From Tbilisi: Day Trip to Armenia Including Homemade Lunch in Alaverdi

Are you visiting Tbilisi and want to be able to experience a day-trip to a beautiful different country? Whilst still in Georgia, why not head just over the border to Armenia? Not only can you experience a change in culture and amazing views, the best part is experiencing a truly local homecooked meal that you’re sure to remember forever.

This day-trip will start from Tbilisi, allowing you to take in one day of all Armenia has to offer. From the gorgeous views to delicious food, you’ll get the full picture of what this incredible place can provide you with. You’re sure to leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

Where to Start

First, you’ll need to get into Armenia. You have a few options for this and which one you’ll choose depends a lot on the timeframe your day-trip will follow.

• Via Ala Verdi – Drive north from Tbilisi and cross Armenia’s border near Alaverdi
• Via Sadakhlo – Drive northeast from Alaverdi toward the Armenian-Georgian border passage at Sadakhlo
• Via Bagratashen – Drive east from Tbilisi toward the Armenian-Georgian border passage at Bagratashen

Most tourists opt for the easiest option of crossing near Alaverdi or Sadakhlo, as it’s close to Tbilisi and therefore gives you time to explore the city and spend the day in Armenia itself.

Whichever route you choose, make sure you have all of your paperwork ready to go. The standard requirements are a valid passport, current visa arrangements (if applicable) and health insurance. You’ll also need to register with the police upon arrival in Armenia—this is a straightforward process that doesn’t take up too much time.

Picking Up a Rental Car

Once you’ve crossed into Armenia, it’s time to pick up your rental car. There are a few places you can find rental cars near Alaverdi including Multirent Car Rental and Mobleplus Excursions LLC for budget-friendly options. For something a little more prestigious, there are also Luxury Car Hire and Mobility Autovermietung.

It is important to note that UK citizens must present their driving license in English or an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Armenia. It’s generally advised to reserve your rental car in advance due to limited availability—it’s no fun if you cross into Armenia only to find there are no rental cars available!

Exploring Armenia

Now that you have a car, you’re free to explore Armenia! For a total cultural experience, why not visit some of the small villages on the way? These rustic settlements usually consist of traditional stone houses, stunning views of green rolling mountainous land, and plenty of friendly locals you can chat with. Examples of traditional places to visit include Alaverdi Monastery (a 17th Century Monastery set amongst stunning scenery) and Smbataberd Fortress (a 13th century fortress overlooking the river Debet). Alternatively you could opt for a trip to the capital City of Yerevan for a few hours—the choice is yours!

Homemade Local Lunch

Nothing beats the taste of authentic Armenian cooking! A fantastic excursion whilst touring nearby Alaverdi is to visit Babanov Banaki restaurant and try some of their homemade dishes made using local ingredients. After driving through these rustic villages and experiencing traditional sights, nothing goes better than experiencing local tastes too!

Following a meal here it’s time to head back towards Tbilisi and cross the border again—but don’t forget, you can take a little taste of Armenia home with you too! There are plenty of souvenirs available such as handmade crafts, locally produced brandy, carpets and traditional music CDs. Collecting these will ensure those wonderful memories aren’t forgotten once you are back on Georgian soil.

The Perfect Day Trip

Overall, it goes without saying that a day-trip to Armenia from Tbilisi is absolutely amazing—there’s something for everyone here! Whether your interests lie in local culture or seizing unique opportunities for dining experiences—when it comes to Armenia, where else can you literally sample different cultures within an arm reach? With just one day being enough time, this excursion fits perfectly into any traveling itinerary. You’ll get to get the full picture of all that the country has to offer; from embracing its culture and religion, spotting glorious medieval monuments and castles dotted with mountainside views, to really getting a taste for it’s delicious homemade cuisine. And if you’re looking for more activities in Georgia, why not book this guided tour, ideal for complete beginners?

At the end of the day your day-trip to Armenia can be nothing but an remarkable experience! So why not take advantage of all these different opportunities —you won’t regret it!