From the Blue Pearl to Armenian Switzerland

The program starts with Lake Sevan ("The Blue Pearl of Armenia") - the highest freshwater mountain lake in Europe, and surrounded by the Lesser Caucasus mountain range. Set 1900 m above sea level, Sevan is the largest lake in the Caucasus, it's also one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world. Its colors and shades change with the weather and by its mysterious processes, from a dazzling azure to dark blue and a thousand shades in between.

The tour around the lake also includes a visit to the Sevanavank Monastery. Enjoy a visit to the picturesque site of monastery, an ancient religious complex that overlooks Lake Sevan. Situated on a peninsula that was once an island before the water level dropped, the monastery stands atop a hill, with scenic views of the lake and the often-snow-capped slopes in the backdrop. You'll need to climb a number of stairs to reach the site, but you'll be rewarded with inspiring panoramic views. Explore the two historic churches, most likely dating from the 9th century and exhibiting a typical, simple Armenian style of architecture.

After our day continues to the beautiful city of Dilijan that is sometimes referred to as the forest kingdom of Armenia. In this cozy town, you can find vivid examples of traditional wooden house architecture. The mountains and gorges are covered with rich forests changing to alpine meadows and dotted with small farms, hiking tracks, lakes and rivers. The mountainous landscape is highly diverse, with different terrains, climates, soils and water resources. Many natural and man-made features enrich the national park: monasteries, lakes, archeological sites, forests, rivers and farmland create an endlessly-changing environment.

The day wouldn’t be complete without visiting Haghartsin Monastery that rises among the majestic mountains where eagles fly. The name of the monastery is associated with them: Haghartsin in Armenian means “game of eagles”. The most ancient building of Haghartsin is the Church of St. Grigor built in the 11th century by monks who fled from Western Armenia fleeing persecution. Haghartsin used to be a major center of culture and spirituality in Armenia since the 13th century. 

Visiting Honey House - located in a cozy corner right in the heart of nature, where you can taste different types of delicious homemade honey, jams, and the most unique and authentic wine — a kind you probably have never tasted before — Honey Wine. 

Couldn’t resist the taste? Buy from these delicious treats and take with you.

Our last stop is mesmerizing Parz Lake. It is a scenic alpine reservoir nestled inside Dilijan National Park in Armenia's Tavush Province. 

There is no “best time” for visiting the lake: it is beautiful in all seasons of the year. The view of lake is stunning in winter, spring, summer and especially in autumn. But no matter which season it is, lake Parz is a heaven for those who love to enjoy peace and silence. After a day full of impressions, we return back to Yerevan.