Day Trip To: Lake Sevan-Dilijian (Old Dilijan, Haghartsin Monastery)

Setting out on a captivating day trip to Lake Sevan and Dilijan, visitors can enjoy the stunning alpine scenery and rich cultural heritage of Armenia. This tour promises an enriching experience as travelers explore the charming Old Dilijan, with its wooden architecture and cobblestone streets, and venture to the historic Haghartsin Monastery nestled in the serene Dilijan National Park. Along the way, they’ll revel in breathtaking views of Lake Sevan and indulge in a delicious local lunch. With a multilingual expert guide leading the way, this day trip offers an opportunity to delve deeper into the captivating essence of these remarkable destinations.

Good To Know

• Explore the breathtaking Lake Sevan, surrounded by mountains and home to the Sevanavank Monastery, as well as the Tsaghkadzor ski resort.
• Discover the charming Old Dilijan district, known as "Little Switzerland," with its traditional architecture, artisan shops, and local cuisine.
• Visit the historic Haghartsin Monastery, nestled in Dilijan National Park, admiring its exquisite Armenian architecture and intricate khatchkars.
• Enjoy a private air-conditioned vehicle and multilingual guide for a comfortable and personalized experience throughout the tour.
• Benefit from inclusions such as hotel pickup/drop-off, bottled water, a delicious lunch, and gratuities, ensuring a hassle-free day trip.

Tour Overview

This day trip takes visitors on an exciting journey to the picturesque Lake Sevan and the historic town of Dilijan in the heart of Armenia.

Offered by Armenia Experience Private Tours & Excursions, the tour provides a private air-conditioned vehicle, a knowledgeable multilingual guide, and all necessary transportation and entry fees.

The itinerary covers key highlights like the Old Dilijan district and the Haghartsin Monastery, allowing travelers to enjoy Armenia’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and an included lunch, this private tour offers a seamless and comfortable experience for groups of up to 3 people starting at $150.

Inclusions

The Armenia Experience Private Tours & Excursions package includes an air-conditioned vehicle for private transportation, ensuring a comfortable journey.

Fuel surcharge and parking fees are covered, so there are no additional costs for travelers. Bottled water is provided, and a delicious lunch is included as well.

For added convenience, a multilingual guide/driver who speaks English, Russian, and Armenian accompanies the group. Gratuities are also part of the package, so guests don’t have to worry about tipping.

Pickup and Timing

Travelers can opt for hotel pickup and drop-off, which are included in the tour package. The tour starts at 9:30 am, providing ample time to explore the highlights of Lake Sevan and Dilijan.

Pickup points are available for selection, ensuring convenience for participants. The private tour is conducted by a multilingual guide/driver who can provide information in English, Russian, and Armenian, catering to the diverse needs of the group.

With the tour lasting the entire day, the pickup and timing are structured to maximize the time spent at the scenic destinations, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the cultural and natural wonders of the region.

Tour Participation and Accessibility

Confirmation for the tour is received at the time of booking.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. However, most travelers can participate in the tour.

This is a private tour, so only your group will be part of the experience. The tour is suitable for a range of travelers, from solo adventurers to families.

The guide and driver are multilingual, offering English, Russian, and Armenian languages to accommodate diverse needs.

The tour provides a personalized and accessible experience for those who can join, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable day exploring the stunning landscapes of Lake Sevan and Dilijan.

Cancellation and Reviews

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time). This provides flexibility in case your plans change.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.0 based on 4 reviews, though none of them are 5-star. While the rating isn’t the highest, it suggests the tour is generally satisfactory.

Customers can read the existing reviews to get a sense of what to expect. Keep in mind that customer experiences can vary, so it’s wise to consider the review details carefully.

Highlights of Lake Sevan

Lake Sevan is the centerpiece of this day trip, offering a breathtaking alpine lake surrounded by majestic mountains.

Visitors can stroll along the lake’s shore, taking in the stunning vistas and enjoying the serene atmosphere. The lake is known for its clear, turquoise waters and the nearby Sevan Peninsula, which is home to the 9th-century Sevanavank Monastery.

Guests can explore the monastery’s centuries-old architecture and learn about its rich history.

The day trip also includes a stop at the Tsaghkadzor ski resort, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

With its natural beauty and cultural significance, Lake Sevan is a highlight not to be missed on this comprehensive tour.

Exploring Old Dilijan

After exploring the serene beauty of Lake Sevan, the day trip ventures to the historic town of Dilijan, also known as "Little Switzerland." Visitors can enjoy the charm of Old Dilijan, meandering through the town’s picturesque streets lined with traditional Armenian architecture.

Architectural Highlights
Wooden Houses	Stone Buildings	Cobblestone Lanes
Ornate Balconies	Intricate Carvings	Quaint Courtyards

The highlight of Old Dilijan is the opportunity to step back in time, experiencing the timeless character of this mountain town. Visitors can browse local artisan shops, savor Armenian cuisine, and soak in the serene atmosphere that makes Dilijan a beloved destination.

Visiting Haghartsin Monastery

The Haghartsin Monastery, nestled amid the lush forests of the Dilijan National Park, is the next captivating destination on the day trip itinerary.

This medieval monastery complex dates back to the 10th century and is renowned for its exquisite Armenian architecture, intricate khatchkars (cross-stones), and serene atmosphere.

Visitors can explore the main church, the refectory, and the scriptorium, where manuscripts were once painstakingly crafted. The surrounding gardens and trails offer opportunities for peaceful reflection and connection with nature.

Key highlights include:

• Admiring the intricate khatchkar carvings
• Touring the main cathedral and auxiliary buildings
• Wandering the tranquil monastery grounds
• Learning about the site’s rich history and cultural significance
• Capturing stunning photos of the picturesque setting

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit?

The best time to visit is in spring or fall when the weather’s mild and crowds are smaller. Summer can be quite hot, while winter brings cold temperatures and snow, which may limit accessibility to some sites.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch?

The tour’s lunch doesn’t have any specific dietary restrictions. It’s a standard meal, though the company can likely accommodate any special dietary needs if requested in advance. Customers should feel free to inquire about the lunch options when booking.

Can We Make Additional Stops Along the Way?

The tour allows for additional stops along the way, though the specific itinerary and timing would need to be discussed with the tour provider. They’ll work to accommodate any requests within the allotted tour duration.

Is There a Dress Code for the Monastery Visit?

There is no formal dress code, but visitors are expected to dress modestly when visiting the Haghartsin Monastery. Covering shoulders and knees is recommended out of respect for the religious site.

Are There Any Discounts Available for This Tour?

The tour provider doesn’t offer any discounts for this private tour. However, the price of $150 per group (up to 3 people) is already quite reasonable for a full-day excursion with private transportation and a multilingual guide.

The Sum Up

This captivating day trip allows visitors to enjoy the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Armenia. From the picturesque shores of Lake Sevan to the charming wooden architecture of Old Dilijan and the historic Haghartsin Monastery, this tour offers an enriching experience guided by a multilingual expert. Travelers can expect breathtaking scenery, delicious local cuisine, and a deeper understanding of Armenia’s unique character.