This fantastic tour will introduce you to the exotic Pagan history of Armenia, before then showing the later development and spread of Christianity throughout the country. Your first stop will be Garni Temple (77 A.D.), which is the only standing heathen temple in the whole post-Soviet area. The monastic complex of Geghard is another historical site included in this daily tour. Approximately translated into English as “Monastery of the Holy Lance”, it refers to the lance with which Longinus pierced Jesus whilst he was still hanging on the cross. The complex is a representation of 13th century Armenia, which is considered to be the Golden Age of the country’s architecture. On the way to the temple, there will also be short stop at the Charents Arch where you will be given the chance to enjoy one of the best moments of your trip to Armenia: a picturesque view of the Biblical Mount Ararat. From here, your tour will progress to the beautiful Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at the height of 1,900 meters above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. Your lake tour begins by climbing a flight of stairs to the Sevan Peninsula, a pleasant morning workout that will compensate itself with unforgettable panoramic views of the lake from the top. You will also visit the monastery of Sevanavank, which was built by the princess Mariam to honor the life of her deceased husband in the 9th century. The tour will then take you to the north of Armenia, where you will be surrounded by beautiful nature. Passing through the city of Dilijan, you will make a stop at the monastery of Gosh-Goshavank. The final destination during this trip will be the monastery of Haghartsin, which dates back to the 10th-14th centuries.

Whilst staying in Armenia, you simply cannot miss the opportunity to visit the country’s most renowned landmark – the beautiful Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at a height of 1900m above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains.The tour begins as you climb a flight of stairs to the Sevan peninsula – a pleasant morning workout that will reward you with unforgettable panoramic views of the Lake from the top. You will also visit the monastery of Sevanavank, built by Princess Mariam to honor the life of her deceased husband in the 9th Century. The tour will then take you to the North of Armenia, where you will be surrounded by beautiful nature. Near to the city of Dilijan, you will make a stop at the monastery of Gosh-Goshavank. This historical church is located in the heart of nature and by a beautiful village with the same name. Mkhitar Gosh was one of the great intellectual powers of his day, authoring numerous works, including the first code of civil and Canon law that was used in both Greater Armenia and Cilicia. The last destination during this trip will be the monastery of Haghartsin, dating back to the 10th -14th Centuries. The name translates as “the play of the eagle”. The scenery here is stunning, with both the monastery and the nature surrounding it providing breathtaking views.

After departing from Yerevan, you will make your way to one of the country’s most renowned landmarks: the beautiful Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at the height of 1,900 meters above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. The tour begins by climbing a flight of stairs to the Sevan Peninsula, a pleasant morning workout that will compensate itself with an unforgettable panoramic view of the lake from above. You will also visit the monastery of Sevanavank, which was built by the princess Mariam to honor the life of her deceased husband in the 9th century. Sevanavank is also home to one of the most beautiful Amenaprkich (all savior) Khachkars of Armenia. Next, you will travel to the North of Armenia, where you will be surrounded by beautiful nature. Passing through the city of Dilijan, you will make a stop at the monastery of Gosh-Goshavank. The last destination during this trip will be the monastery of Haghartsin, which dates back to the 10th-14th centuries. The name is translated as “the play of the eagle”. The scenery is somewhat similar to a stunning work of art, with both the monastery and the nature surrounding it providing a breathtaking view.

Visit Lake Sevan, the world’s second-largest high-altitude lake at 1900m above sea level. Explore this huge mountain lake that takes up 5% of Armenia's surface area. Marvel at stunning turquoise waters and dramatic mountain scenery after climbing up the peninsula hill. Continue to Dilijan spa town in Dilijan National Park, a protected area renowned for its serene lakes, picturesque hill trails, and peaceful villages. Words alone can’t describe the natural beauty of Dilijan. Soak in the forested mountains and mild climate of Dilijan. Take a stroll in Old Dilijan Complex on the historic Sharambeyan street. Then, continue your journey to Haghartsin, a fairy-tale medieval monastery nestled in the middle of the forest.

During our driving tour I can show you in detail fascinating places in Armenia and have some great stories to tell. I want our tour to be fun and informative and I will gladly assist in any help you may need after your trip. On the shores of the high-altitude Lake Sevan (the largest body of water in Armenia and the Caucasus region) we pause at Sevanavank Monastery(founded in 874 AD by Princess Mariam the daughter of Ashot king). The Monastery is located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan after the artificial draining of Lake Sevan, which started in the era of Joseph Stalin, the water level fell about 20 meters, and the island transformed into a peninsula. We continue our drive to Dilijan forested city known for spa resorts and traditional craft workshops. The town is surrounded by the forests of Dilijan National Park. ITINERARY - Pick up from your hotel / apartment - Drive to Sevan Lake (the largest body of water in Armenia and the Caucasus region) - Sevanavank Monastery(small hike up to the top of Sevan's Peninsula to visit the Monastery) - Visit to Dilijan forested city(famous for its amazing surroundings, called the "Armenian Switzerland" by the locals) - Lunch(restaurant in Dilijan that offers traditional Armenian food) - Visit Goshavank Monastery (once famous for its library founded in the 13th century) - Continue to drive to Georgia - Armenia border(Sadakhlo Crossing Point) - Drop off in Tbilisi

