Spend a day enjoying the stunning natural scenery and ancient monasteries of north-western Armenia. Check out a volcanic lake surrounded by mountains, admire the majestic lake-front Sevanavank Monastery, and see how nature blends with the architecture of the Haghartsin Monastery. Learn the stories of these historic places in English, Russian, and, depending on availability, in Armenian. The first stop is Sevan Lake, which at 1,900-meters above sea level is one of the world's greatest high-altitude freshwater lakes. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded by mountains of 3,000 meters and higher. Admire the beautiful landscape and the crystal waters as well as the medieval church complex built on the peninsula in 874. The next stop is Sevanavank Monastery, which was built on the peninsula in 874 by the order of King Ashot Bagratuni's daughter, Princess Mariam. The silhouette of the church against the background of the turquoise lake and blue sky is sure to impress.  Continue to Dilijan, a city on the banks of the Aghstev River surrounded by mountains and forests. Dilijan has the fame of a health resort as its warm sun, fresh air, and natural spas have a great healing influence on people. Take a break to have lunch at a cozy nearby restaurant before continuing to Goshavank Monastery, founded by the famous medieval scientist Mkhitar Gosh. The complex consists of several religious and secular buildings. Make sure to stop and admire the khachkar (Armenian cross-stone) situated in front of the basilica. One of the most famous Armenian symbols, this khachkar was carved by the skillful master Poghos in 1291. The last stop is Haghartsin Monastery, situated in the woodlands of the Tavush Region. Founded in the 10th-11th centuries, it consists of St. Grigor, St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), and St. Stepanos churches. The huge oak tree, which is almost the same age as the monastery, completes the whole scene and is a great example of architecture blending with nature over the years. The monastery has been recently renovated by the donation of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, who was impressed by the monastery when visiting it. After a day full of exploring, return to the meeting point in an air-conditioned van.

Meet at the office of the local partner in Yerevan at 10:00 AM. Travel out of the city towards the north-western region of Armenia. First, stop at the city of Tsaghkadzor, situated in the Kotayk region 50 kilometers north of the capital. This city is considered to be one of the most popular winter resorts in Armenia. Explore the city which is surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests. Visit the Kecharis Monastery which dates back to the 11th century.  The monastery consists of four churches and a half-destroyed mausoleum of Grigorius Pahlavuni, who financed the construction of the monastery. Next travel to the beautiful Lake Sevan, which is one of the world's highest fresh-water lakes, located about 1,900 meters above sea level. Enjoy a stroll beside the lake surrounded by tall mountain peaks. Admire the crystal-clear water of the lake in a truly tranquil location. Visit the nearby Sevanavank Monastery, which was built on the peninsula in the year 874. Admire the reflection of the churches on the still lake surface. Then, make your way to a restaurant located on the shore where you can enjoy some lunch, at your own expense. After lunch, be returned to the meeting point in Yerevan.

Explore the beauty of Armenia on a picturesque day trip from Tbilisi to Lake Sevan. This unique tour offers a chance to witness the mesmerizing beauty of Sevan Lake, also known as the Geghama Sea, and visit the historic Sevanavank Monastery, one of the most significant landmarks of medieval Armenian architecture. After being picked up from your hotel in Tbilisi, the tour begins with a scenic drive to Dilijan town, situated in the heart of the Armenian countryside. Take a short walk around Dilijan lake, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and marvel at the clear waters of the lake. Afterwards, head to Sharambeyan Street, situated within the national park, also known as "Little Switzerland" for its forested hills and picturesque houses made of stone and wood. The area remains home to many Armenian visual artists, musicians, and filmmakers, and you can browse through the small shops, discover an art gallery, or visit a museum. Then, continue the tour towards the highlight of the day, Lake Sevan. Upon arrival, explore the Sevanavank Monastery, which stands on a peninsula overlooking the serene lake. Built in the 9th century, the monastery complex consists of two churches, a semicircular gavit, and a small chapel. Learn about the history and significance of this historic monastery as you enjoy stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to stroll around the area, relax by the lakeside, or indulge in some local cuisine in one of the nearby restaurants. The tour ends with a comfortable drive back to your hotel in Tbilisi. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural and cultural beauty of Armenia, from the stunning Lake Sevan to the historic Sevanavank Monastery. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and ample time to explore the surroundings, this tour is perfect for travellers seeking a special and unforgettable experience in Georgia. Private and budget-friendly group tour options are available!

