Private tour: Lake Sevan, Hayravank, Noratus, Khachkar carving master class, Mikayelyan Family Farm

Itinerary

Lake Sevan, Hayravank Monastery, Noratus Crosstones, Khachkar (cross-stone) carving master class, Mikayelyan Family Farm

1. Lake Sevan

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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.

2. Hayravank Monastery

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Perched on a steep cliff with a boundless view of Lake Sevan, Hayravank Church stands humble yet majestic in its simplicity. Its exact date of construction has been lost to time, but architectural features suggest it was built in the 9th century. Composed of roughly hewn stone, it bears no elaborate decoration, yet its stark austerity gives it a striking power and quiet charm. The stones seem to hold not only the imprint of ancient craftsmen's hands, but also the breath of winds carrying the scents of the lake and mountain herbs.

3. Noratus Cros-stones

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In the heart of Gegharkunik, not far from the serene shores of Lake Sevan, lies Noratus a vast khachkar (cros-stone) cemetery where stone has become an eternal manuscript, written by the hands of ancient masters. Beneath the open sky stand hundreds of khachkars, each one a chapter of history, each a silent prayer carved toward the heavens. The most treasured are the finely chiseled monuments of the 13th-14th centuries, where delicate lines intertwine with deep symbolism, carrying the unmistakable signature of the craftsman. Walking among them, one feels time dissolve: some stones radiate stern majesty, others display fragile lacework, as if the carvings come alive beneath the sun's touch.

4. Khachkar Carving Masterclass in Noratus

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A khachkar, literally "cross-stone", is not merely a work of art but a prayer carved in stone. Each pattern on its surface is a symbol of eternity, infinity and profound faith carried by the Armenian people through the centuries. Khachkars were erected as gravestones, memorials of events, or offerings of gratitude, each becoming a message to future generations. Particularly striking is the Noratus cemetery, where hundreds of khachkars stand shoulder to shoulder like eternal guardians of the land and its memory.

5. Mikayelyan Family Farm

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Did you know that Armenian cuisine is famous not only for its meat dishes and fragrant herbs, but also for its natural and exceptionally delicious homemade cheeses? In the Gegharkunik region, the Mikaelyan family farm turns fresh milk into cheeses that blend centuries-old traditions with modern craftsmanship.

Inclusions

  • Professional drivers

  • Air-conditioned vehicles

  • Bottled water

  • Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan

  • Vehicle & passengers insurance

  • Extra stops on the route upon request

  • Admission price covers Option 1 cheese tasting package

Exclusions

  • Significant deviations from the route

  • Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected

  • Audio guides

  • Wi-Fi in the vehicles

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Manya Gevorgyan

Manya Gevorgyan

RU HY EN

I have been a tour guide since 2015. To this day, every excursion is a great source of positive energy for me. During the tours, you will not only get acquainted with the sights, the country's history, and its architectural features, but also feel the full charm of the Armenian emotional mindset and lifestyle.

Anahit Aslanyan

Anahit Aslanyan

RU

Education – musical-pedagogical and cultural studies. I have worked in the fields of tourism, education, and culture in Russia and Armenia. Currently, I work as a guide at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and in the company "Hyur Service". As a person with a humanities education and a cultural studies mindset, I strive to present my homeland as comprehensively as possible so that visitors gain a general impression of the history and art of the Armenian people. I pay special attention to mental and cultural characteristics to make every visitor's stay in Armenia comfortable and positive. I continue to study and share new knowledge.

Anahit Ghazaryan

Anahit Ghazaryan

RU

My name is Anahit Ghazaryan, and since 2015 I have been in a state of love! I am in love with Armenia, and I always want to talk about it! Come visit! I guarantee it will be beautiful, easy, delicious, and fun! Let's discover Armenia together, enjoy it, and fall in love! I don't like legends and tell them only when absolutely necessary, and only those that feature real historical figures! Since I was born in the middle of the last century, I talk about some events not as a historian, but as a witness!

Armine Julhakyan

Armine Julhakyan

RU HY

Hello! I'm Armine, your guide in Armenia. With me, you'll discover not only the famous landmarks but also the hidden gems of my country.

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