About this experience
Get ready to explore non-touristic but extraordinary places. On the western shore of Lake Sevan, you will find monuments against the backdrop of azure waters and snow-capped peaks. Follow the traces of the Great Silk Road, visit the ancient monastery of Hayravank, explore traditional stone khachkars, and taste Armenia: enjoy a cheese tasting at a cheese factory and have lunch on the lakeshore.
What to Expect
Sevan in all its glory on the way to Hayravank
We will admire the pristine lake landscapes on the western coast of Sevan, where once the Great Silk Road passed and tourists seldom visit. You will visit the 9th-century Hayravank monastery and hear the legend of salvation from the deadly army of Tamerlane. Then you will climb on small rocks to enjoy the silent beauty of nature and antiquity.
The largest open-air khachkar museum
Near the monastery lies the ancient village of Noratus. Here we will talk about the birth of the art of khachkars, symbols of Armenian sanctuaries. You will examine intricate ornaments and decipher the most remarkable ones. You will discover why khachkars still intrigue scientists and how these stones once saved the local residents.
Master class and tasting at a family cheese factory
After the journey into the past, we will visit a small farm where a master cheesemaker invents and creates unusual cheeses: aged in brandy, mixed with aromatic herbs, with different types of mold. He will share the nuances of his craft with you. You will participate in a cheese-making master class, taste the cheese, and learn the name of the Armenian Parmesan (spoiler - not Parmezan!).
Of course, we will also stop for lunch on the shore of Sevan - to taste fish and signature kebabs made from crayfish tails.
Organizational Details
How the Tour Goes
- I or another professional guide from our team will conduct the tour for you
- You can start the tour even in the afternoon, spending the morning in Yerevan and resting on the way back
- The tour can be arranged for a larger number of participants, with an additional payment of 18,000 (approximately 36€) per person
What is included and what is not
- Comfortable transport is included
- Additional expenses: cheese tasting at the cheese factory is paid separately before the start of the tour: 10,000 per person (for the premium package with wine)
- Lunch is paid separately (average check - 13 euros per person)
- You have the option to hire a professional photographer and videographer: take nice photos for memory or social media, shoot a trendy short video, or even have a creative photo shoot. You can discuss all the details with our photographer before the trip and ask questions. For each location, you will receive about 5 photos and a small video. The service cost is 60,000 drams.
