Yerevan to Sevan, Dilijan & Monasteries Day Trip with Wine Tasting

Summary

Lake Sevan’s blue, forested Dilijan, ancient monasteries and Ijevan wine

You’ll feel Armenia’s contrasts: cold wind at Lake Sevan, warm bread in Dilijan’s winding lanes, silent forests around Haghartsin Monastery, and lively tastings at Ijevan Winery. With a local guide handling transport and stories along the way, you’ll get both history and small moments you might not expect—or forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect as we left Yerevan that morning—maybe just another pretty lake. But when we reached Lake Sevan, the wind hit first: sharp and fresh, almost salty but not quite. Our guide Arman pointed out the peninsula and the two old churches of Sevanavank. He told us a story about Mariam, a queen who kept her promise by building these churches for her late husband. There was something quiet about standing up there, with the water spread out below and those khachkars carved with scenes I couldn’t fully read but still felt. My hands were cold from the stone railing.

Dilijan surprised me. The houses have these wooden balconies and you can smell bread baking somewhere—maybe from that little bakery with the open window? We wandered past carpenters’ shops and a jeweler who smiled but didn’t say much (I think he was amused by my attempt at “barev dzez”). The town has this nickname—Armenian Switzerland—which sounded like a joke until I saw how green everything was. It rained for maybe ten minutes; nobody cared except me, fumbling for my jacket.

Haghartsin Monastery is hidden in thick forest. The white stone looked almost silver in the shade—our guide said it was travertine and basalt mixed together. There’s a royal mausoleum here too, but honestly what sticks is how quiet it felt inside. Someone outside was selling gata (that sweet bread), so we bought some and ate it warm on the steps. At Goshavank later, I tried to follow Arman’s explanation about Mkhitar Gosh’s laws but got distracted by one of those crazy-detailed khachkars—a local woman traced its patterns with her finger like she’d done it a hundred times before.

The last stop was Ijevan Wine & Brandy Factory—industrial on the outside but warm inside from all the barrels and laughter. We tasted wines made from grapes grown nearby; one had this honey smell that caught me off guard (I liked that one best). The snacks were simple—cheese, dried fruit—but somehow perfect after all that walking. By then I’d lost track of time completely.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Sevan, Dilijan, Monasteries, and Winery

• Visit Sevanavank Monastery
• Explore Lake Sevan surroundings
• Admire Dilijan historical district
• Tour Haghartsin Monastery
• Visit Goshavank Monastery
• Tour Ijevan Wine Brandy Factory

Top questions

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

The tour is a full-day trip starting in Yerevan and covering Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Haghartsin Monastery, Goshavank Monastery, Lake Parz, and includes stops at Ijevan Wine & Brandy Factory.

Is lunch included on this Yerevan to Sevan tour?

No formal lunch is included; snacks are provided during wine tasting at Ijevan Winery.

Are there stairs or difficult paths on this tour?

Yes—Sevanavank Monastery is on a peninsula with stairs to climb up; other sites involve some walking but are suitable for most fitness levels.

What languages do guides speak on this day trip?

The professional guide speaks Armenian; English-speaking guides are available as well.

Is hotel pickup included in this Yerevan day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; transport from a central meeting point in Yerevan is included.

Can I join by public transportation?

Public transportation options are available nearby for reaching the departure point.

What makes Dilijan special on this itinerary?

Dilijan features unique wooden houses, artisan workshops (carpenters, bakers), cozy cafés, and is known as “Armenian Switzerland.”

Do we visit more than one monastery?

Yes—the tour visits both Haghartsin Monastery and Goshavank Monastery near Dilijan.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transport from Yerevan through Lake Sevan’s highlands to Dilijan’s old streets—with guided visits to Haghartsin and Goshavank monasteries—and ends with a tasting session at Ijevan Wine & Brandy Factory where light local snacks are served alongside wines and brandy before heading back in the evening.