Day Trip to Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Ijevan Wine Brandy Factory

Exploring Armenia’s Northern Gems: A Detailed Look at the Lake Sevan, Dilijan, and Ijevan Wine & Brandy Factory Tour

This full-day group excursion from Yerevan offers a taste of Armenia’s scenic landscapes, historic monasteries, and local craftsmanship. With a comfortable, Wi-Fi-equipped vehicle and a knowledgeable guide, this tour is designed to give travelers a well-rounded experience without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

What makes this tour stand out is its combination of natural beauty, cultural insight, and the chance to sample Armenia’s renowned wines and brandies. The inclusion of key landmarks like Sevanavank and Haghartsin Monastery truly enriches the day, while the trip to the Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory adds a flavorful local touch.

Possible considerations include the roughly 9-10 hours of travel — it’s a long day, but one packed with diverse sights. Also, lunch isn’t included in the price, so you’ll want to budget for that separately, though the stops offer plenty of options.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic drives, cultural sites, and tasting fine local products. It’s particularly ideal for those who prefer small, personalized group experiences over solo exploration or large crowds.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day trip covering Armenia’s top northern attractions
• Comfortable transportation with Wi-Fi and optional hotel pickup
• Insightful guides fluent in English and Russian
• All entrance fees included, with local wine and brandy tastings
• Ideal for diverse travelers seeking cultural, scenic, and culinary highlights
• Flexible options for hotel transfer and custom requests

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

First Stop: Sharambeyan Street – Little Switzerland

Starting at Sharambeyan Street, you’ll step back in time amid charming traditional houses. Known locally as “Little Switzerland,” this area is a haven for Armenian artists, musicians, and filmmakers. The stone and wood homes, surrounded by lush forested hills, evoke scenes from a fairytale.

Travelers like Nava commented on the charm: “The area remains home to many Armenian visual artists,” and it’s easy to see why. The 30-minute visit is free, but it’s a perfect introduction to Armenian culture and craftsmanship. You’ll get a glimpse of artisan workshops—great for snapping photos or picking up a unique souvenir if you wish—and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Haghartsin Monastery: Medieval Serenity

Next, you’ll visit the 13th-century Haghartsin Monastery, a highlight for many. Surrounded by dense green forests, the monastery’s architecture is striking, with intricate stone carvings and cross-stones (khachkars). It’s an excellent spot to soak in Armenia’s spiritual heritage and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Reviewers like Iliya appreciated the professionalism and impressive collections of wine and cognac at the Ijevan winery, but here, you’ll just enjoy the serenity and historical beauty. Expect to spend about 50 minutes exploring the grounds, taking photos, and perhaps catching a moment of quiet reflection.

Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory: Tasting Armenia’s Liquid Gems

The visit to Ijevan Winery, founded in 1951, is a real treat for wine lovers. The factory’s location in the mountain-valley climate creates ideal conditions for producing high-quality grape and fruit wines, brandies, and sparkling wines.

As Iliya pointed out, the professionalism at the factory is evident, with impressive wine and cognac collections. You’ll have the chance to taste some products, learn about the production process, and appreciate Armenia’s long-standing tradition of wine-making. The two-hour stop allows for a relaxed tasting experience, and the factory also produces juices and canned goods, perfect for those wanting to take a taste of Armenia home.

Lake Sevan: The Crown Jewel

The most iconic stop on the tour is Lake Sevan, often called Armenia’s jewel. Situated at 1900 meters above sea level, the lake offers stunning panoramic views—especially from the hilltop Sevan peninsula, which you’ll climb for a breathtaking vista.

The walk up the stairs to the peninsula is a pleasant way to stretch your legs and build anticipation for the views. From the top, you’ll see vast blue waters surrounded by rugged mountains—a scene that leaves many visitors speechless. Sevanavank Monastery, built by Princess Mariam in the 9th century, is an added cultural highlight. Its impressive khachkar, depicting Jesus, is one of the few in Armenia.

One reviewer, Hristiyan, appreciated the well-organized commentary from Hasmik, who guided in both English and Russian. The hour spent here is enough to enjoy the scenery and visit the monastery, but be prepared for the possibility of some crowds during peak seasons.

Transportation & Overall Experience

Traveling in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, you’ll find the journey comfortable and convenient. The option for hotel pickup makes logistics simpler, especially if you’re staying in Yerevan’s city center. The tour is designed for groups with a maximum of 50 travelers but often feels more intimate, thanks to the small group size.

Timing is generally well-managed, with each stop offering enough time to explore without feeling rushed. Reviews like Nava’s highlight the professionalism of the guide Elina, who’s both charming and knowledgeable, making the long day engaging and informative. The driver, Murad, also receives praise for smooth, safe driving.

Value for Money

Priced at $35.84 per person, this tour offers a lot for the price. Entrance fees are included, and you’ll get to sample local wines and brandies, which adds a culinary dimension to the day. The addition of local sweets, bottled water, and the possibility of a tasty lunch (not included but available nearby) makes this a good investment for travelers wanting to maximize their Armenia experience without the stress of planning.

Authentic Experiences & Insider Tips

Based on reviews, one of the real charms of this tour is the knowledgeable guides—like Elina and Hasmik—who provide in-depth commentary that enhances each visit. They also accommodate different language preferences, which helps travelers feel more connected and engaged.

The tasting at Ijevan Winery isn’t just about drinking; it’s an educational experience that highlights Armenia’s proud wine-making tradition. Many reviewers appreciated the professionalism at the factory, noting their impressive collections and the high quality of products.

The stop at Sharambeyan Street and Haghartsin Monastery offers more than just sightseeing—they give a real sense of Armenian life and spiritual heritage. The scenery at Lake Sevan, with its vast waters and backdrop of mountains, makes for some truly memorable photos and peaceful moments.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for those who want a well-rounded day of sightseeing without dealing with logistics. It suits travelers of all ages interested in Armenia’s landscapes, history, and local products. It’s particularly good for those who enjoy guided tours that provide context and stories behind the sites.

If you’re short on time but want to see a variety of highlights, this tour packs a lot into one day. It’s also perfect for group travelers or families, given its flexible, small-group atmosphere.

However, if you prefer a very leisurely pace or want to spend more time at each site, you might find the stops somewhat brief. Also, lunch isn’t included, so plan accordingly for a meal during your day.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, hotel pickup from any hotel in the Yerevan city center is offered as an optional service, making logistics easier.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, covering multiple sites and including travel time.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees for the stops are covered in the tour price.

Can I taste local wines and brandies?
Absolutely, the visit to Ijevan Winery includes tastings of their high-quality grape and fruit wines, brandies, and sparkling wines.

Is lunch included in the price?
No, lunch is not included but can be purchased separately at nearby locations for roughly $6–$14 per person.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 50 travelers, but reviews suggest it often feels intimate, especially with attentive guides.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour to Lake Sevan, Dilijan, and the Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory offers a balanced mix of Armenia’s natural beauty, cultural sites, and local flavors. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a rundown without the hassle of planning, especially if they appreciate engaging guides and authentic experiences.

The combination of stunning vistas, historic monasteries, and quality tastings makes it an excellent value for the price. While it’s a full day, many reviewers have found it to be a rewarding way to see Armenia’s highlights in one go, with the guidance of friendly, knowledgeable locals.

For those interested in Armenian landscapes, history, and culinary delights, this tour provides a memorable, well-organized adventure that captures the essence of the country’s northern region.

In essence, this trip is perfect for curious travelers eager to see Armenia’s scenic landscapes, learn about its history, and sample its finest wines—all in one thoughtfully curated day.