Yerevan – Sevan – Dilijan – Aghartsin – Goshavank – Tea with Molokans – Yerevan
Departure from Yerevan. Trip to the blue pearl of Armenia – the high-altitude Lake Sevan (1900 m).
Visit to Sevanavank Monastery (9th century) on the Sevan Peninsula. The monastery was founded in 874 by Princess Mariam.
Free time for lunch in Dilijan (optional, additional cost).
Excursion to the Aghartsin Monastery, located 18 km from Dilijan. Nestled in a fairytale forest in a small mountain river valley, the monastery unexpectedly appears just around a bend in the road. Built between the 10th and 13th centuries, despite restoration completed in 2014, it still retains its unique aura and atmosphere.
Visit to the Goshavank Monastery (12th–14th centuries). The complex includes the Church of Surb Astvatsatsin (1196), the Church of Surb Grigor (1231), the narthex (1203), the library with a bell tower (1291), the school building with chapel and gallery (13th century).
On the way back, enjoy tea with the Russian Old Believers – the Molokans. Set on the beautiful grounds of a small eco-hotel, relax in a gazebo with magnificent views while sipping herbal tea from a samovar, tasting aromatic honey with mountain herbs, warm bread, and homemade butter — nothing tastes better than simple Russian food in the fresh air.
Return to Yerevan.
Duration of the excursion: 7 - 8 hours