Experience Yerevan’s Lake Sevan: Gourmet Day Trip with Tastings and Lunch
Imagine a day spent exploring Armenia’s most iconic lake—Lake Sevan—with a perfect blend of history, flavor, and scenery. For $229 per person, this full-day tour from Yerevan takes you to ancient monasteries, artisanal cheese farms, lakeside restaurants, and a stunning wine castle, all in the company of knowledgeable guides.
What we love most about this trip is how it balances cultural discovery with culinary delights. You’ll get to see the historic Hayravank Monastery, which offers sweeping views of the lake, and taste cheeses that have been aged with wine, brandy, or grape leaves—an inventive Armenian twist. Plus, the opportunity to enjoy fresh lake fish at a lakeside restaurant with breathtaking vistas makes this experience feel authentic and indulgent.
One potential consideration is the duration and walking involved. The tour includes several stops, some with uneven terrain or historical sites that require a bit of wandering. It’s best suited for those who enjoy walking and are comfortable in a group setting.
This experience is ideal for food lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to see Lake Sevan beyond just a scenic backdrop. If you enjoy a mix of cultural sights and tasting local flavors, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Armenia’s treasures.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Cultural Highlights: Visit Hayravank Monastery and Noratus to experience Armenia’s spiritual and artistic heritage.
- Gourmet Flavors: Sample cheeses aged with wine, grape leaves, and Armenian brandy, with a focus on local, handcrafted products.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Lake Sevan from multiple vantage points during your journey.
- Local Cuisine: Savor fresh Lake Sevan fish at a lakeside restaurant, with dishes prepared with local ingredients.
- Wine Tasting: Conclude with an exclusive visit to a castle winery, tasting five different Armenian wines from indigenous grape varieties.
- Comfort & Flexibility: The tour includes comfortable transportation, guide service, and water, with flexible booking options.
Planning more time in Hayravank? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
A Deep Dive into the Lake Sevan Gourmet Day Trip
The moment you step into the comfortable transport arranged by Red Hat Tours, you’ll feel a promise of a day filled with discovery and indulgence. The guide, Yeva, receives consistent praise for her extensive knowledge and friendly demeanor—she’s the kind of guide who makes history come alive with stories and insider insights. This personal touch elevates the experience, especially compared to more rushed or generic tours.
The Journey from Yerevan to Lake Sevan
The drive from Yerevan to Gegharkunik Province is scenic, with rolling hills and mountain views that set the tone for a day away from the city’s hustle. As you leave behind the urban environment, you’ll start to notice Armenia’s natural beauty, with farms, vineyards, and small villages dotting the landscape. Your guide will share snippets of local culture and history, making the journey itself a pleasant introduction.
Hayravank Monastery: A Spiritual and Scenic Gem
Your first stop is Hayravank Monastery, a 9th-12th century religious site perched above Lake Sevan. The quiet atmosphere and spectacular views make it a favorite for visitors. Walking around the ancient stone structures, you’ll feel transported back in time, and the legend surrounding the monastery adds a layer of intrigue. The panoramic vistas of the lake below are some of the best you’ll find, perfect for photos or just soaking in the serenity.
More Great Tours NearbyNoratus: Armenia’s Khachkars and Cultural Heritage
Next, you’ll visit Noratus, home to the largest collection of khachkars—stone-carved crosses that are a distinctive feature of Armenian spiritual art. This open-air museum is a visual feast, offering insight into Armenia’s craftsmanship and religious symbolism. Be prepared for some walking on uneven ground; it’s a lively, authentic site that adds depth to your understanding of Armenian traditions.
Artisanal Cheese Tasting: Creative Flavors in a Farm Setting
One of the tour’s standout moments is the cheese farm, where you’ll sample 10 types of artisanal cheeses paired with Armenian brandy, wine, or grape leaves. These cheeses are not your supermarket variety; they’re crafted with care and often flavored with local ingredients. The guide may explain the aging process and the creative ways Armenians incorporate local spirits into their cheese aging—unique and delicious.
