Private tour: The unique invitation to explore Armenia and Georgia in 2 days
Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery, Dilijan, Haghartsin Monastery
1. 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.
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.
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. Sevanavank Monastery
50-60 min
From the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan, a breathtaking panorama unfolds: a peninsula rises from the shimmering surface, crowned with ancient temples. Here, in 874, at the command of Queen Mariam, daughter of King Ashot Bagratuni, the Sevanavank Monastery was built – the spiritual guardian of Armenia's blue jewel.
Against the boundless blue of the sky and the turquoise waters of Sevan, the churches of the Holy Apostles and the Holy Mother of God seem to float between earth and heaven. The stones of their walls have absorbed the whispers of monastic prayers, the murmur of winds and the chime of bells drifting over the water. For centuries, the monastery was not only a place of devotion but also a fortress shielding the peninsula from enemy raids. Legends tell of precious manuscripts and relics hidden within its walls, saved from times of peril.
Today, standing atop the peninsula, one can watch the light dance upon the waves while distant mountains embrace the majestic landscape. Sevanavank remains one of Armenia's most iconic symbols – a place where the beauty of nature and the grandeur of spiritual heritage merge into one.
Against the boundless blue of the sky and the turquoise waters of Sevan, the churches of the Holy Apostles and the Holy Mother of God seem to float between earth and heaven. The stones of their walls have absorbed the whispers of monastic prayers, the murmur of winds and the chime of bells drifting over the water. For centuries, the monastery was not only a place of devotion but also a fortress shielding the peninsula from enemy raids. Legends tell of precious manuscripts and relics hidden within its walls, saved from times of peril.
Today, standing atop the peninsula, one can watch the light dance upon the waves while distant mountains embrace the majestic landscape. Sevanavank remains one of Armenia's most iconic symbols – a place where the beauty of nature and the grandeur of spiritual heritage merge into one.
3. 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.
4. Haghartsin Monastery
50-60 min
Hidden deep within the leafy forests of Tavush, Haghartsin Monastery seems as though it has stepped straight out of an ancient manuscript, where stone walls and nature blend into a single, harmonious whole. Founded between the 10th and 13th centuries, it stood for centuries as both a spiritual refuge and a cultural beacon, drawing monks, pilgrims and master craftsmen. The complex includes the churches of St. Gregory, St. Mary and St. Stephen, along with monastic cells and service buildings carefully woven into the mountainous landscape.
Once, a colossal oak – born in the same era as the monastery – stood nearby, its wide branches bearing witness to the chime of bells and the whisper of prayers. Today, only part of its hollow remains, yet it has become a kind of sacred spot for those who believe in wonders. An old legend promises that if you pass through the narrow opening of the trunk while making a wish, it will surely come true. The tradition still lives, with visitors performing this symbolic act as if maintaining an invisible link between past and present.
Wandering through the quiet courtyards of Haghartsin, surrounded by the scents of the forest and the shadows of the mountains, one feels history and nature intertwine, creating an atmosphere of deep serenity. Here, time seems to flow more slowly, allowing each guest to touch the mystery and beauty of ancient Armenia.
Once, a colossal oak – born in the same era as the monastery – stood nearby, its wide branches bearing witness to the chime of bells and the whisper of prayers. Today, only part of its hollow remains, yet it has become a kind of sacred spot for those who believe in wonders. An old legend promises that if you pass through the narrow opening of the trunk while making a wish, it will surely come true. The tradition still lives, with visitors performing this symbolic act as if maintaining an invisible link between past and present.
Wandering through the quiet courtyards of Haghartsin, surrounded by the scents of the forest and the shadows of the mountains, one feels history and nature intertwine, creating an atmosphere of deep serenity. Here, time seems to flow more slowly, allowing each guest to touch the mystery and beauty of ancient Armenia.
Overnight stay
Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Jvari Monastery, Yerevan
1. Tbilisi
150-180 min
280 kilometers north of Yerevan stretches Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia – a city where the past and the present beat in the same vibrant rhythm. At its heart runs the Kura River, an artery that unites centuries, mirroring in its waters church domes, bridges and the sparkling lights of the metropolis. In its narrow alleys whispers of history can still be heard, while the wide avenues breathe with the pulse of a modern city.
Tbilisi keeps treasures of time: old quarters, majestic cathedrals and half-ruined fortresses, where centuries seem to pause, standing beside shining business centers and bold contemporary architecture. The Narikala district, with its winding medieval streets leading to the ancient fortress overlooking the city, adds a special charm. Meanwhile, Rustaveli Avenue astonishes with its grandeur – a cultural stage lined with theaters, museums and palaces, embodying Georgia's artistic spirit.
The city is a living contrast: ornate balconies and courtyards of the past neighbor with Soviet-era monuments and glass-and-steel towers of today. From the cable car, Tbilisi unfolds like an open palm – a breathtaking panorama where history and modernity merge into one harmonious pattern.
Tbilisi is more than a capital; it is the soul of Georgia, a city where everyone discovers a reflection of their own story and carries away its living breath.
Tbilisi keeps treasures of time: old quarters, majestic cathedrals and half-ruined fortresses, where centuries seem to pause, standing beside shining business centers and bold contemporary architecture. The Narikala district, with its winding medieval streets leading to the ancient fortress overlooking the city, adds a special charm. Meanwhile, Rustaveli Avenue astonishes with its grandeur – a cultural stage lined with theaters, museums and palaces, embodying Georgia's artistic spirit.
The city is a living contrast: ornate balconies and courtyards of the past neighbor with Soviet-era monuments and glass-and-steel towers of today. From the cable car, Tbilisi unfolds like an open palm – a breathtaking panorama where history and modernity merge into one harmonious pattern.
