Our most recommended things to do in Yerevan

Sevan: the pearls of Armenia

1. Sevan: the pearls of Armenia

In this tour you will depart from Yerevan to one of the largest high-mountain freshwater lakes in the world - Lake Sevan, the pearl of Armenia, located at an altitude of almost 2,000 meters above sea level. The embrace of mountain ranges protects this valuable fresh water reservoir with an area of 1,240 square kilometers. Sevan Peninsula is famous for its monastery complex Sevanavank, founded in the 8th - 9th centuries AD. Climbing up the slope of the monastery, you will have a panoramic view of Lake Sevan. In summer Lake Sevan pleases its guests with warm water, and all year round - with unforgettable tastes of the fish world. Here you can enjoy shashlyk of whitefish, trout, crayfish and try the famous delicacy lula kebab made of crayfish necks.

From Yerevan: Khorvirap, Noravank, and Areni Winery Day Trip

2. From Yerevan: Khorvirap, Noravank, and Areni Winery Day Trip

Khor Virap Monastery is located about an hour’s drive away from the capital Yerevan, and offers an amazing view of Armenia’s defining symbol – the majestic Ararat. Khor Virap translates as deep dungeon, and it was built on the place of the former royal prison, located on the historical site of Artashat. The Monastery is also one of the most sacred spots for Armenians around the world. This tour will also take you to the Areni Cave (Bird’s Cave). In 2008, archeologists discovered several of the world’s oldest artifacts, including a leather shoe and a winery here. The site, overlooking Arpa River near the town of Areni, is claimed to date back to the Early Bronze Age. It contains evidence of elaborate burial rituals and agricultural practices. Another place that can’t be missed is Noravank. It is one of the gems of medieval Armenian architecture, nestled high among the stunning brick-red cliffs at the end of the Gnishik Canyon. Afterwards, you will be given the chance to taste and even purchase Armenia’s renowned Areni wine, made from the oldest grape variety in the whole world. The wine is available in several wineries in the town of Areni itself.

From Yerevan: Lake Sevan and Dilijan Full-Day Tour

3. From Yerevan: Lake Sevan and Dilijan Full-Day Tour

Spend a day enjoying the stunning natural scenery and ancient monasteries of north-western Armenia. Check out a volcanic lake surrounded by mountains, admire the majestic lake-front Sevanavank Monastery, and see how nature blends with the architecture of the Haghartsin Monastery. Learn the stories of these historic places in English, Russian, and, depending on availability, in Armenian. The first stop is Sevan Lake, which at 1,900-meters above sea level is one of the world's greatest high-altitude freshwater lakes. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded by mountains of 3,000 meters and higher. Admire the beautiful landscape and the crystal waters as well as the medieval church complex built on the peninsula in 874. The next stop is Sevanavank Monastery, which was built on the peninsula in 874 by the order of King Ashot Bagratuni's daughter, Princess Mariam. The silhouette of the church against the background of the turquoise lake and blue sky is sure to impress.  Continue to Dilijan, a city on the banks of the Aghstev River surrounded by mountains and forests. Dilijan has the fame of a health resort as its warm sun, fresh air, and natural spas have a great healing influence on people. Take a break to have lunch at a cozy nearby restaurant before continuing to Goshavank Monastery, founded by the famous medieval scientist Mkhitar Gosh. The complex consists of several religious and secular buildings. Make sure to stop and admire the khachkar (Armenian cross-stone) situated in front of the basilica. One of the most famous Armenian symbols, this khachkar was carved by the skillful master Poghos in 1291. The last stop is Haghartsin Monastery, situated in the woodlands of the Tavush Region. Founded in the 10th-11th centuries, it consists of St. Grigor, St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), and St. Stepanos churches. The huge oak tree, which is almost the same age as the monastery, completes the whole scene and is a great example of architecture blending with nature over the years. The monastery has been recently renovated by the donation of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, who was impressed by the monastery when visiting it. After a day full of exploring, return to the meeting point in an air-conditioned van.

