breathtaking views. You have all the amenities you could need plus the option of learning about the beekeeping on the property (as the name suggests). If I ever have a chance to return and stay in Alaverdi, I want to stay here!

  • Guest House in Alaverdi is a basic, affordable accommodation in Debed Canyon with a mix of room options ranging from hostel to apartment. If you are with a large group, this guest house has rooms that can sleep up to 8 people. Located in town, it is accessible by walking or public transit.

  • Kayanberd Resort is another unbelievable, unique space built for showing off the mountain views you can have from their available rooms. This is the type of place you’d want to unwind in for a couple of days, being content with not leaving because you can’t find better views!

  • Pottery House is an authentic, sustainable Armenian guest house in Alaverdi operated by a mother and daughter. This guest house is special because you can partake in a pottery class, creating a memorable souvenir with your hands. Also available are traditional Armenian meals prepared by the hosts.

 
 

Odzun Church

Things to Know Before Visiting Armenia

In order to successfully take this trip and also prepare yourself with a little bit of knowledge of the country before arriving, here are some helpful things to know and tips for visiting Armenia from Tbilisi!

  • I highly recommend taking this Armenia day trip with an organized tour company like Gamarjoba Georgia Tours. Logistically, everything is worked out for you. You just have to arrive at the departure location and you are taken care of the whole way. You can do this type of trip on your own as well but will need to do much further preparations for it if you plan to drive yourself or ride the train across the border.

  • Be sure to check if you need a visa to enter Armenia. You can do so by visiting the Armenian Embassy website and inputting your passport country into the form. If you are a US citizen, you do not need a visa. Some countries are required to enter with an e-Visa which you can apply for through the embassy website and get in about 3-4 business days.

    • Note: My friend from Malaysia came on this trip with me and she needed an e-visa. She said the application was straightforward and she got her visa via email in the quoted number of days. She did not need to print her e-visa to enter. The immigration officers accepted her visa from her phone.

  • Confirm you have plenty of space in your passport for 4 stamps! Yep, FOUR! In one day! Exit Georgia, enter Armenia, exit Armenia, enter Georgia. Luckily immigration for both countries was efficient and careful about the space they used for the stamps.

  • Don’t forget your passport. That’s an important one.

  • Don’t let the weather deter you from doing this trip. I went in December when it was cold and happened to be a very wet and foggy day. I think it made all of my photos from the tour that much better especially paired with the medieval architecture and landscape - it was a vibe.

  • Your Georgia SIM card won’t work after crossing into Armenia. If you are worried about this you can get an e-SIM set up before your trip with Airalo. The only stop in this itinerary with wifi available is at your lunch stop.

    Get $3 off your first Airalo eSIM card with my referral code, ANNA5384

  • Understand that this trip is just the beginning of what Armenia has to offer. While it is short and does not represent Armenia as a whole, it is an excellent introduction trip to the country.

  • Educate yourself on Armenia before your trip. I believe it’s important to do a bit of research before going to any new country. Your tour guide will share with you many facts and historical points about Armenia and can answer any further questions you may have about the country. But if you are interested in learning more on your own first, I have some sources listed below:

Map

Overview of My Itinerary with Gamarjoba Georgia Tours

I say MY itinerary because the stops made with my tour group had to be altered a bit from the stops listed in the original itinerary. In replacement of visiting Odzun Church, we were supposed to have visited Sanahin Monastery Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We couldn’t visit Sanahin due to road closures to get there. Our tour group was texted at the time of booking to be alerted of this itinerary change and the chance to cancel if we wished. I can assure you that Odzun Church was an incredible alternative stop so no matter which monastery your itinerary takes you to, it will be worthwhile.

In total, we made 8 stops including the two border crossings in and out of Armenia. Below is a detailed account of our December 2023 day trip (subject to be different for your booking).

Left: Border crossing between Georgia and Armenia; Right: Armenian flags

First Stop: Bagratashen - Sadakhlo Border Crossing into Armenia

Because you are with an organized tour group, border control is a breeze. There are 2 stops within the neutral border zone of Bagratashen - Sadakhlo Border Crossing.

Our driver dropped us off at the first building where we were stamped out of Georgia. You can imagine there probably weren’t a large number of people making this crossing so there was no wait each time we got stamped. During this time, our driver was taking care of the paperwork and security checks required for our vehicle to cross the border.

You can expect to be picked up by your driver on the other side and driven to the next customs building where you will be stamped into Armenia. Here you will need to know the license plate number of your tour van to give to the Armenian immigration officers. Your tour guide will remind you of this so don’t fret! The only questions asked at this checkpoint were if it was my first time in Armenia and what the van’s number was. I was then stamped and on my way!

Past the immigration desks, you go through a quick and easy security screening. We had to put our bags through the X-ray machines, set our phones on a table, and walk through the metal detector. We didn’t even have to remove our coats!

Left: Shelves of snacks in ARM ART Market; Right: 1,000 Dram Armenian currency (~$2.50 USD)

Second Stop: ARM ART Market

Once we were picked up on the other side of the border, we made a stop at ARM ART Market a short drive away to pick up some snacks for the day. Because we only have one stop for lunch, definitely grab snacks to keep you full throughout your busy day! Plus, it’s always fun to see what is offered in the markets in different countries so take a few minutes to look around!

