Lake Sevan & Dilijan tour: Monasteries and forest hike

Sevanavank monastery sits on what used to be an island, now a peninsula jutting into Lake Sevan.

This seven-hour tour departs from Republic Square and moves through Armenia's lake and mountain regions, stopping at Sevanavank monastery (built in 874), the Deer Park in Dilijan National Park where you can encounter deer in a forest setting, lunch in Dilijan town, Lake Parz for a walk around the shoreline, and Haghartsin monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 11th–13th centuries. A live English-speaking guide leads the route. Private air-conditioned transport with WiFi and bottled water is included throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tour of Sevan and Dilijan highlights

• Gather near Marriott Hotel, Republic Square
• Travel to Lake Sevan
• Tour Sevanavank Monastery and take photos
• Visit Deer Park in Dilijan National Park
• Lunch in Dilijan city with Armenian architecture
• Walk around Lake Parz and enjoy activities
• Visit Haghartsin Monastery and see wish tree

The experience

The tour begins at Republic Square near the Marriott Hotel, where you board a private air-conditioned vehicle for the drive to Lake Sevan. Sevanavank monastery, founded in 874, stands on a peninsula that was once an island. The site offers a detailed tour of the structure and views across the water that work for photography in any season. The monastery is one of Armenia's main attractions, and the operator has built the route to include it early in the day.

From Sevan, the route passes through dense forest toward Dilijan National Park and the Deer Park, where you can make contact with deer in a natural setting. The park appeals to visitors of all ages and interests, and the forest drive itself is part of the experience. Lunch follows in Dilijan town, where restaurants feature Armenian architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries. You choose where to eat and what to order. After lunch, the tour moves to Lake Parz (the name means pure or crystal in Armenian), where you walk the shoreline and can pursue any activity you choose on the water or the banks.

The final stop is Haghartsin monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Its architectural style differs from other Armenian monasteries, and it sits on forested hills with a wish-fulfillment tree on the grounds. The tour returns to Republic Square after this last stop, completing the seven-hour route.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transportation with WiFi on board.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• a live English-speaking guide for the full route.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (21 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 80 years) · Youth (11 to 20 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by Armland Adventure Club

Is this one for you?Pick this if you have a full day free and want to see Armenia's different historical periods and landscapes in one loop: the fixed route covers monasteries, a national park, a town, and a mountain lake without needing to plan stops yourself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 20 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Sevanavank monastery and why is it on this tour?

Sevanavank was built in 874 on an island in Lake Sevan that later became a peninsula. It is one of Armenia's main attractions and offers views across the water. The tour includes a detailed tour of the structure and time for photography.

Can I touch or feed the deer at the Deer Park in Dilijan?

The Deer Park allows you to come into contact with deer in a natural forest setting within Dilijan National Park. The park is designed for visitors of all ages and interests to establish contact with nature.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included. The tour stops in Dilijan town at restaurants featuring Armenian architecture, and you choose where to eat and what to order at your own cost.

What makes Haghartsin monastery different from other Armenian monasteries?

Haghartsin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built between the 11th and 13th centuries with a distinctive architectural style that sets it apart from other monasteries in the region. It sits on forested hills and has a wish-fulfillment tree on the grounds.