Day trip from Tbilisi to Yerevan: Dilijan, Lake Sevan, Cascade

Mount Ararat appears when you reach the top of the Cascade in Yerevan's heart.

A day trip from Tbilisi to Yerevan takes you through Armenia's most visited sites in a single journey: Dilijan's resort area and famous spring water, Lake Sevan with its 9th-century monastery on the peninsula, the Cascade monument overlooking the capital, Mother Armenia's observation deck, and Republic Square's fountains and shops. A live guide in English or Russian leads the route; the car is air-conditioned and Wi-Fi is available throughout; meals at a lakeside restaurant and a stop on the return journey are included. The drive back to Tbilisi takes around four hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Yerevan and Surroundings

• Visit Dilijan resort area
• Enjoy views and lunch at Lake Sevan restaurant
• Tour Sevanavank monastery
• Visit Cascade in Yerevan city
• See Mother Armenia monument and cathedral
• Explore Republic Square fountain and shopping street
• Return to Tbilisi with stop at fast food restaurant

The Experience

You leave Tbilisi in an air-conditioned car with a guide who speaks English or Russian. The route heads south into Armenia, first stopping in Dilijan, a Soviet-era resort town built around a small lake and known for its mineral spring water—you'll taste it there. From Dilijan, the drive continues to Lake Sevan, where a large restaurant overlooks the water; this is where you eat, sampling local fish and produce from the lake itself.

Sevanavank monastery sits on the peninsula jutting into Lake Sevan. The two main temples—St. Karapet and the Holy Apostles—date to the 9th century and were built with money from Mariam, daughter of the Bagratuni dynasty founder. The monastery once served as a fortress and university; among its carved artifacts is a wooden door depicting the Descent of the Holy Spirit and a rare khachkar showing Jesus. You walk the site and take in the views across the water before heading to Yerevan.

In Yerevan, the Cascade is the centerpiece—a monumental staircase in the city's heart where, from the top, Mount Ararat rises in the distance. Nearby stands Mother Armenia, the country's principal monument with an observation deck overlooking the capital, and Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, Armenia's largest temple. You also visit Republic Square to see its fountains and shopping street. The return drive to Tbilisi takes at least four hours, with a stop at a fast-food restaurant along the way.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned transport with Wi-Fi.
• a live guide in English or Russian.
• lunch at a lakeside restaurant on Lake Sevan.
• a meal stop on the return drive to Tbilisi.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by ushba travel

Is this one for you?This is a shared guided tour, so you travel with other visitors and follow a fixed itinerary—the route covers Armenia's main sites in one long day without requiring you to arrange transport, book separate attractions or navigate between stops. Choose it if you're arriving in Tbilisi for a few days and want to see the country's landmarks without a car or multiple bookings.

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Top questions

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

Sevanavank is a 9th-century monastery on a peninsula in Lake Sevan, built by the daughter of the Bagratuni dynasty founder. It served as both a fortress and a university and holds rare carved artifacts including a wooden door with religious scenes and an uncommon khachkar depicting Jesus.

Where do we eat on this day trip from Tbilisi?

You eat at a large restaurant on Lake Sevan with views of the water, where the menu features local fish and products from the lake itself.

What will I see from the top of the Cascade in Yerevan?

From the Cascade, you see Mount Ararat rising in the distance and views across Yerevan. The Cascade itself is a monumental staircase in the heart of the city.

How long is the drive back to Tbilisi?

The return journey takes at least four hours, with a stop at a fast-food restaurant along the way.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited fitness?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and children are welcome from age one.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English or Russian and travels with you throughout the day.