You can also exchange currency here which I recommend you do if you want to buy any souvenirs or wine from a stop later in the day (the only things not included in the cost of the tour).

I exchanged 100 Georgian Lari which gave me about 15,000 Armenian Dram. This was way more than was needed for me for the day. Once you get back to Georgia you can exchange your Dram back to Lari if you don’t spend it all at exchange stalls around Tbilisi.

Third Stop: Akhtala Monastery Fortress

The first monastery of the day was Akhtala Monastery Fortress - a fortified 10th-century Orthodox stone monastery and Armenian church known for its detailed frescoes inside and fortress ruins.

Interior frescoes in Akhtala Monastery Fortress

We had time to explore and take in the interior of this magnificent structure and learn of its longstanding history. The frescoes painted inside depict different biblical stories and are all the more fascinating with their visible wear and aging.

Outside you have panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains and a look into the fortress and mining ruins from centuries ago. I tend to gravitate towards the views so I spent a good amount of time outside walking the monastery grounds.

Note: Women do not need to cover their hair to enter Armenian churches as you do in Georgian churches. Photos are also allowed inside.

Left to right: Haghpat view from top of ruins, ancient qvevri, exterior of Haghpat, graveyard

Fourth Stop: Haghpat Monastery Complex (UNESCO)

One of the most notable UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Northern Armenia is the Haghpat Monastery Complex. This medieval Armenian church and complex was built between the 10th and 13th centuries and is one of the most ancient historical attractions in Lori Province depicting Christianity in Armenia.

There are several structures on the grounds including a chapel, meeting rooms and common spaces, a wine library, and a cafeteria. While all you see is an impressive stone structure, it’s fun to learn about what each building was used for and envision the time when people lived and frequented here.

Panoramic valley views from Haghpat Monastery Complex

Surrounding the complex are stunning views of the valley and plateaus. Towards the back of the complex, there are some ruins you can climb to the top of for the best pictures of the area. I highly recommend doing so!

Left to right: coffee, the beautiful Armenian lunch spread, shoe protectors before entering their home, pomegranate wine

Fifth Stop: Homemade Armenian Lunch at Locals Home

A real highlight of this trip was eating a beautiful Armenian lunch spread prepared by a local in her home with my tour group. Before entering her house, we had to put shoe protectors on to not make her floors dirty. We sat in a lovely, cozy room indoors with the table already set for us.

While Georgian food tends to be heavy with bread and cheese, Armenian cuisine incorporates more fresh vegetables and color. Everything is homemade and tastes incredible.

For an extra 1,000 dram (~$2.50 USD) you can try homemade pomegranate wine. It’s worth it and an Armenian treat. What grapes are to Georgia, pomegranates are to Armenia!

Note: If you are doing this trip on your own without a tour, you can also stay in the guesthouse at our lunch location! It is called Guest House Anoush and you can contact the owner via phone for availability.

Sixth Stop: Odzun Church

(Replacement stop for Sanahin Monastery Complex from the original itinerary due to road closures)

While of course, I would have loved to visit the Sanahin Monastery Complex because of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, Odzun Church won my heart and I am so happy we got to visit it. Gamarjoba Georgia Tours did a great job with the alternative plan!

The drive up to Odzun alone was one of the most breathtaking stretches of drives on the whole tour. A winding road takes you higher and higher up the canyonside where you can look down at the Debed River, small valley villages, and surrounding mountains.

Left to right: Odzun Church funerary monument, Virgin Mary & Baby Jesus painting inside, surrounding landscape, Odzun Church exterior

Odzun Church is a 4th-6th century Armenian church still in use by the local communities today. Its mountainous backdrop, history, and pinkish stone architecture make it quite a unique Armenian landmark - so much so it was formerly a contender on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list until too many renovations were done to it kicking it off the roster for centuries. (Oops).

Views from Sanahin Bridge. Left: Old copper mining factory. Right: Debed River running through Alaverdi

Seventh Stop: Alaverdi, Armenia & Sanahin Bridge

I was quite excited about this stop in Alaverdi because we were headed into a more populated town of Northern Armenia and I was so curious about the way of life and structure here. By “more populated” I mean a whopping 14,000 people, but larger than Odzun!

Alaverdi, Armenia is also interesting because its population used to be significantly higher during the height of its copper mining era - a major raw material export found in the mountains surrounding the city. Due to health concerns from the smelting plant that heavily impacted the residents of the area, the copper factory has been mostly abandoned and its remains can be seen looming over Alaverdi.

Our group walked onto Sanahin Bridge (aka Tamar Bridge), which straddles Debed River and was built in the 12th century. This is one of the best public locations to get a great view of Alaverdi.

Left: Our tour driver, Misha; Right: 4 new stamps in my passport in one day

Eighth Stop: Bagratashen - Sadakhlo Border Crossing into Georgia

The border crossing into Georgia from Armenia is the exact same process as entering Armenia earlier in the day but the opposite! The only difference from my personal experience was the security screenings for our bags weren’t operating at the time of our crossing. So we were stamped back into Georgia and immediately on our way. You could have a different experience, however!