This tour will introduce you to the mysterious pagan history of Armenia and explain the spread and influence of Christianity in the country's history. Visit the Temple of Garni, the only standing Greco-Roman temple in the whole post-Soviet area. Standing on a high plateau overlooking the Azat River gorge, the temple is home to a Roman bathhouse which houses a mosaic, made out of 30,000 pieces of natural stones. It also hosts the ruins of the royal palace, dating back to the 3rd-century. Head to the monastic complex of Geghard. The complex is from medieval times, which was considered to be the Golden Age of the country’s architecture. Check out the impressive church cut right out of solid rock.  Drive to the beautiful Lake Sevan surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. Climb a flight of stairs to the Sevan peninsula for an unforgettable panoramic view of the lake and see the 9th-century monastery of Sevanavank. Built by the princess Mariam in honor of her late husband, Sevanavank is also home to one of the most beautiful Amenaprkich Khachkars of Armenia.

This fantastic tour will introduce you to the exotic Pagan history of Armenia, before then showing the later development and spread of Christianity throughout the country. Your first stop will be Garni Temple (77 A.D.), which is the only standing heathen temple in the whole post-Soviet area. The monastic complex of Geghard is another historical site included in this daily tour. Approximately translated into English as “Monastery of the Holy Lance”, it refers to the lance with which Longinus pierced Jesus whilst he was still hanging on the cross. The complex is a representation of 13th century Armenia, which is considered to be the Golden Age of the country’s architecture. On the way to the temple, there will also be short stop at the Charents Arch where you will be given the chance to enjoy one of the best moments of your trip to Armenia: a picturesque view of the Biblical Mount Ararat. From here, your tour will progress to the beautiful Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at the height of 1,900 meters above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. Your lake tour begins by climbing a flight of stairs to the Sevan Peninsula, a pleasant morning workout that will compensate itself with unforgettable panoramic views of the lake from the top. You will also visit the monastery of Sevanavank, which was built by the princess Mariam to honor the life of her deceased husband in the 9th century. The tour will then take you to the north of Armenia, where you will be surrounded by beautiful nature. Passing through the city of Dilijan, you will make a stop at the monastery of Gosh-Goshavank. The final destination during this trip will be the monastery of Haghartsin, which dates back to the 10th-14th centuries.

Take a day trip to the ski resort of Tsaghkadzor. Translated from Armenian the word “Tsakhkadzor” means the Gorge of Flowers. Admire the views of the mountains, snow tops, rapid rivers, and picturesque valleys. In the north-western part of Tsakhkadzor, you can find the 11th-century monastic complex of Kecharis. Your next stop is “The Jewel of Armenia” or the “Geghama Sea”, Lake Sevan, which is one of the largest high-mountainous freshwater lakes in the world. In the northwest part of Sevan Lake, on a narrow rocky peninsula, stands one of the most prominent examples of medieval Armenian architecture – Sevanavank Monastery. It was founded in 874 AD by Princess Mariam. Due to easier accessibility, good highway and railway connections with Yerevan, a well-developed tourist industry in the town of Sevan, and the picturesque location Sevanavank is one of the most visited sights in Armenia.