Lake Sevan Fish and Lakeside Lunch
No trip to Lake Sevan would be complete without tasting its famous fish. The stop at a lakeside restaurant offers a dining experience with breathtaking views of the water, as well as a menu featuring fresh fish prepared with local flair. The combination of scenery and cuisine makes this moment particularly memorable, as you savor your meal with the sound of gentle waves in the background.
Wine Castle and Armenian Wine Tasting
To cap off your day, you’ll visit a wine castle—a stunning winery where you can explore the production process and sample five glasses of Armenian wines. The wines are made from indigenous grape varieties, offering a taste of Armenia’s vinicultural heritage. The guided tasting helps you appreciate the complexities of these local wines, making it a highlight for wine enthusiasts.
Returning to Yerevan
After a full day of sights, flavors, and stories, you’ll be comfortably transported back to your hotel in Yerevan. The experience ensures that you leave with a deeper appreciation for Armenia’s culture, landscape, and culinary traditions.
Practical Tips for the Tour
- Wear comfortable shoes: Expect some walking, especially at historical sites and the cheese farm.
- Dress appropriately: The weather can vary, so check the forecast and layer your clothing.
- Bring a camera: The vistas and historic sites offer plenty of photo opportunities.
- Reserve in advance: The tour is popular, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before if needed.
- Enjoy the local flavors: Be open to trying cheeses, fish, and wines you might not encounter elsewhere.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This trip is perfect for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with tasting Armenia’s local flavors. It suits those interested in history, culture, and food, especially if you enjoy a leisurely pace with plenty of opportunities to explore and photograph. We’ve heard from a past traveler that Yeva’s guidance made the day even more rewarding, thanks to her deep knowledge and engaging storytelling.
If you’re after an authentic glimpse of Armenia’s culinary and spiritual heritage, this tour offers a well-balanced, immersive experience. It’s also a good choice if you prefer a small-group setting with flexibility and a focus on quality over quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour is designed to be a full day, starting from your hotel pickup and ending with your return to Yerevan. Exact timings depend on the day but expect around 8 hours in total.
What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers comfortable transport, a knowledgeable guide, cheese and meat tastings, a lakeside lunch featuring local fish, wine tastings at the castle, and water.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are essential due to some walking. Consider bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, especially in warmer months.
Are there vegetarian options?
The tour focuses on local fish for lunch, so vegetarians might want to inquire in advance if alternatives are available or bring snacks.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but keep in mind that some stops involve walking on uneven terrain. The experience is best suited for older children or teenagers interested in history and food.
Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, you can reserve and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
What languages are available?
Tour guides speak multiple languages including English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Polish, Georgian, and Armenian.
Is the wine tasting included?
Yes, you’ll sample five different Armenian wines during your visit to the castle winery.
What if I don’t want to participate in certain tastings?
You are free to skip tastings if you prefer; just inform your guide beforehand.
Final Thoughts
This Yerevan: Lake Sevan Gourmet Day Trip offers a balanced and authentic Armenian experience, weaving together history, scenic beauty, and culinary delights. It’s a well-priced way to explore beyond the city, especially if you’re eager to taste local cheeses, fish, and wines while soaking in stunning water views and ancient sites.
The tour’s highlights—Hayravank Monastery, artisanal cheese, fresh lake fish, and Armenian wines—are carefully curated to give you a taste of Armenia’s soul. The knowledgeable guide, Yeva, adds warmth and depth, making the day both educational and enjoyable.
Whether you’re a traveler with a palate for local flavors or a history buff eager for cultural insights, this tour offers a comprehensive, memorable adventure. Just pack comfortable shoes, bring your camera, and prepare to enjoy a day of discovery that will leave you with wonderful stories—and perhaps a new favorite wine or cheese.
You can check availability for your dates here: