About this experience
This journey combines Armenia's natural beauty and architectural landmarks. You will enjoy the views of Lake Sevan, learn about the monasteries of Sevanavank and Agartsin, stroll through the cozy streets of Dilijan, and optionally visit the village where the Molokans live and have lunch with one of their hospitable families.
What to Expect
Route to Lake Sevan
Enjoy a scenic one-hour drive from Yerevan while hearing about volcanic glass, known as the 'nail of Satan'. We may make a stop where the rock type protrudes to collect some pieces as souvenirs.
The first stop is the high-altitude Lake Sevan, whose mirror rests at 1900 meters above sea level. We will visit the Sevan Peninsula, explore the Sevanavank monastery and the 4th-century basilica ruins, and discuss the history of these places. Admiring breathtaking views, we will drive along an abandoned road that offers an excellent perspective of the lake.
Molokans, Dilijan cottages, and a monastery engulfed in greenery
Next, we head towards the town of Dilijan, but taking the old road through the mountains and the village of Semyonovka instead of the tunnel (which awaits us on the way back). This village was founded by the Molokans, a Russian Old Believer group — today the second-largest national minority in Armenia. I will tell you about their life, and if you wish, you can learn more about their lifestyle: for an additional fee, we will visit the village of Fioletovo, where the Molokans currently dwell, and visit one of their hospitable families. You will have lunch and enjoy Russian pancakes, patties, and tea from a samovar.
In Dilijan itself, we will visit the 'Old Town' — a picturesque restoration of one of the old streets. I will help you identify traces of different cultures in its architecture.
Lastly, we will visit the monument dedicated to the three main characters of the film Mimino. The final stop of our route is the 10th-13th-century Agartsin monastery, built from light tufa stone, where we will discuss religion in Armenia.
Organizational Details
- Payment is also possible in the local currency
How the Tour Goes
- I or one of the professional guides from our team will conduct the tour for you
- I will pick you up from any location within Yerevan and drop you back after the tour
- The tour can also be conducted for a larger number of travelers (up to 18). If you are 8 or more people, the tour must be booked at least three days in advance.
- For lunch, we will stop at one of the colorful restaurants on the shores of Lake Sevan or in the town of Dilijan. Average check: 5,000-6,000 drams
Additional Options (optional)
- Visiting a Molokan family: additional fee of 10,000 drams, plus 4,000-8,000 drams per person for treats
- Extending the program with a visit to a forest farm breeding noble deer to restore their population — 500 drams for farm entry + 5000 drams for additional tour time
- Extending the program with a visit to Lake Parz, where you can zip line and go boating — + 5000 drams for additional tour time
- Drone filming is available — inquire with the guide for details
Options are available on all days except Sunday, subject to available time slots.
