While in Tbilisi Georgia, I booked a short day trip to see the 10th Century monasteries in Armenia, which is just 1.5 hours drive. I booked a joiners tour via Getyourguide.com. Here are some of the highlights.
Imagine walking through the hallways of an ancient church that is more than 1000 years old. Akhtala Monastery– built during the 10th century, has remain unchanged through the years. The church houses the original and most well preserved mural art from the its era.
Note: Armenia is recognized as the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity as its official state religion in 301 AD.
The murals of Akhtala Monastery are one of the best representations of Byzantine art. New and Old Testaments scenes as well as various saints including Saint Gregory the Illuminator are depicted on the murals.
Haghpat Monastery, built between 10th to 13th Century, famous for its location that is perched on top of the mountain. The grounds of this monasteries are actual graves of people from the ancient times.
The holes on the floor are 10th century wineries. The monks age wine in big clay jars buried below the ground. Haghpat Monastery is a Unesco World Heritage protected site.
Sanahin Monastery, another Unesco world heritage site in Armenia. Also built in the 10th Century. This one is located at the center of an ancient town.
Included with the day tour was a hefty lunch, hosted by a local family in Hagpat, Armenia. Armenian food is basically similar to Georgian and Turkish. One memorable dish is the dolmah, which is seasoned lamb meat, wrapped and steamed in grape leaves.
Our ride for the day tour was a comfi white Mercedes Benz. I booked this joiners tour through Getyourguide.com for around 75USD, All inclusive – 9 hours guided tour to Northern Armenia. Armenia is just around 1.5 hours from Tbilisi, Georgia.
Filipinos need an E-visa to enter Armenia. Application was pretty straightforward, and costs only 8 USD. The thing is you can only apply for E-visa 30 days prior to your desired arrival date. Here are some screenshots of E-visa interface.
For Tbilisi,Georgia itinerary, check here.