Tbilisi is more than a capital; it is the soul of Georgia, a city where everyone discovers a reflection of their own story and carries away its living breath.
2. Mtskheta
60-70 min
At the meeting point of the restless Kura and the calm Aragvi, the ancient city of Mtskheta unfolds – the first Christian capital of Georgia and the cradle of its spiritual heritage.
Tradition attributes its founding to Mtskhetos, son of Kartlos, the legendary forefather of the Georgian people. From that moment, the fate of this place became inseparable from the destiny of the nation itself. It was here that Saint Nino arrived, escaping the slaughter of the "Ripsimean" martyrs, carrying in her heart the fire of the new faith. Her prayers and wonders – the healing of the king's son and later Queen Nana – inspired King Mirian to embrace Christianity. Following her counsel, he raised a modest wooden church in the 4th century. Centuries later, King Vakhtang I Gorgasali replaced it with a stately stone basilica. When the 11th century brought its destruction, the great Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the "Life-Giving Pillar", rose in its place, forever inscribed in the spiritual memory of the land.
Beside it stands the Samtavro Monastery complex, born of King Mirian's vision and reshaped under George I.
Today, Mtskheta is not just an open-air chronicle – it is a living prayer, where the breath of ancient walls mingles with the heartbeat of the present.
Tradition attributes its founding to Mtskhetos, son of Kartlos, the legendary forefather of the Georgian people. From that moment, the fate of this place became inseparable from the destiny of the nation itself. It was here that Saint Nino arrived, escaping the slaughter of the "Ripsimean" martyrs, carrying in her heart the fire of the new faith. Her prayers and wonders – the healing of the king's son and later Queen Nana – inspired King Mirian to embrace Christianity. Following her counsel, he raised a modest wooden church in the 4th century. Centuries later, King Vakhtang I Gorgasali replaced it with a stately stone basilica. When the 11th century brought its destruction, the great Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the "Life-Giving Pillar", rose in its place, forever inscribed in the spiritual memory of the land.
Beside it stands the Samtavro Monastery complex, born of King Mirian's vision and reshaped under George I.
Today, Mtskheta is not just an open-air chronicle – it is a living prayer, where the breath of ancient walls mingles with the heartbeat of the present.
3. Jvari Monastery
30-40 min
High above the ancient city of Mtskheta, where the waters of the Kura and Aragvi rivers meet in an eternal embrace, a rocky cliff crowned by centuries of wind holds the Jvari Monastery – the "Holy Cross". Its walls preserve the memory of the distant 6th century, when, according to tradition, Saint Nino the Equal-to-the-Apostles erected a cross here to mark the triumph of the new faith over paganism. Legend says that a miraculous light shone from that cross, visible for miles around, guiding travelers not only to the city but to God Himself.
The monastery rises 150 meters above its surroundings, offering a majestic panorama of Georgia's ancient capital and the silver ribbons of the two rivers. The church's exterior, shaped like an elongated cross, captivates with the harmony of its forms, while its dome, resting on an octagonal drum, seems to reach for the heavens.
Everything here is steeped in the spirit of time: the wind whispering through the grass seems to echo the monks' prayers and the stones underfoot quietly tell the stories of centuries past. Even today, Jvari stands as a guardian of faith and tradition, not only an architectural masterpiece but also a living symbol of Georgia's spiritual grandeur.
The monastery rises 150 meters above its surroundings, offering a majestic panorama of Georgia's ancient capital and the silver ribbons of the two rivers. The church's exterior, shaped like an elongated cross, captivates with the harmony of its forms, while its dome, resting on an octagonal drum, seems to reach for the heavens.
Everything here is steeped in the spirit of time: the wind whispering through the grass seems to echo the monks' prayers and the stones underfoot quietly tell the stories of centuries past. Even today, Jvari stands as a guardian of faith and tradition, not only an architectural masterpiece but also a living symbol of Georgia's spiritual grandeur.
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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Driver/Guide accommodation & meals
Exclusions
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Hotel accommodation
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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
- Visit the "Blue pearl" of Armenia
- Admire the forests of the "Armenian Switzerland"
- See the most popular sites of the capital of Georgia
- Stroll along the cozy streets of the old town
- Feel the incomparable Georgian flavor
- Marvel at the 7th & 11th centuries' architecture
*200 steps to climb to Sevanavank
*600 m to walk down the hill to Haghartsin
*Residents of some countries (please, check the details at the office) may need to apply for the visa in advance to enter Georgia or/and to obtain one more entry visa to come back to Armenia
*Entry visa to Georgia or/and entry visa to come back to Armenia is NOT included
*Kindly have your Valid Passport with you for crossing the border & hotel check-in
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
Ani Mshecyan
RU
Good afternoon, dear friends! I'm a Russian-speaking tour guide since 2023, offering tours around Armenia. My main priority is the interests and preferences of our guests. Each tour is customized individually and takes place in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. The excursions are as engaging, creative, and informative as possible. I'll be happy to meet you and share my knowledge about our beautiful country.
Alisa Grigoryan
HY
EN
Welcome! I'm Alisa, an experienced guide with a deep passion for the cultures of Armenia and Georgia. I look forward to sharing the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality of our region with you.
Mariam Dabaghyan
RU
FR
HY
Hello! I'm Mariam, and I've been working as a tour guide since 2019. If you enjoy tours that are rich in content yet easy-going and never boring, then we're on the same path!
Arev Makhsudyan
HY
EN
My name is Arev (which means "Sun"). I am an English-speaking tour guide in Armenia, working since 2018. If you choose me as your guide, you will learn a lot about Armenian history, nature, culture, and traditions – and as a bonus, I'll perform Armenian traditional folk songs for you.
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