Lake Sevan, Dilijan & Ijevan: Monasteries & Wine Tasting Day Trip

Summary

Lake Sevan’s blue water, Dilijan’s forests and a taste of Ijevan wine in one day

You’ll climb ancient steps above Lake Sevan with a local guide, wander Dilijan’s old artisan streets breathing pine-scented air, step into silent monasteries hidden in green hills, and finish your day sipping Armenian wines at Ijevan. It’s not just about sights — you’ll feel Armenia’s rhythm in every moment.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always heard people talk about Lake Sevan like it was some sort of legend — but standing there, wind stinging my cheeks, the water really did look impossibly blue. Our guide, Arman, joked that the lake has moods depending on the weather. He pointed out the monastery up on the peninsula and we climbed those stone steps together, legs burning a bit (it’s higher up than you think). Inside Sevanavank, it was quiet except for someone softly humming. The stone felt cold under my hand — older than anything I’d touched before.

After that we drove through hills that got greener and thicker until suddenly we were in Dilijan. There’s this one street — Sharambeyan — where time feels stuck in a good way. We ducked into a little workshop where an old man was carving wood and didn’t mind us watching. The air smelled like pine needles and bread baking somewhere nearby. Arman told us locals call this place “Armenian Switzerland” but honestly it just felt like its own thing. We visited Haghartsin Monastery too; moss everywhere, birds darting in and out of the arches.

The last stop was Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory. I’m not usually a big wine person but tasting their fruit wines (the apricot one surprised me) kind of changed my mind. The lady pouring for us explained how the mountains shape everything here — even the grapes taste different because of it. We tried brandy too; I coughed embarrassingly on my first sip and everyone laughed, which somehow made it better. On the drive back to Yerevan, I kept thinking about that lake view from earlier — how small we all looked next to so much sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lake Sevan, Dilijan, and Wine Tour

• Drive to Lake Sevan
• Climb stairs to Sevanavank Monastery
• Enjoy panoramic lake views
• Visit Sevanavank Monastery
• Explore Sharambeyan Street in Dilijan
• Visit Haghartsin Monastery
• Tour Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory
• Taste local wines and brandies

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Yerevan to Lake Sevan and Dilijan?

The tour is a full-day trip starting from Yerevan and includes stops at Lake Sevan, Dilijan, local monasteries, and Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory.

Is wine tasting included at the Ijevan Winery?

Yes, wine and brandy tastings are included during your visit to the Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory.

Are entrance fees covered in this tour?

Yes, all entrance fees are included as part of your booking.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

The tour includes pickup service; check with your provider for exact details when booking.

What should I wear for visiting monasteries in Armenia?

Wear comfortable shoes for stairs and walking; modest clothing is recommended for monastery visits.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

The tour includes tastings and local sweets but does not specify a full lunch; bringing snacks is advised.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

What if there is bad weather on the day of my trip?

The itinerary may be modified or canceled due to bad weather for safety reasons.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport with WiFi onboard, entry fees to all sites like Sevanavank and Haghartsin Monastery, guided service throughout, bottled water to keep you refreshed, sweet local gata to try along the way, plus wine and brandy tastings at Ijevan before heading back to Yerevan in the evening.