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Private tour: Lake Sevan, Hayravank, Noratus, Khachkar Carving Masterclass, Mikayelyan Farm

Itinerary

Lake Sevan, Hayravank Monastery, Noratus Cross-Stones, Khachkar Carving Masterclass in Noratus, Mikayelyan Family Farm

1. Lake Sevan

Details: Lake Sevan
Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan Lake Sevan 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.

2. Hayravank Monastery

20-30 min Details: Hayravank Monastery
Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery Hayravank Monastery
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 Cross-Stones

30-40 min Details: Noratus Cross-Stones
Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones Noratus Cross-Stones
In the heart of Gegharkunik, not far from the serene shores of Lake Sevan, lies Noratus – a vast khachkar (cross-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

15-20 min Details: Khachkar Carving Masterclass in Noratus
Khachkar Carving Masterclass in Noratus Khachkar Carving Masterclass in Noratus Khachkar Carving Masterclass in Noratus Khachkar Carving Masterclass in Noratus
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

50-60 min Details: Mikayelyan Family Farm
Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm Mikayelyan Family Farm
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 Mikayelyan 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

What to expect

  • Enjoy Lake Sevan's open blue landscapes and fresh mountain air
  • Visit Hayravank, a modest medieval gem overlooking the lake
  • Discover Noratus, home to one of Armenia's richest khachkar fields
  • Try the delicate craft of cross-stone carving during a masterclass
  • Taste local cheeses in the warm setting of Mikayelyan Family Farm

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Arevik Avetisyan

Arevik Avetisyan

HY DE

I'm Arevik Avetisyan, German-speaking tour guide. Why choose me? My deep knowledge of Armenia’s heritage, combined with fluent German communication and sense of humour, ensures an engaging and fun experience for every guest. With me as your guide, the guests will discover Armenia not just through sights, but through authentic stories, local connections, and unforgettable moments.

Tigran Balyan

Tigran Balyan

RU HY EN

Hello, I am Tigran a guide in my wonderful and lovely Armenia ❤️ I am guiding in my country and with this passion I can share kindness, joy and smiles to my tourists. My experience is already 7 plus years and I enjoy architecture, wine and mountains in amazing Armenia.

Samvel Mkrtumyan

Samvel Mkrtumyan

RU HY EN

Hi, I'm Samvel. With degrees in international relations and history, and years of connecting people from all walks of life, I've turned my passion for stories into guiding. I love revealing Armenia's hidden gems, sharing its quirky legends, and showcasing its breathtaking sights. It's fun, pal. Let's enjoy it together!

Hasmik Manukyan

Hasmik Manukyan

RU DE

My name is Hasmik Manukyan. I have extensive experience and hold a tour guide license. I conduct excursions in two languages – Russian and German. I completed guide-interpreter courses in Yerevan, advanced training courses at the Institute for Continuing Education in Moscow and participated in an international training program, for which I hold certificates. I love my job and meeting new people. Every time, I’m delighted to introduce guests to the beauty and landmarks of my country, striving to ensure they leave satisfied, in love with Armenia and eager to return again.

Reviews

Jana Kaugare

Latvia Latvia

11.05.2024

Very nice excursion, breathtaking nature, interesting history, lake Sevan was amazing 10/10, monasteries also interesting and location was magnificent
For nature lovers must do thing if you are visiting Yerevan
I was very satisfied with our guide Marina, and her organisation skills
Everything was on time, we also always had enough time for every spot, so we could see all without rushing, what is not always possible with other tours around the world , she truly has a great guide skills
Also was nice that she was coming with us and telling more in details about the history of the place
Plus have to mention she has a great languages skills in English and Russian.

Татьяна Ходжоян

Armenia Armenia

21.07.2022

Вчера была в поездке на озеро Севан.
Хочу поблагодарить вашу компанию за прекрасно организованный тур!
Особое спасибо гиду Лиане!
Я не первый раз посещаю природные и культурные богатства Армении,но такого гида встретила впервые.
Лиана приятно удивляет своим кругозором,знанием истории Армении,которыми она делится с нами,выбирая главное.Ее рассказы познавательны!Этому способствует хорошее владение Лианой русским,английским языками.Оставляет очень приятное впечатление!
Хочу также поблагодарить водителя Норика за профессионализм,а также скромное,тактичное поведение.
В таком сопровождении хочется объездить всю Армению!

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