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
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, the shrubs and trees around which have witnessed numerous folk tales in the form of wild animals.
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.
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
30-40 min
Lake Parz, located at an altitude of 1334 meters above sea level in the picturesque Dilijan National Park, is one of the most enchanting corners of the Tavush region. Formed as a result of natural climatic processes, today it captivates with its harmony with the surrounding nature. The calm surface of the water mirrors the dense forests and drifting clouds, creating an atmosphere of peace and serenity.
The lake has long been a popular destination both for travelers and locals who come here for fresh air and the beauty of the landscapes. A boat ride on the crystal waters of Parz turns into a small adventure, offering a new perspective on the scenery. Trails around the lake invite visitors to enjoy the rare diversity of plants and the song of forest birds.
In spring and summer it is especially picturesque, with forests filled with the fragrance of flowers, while autumn covers the slopes in golden and crimson tones. In winter Parz takes on a special charm as the water freezes and the forests fall silent under snow. It is the perfect place for quiet family recreation, a romantic walk, or meditation in the embrace of nature. Lake Parz remains a symbol of Dilijan's beauty, offering every visitor a sense of inner harmony.
The lake has long been a popular destination both for travelers and locals who come here for fresh air and the beauty of the landscapes. A boat ride on the crystal waters of Parz turns into a small adventure, offering a new perspective on the scenery. Trails around the lake invite visitors to enjoy the rare diversity of plants and the song of forest birds.
In spring and summer it is especially picturesque, with forests filled with the fragrance of flowers, while autumn covers the slopes in golden and crimson tones. In winter Parz takes on a special charm as the water freezes and the forests fall silent under snow. It is the perfect place for quiet family recreation, a romantic walk, or meditation in the embrace of nature. Lake Parz remains a symbol of Dilijan's beauty, offering every visitor a sense of inner harmony.
3. Makaravank Monastery
40-50 min
In the emerald mountains of Tavush, hidden among forests and cliffs, lies Makaravank – a monastic complex that shines as one of the jewels of medieval Armenia. Its origins go back to the 12th-13th centuries, when master builders succeeded in blending architectural grandeur with the harmony of the surrounding landscape. The complex consists of three churches, living quarters and service buildings, each still impressive for its scale and careful design.
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.
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
The Ijevan Wine and Brandy Factory, founded in 1951, has become a true guardian of Armenia's winemaking and brandy traditions. In this green and fertile land of Tavush, nature itself seems to have infused power and fragrance into every grape cluster, every berry, every fruit. Here are born drinks that carry you into a world of legend: noble brandies with a deep, warm flavor, refined wines filled with the energy of the sun and fruit-and-berry elixirs woven from the very soul of orchards and forests.
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:
👉 The reservations should be made in advance.
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 8.09 USD p/p;
- Option 2 – 4 types of wine and 1 type of brandy at 9.44 USD p/p;
- Option 3 – 3 types of wine and a 20-year-old brandy at 13.49 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
-
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
Tamara Arakelyan
HY
EN
I am Tamara. I live in Armenia and through Armenia. If you want to feel the taste, scent, and colors of Armenia and fall in love with our country, then let's go on a tour together. Just like all my guests, I'm sure you too will want to come back again.
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.
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