It’s also worth noting there are clean bathrooms in this immigration building so you can use the restroom before hitting the road again. It’s only about an hour and 15 minute drive back to Tbilisi depending on traffic.

We were dropped off back at the Gamarjoba Georgia Tours office and invited to stay a bit and drink some Georgian wine with our group (courtesy of Gamarjoba). They even did a giveaway of a bottle of wine after leaving a review for them on Tripadvisor!

More Things to Do in Lori Province, Armenia

If you are traveling to Lori Province on your own, there is so much more to see in this region than the few highlights in most organized day tours. To encourage you to spend some extra time in this area and support the local communities with tourism, here are more things to do in Lori to add to your Northern Armenia itinerary.

1. Visit the Kobayr Monastery Complex

Kobayr Monastery Complex is located near Tumanyan on a hillside overlooking a deep gorge. The 12th-century ruins, frescoes, and historical religious significance of this monastery will amaze you. A must-visit church in Armenia.

📍Location: Kober Village, Lori Marz M6, Armenia - Get directions on Google Maps

 

2. Explore the Historical Lori Castle

Lori Castle (aka Lori Fortress) is an 11th-century medieval fortress built by David Anhoghin and later overtaken by Mongols. It is located near Lori Berd village and Stepanavan.

📍Location: 52 Tigran Mets Ave, Վանաձոր, Armenia - Get directions on Google Maps

 

3. Visit the Tumanyan Matchbox Label Museum

The Tumanyan Matchbox Label Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum in Tumanyan filled with thousands of matchbox labels from around the world. A quirky and unique gem to visit in rural Armenia.

📍Location: Building 6 2nd Street, Tumanyan 1712, Armenia - Get directions on Google Maps

 

4. Trek the Hiking Trails in Lori, Armenia

The Caucasus region is a hiker-enthusiasts’ bucket list destination. Luckily Armenia is home to some worthwhile trails for trekking as well. Here is a short list of trails/paths worth looking into. You can find trails on AllTrails or through HikeArmenia where you can also hire a trail guide to go with!

 

5. Drive Pushkin Pass

Pushkin Pass is a tightly curved stretch of road connecting the larger villages of Stepanavan and Vanadzor. This path boasts stunning roadside views of the valleys and mountains.

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

6. Find Tranquility at Water Lily Lake

In the middle of nowhere, Lori countryside is a small lake covered in lily pads and surrounded by green rolling hills and plains called Water Lily Lake. It is located outside of the village of Saratovka and should be visited in the summer with a high-clearance vehicle.

📍Location: 28F3+4P, Urasar, Armenia - Get directions on Google Maps

How to Book your Tour with Gamarjoba Georgia Tours

Gamarjoba Georgia Tours has several different ways you can book a tour whether it is for this Armenia day trip tour or any other guided tours the company has to offer. Here are some of your booking options!

  • The Gamarjoba Georgia Tours website. This is the best way to shop all of the guided tours Gamarjoba offers whether you are looking for a group tour, private tour, cultural tour, multi-day tour, wine tour, day tour, and more around Georgia and beyond! You can book and pay online seamlessly for most tours.

Browse their website

Book Day Trip to Armenia Including Homemade Lunch

 

  • Book on Viator. Viator is my most trusted travel tour booking app and platform for all my travels so I have booked most of my tours with Gamarjoba through Viator. (Note: if you book using my affiliate links below, it supports me. Thank you 🥰)

Book Day Trip to Armenia Including Homemade Lunch on Viator

  • Book on Tripadvisor or GetYourGuide. Maybe you are loyal to one of these tour sites instead! Tripadvisor and GetYourGuide are also excellent tour booking options and Gambarjoba Georgia Tours has their tours listed on both.

Browse all tours on Tripadvisor

Book Day Trip to Armenia Including Homemade Lunch on Tripadvisor

Browse all tours on GetYourGuide

Book Day Trip to Armenia Including Homemade Lunch on GetYourGuide

 

  • Contact Gamarjoba Georgia Tours directly. You can text them via WhatsApp at this number: +995595099442 or email them at: info@gamarjobageorgiatours.com to schedule a tour. If you do it this way, you can pay by card in person at their office on the day of your tour.

 

Final Thoughts

If you are interested in learning about Armenia’s sacred sites and historic monasteries with a small group of like-minded people, this tour is perfect. Not only for the ancient churches of Armenia, but you can visibly see how time has stood still since the Soviet era, how the locals live, how quiet and simple these small Northern towns are, and indulge in a memorable group lunch of Armenian delights among breathtaking landscapes.

This trip is just a fraction of what there is to see and do in the Lori Province and Armenia as a whole and has since sparked my interest in revisiting for longer to see more of this beautiful country.

Gamarjoba Georgia Tours makes it easy and truly provided me with one of my favorite group tours I have ever done. Their guides are knowledgeable beyond words and are excited to guide you through history, facts, and beauty. Whether you are booking with this tour company, a different agency, or taking this trip on your own, Armenia will change you and be in your memories forever.

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Anna Rooker
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