Private tour: Dilijan, Lake Parz (Crystal), Makaravank Monastery, Ijevan wine-brandy factory
Dilijan, Lake Parz (Crystal), Makaravank Monastery, Ijevan wine-brandy factory
1. Dilijan
20-30 min
Its old streets and wooden balconies echo the traditions of local craftsmen, while the unhurried rhythm of life feels like a gentle step back in time. For centuries, Dilijan has been known as a healing retreat, where the mild climate and crystal‑clear air serve as nature's own remedy.
The region also holds spiritual treasures: the medieval monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank, where stone arches have heard the whisper of prayers for hundreds of years. Modest vestries, ancient khachkars and fragments of age‑old structures turn a simple walk into a journey through the centuries.
In summer, Dilijan is wrapped in lush greenery and birdsong; in autumn, it transforms into a vivid palette of gold and crimson. It calls to those who seek not noisy entertainment, but tranquility, beauty and the quiet inspiration that only living nature and the breath of history can offer.
2. Lake Parz (Crystal)
30-40 min
3. Makaravank Monastery
40-50 min
What captivates visitors most are the stone reliefs and intricate ornaments: walls are adorned with interlacing plant motifs, images of animals and fantastic creatures, all carved with remarkable artistry. These decorations tell silent stories, giving the monastery both beauty and symbolic meaning. Makaravank astonishes not only with the skill of its craftsmen but also with a rare sense of wholeness – every building feels like part of a single artistic creation.
In the sunlight, the reddish-pink tuff stone glows with warm shades, highlighting the richness of its forms. Walking through the complex today, one can almost hear the whispers of centuries, when this place was a spiritual and cultural hub where masters created and prayers filled the air. Makaravank remains a sanctuary where history and nature merge in harmony, offering visitors a profound sense of peace and inspiration.
4. Ijevan wine-brandy factory
50-60 min
A tasting-tour within the factory walls becomes a small ritual – a meeting with tradition that still lives on today. Three wines, four wines and a brandy, or the crown jewel of the collection – a twenty-year-old brandy – each option reveals new facets of Armenian craftsmanship. From the very first sip you feel the centuries-old culture, where every drop tells the story of the land, the grapes and the people who devoted their lives to this art.
The Ijevan Factory is not just a place but a living legend of Tavush, where taste and memory unite in a glass, turning it into a symbol of hospitality and inspiration.
The following packages are available for visitors:
- Option 1 – 3 types of wine at 8.10 USD p/p;
- Option 2 – 4 types of wine and 1 type of brandy at 9.45 USD p/p;
- Option 3 – 3 types of wine and a 20-year-old brandy at 13.50 USD p/p.
The reservations should be made in advance.
Inclusions
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Professional drivers
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Air-conditioned vehicles
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Bottled water
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Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan
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Vehicle & passengers insurance
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Extra stops on the route upon request
Exclusions
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Significant deviations from the route
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Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected
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Audio guides
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Wi-Fi in the vehicles
What to expect
- Admire the forests of the "Armenian Switzerland"
- Visit one of the most popular lakes of Armenia
- Discover the architecture of Middle Ages
- Savor the taste of local wines and brandy at the Ijevan factory
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
Gayane Mkrtchyan
I'm Gayane – a small part of Armenia. Do you want to breathe in the scent of this land, feel the taste of our dishes passed down through centuries, hear the roar of endless rivers and the whisper of towering mountains, and why not, listen to the stories of our stone-carved monuments? Let's discover this ancient land together.
Anush Malyans
I am Anush Malyants, and since 2008 I have been working at "Hyur Service" company as a tour guide in French and Persian. I will be happy to welcome you to Armenia and help you discover this wonderful country. I will also tell you why I have been living here with my family since 2001.
Hilda Mansourian
My name is Hilda Mansourian. I was born in Aleppo. Since 2000, I have been volunteering at AGBU (Armenian Relief Society). I work in Armenian embroidery and as a tour guide. Why choose me? I want my group to return impressed by the beauty of my homeland's history and, above all, by the hospitality reflected in my smile.
Raffi Halajian
I'm Raffi, and I'm happy to meet you and be your friend during your tour in Armenia. Being born Armenian and having lived in Syria, my work as a tour guide holds special meaning for my guests. I share the experiences of Armenians living abroad and how they have managed to preserve their heritage there.
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