Day 1: After the pick up from your hotel in the morning, you will soon reach the border to Armenia and at around 11:00AM. You will step into the historical region of Lori, which is famous for its rocky landscapes and mysterious monasteries. Here you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Haghpat. A few of hours from there, you will arrive at the scenic lake of Sevan, one of the signature sites of Armenia. Here you can see the a medieval monastery, and even enjoy a traditional lunch by the lake. In the late afternoon you will reach Yerevan, the modern capital city. Some of the key sights not to miss here include the Mother of Armenia, Victory Park, and Cascade. Day 2 Your second day will begin with a 1-hour ride to see the Garni Temple and the monastery of Geghard, which is a true jewel of religious architecture in Armenia. Following some classical sightseeing, you will be invited on a tour through the world famous brandy factory, where you will learn about the history of the drink and taste brandies of different parts of the aging process. After an interesting day of exploration, you will reach Tbilisi at around 9:00PM.

After departing from Yerevan, you will make your way to one of the country’s most renowned landmarks: the beautiful Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at the height of 1,900 meters above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. The tour begins by climbing a flight of stairs to the Sevan Peninsula, a pleasant morning workout that will compensate itself with an unforgettable panoramic view of the lake from above. You will also visit the monastery of Sevanavank, which was built by the princess Mariam to honor the life of her deceased husband in the 9th century. Sevanavank is also home to one of the most beautiful Amenaprkich (all savior) Khachkars of Armenia. Next, you will travel to the North of Armenia, where you will be surrounded by beautiful nature. Passing through the city of Dilijan, you will make a stop at the monastery of Gosh-Goshavank. The last destination during this trip will be the monastery of Haghartsin, which dates back to the 10th-14th centuries. The name is translated as “the play of the eagle”. The scenery is somewhat similar to a stunning work of art, with both the monastery and the nature surrounding it providing a breathtaking view.

Although there are various historical landmarks in Armenia, the oldest and most well-known is probably the Biblical Mount Ararat. This tour promises spectacular views from the closest spot possible to the mountain. The Khor Virap monastery is located about an hour’s drive away from the capital of Yerevan, and offers an amazing view of Armenia’s defining symbol – the majestic Ararat. Khor Virap translates as “deep dungeon”, and was built on the place of the former royal prison, located on the historical site of Artashat. It was this very prison in which they kept Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholic, for a whole 13 years. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this place is one of the most sacred spots for Armenians around the world. This tour will introduce you to the exotic Pagan history of Armenia, and show you the later development and spread of Christianity in the country. Garni Temple (77 A.D.) is the only standing heathen temple in the whole post-Soviet area. The temple stands on a high plateau overlooking the Azat River gorge. It is also home to the roman bath house with its mysterious mosaic, made out of 30,000 pieces of natural stones, as well as the ruins of the royal palace, dating back to 3rd Century A.D. The monastic complex of Geghard is another historical site included in this private tour. The complex is a representation of 13th Century Armenia, which is considered to be the Golden Age of the country’s architecture. The most astonishing part is that this church is cut out right into the solid rock. Beautiful lake Sevan is situated close by, surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. After climbing a flight of stairs to the Sevan peninsula, enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view of the lake. At the top is a monastery, built by Princess Mariam to honor the life of her deceased husband in the 9th Century. Sevanavank is also home to one of the most beautiful Amenaprkich (all savior) Khachkars of Armenia, one of the 13 rarest crosstones depicting Jesus.

This day trip itinerary is designed to give you a taste of some of the most beautiful and historic destinations in Armenia. Starting from Yerevan, you will first visit Sevan Lake, which is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world and a popular tourist destination. Here, you can take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. You will then visit the nearby Sevanavank Monastery, which offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscape. After leaving Sevan, you will head to Dilijan National Park and visit Parz Lake, a small but picturesque lake located in the park. Here, you can take a walk around the lake and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding forest. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Haghartsin Monastery, which is nestled in the forest and is known for its picturesque setting and historic architecture. Next, you will head to Dilijan city and take a leisurely walk through the charming town. Dilijan is known for its 19th-century architecture and artisan shops, and you can take in the sights and sounds of this delightful town at your own pace. Finally, you will return to Tsaghkadzor, a popular mountain resort town known for its skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Here, you can take a cable car ride up the mountain for stunning views of the area and explore the town at your leisure. The tour concludes with a return to Yerevan, where you can reflect on the day's experiences and memories of the beautiful sights and sounds of Armenia.