From Yerevan: Garni Temple & Geghard Tour with Lavash Baking

4. From Yerevan: Garni Temple & Geghard Tour with Lavash Baking

The tour starts from the capital city of Armenia, Yerevan before traveling to the first stop of the day, Garni Temple. The temple, which was built in 77 AD, is the only remaining heathen temple of the post-Soviet era. The temple gracefully stands on a high plateau overlooking the Azat river gorge and has stunning views all around. At the temple, admire the on-site Greek-Roman bath house that holds a mosaic made from 30,000 pieces of natural stones, as well as the ruins of the royal palace, will dates back to the 3rd century AD. Next, visit the Geghard Monastery complex which symbolizes the lance with which the Roman centurion pierced Jesus after crucifixion. The lance was brought to Armenia and kept in the Geghard Monastery for many centuries, and the site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Your last stop before returning to Yerevan will be the gorge of "Symphony of stones." These rocks start from the beginning of the canyon and up to the highest point. The monument consists of huge paradoxically symmetric hexagon and pentagon basalt columns of nearly 100 meters high. Learn how the gorge got its name from its amazing resemblance to the church organ. Admire the many rocks in the gorge of the Azat River, which is included in the UNESCO heritage list.

Yerevan: Visit Khor Virap, Noravank, Tatev

5. Yerevan: Visit Khor Virap, Noravank, Tatev

Your tour begins at 8:30AM from the local operator's head office in Yerevan. From there, depart for the southern part of Armenia, beginning with Khor Virap. Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity in the country. As a state religion Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavours of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Before converting King Tridates the 3rd to Christianity, Saint Gregory was imprisoned in the dungeon under the present day church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th Century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat. Passing a narrow road surrounded by rocks of a hundred caves, you can then discover the Noravank Monastery. It is enshrined with fine architectural solutions, with its luxurious embellishments forming one of the brightest examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th Century. Noravank consists of St. Karapet, St. Gregory the Illuminator's churches, and St. Astvatsatsin, a two-story church which is notable for its ideal constructive and sculptural work. Take a break for lunch in a nice cozy restaurant surrounded by nature. There you can can choose a meal from 3 available options, payable on the spot. The next stop is the Tatev Monastery, which used to be wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Besides being a religious center, it was also the important strategical center of the Syunik Kingdom. Being situated on a naturally defended place, the monastery has always been an impregnable fortress.  Take the aerial tramway called the "Wings of Tatev", a 5.7-kilometer rope-way which was built within 11 months. It passes through a deep gorge of the Vorotan River, and is covered with lush forests. The tramway is supported by three towers between its two terminals, one terminal is on a hill overlooking the village of Halidzor, and the other is near the Tatev Monastery. Following the rope-way, your tour concludes with drop-off back at the operator's head office in Yerevan.

From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Garni, and Geghard Day Trip

6. From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Garni, and Geghard Day Trip

Explore the history and culture of Armenia on this day trip from Yerevan. Visit some of the most important landmarks in Armenia, including Mount Ararat, Khor Virap, and the Geghard Monastery complex. Make your first stop at the Khor Virap monastery and see firsthand from where Christianity in Armenia originates. Next on the route is the only pagan temple in Armenia – Garni, dating back to the 1st century. Then visit the 13th-century Geghard monastic complex, partially carved in the rock and included in the Unesco World Cultural Heritage List. Finally, see the lavash (Armenian thin bread) baking process and try some fresh out of the oven.

Yerevan: Lake Sevan, Dilijan, and Haghartsin Monastery Tour

7. Yerevan: Lake Sevan, Dilijan, and Haghartsin Monastery Tour

Discover Lake Sevan, Dilijan and more on a multi-stop guided trip from Yerevan. Start your trip by visiting one of the country’s most renowned landmarks: Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at a height of 1900 m above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. Then, prepare to be surrounded by incredible nature as you head to the north of Armenia. Visit the city of Dilijan before making a stop at the Monastery of Haghartsin, dating back to the 10th century. Haghartsin is one of those spots in Armenia that feels just like a movie set. The refectory of Haghartsin is one the biggest examples of Armenian Church architecture. It was an absolute innovation at the time it was constructed.

From Yerevan: Group Tour to Tatev Cable Car and Winery

8. From Yerevan: Group Tour to Tatev Cable Car and Winery

Escape the busy city of Yerevan and travel into Southern Armenia towards the town of Areni, known for its spectacular history in winemaking and bearing the name of one of the oldest grape varieties in the world. Your first destination will be one of the region’s best vineyards to enjoy a tour of the winery and learn about the process of making wine. Discover the variety of grapes that are used here and taste some of the oldest wines of Armenia to get a real flavor of the region. Next, enjoy stunning scenic views on the drive towards the next destination, the ‘Wings of Tatev’. The ‘Wings of Tatev’ is the longest cable car in the world, measuring 6 km. Ride the cable car and admire the breathtaking scenery along the way, including the Harsnadzor Watchtower and Devil’s Bridge. Travel to the 9th Century Tatev monastery, which once was the educational and spiritual center of Armenia. Built on a high plateau in the Vorotan river gorge, the monastery is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and dense forests. Also visit the magnificent waterfall of Shaki.

