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Lake Sevan, Sevanavank, Dilijan (short stop), Armenian Cooking Masterclass, Goshavank, Haghartsin

Group tour: Lake Sevan, Sevanavank, Dilijan (short stop), Armenian Cooking Masterclass, Goshavank, Haghartsin

Christmas Special

Full-day

Duration: 9-10 hours

Start time: 10:00

Tour language: English, Russian

Start & end point: 96, Nalbandyan str.

1223 reviews

98% recommended

This Christmas group tour from Yerevan follows one of Armenia's most scenic routes, from Lake Sevan's open blue waters to the forested hills of Dilijan and the secluded monasteries of Tavush. Over 9-10 hours, the journey brings together high-altitude landscapes, medieval architecture and a hands-on culinary experience inspired by Armenian holiday traditions.

The day begins at Lake Sevan, Armenia's largest lake, where the 9th-century Sevanavank Monastery crowns the peninsula and offers sweeping views across the water. Continue to Dilijan, a mountain town embraced by the forests of Dilijan National Park, then pause for lunch and join an Armenian cooking masterclass centered on preparing a festive national dish. The final part of the route reveals two monasteries nestled among the forests: Goshavank Monastery, celebrated for its intricately carved khachkars, and Haghartsin Monastery, a 10th-13th-century complex admired for its serene setting and rare medieval refectory.

Deposit

To secure the booking, full payment is required.

Cancellation

In case of cancellation at least 24 hours before the start time, the paid amount is refunded. In case of later cancellation or no-show, no amount is refunded.

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Date

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Number of people

Adult (age 8+)
Child (age 3-8) 50% discount
Infant (age 0-3) free of charge

Preferred language:

Price per person

0 USD

36.05 USD

Total price

36.05 USD

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Itinerary

Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery, Dilijan, Lunch stop & Armenian Holiday Cooking Masterclass, Goshavank Monastery, Haghartsin Monastery

1. Meeting point: Hyur Service (Head Office) – 96, Nalbandyan str., Yerevan

Departure time: 10:00

If hotel pick-up is not required, please let us know and be at the meeting point at least 30 min before departure.

2. Lake Sevan

Details: Lake Sevan

High in the embrace of Armenia's mountains lies Lake Sevan – the blue heart of the land, beating in harmony with the winds and the sun. Legend tells that once a green valley stretched here, until the heavens shed their tears, filling it with shimmering water as a priceless gift to humankind.

3. Sevanavank Monastery

50-60 min Details: Sevanavank Monastery

From the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan, a breathtaking panorama unfolds: a peninsula rises from the shimmering surface, crowned with ancient temples. Here, in 874, at the command of Queen Mariam, daughter of King Ashot Bagratuni, the Sevanavank Monastery was built – the spiritual guardian of Armenia's blue jewel.

4. Dilijan

20-30 min Details: Dilijan

Dilijan is a corner of Armenia where nature and silence weave a harmony that captivates every traveler. Nestled among emerald forests and gentle hills, the town stretches along the scenic valley of the Aghstev River, where the air carries the scent of pine and the freshness of mountain streams. The national park's unique pearls are two beautiful sights hidden in the forests: Lakes Parz and Gosh, surrounded by shrubs and trees that have inspired numerous folk tales and shelter the quiet life of wild animals.

Lunch stop & Armenian Holiday Cooking Masterclass

80-90 min

Optional lunch in the local traditional restaurant on own expense. One may choose between 3 different options:
Option 1 (vegeterian) – 10.90 USD per person
Option 2 – 12.57 USD per person
Option 3 – 13.69 USD per person

5. Goshavank Monastery

40-50 min Details: Goshavank Monastery

Amid the gentle green hills of Tavush, where only the whisper of the wind and the song of birds disturb the stillness, stands Goshavank Monastery – a sanctuary where spiritual devotion and the cultural grandeur of medieval Armenia intertwine. Its origins are inseparably linked to Mkhitar Gosh, the renowned statesman, scholar and author of Armenia's first codified law, as well as timeless fables and parables whose wisdom still resonates today.

