Dilijan and Lake Sevan group tour with lunch
This tour takes you to the North of Armenia, where you will be surrounded by beautiful nature.
The first destination is the monastery of Haghartsin, dating 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. It is one of those spots in Armenia that feels like an unreal movie set. Upon visiting the church, HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, donated over $5,000,000 for its renovation. The refectory of Haghartsin is considered the biggest amongst Armenian Church architecture; it was an absolute innovation of its time! If you are curious as to why, there will be nothing better than seeing it for yourself!
Through 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 a beautiful village. Mkhitar Gosh was one of the great intellectual powers of his day, “a humble man of wisdom,” authoring numerous works, including the first code of civil and Canon law that was used in both Greater Armenia and Cilicia. He is buried near the church which he himself built in 1188. Here you will also see Pavghos’s (Poghos) Khachkar, considered to be the most beautiful “embroidered” Khachkar (stone cross) in Armenia.
Whilst staying in Armenia, you simply cannot miss the opportunity to visit 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 1900m above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. Climbing a flight of stairs, you will reach Sevan peninsula with an unforgettable panoramic view of the lake from the top. Here you will also visit the monastery of Sevanavank, 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. This is one of the 13 rarest crosstones depicting Jesus.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where you can taste delicious fresh fish caught from Lake Sevan. Here you will understand why Armenians are willing to drive for one hour just to have a taste of Sevan fish for dinner.
