Tour to Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery and Haghartsin Monastery from Yerevan

Discover the Lake Sevan area, the monastery of Sevanavank of the IX century, with two churches and explore the Haghartsin on a full day tour.Begin at Lake Sevan, the high-mountainous lake is the “pearl of Armenia”. Located at an altitude of 1,900 m above sea level at the center of the Armenian highland, it is the largest of the Caucasus lakes. From all sides, Sevan is surrounded by mountain ranges, offering a stunning view on the alpine region.Continue to the Sevanavank monastery complex on the peninsula of Sevan. Founded in 305 by St. Gregory the Illuminator, who built the church on the place of a pagan temple. See the rich in wood-carved elements, a part of which is also kept in the Armenia State Museum of History and in the Art Gallery of St. Petersburg (Hermitage). On top of the mountain of the island the remnants of the church with a domed hall are preserved and the territory of the cloister is filled with khachqars (cross-stones).Next, you will stop in Dilijan city, one of the most important and beautiful cities in Armenia. Stroll through the old city center and enjoy the city's unique atmosphere.Finally visit Haghartsin, the spiritual and cultural center of medieval Armenia. The monument is located on a plateau surrounded by forested mountains with remarkable architecture and over hundreds of inscriptions, containing material on the socio-political history of medieval Armenia.Haghartsin monastery is associated to the name of Khachatur Taronatsi, a prominent figure of medieval times. During his leadership, the monastery flourished, new constructions were built and a remarkable monastic school was opened. He died and was buried in front of the Cathoghike Church in Haghartsin monastery. Inside the monastery complex you will also see the St. Grigor church, St. Cathoghike church, St. Stepanos church and a refectory.