6. Haghartsin Monastery

60-70 min Details: Haghartsin Monastery

Hidden deep within the leafy forests of Tavush, Haghartsin Monastery seems as though it has stepped straight out of an ancient manuscript, where stone walls and nature blend into a single, harmonious whole. Founded between the 10th and 13th centuries, it stood for centuries as both a spiritual refuge and a cultural beacon, drawing monks, pilgrims and master craftsmen. The complex includes the churches of St. Gregory, St. Mary and St. Stephen, along with monastic cells and service buildings carefully woven into the mountainous landscape.

7. Arrival point: Hyur Service (Head Office)

Expected return: 19:00 – 20:00

Inclusions

Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
Bottled water & pastries
Wi-Fi in the vehicles
Vehicle & passengers insurance
Masterclass & tasting

Exclusions

Lunch cost (10.90 USD – 13.69 USD)
Hotel drop-off (final stop: our office)

Highlights

Capture sweeping views across Lake Sevan from hilltop Sevanavank Monastery
Journey through the forested hills and mountain scenery of Dilijan National Park
Prepare a traditional Armenian holiday dish in a hands-on cooking masterclass
Admire Goshavank's intricately carved khachkars and the artistry of medieval Armenian stonework
Discover Haghartsin Monastery in a tranquil forest valley and admire its medieval refectory

Practical Info

What does the Armenian cooking masterclass involve?

It is going to be an interactive cooking session where guests learn to prepare ishli kyufta using finely ground meat (usually lamb or beef), bulgur wheat, onions, and spices. Participants shape the mixture into balls or patties, explore authentic cooking methods, and afterwards enjoy the delicious results of their own creation.

Is any walking required?

There are 200 steps to climb to Sevanavank and 600 m to walk up the hill to Haghartsin.

How much free time will I have near the lake itself?

Within the scope of this tour free time near the lake is not scheduled – only the visit of Sevanavank monastery. If you prefer to have more free leisure time at the lake, please, consider one of the following group tours:

Tsaghkadzor, Kecharis, Ropeway, Sevan, Sevanavank, Trout BBQ;

Lake Sevan, Sevanavank, Boat Trip, Leisure Time.

Which area is foreseen to cover in Dilijan town?

As part of the tour, the group will take a short walk along Sharambeyan street, offering a quick glimpse into the charm and character of the area.

What is the group size for this tour?

The group size varies, but typically ranges up to 48 participants.

Are there any clothing requirements or recommendations for this tour?

We recommend bringing weather-suitable clothing, including a jacket or coat, along with comfortable sports shoes for the tour. The regions are usually cooler than Yerevan. When visiting religious sites, women are kindly requested to dress modestly, avoiding any overly revealing outfits.

Meet our Guides

Syuzanna Poghosyan

RU HY

My name is Syuzanna, and since 2016 I have been introducing guests to the wonderful Armenia with great love. For me, every tour is not just a story about the country but an opportunity to show its soul, to help you feel its history, culture, and hospitality. I am sincerely happy when I see how Armenia captures hearts, and I will do everything to make your journey warm, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Varduhi Gasparyan

RU HY

Barev dzez or hello! I'm Varduhi, a tour guide in Armenia since 2022. In tourism, this is quite some time – it has given me an understanding of how to make every tour not just informative but truly engaging. With me, you won't just see the sights of my beautiful Armenia and learn its history – you'll feel the soul of the country, its traditions, and its atmosphere.

Meline Sahakyan

HY EN ZH

Hi everyone! I'm Meline, and I'm a certified tour guide. If you want to visit and explore our beautiful country, Armenia, with a knowledgeable and sociable guide, it would be an honor for me to be your guide. Welcome to Armenia – Հայաստան.

Anna Harutyunyan

RU HY EN

I'm Anna. Since 2010, I have been helping tourists not only discover Armenia's amazing uniqueness, the depth of its history, and the phenomenon of its existence, but also enjoy inner peace and harmony together with them.

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