Group Tour: Lake Sevan, Hayravank, Noratus, Jermuk, winery

Travel through Armenia’s scenic landscape on this full-day group tour from Yerevan for only $43 per person. Spanning approximately 13 to 14 hours, the tour covers Lake Sevan, the Hayravank Monastery, the Noratus Cemetery, the mountain town of Jermuk, and a visit to a local winery. This well-rounded experience provides a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local flavors, making it ideal for those eager to explore Armenia’s diverse offerings without the hassle of planning.

With air-conditioned transportation, a professional guide, and included wine tasting, this tour offers genuine value. The tour receives a perfect rating of 5.0 based on 246 reviews, with 99% recommending it. Its popularity is reflected in bookings made on average 12 days in advance, indicating high demand. While it involves quite a few stops, the pace remains engaging, and the mix of nature, history, and local culture appeals to a wide audience.

Key Points

• Full-day excursion from Yerevan covering major Armenian sites
• Includes Lake Sevan, Hayravank Monastery, Noratus Cemetery, Jermuk, and a local winery
• Affordable price of $43 with lunch optional and wine tasting included
• Transport is air-conditioned, with WiFi in the vehicle and professional guides
• Stops are well-paced, with the tour designed for most travelers, but involves some walking and steps
• The tour operates rain or shine, and early booking is recommended due to high demand

Discovering Lake Sevan: The “Blue Pearl” of Armenia

The tour begins at Hyur Service meeting point in Yerevan and quickly moves to Lake Sevan, Armenia’s most famous natural attraction. Sitting at about 1900 meters above sea level, this volcanic high-altitude lake boasts crystal-clear water and stunning mountain surroundings that create picture-perfect views. Travelers often comment on the beautiful landscape and the refreshing atmosphere.

The lake’s medieval church complex, built in 874, is a key highlight on the Sevan Peninsula, where visitors can admire the historic architecture and enjoy the scenic vistas. The walk to Sevanavank Monastery involves approximately 200 steps, so some physical activity is involved, but the view from the top offers rewarding panoramic sights over the lake and surrounding mountains.

Visiting Hayravank Monastery on Lake Sevan’s Shore

Next, the tour stops at Hayravank Monastery, built on a high rock overlooking Lake Sevan. The modest 9th-century church stands out for its roughly hewn stone construction and tranquil setting. Its location on the lake’s shore makes it an ideal spot for quiet reflection while taking in spectacular views of the water and the mountains.

The 40-minute visit allows plenty of time to explore the cozy church and appreciate its historical significance. The monastery’s architectural style reflects Armenia’s early medieval traditions, making it a meaningful stop for those interested in the country’s religious and cultural heritage.

Noratus Cemetery and the Art of Khachkars

The tour then explores Noratus Cemetery, known as a “forest of khachkars”—Armenia’s iconic cross-stones. The open-air museum features hundreds of khachkars, with some dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. This site provides a unique glimpse into Armenia’s medieval craftsmanship, with many exquisitely embroidered stones.

Noratus’s art of khachkars is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Visitors can observe how these cross-stones evolved over centuries and learn about their symbolic significance. The 40-minute stay offers ample time for photo opportunities and cultural insights.

Crossing the Historic Selim Pass

The Vardenyats Pass, also known as Selim Pass, has served as an important trade route since ancient times. The tour features a drive through this serpentine mountain road connecting the Vayots Dzor and Gegharkunik regions. Built in 1332, the caravansary along the route adds a medieval flavor to the landscape.

This 20-minute stop provides a chance to appreciate the rugged beauty of the Armenian mountains and imagine the historical trade caravans that once traveled this path. The narrow, winding road offers impressive views, making it a highlight for those interested in Armenia’s historic routes.

Jermuk: The Mountain Health Resort

The town of Jermuk is renowned as Armenia’s health resort, famous for its medicinal mineral waters. The mineral springs, with water temperatures ranging from 30 to 50°C, have been valued since early medieval times. The tour includes a one-hour visit to the drinking gallery, where visitors can taste the famous mineral water.

Jermuk’s natural springs are believed to have healing properties, and the town’s scenic setting in the mountains makes it a peaceful spot to relax. The pump rooms and surrounding nature create a calming environment, ideal for those interested in wellness or simply enjoying Armenia’s mountain climate.

Wine Tasting at Hin Areni Winery

The journey concludes at the Hin Areni Winery, situated in the cradle of Armenian winemaking in the Areni village of Vayots Dzor. This historic wine factory processes over 250 tonnes of grapes annually, blending ancient traditions with modern techniques.

Guests enjoy a 40-minute wine tasting, sampling local varietals in a setting that connects Armenia’s wine heritage with its current production. The winery’s indigenous grape varieties and state-of-the-art equipment demonstrate Armenia’s ongoing significance as a wine-producing country. The experience offers a delicious and educational perspective on Armenia’s viticulture.

Practical Logistics and Group Experience

The tour departs at 9:00 am from Hyur Service in Yerevan, with air-conditioned transport and WiFi for comfort and convenience. The group size is limited to 49 travelers, ensuring a comfortable environment. The guide speaks both English and Russian, providing informative narration throughout the day.

A lunch option is available at around 3900-4900 AMD (10-13 USD), though it is not included in the base price. The tour does not provide hotel pick-up or drop-off, so travelers should arrange their own transportation to the meeting point. The entire experience is designed to suit most people, with some walking involved, particularly at Sevanavank.

High Ratings and Positive Feedback

The tour’s perfect score of 5.0 reflects strong satisfaction among participants. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, especially highlighting Khachatur and Rosa for their interesting explanations and friendly manner. The value for money is noted as excellent, especially considering the included wine tasting and admission fees.

Visitors appreciate the scenic views, cultural insights, and well-paced stops, though some mention that the many stops make the day somewhat busy—but all agree it remains worthwhile. The full-day schedule offers a comprehensive look at Armenia’s natural beauty and heritage.

The Sum Up: An Engaging Armenian Day Trip

This full-day tour from Yerevan offers a rich combination of natural scenery, historical sites, and local traditions. The price of $43 makes it accessible, especially given the multiple stops and included activities like wine tasting. Its highly positive ratings and recommendation rate of 99% speak to its quality and popularity.

While the itinerary involves quite a few locations and some walking/steps, the professional guides and comfortable transport help make the day enjoyable. This tour suits history buffs, nature lovers, and wine enthusiasts alike. It provides a well-rounded introduction to Armenia’s mountain landscapes, medieval monasteries, and local culture—all in one engaging day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children should be accompanied by an adult due to some walking and steps involved.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
Yes, the tour runs regardless of weather, so dress appropriately, especially in summer when sunscreen is recommended.

What is included in the price?
The professional guide, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water and pastries, admission tickets, WiFi, insurance, and wine tasting are included. Lunch is optional and paid separately.

How long is the drive between stops?
Most stops are relatively short, with the longest being around 1 hour at Jermuk. The drive through the Selim Pass takes about 20 minutes.

Is physical activity required?
Some stops, such as Sevanavank, involve steps and walking, but the overall pace is manageable for most travelers.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a group tour with a fixed itinerary, so customization isn’t available. However, the sites included are popular highlights.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is usually booked around 12 days in advance, reflecting its popularity and limited group size.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included but can be purchased separately at local restaurants along the route.

What is the best time to take this tour?
The tour operates year-round, rain or shine. Summer offers the benefit of warm weather and sunny views, but always dress appropriately.

How do I find the meeting point?
The tour starts at Hyur Service, 96 Nalbandyan Poxoc, Yerevan. Confirm your arrival time and location when booking.