During this tour you will visit “The Jewel of Armenia” or the “Geghama Sea” - Lake Sevan, which is one of the largest high-mountainous freshwater lakes in the world. In the northwest part of Sevan Lake, on a narrow rocky peninsula, there stands one of the most prominent examples of medieval Armenian architecture – Sevanavank Monastery. It was founded in 874 AD by princess Mariam. The remnants of the monastery that was constructed in the 9th century include only two temples – Surb Arakelots and Surb Astvatsatsin, standing among numerous khachkars. The church buildings were constructed from black tuff, which probably gave the monastery its name Sevanavank - “the Black Monastery”. The next destination of our tour is “Armenian Switzerland” - Dilijan. It is said that if there were forests, mountains and mineral springs in Paradise, the Paradise would be similar to Dilijan. In 13 km northeast of Dilijan in a cozy place one can find Monastery complex Haghartsin ('Dance of the Eagles’). It was built between the 10th and 13th centuries and has three churches: one named for Gregory the Illuminator; another for the Virgin Mary (Surp Astvatsatsin); and the third for St Stephen (Stepanos). There are stunning khachkars, a sundial on the wall of St Gregory, a ruined gavit and a refectory with stunning arched ceiling. Our last stop will be the Monastery Goshavank which became one of the most famous religious and scholarly centers in medieval Armenia in the 12th-13th centuries, led by one of Armenia's most accomplished scholars, legal experts and scientists, Mkhitar Gosh (Mkhitar from Gosh, 1130–1213). The monastery was renamed Goshavank upon his death. The monastery was built between 1188 and the late 13th century.

Get ready in order to explore Tsaghkadzor Town, located in the homonymous valley. This town is considered as the most developed ski resort in the whole country. The very name Tsaghkadzor means “The valley of flowers or flower canyon” in Armenian. Also, it is well-known as a major spa and health resort. Upon arrival to this town, you will be taken by the majestic beauty in each corner. Later, you will take the cable car and rise up to the top, from where the magnificent atmosphere and spectacular nature of Tsaghkadzor unfolds. Enjoy the bird’s eye view of Tsaghkadzor Town and Teghenis Mount. The next stop is the turquoise Lake Sevan, the “Blue Pearl” of Armenia. Take a walk along the shores of this majestic lake and enjoy some free time to explore the beaches, as well as relax on one of the deck chairs. Visit Sevanavank Monastery, which is considered to be one of the most visited places and tourist attractions in Armenia. This monastery complex was constructed in the 9th century. It consists of two churches, Surb Arakelots “Holy Apostles” and Surb Astvatsatsin “Holy Mother of God”. Get acquainted with the history of this important site from the experienced guide. Overall, this trip to Sevanavank Monastery offers a unique combination of nature’s grandeur with the history and architecture. Afterwards, go to visit Dilijan. This city, which is considered to be “Little Switzerland” of Armenia, is a worthwhile place to see and spend at least one single day. Nestled in the forested mountainside, Haghartsin Monastery represents an astonishing harmony of nature and architecture. The very name Haghartsin means “The playing eagle” (“Hagh” means a game and “Artsin” or “Artsiv” – an eagle in Armenian), as an eagle used to soar over the main building of the monastery. Thriving from the 13th century, the monastery complex had been one of the most important scientific and cultural centers of Medieval Armenia. Now you will have an opportunity to admire fully reconstructed Haghartsin. Then return to Yerevan after this amazing day.

Our wonderful tour will take you to the famous mountain-ski resort - Tsaghkadzor. Translated from Armenian the word “Tsakhkadzor” means the Gorge of Flowers. In the north-western part of Tsakhkadzor one can find the 11th century monastic complex of Kecharis. The next destination during this trip will be “The Jewel of Armenia” or the “Geghama Sea” - Lake Sevan, which is one of the largest high-mountainous freshwater lakes in the world. In the northwest part of Sevan Lake, on a narrow rocky peninsula, there stands one of the most prominent examples of medieval Armenian architecture – Sevanavank Monastery. It was founded in 874 AD by princess Mariam. The next destination of the tour is “Armenian Switzerland” - Dilijan. In 13 km northeast of Dilijan in a cozy place one can find Monastery complex Haghartsin ('Dance of the Eagles’). It was built between the 10th and 13th centuries. There are stunning khachkars, a sundial on the wall of St Gregory, a ruined gavit and a refectory with stunning arched ceiling. We will also pay a visit to the Monastery Goshavank which became one of the most famous religious and scholarly centers in medieval Armenia in the 12th-13th centuries, led by one of Armenia's most accomplished scholars, legal experts and scientists, Mkhitar Gosh (Mkhitar from Gosh, 1130–1213). The monastery was renamed Goshavank upon his death. The monastery was built between 1188 and the late 13th century.