Yerevan: Garni, Geghard & Lake Sevan Tour with Lavash Baking

9. Yerevan: Garni, Geghard & Lake Sevan Tour with Lavash Baking

Start the tour at 10 AM by arriving at the local operator's office in Yerevan. After checking in, set off towards the Eastern part of Armenia in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. First, make a short stop at Charent's Arch where you can soak up the wonderful views to the biblical Mount Ararat. Them, head over to the Garni pagan temple which towers over a triangular cape. Admire the temple's blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles and see the ruins of the former royal palace with its stunning mosaics. After this, continue on to a masterpiece of 13th-century Armenian architecture at Geghard Monastery. Learn about how this cave monastery was believed to have housed the relic of the lance that pierced the side of Jesus as he hung on the cross. Experience its incredible construction which boasts fascinating acoustics which has served as a good place to sing spiritual songs. Marvel at some of the churches in the complex which are masterfully hewed into a huge rock. Discover how the complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones). Next up, stop for lunch at a cozy family-style restaurant called Abelyan House. Here, also watch the process of baking the Armenian lavash bread. Observe how the dough is rolled out flat and slapped against the hot walls of a clay oven. Have a good opportunity to participate in a lavash baking procedure. Savor the opportunity to taste it afterward with local cheese and greens. Following this, pop over to the amazing Lake Sevan, which is one of the world's greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. Learn about how the lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded by mountains of 3000 m and higher. Immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape surrounded by crystal-clear water. Check out the medieval church complex of Sevanavank Monastery on the peninsular before you head off. Finally, hop back into the vehicle and take the return journey back to the meeting point in Yerevan where the tour concludes.

From Yerevan: Tsaghkadzor & Lake Sevan Guided Tour

10. From Yerevan: Tsaghkadzor & Lake Sevan Guided Tour

Meet at the office of the local partner in Yerevan at 10:00 AM. Travel out of the city towards the north-western region of Armenia. First, stop at the city of Tsaghkadzor, situated in the Kotayk region 50 kilometers north of the capital. This city is considered to be one of the most popular winter resorts in Armenia. Explore the city which is surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests. Visit the Kecharis Monastery which dates back to the 11th century.  The monastery consists of four churches and a half-destroyed mausoleum of Grigorius Pahlavuni, who financed the construction of the monastery. Next travel to the beautiful Lake Sevan, which is one of the world's highest fresh-water lakes, located about 1,900 meters above sea level. Enjoy a stroll beside the lake surrounded by tall mountain peaks. Admire the crystal-clear water of the lake in a truly tranquil location. Visit the nearby Sevanavank Monastery, which was built on the peninsula in the year 874. Admire the reflection of the churches on the still lake surface. Then, make your way to a restaurant located on the shore where you can enjoy some lunch, at your own expense. After lunch, be returned to the meeting point in Yerevan.

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What people are saying about Yerevan

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 369 reviews

My husband and I really enjoyed this tour. It was our first time in Armenia and wanted to see what sights to see in Armenia. We really enjoyed the views and stories of the Garni temple. We also love the snow in Geghard Monastery and when Hasmik started to sing to demonstrate the acoustic of the monestary - absolutely heavenly. We get to see how Lavash bread is made and Hasmik taught us how to eat them with herbs and cheese, and lastly, the traditional Armenian Lunch was very tasty.

Fantastic tour! Our guide was great, although she could have spoken a bit louder. Good lunch. I would have rather had a few more minutes viewing Mt Ararat and less at Garni but overall very good tour, excellent value. I only gave the transport 3 stars because the windows weren’t great for sightseeing, as it is a fairly small bus.

It’s was an amazing trip.. the driver took me to Sevan lake, Dilijan and monastery and after that went to yell park to experience the amazing Zip-line activity And Ara was really nice and very helpful it wouldn’t be a good trip without him I highly recommend

we enjoyed this, our guide jasmine was very professional and understanding everything, we choose a much to stay in each stops and we saw great places that help us know Armenia better. highly recommended

I loved the tour, and our tour guide and the driver were great.