Sevan, Dilijan & Goshavank Tour: Lakes, Monasteries from Yerevan
Medieval monasteries rise from forests that Armenia calls its Switzerland.
A guided day tour from Yerevan to Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Haghartsin Monastery and Goshavank, with a professional guide and transport for eight to nine hours. The route includes a walk through Dilijan's historic district, where local craftspeople still work in studios and galleries, and a stop at Ijevan Wine and Brandy Factory for a tasting of signature wines paired with local snacks. Sevanavank Monastery sits on a peninsula and requires climbing stairs to reach it.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Explore Sevan, Dilijan, and Monasteries
- Visit Sevanavank Monastery
- Explore Lake Sevan surroundings
- Tour Haghartsin Monastery
- Visit Goshavank Monastery complex
- Tour Ijevan Wine and Brandy Factory
- Admire Dilijan historical district
What’s included
- Transport to all four monastery sites and Dilijan, plus the wine factory.
- a professional guide in English or Russian.
- entry to Sevanavank, Haghartsin and Goshavank monasteries.
- a guided tour of Ijevan Wine and Brandy Factory production facilities.
- a tasting of signature wines and brandies with light local snacks.
Times
- Every day 08:30
Before you book
Operated by ONE WAY TOUR
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Need assistance?Message us on WhatsApp or by emailTraveler reviews
The experience
Lake Sevan anchors the day: a volcanic lake at 1,900 meters above sea level and the second-highest freshwater lake in the world, ringed by mountain ranges. Sevanavank Monastery, built in 874, stands on the water's edge. The 17th-century khachkar inside carries biblical scenes carved across its face. The name Yerevan itself was first recorded on the dome of this monastery, making it a landmark of the city's own history.
From the lake, the route moves into Dilijan, a valley town surrounded by forests so thick and green that locals call it Armenian Switzerland. The old quarter preserves wooden balconies and narrow streets where carpenters, bakers, potters and jewelers still keep their workshops open to the street. You walk through this district from the vehicle, seeing how the craftspeople work and how the town holds its past. Haghartsin Monastery rises in the Tavush forests nearby, built over three centuries from white travertine and basalt stone: an unusual pairing in Armenian construction. The refectory stands as an architectural masterpiece, and a royal mausoleum sits within the grounds.
Goshavank, named for the medieval scholar Mkhitar Gosh, closes the monastery circuit. The complex holds five churches, three chapels, a vestibule and a refectory, with a 13th-century embroidered khachkar by master Poghos that draws attention for its detail. The final stop is Ijevan Wine and Brandy Factory, where you tour the production halls, learn how local grapes move from fermentation through aging, and taste several signature wines and brandies paired with light local snacks. The guide handles the route and timing. Transport is included throughout.
Is this one for you?Pick this tour if you want to combine two separate regions (Sevan's lake and Dilijan's forested hills) in one day, since the drive between them takes time you'd spend solo. The guide also leads you through Dilijan's artisan quarter and the winery, which ties the monasteries together into a narrative rather than isolated stops.
Compare the 12 alternatives
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Russian.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 9).
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 does it matter to Yerevan's history?
Sevanavank was built in 874 on a peninsula in Lake Sevan by Mariam, daughter of King Ashot I, as one of 30 churches she promised to build in honor of her late husband. The name Yerevan was first recorded on the dome of this monastery, making it a landmark of the capital's own recorded history.
Can I walk around Dilijan, or do I just see it from the vehicle?
You walk through Dilijan's historic old quarter, where you'll find local craftspeople (carpenters, bakers, potters and jewelers) working in their studios and galleries. The district recreates the spirit of old Armenia and shows how the town was once a retreat for artists and poets.
What happens at Ijevan Wine and Brandy Factory?
You tour the production halls to see how wines and brandies are made from local grape varieties, learning the process from grape selection through fermentation, aging and bottling. After the tour, you taste several signature wines and brandies paired with light local snacks, experiencing the flavors that have made Ijevan known in Armenia's wine culture.
How difficult is it to reach Sevanavank Monastery?
Sevanavank sits on a peninsula in Lake Sevan, and there are stairs to climb to reach it. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though the climb should be considered when deciding.
How long is the full day, and what's included in the price?
The tour runs eight to nine hours and includes transport throughout the day and a professional guide who speaks English or Russian. Food and drinks are not included, though light snacks come with the wine tasting at Ijevan.
Sevan, Dilijan & Goshavank Tour: Lakes, Monasteries from Yerevan
8h–9h · EN +1
from US$ 42 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.