Private tour: Lake Sevan, Hayravank, Noratus, Khachkar carving master class, Mikayelyan Family Farm
Lake Sevan, Hayravank Monastery, Noratus Crosstones, Khachkar (cross-stone) carving master class, Mikayelyan Family Farm
1. Lake Sevan
Today, this vast expanse, covering 1400 square kilometers, keeps the silence of centuries in its depths. Twenty-eight rivers bring their waters to Sevan, yet only one – the Hrazdan – carries them away, as if guarding the lake's precious wealth. Mountains rising to three thousand meters form its silent frame, while the crystal-clear water shifts from sky-blue to deep sapphire, mirroring the moods of the heavens. At dawn, the lake is brushed with gold; at sunset, it wears shades of crimson and violet, becoming a living mirror of the sky.
Since ancient times, Sevan has been revered as sacred – prayers were lifted on its shores, rituals were performed, and blessings sought from its spirit. In its clear depths seems to dwell the very soul of Armenia – proud, pure, and eternal. And if one listens closely to the gentle lapping of the waves, they may hear an ancient voice telling stories of a land where water and sky are bound forever by love.
2. Hayravank Monastery
20-30 min
From its threshold, the sound of Sevan's waves blends with the timeless echoes of prayers and the distant tolling of bells. Hayravank appears to merge with its surroundings, standing as a guardian over the lake's waters and the serenity of its shores.
Legends tell of pilgrims who came here seeking protection and blessings before embarking on long journeys. Even today, the church welcomes visitors with an atmosphere of stillness and contemplation, where past and present meet on the cliff's edge, broken only by the whisper of the wind and the gentle splash of water.
3. Noratus Crosstones
30-40 min
Noratus is often called a "symphony of khachkars", and indeed, every ornament and motif here seems to echo in harmony with the wind and the whisper of the mountains. It is one of the few places where the art of khachkars can be seen evolving through centuries, reflecting both the joys and sorrows of the Armenian people.
Legends say the soul of the master lives within each stone, and thus they continue to "breathe" even after centuries have passed. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Armenian khachkar art lives on here, ensuring that the memory of medieval Armenia will forever speak to those who come to listen.
4. Khachkar carving master class in Noratus
15-20 min
Armenian cross-stones art is included in UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Today khachkar carving master class is popular especially among tourists for it gives an exclusive opportunity to learn the intricate motifs of crosses, rosettes and botanical elements, create a small souvenir with own hands and take a piece of the ageless country together with them.
Reservations should be made in advance.
5. Mikayelyan Family Farm
50-60 min
All 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
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Admission price covers Option 1 cheese tasting package
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
- See the "Blue pearl" of Armenia
- Observe the unique Christian heritage
- Reveal the secrets of cross-stone art
- Get info about the special technique of Armenian cheese production
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
Manya Gevorgyan
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
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
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
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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