Group Tour: Lake Sevan (Sevanavank), Dilijan (Goshavank, Haghartsin)
Description
On this 9-10-hour tour visit Lake Sevan, pearl of this mountainous country and one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia. You will also visit Sevanavank, a monastery complex on Sevan peninsula. Currently a religious seminary functions here, which is not readily open to the public, the peninsula can be named the very point from where the whole beauty of the Lake Sevan is seen. You will then have a short stop in Dilijan town, otherwise referred to as "Armenian Switzerland" for its fantastic natural forests. The town is a part of Dilijan National Park. The next stop is Haghartsin, a 10th century monastery which has been recently renovated by donation of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, who was impressed by the monastery when visited it. Goshavank is the final stop surrounded by green territories.
Tour Options
Itinerary
starting and ending point
The fascination and the "pearl" of mountainous Armenia is Lake Sevan, which is one of the world's greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. It is about 1900 m above sea level. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded with mountains of 3000 m and higher. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice preconditions for excellent rest.The lake is also famous for its peninsula and medieval church complex, built in 874.
A marvelous scene opens in the north-western part of Lake Sevan, where the peninsula towers over the transparent surface of the lake. Sevanavank monastery was built on the peninsula in 874 by the order of king Ashot Bagratuni's daughter – princess Mariam. The silhouette of the churches against the background of the turquoise lake and blue sky casts unexplainable impression on the visitors.
Goshavank was founded by the famous medieval scientist, fabulist Mkhitar Gosh. The complex consists of several religious and secular buildings. The unrivalled khachkar, put in front of the one-naved basilica, was created by the skillful master Poghos in 1291. Goshavank used to be one of the most famous religious and cultural centers in medieval Armenia.
Haghartsin monastery, situated in the woodlands of Tavush region, represents an indescribable example of blend of nature with architecture. It was founded in the 10-11th centuries, though new buildings were added in the 12-13th centuries. Now it consists of St. Grigor, St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), St. Stepanos churches and some other buildings.The refectory, due to its skillful architectural composition, is of great interest. Near Haghartsin there used to grow a huge oak tree, almost at the age of the monastery, completing the whole scene. Unfortunately, only a small part of the hollow has remained till the present day, however, it is still of much interest among the visitors, and preserves the tradition, according to which, when one makes a wish and at the same time manages to pass through the tree (hollow), it is expected to come true in the nearest future.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Seats will not be known in advance
- 200 steps to climb to Sevanavank, 600 meters to walk down the hill to Haghartsin
Reviews(1,189)
This was one of the best excursions I've ever been on. Arpi was engaging, fun, and had an encyclopedic knowledge of absolutely everything! I can't recommend this tour enough, it was truly exceptional. Also, big shout out to Leo the driver who also helped make it a very pleasant experience. Thank you both!!!
We had a wonderful experience with this travel company. Everything was well organized, smooth, and enjoyable from start to finish. A special thank you to our guide, Gayane, for her kindness, professionalism, and excellent knowledge throughout the trip. We would also like to thank our driver, Arthur, for being punctual, friendly, and making every journey comfortable and safe. Highly recommended!
Everything was excellent. I am going to be back soon.
Everything was great! Our driver, Aro, handled the mountain roads like a pro — smooth and safe even on the sharpest turns. Sam, our tour guide, was fantastic: super knowledgeable, with a great sense of humour, and he shared so many fascinating stories and historical facts along the way. Lake Sevan was breathtaking, and the monasteries in Dilijan had such a peaceful, magical vibe. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Armenia!
I really enjoyed the tour! We had a great time. Aro's driver was masterful at all the serpentine roads and driving very softly. Guide Samvel is very friendly, speaks Russian and English perfectly and tells interesting stories. It was fascinating, we're going on another tour tomorrow from this company.
Мы очень ценим Ваши теплые слова! Ждем Вас снова в Армении!
Sam the guide and Aro the driver were very pleasant people, they explained everything to us and made us feel very comfortable.
Muchas gracias por sus palabras tan amables. Estaremos encantados de ofrecerles nuestros servicios en futuras visitas.
Sam was a great tour guide, and was very accommodating to the needs of folks in the group, as well as being very knowledgeable about all of the places we went on the tour. The views and selection of locations was great, and made for a very satisfying nearly full day tour around some of the most picturesque and historic monasteries in Armenia, with breathtaking views on the rides in the between. Our driver Aro was also excellent, and managed to maneuver a very large bus in places it certainly wasn't meant to go, and made it look easy. All of this for a very reasonable price. Overall, can't recommend Hyur Service enough!
We deeply appreciate your positive review! It would be an honor to host you again in the future!
Sam and Aro are great and friendly! Saw a lot and learned a lot. Thanks!
Thank you for your fantastic review! We can’t wait to host you during your next visit!
Had a great day on a guided tour with the sensitivity of a Samvel guide! Liked everything: timing, immersion in historical details by a tour guide, cost. I would like to express my gratitude to driver Araud for his professionalism:)
Большое спасибо за положительный отзыв! Всегда рады помочь Вам в организации отдыха в будущем!
Everything was geat! Guide and driver super friendly.
Your satisfaction is our greatest reward! We look forward to seeing you on future adventures in Armenia!
