Lake Sevan, Jermuk & Noratus Day Trip with Winery Tasting

Summary

Lake views, medieval stones, mountain passes and a glass of Areni

You’ll stand where Lake Sevan meets sky, trace ancient carvings at Noratus cemetery, taste mineral waters in Jermuk’s lively spring gallery, and finish with local wines at Hin Areni winery. With a local guide and pickup included, every stop feels like a story unfolding—and maybe you’ll find your own favorite moment along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding along the edge of Lake Sevan when Ani, our guide, handed out pastries—still warm somehow—and pointed to the water. It really is blue, but not in that postcard way; more like faded denim under the morning clouds. The church at Hayravank sits up on this rocky ledge and there was a breeze that made my eyes water a bit. Ani told us how old it was (9th century?) and I remember touching the stone—cold and rough, almost gritty. There were kids selling dried fruit near the steps. I bought some apricots and probably overpaid, but they smiled so big I didn’t mind.

Noratus cemetery felt different—quiet in a way that made me lower my voice without thinking. Hundreds of khachkars everywhere, some so detailed you could lose yourself tracing the carvings with your finger. Ani explained what the symbols meant; I only half-remember now, but it stuck with me how personal each one seemed. The wind picked up as we crossed Selim Pass—mountains all around and this weird hush inside the old caravansary. For a second you could almost hear camels or traders or something from centuries ago.

Jermuk was brighter than I expected—lots of people filling bottles at the mineral spring gallery (the smell is…distinct). We tried each tap; some tasted like warm coins, others more like stone. The waterfall—Mermaid’s Hair—was louder than I thought it’d be, spray catching rainbows in the sun if you stood just right. By late afternoon we reached Hin Areni winery for a tasting; honestly I’m not much of a wine person but their red had this earthy taste that kind of matched everything we’d seen that day. Someone asked Ani about her favorite spot on this route and she just grinned: “Depends who I’m with.” That felt true somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lake Sevan, Noratus, Jermuk, winery visit

• Start and end at Yerevan
• Visit Lake Sevan and peninsula
• Explore Hayravank church
• See khachkars in Noratus
• Pass through Selim Pass caravansary
• Visit Jermuk mineral water resort
• See Jermuk Mermaid's Hair waterfall
• Taste wine at Hin Areni winery

Top questions

How long does the Lake Sevan & Jermuk day trip take?

The duration is approximate but expect a full-day tour starting and ending in Yerevan.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

The tour includes pickup; check details when booking for exact arrangements.

Are entry fees covered during the day trip?

Yes, admission tickets to included sites are part of your tour package.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional guide provides commentary in English and Russian consecutively.

Is lunch provided on this Lake Sevan & winery tour?

Bottled water and pastries are included; wine tasting is provided at Hin Areni winery but lunch is not specifically mentioned.

Can children join this group tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants must sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram.

How many steps are there to climb at Sevanavank?

You’ll need to climb approximately 200 steps to reach Sevanavank church on Lake Sevan’s peninsula.

Does the vehicle have WiFi?

Yes, WiFi is available onboard during travel between destinations.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your starting point in Yerevan, comfortable travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard (and insurance for peace of mind), plus bottled water and fresh pastries along the way. Entry tickets are covered for all main stops—including Hayravank church, Noratus khachkars cemetery, Selim Pass caravansary—and you’ll finish with a guided wine tasting at Hin Areni winery before heading back in the evening.