Gegharkunik Province

Nature & adventure

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.  Have a short stop in Dilijan, a town 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.

Begin your tour in Yerevan from where you will be driven to Lake Sevan to visit the Sevanavank Monastery. On the drive, take in scenes of Armenia's unique blend of desert and dense forest landscapes. Arrive on the northwestern shore of the lake and find yourself at the picturesque monastery perched on a peninsula. Immerse yourself in the monastery's rich history. Venturing onward, head into the Tavush region, home to Goshavank and Haghartsin monasteries and architectural gems dating back to the 10th and 13th centuries. Nestled amidst forested mountains, these sites offer awe-inspiring vistas and profound historical insight. Head back towards Yerevan and stop at the Old Dilijan Complex, which epitomizes the 19th-century spirit of Dilijan. Explore its charming lanes and atmospheric surroundings, a testament to the city's cultural heritage, before concluding your tour.

Start the tour at 10 AM by arriving at the local operator's office in Yerevan. After checking in, set off towards the Eastern part of Armenia in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. First, make a short stop at Charent's Arch where you can soak up the wonderful views to the biblical Mount Ararat. Them, head over to the Garni pagan temple which towers over a triangular cape. Admire the temple's blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles and see the ruins of the former royal palace with its stunning mosaics. After this, continue on to a masterpiece of 13th-century Armenian architecture at Geghard Monastery. Learn about how this cave monastery was believed to have housed the relic of the lance that pierced the side of Jesus as he hung on the cross. Experience its incredible construction which boasts fascinating acoustics which has served as a good place to sing spiritual songs. Marvel at some of the churches in the complex which are masterfully hewed into a huge rock. Discover how the complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones). Next up, stop for lunch at a cozy family-style restaurant called Abelyan House. Here, also watch the process of baking the Armenian lavash bread. Observe how the dough is rolled out flat and slapped against the hot walls of a clay oven. Have a good opportunity to participate in a lavash baking procedure. Savor the opportunity to taste it afterward with local cheese and greens. Following this, pop over to the amazing Lake Sevan, which is one of the world's greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. Learn about how the lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded by mountains of 3000 m and higher. Immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape surrounded by crystal-clear water. Check out the medieval church complex of Sevanavank Monastery on the peninsular before you head off. Finally, hop back into the vehicle and take the return journey back to the meeting point in Yerevan where the tour concludes.

Aghpati Monastery It was founded by Queen Khosrovanush (wife of the Armenian king Ashot III) in 976. This active monastery consists of one vestibule, two sepulchral corridors, a refectory, a scriptorium, an Amazaspi chapel, a bell tower and several chapels. You will admire the architectural ensemble, as well as visit the ancient tombs and Khachkar crosses. Sanahini Monastery, Alaverdi (1 hour) Sanahin was one of the main medieval centers of Northern Armenia. Here was the ancestral tomb of Kurik Bagratids (10th-11th centuries) and the episcopal residence of the diocese (until the 11th century). You will see the church ensemble, the roofs of the green buildings, and the interior spaces with vaults and columns. On Lake Sevan there is a huge restaurant stretching out from where there are beautiful views of Lake Sevan, here we will have the opportunity to taste the delicious products of Lake Sevan. Mother Armenia monument (the main monument of the country, an observation deck of the city); Cathedral to them. Gregory the Illuminator (the largest temple in Armenia (Kaskad) We will visit the Cascade in the heart of Yerevan city, the beauty of which overlooks the city, when you turn to the top of the Cascade you will see Mount Ararat, In the heart of Yerevan, we will visit the beautiful fountain and shopping street on Republic Square. Return to Tbilisi around 23:00. Vakhtang Gorgasali 3

Experience the beauty and culture of Armenia with this amazing full-day guided tour, including Tsaghkadzor ski resort and Lake Sevan. Enjoy a comfortable ride from Yerevan to the stunning countryside of Tsaghkadzor, Kecharis Monastery, Lake Sevan, and Sevanavank Monastery. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking views, rich history, and unique culture of Armenia as you explore these wonderful sites. Don't miss out - book your Tsaghkadzor & Lake Sevan Guided Tour today!

During this tour-transfer, you can explore the beauty of Lake Sevan and the nature of Dilijan. This tour will allow you to combine your transfer with interesting sightseeing. Organize your transfer from Yerevan to Tbilisi in an interesting way. Whilst leaving Armenia, you simply cannot miss the opportunity of visiting one of the country’s most renowned landmarks – beautiful Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at the height of 1900m above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. We will also visit the monastery of Sevanavank, built by Princess Mariam to honor the life of her deceased husband in the 9th century. Sevanavank is also home to the most beautiful Amenaprkich (All Savior) Khachkars of Armenia. This is one of the 13 rarest cross-stones (khachkars) depicting Jesus. The tour will then take you to the North of Armenia, where you will be surrounded by beautiful nature. You will visit the ‘’ Armenian Switzerland ’’ - the city of Dilijan. We will have a stop at Old Dilijan Street or Old Dilijan Complex, which is considered to be the oldest street of Dilijan.

We will depart from Tbilisi at 07:00 in the morning to the border of Armenia, after crossing the border we will visit the Akhpat Monastery. The old monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. And we will leave for the capital Yerevan, on the way we will stop at a fast food place where you can taste traditional and vegetarian dishes, after that you will visit the capital of Armenia Yerevan, in Yerevan you will see the monument of the Mother of Armenia and discover Mount Ararat. Walk down the stairs from top to bottom on the cascade and take a lot of unforgettable pictures, as well as visit the Genocide Museum at the Republic Square. and take a walk in the center of the capital city of Yerevan. And on the way back visit Sevan Lake, then we will continue to Sevan Lake, where we will visit the best restaurant spread over a huge area, here we will have the opportunity to taste the delicious products of Sevan Lake. Views Sevanavanki is a monastery on the Sevan Peninsula, the existing temples were built at the end of the 9th century. The patron saint of the monastery, the complex consists of the churches of St. Karapet and St. Apostles built in the 9th century. Once the monastery served as an outpost of the castle. And go back to Tbilisi...

Explore Armenia on a full-day sightseeing tour from Yerevan. Discover the top destination in Armenia, Lake Sevan. Learn about the importance and symbolism of khachkars. Visit Hayravank Monastery, Noratus, and Jermuk.Head out east to witness the wild beauty of Lake Sevan, a Ramsar site situated at 1900 m above sea level. Surrounded by a chain of mountains, it is often described as the jewel of Armenia. Next, visit Hayravank Monastery, a medieval-era architecture that overlooks the lake from the south. Continue to drive to reach the village of Noratus. Here you will find the largest collection of khachkars (Armenian cross-stones), a fascinating symbol of Armenia's religious and cultural heritage. They are also on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Finish your tour by soaking in the wild beauty of Jermuk. Enveloped by forests and mountains, Jermuk lies on a plateau that splits into two by the Arpa river gorge. The town is famous for its alluring waterfalls and the presence of curable water.

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.