Private Tour to Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Haghartsin Monastery with Optional Tolma Making Master Class and Wine Tasting in Yerevan, Armenia

Add some color to your day with this private tour! First, a short visit to Lake Sevan, the pearl of our mountainous country and one of the largest freshwater high-mountain lakes in Eurasia, follows. Next, the road will take you to Dilijan - the so-called "Armenian Switzerland", where you will see the 10th century Haghartsin Monastery, which was recently restored with donations from Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Kassimi, the ruler of Sharjah, who was impressed by the monastery when he visited it.

Highlights:

• Visit the "Blue pearl" of Armenia: Lake Sevan
• Haghartsin Monastery
• Unforgettable beauty and mild climate of Dilijan
• Wonder at unique forests of Armenia
• Learn the culinary secrets of Armenian traditional cuisine
• Taste flavorful Armenian wine

Includes:

• Professional guide
• Transportation by a/c vehicle
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (within Yerevan)
• Vehicle and passengers insurance
• Bottled water
• Tolma master class and food tasting

Not included:

• WiFi in the vehicles
• Wine tasting

Please note: The price for solo traveller is 256 EUR. For the group of two - 257 EUR.

Pay on spot wine tasting: Option 1: 3 types of wine at 6.19 EUR p/p; Option 2: 3 types of wine and 2 types of brandy at 8.67 EUR p/p; Option 3: 3 types of wine and a 20-year-old brandy at 12.38 EUR p/p.

Cancellation policy: 15% from the total price is non refundable

Add some color to your day with this private tour! First, a short visit to Lake Sevan, the pearl of our mountainous country and one of the largest freshwater high-mountain lakes in Eurasia, follows. Next, the road will take you to Dilijan - the so-called "Armenian Switzerland", where you will see the 10th century Haghartsin Monastery, which was recently restored with donations from Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Kassimi, the ruler of Sharjah, who was impressed by the monastery when he visited it. Then you will have the opportunity to take part in a master class on cooking the most delicious Armenian national dish in one of the finest restaurants in Dilijan (optional). The last point of the tour will be the wine and cognac factory "Ijevan", where an excursion and wine tasting are provided (optional). The delicate aroma of Armenian wine will serve as a wonderful end to the tour.

The fascination and the "pearl" of mountainous Armenia is Lake Sevan, which is one of the worlds greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. It is about 1900 m above sea level. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded by mountains of 3000 m and higher. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve as nice preconditions for excellent rest.The lake is also famous for its peninsula and medieval church complex, built in 874.

Dilijan entices people with its unforgettable beauty and mild climate. The city stretches on the banks of the Aghstev river, surrounded with mountains and forests. Dilijan has the fame of a health resort. The warm sun, fresh air and natural spas have a great healing influence on people. Dilijan is also rich in interesting architectural monuments.

Haghartsin monastery, situated in the woodlands of Tavush region, represents an indescribable example of a blend of nature with architecture. It was founded in the 10-11th centuries, though new buildings were added in the 12-13th centuries. Now it consists of St. Grigor, St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), St. Stepanos churches and some other buildings.The refectory, due to its skillful architectural composition, is of great interest. Near Haghartsin there used to grow a huge oak tree, almost at the age of the monastery, completing the whole scene. Unfortunately, only a small part of the hollow has remained till the present day, however, it is still of much interest among the visitors, and preserves the tradition, according to which, when one makes a wish and at the same time manages to pass through the tree (hollow), it is expected to come true in the nearest future.

Tolma is one of the exquisite dishes of Armenian cuisine. The classic tolma is made of beef, lamb and spices wrapped in grape/cabbage leaves or other vegetables. Usually the dish is served with matzoon (Armenian yogurt) and garlic. It is cooked both on holidays and ordinary days. Another popular version is Lenten (Pasuts) tolma cabbage leaves stuffed with red beans, lentils, croup, tomato paste, onions and lots of spices. Making tolma demands some skill and mastery, as all those ingredients should be perfectly turned in order to achieve a beautifully tight and delicious looking small roll that will "overcome" the boiling process. Depending on the region, tolma differs in ingredients and, therefore, in taste.You will learn the essentials of making tolma during this special master class, which is followed by tasting (included in the price).

Founded in 1951, Ijevan wine-brandy factory is one of the oldest factories in Armenia. It is located in the beautiful city of Ijevan, Tavush province. The factory produces a vast range of brandies, grape, fruit and berry wines, fruit vodkas and even canned products, thus it is a nice opportunity to taste both wine and brandy in one place.

You can book more tours from the host:

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• Khor Virap Monastery, Azat Reservoir View Point, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Lavash Baking Master Class
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