Our most recommended things to do in Noratus

Yerevan: Lake Sevan, Dilijan, and Haghartsin Monastery Tour

1. Yerevan: Lake Sevan, Dilijan, and Haghartsin Monastery Tour

Discover Lake Sevan, Dilijan and more on a multi-stop guided trip from Yerevan. Start your trip by visiting one of the country’s most renowned landmarks: Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at a height of 1900 m above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. Then, prepare to be surrounded by incredible nature as you head to the north of Armenia. Visit the city of Dilijan before making a stop at the Monastery of Haghartsin, dating back to the 10th century. Haghartsin is one of those spots in Armenia that feels just like a movie set. The refectory of Haghartsin is one the biggest examples of Armenian Church architecture. It was an absolute innovation at the time it was constructed.

Private tour to Lake Sevan, Noratous, Hayravank, Sevanavank

2. Private tour to Lake Sevan, Noratous, Hayravank, Sevanavank

During this tour you will visit “The Jewel of Armenia” or the “Geghama Sea” - Lake Sevan, which is one of the largest high-mountainous freshwater lakes in the world. In the northwest part of Sevan Lake, on a narrow rocky peninsula, there stands one of the most prominent examples of medieval Armenian architecture – Sevanavank Monastery. It was founded in 874 AD by princess Mariam. The remnants of the monastery that was constructed in the 9th century include only two temples – Surb Arakelots and Surb Astvatsatsin, standing among numerous khachkars. The church buildings were constructed from black tuff, which probably gave the monastery its name Sevanavank - “the Black Monastery”. After visiting Sevanavank we will go to Noratus, which is famous for its cemetery, the oldest part of which includes over 800 khachkars (stone crosses), carved between the 9th-17th centuries. The carvings are from each period of the art form's development, which are distilled into three main periods: 9th-10th cc, 11th-12th cc and 13th-16th cc. The last stop will be Monastery Haravank, which dates back to the 9th-12th centuries. The three main constructions of the monastery are the church, the chapel and a gavit. The interior of the church is rather simple, but very thrilling when the sun hits the narrow windows of the church. The rays of the sun attack the interior, creating a thrilling sensation of holiness for every single visitor.

From Yerevan: Lake Sevan, Noratus, and Jermuk Day Tour

3. From Yerevan: Lake Sevan, Noratus, and Jermuk Day Tour

Explore Armenia on a full-day sightseeing tour from Yerevan. Discover the top destination in Armenia, Lake Sevan. Learn about the importance and symbolism of khachkars. Visit Hayravank Monastery, Noratus, and Jermuk.Head out east to witness the wild beauty of Lake Sevan, a Ramsar site situated at 1900 m above sea level. Surrounded by a chain of mountains, it is often described as the jewel of Armenia. Next, visit Hayravank Monastery, a medieval-era architecture that overlooks the lake from the south. Continue to drive to reach the village of Noratus. Here you will find the largest collection of khachkars (Armenian cross-stones), a fascinating symbol of Armenia's religious and cultural heritage. They are also on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Finish your tour by soaking in the wild beauty of Jermuk. Enveloped by forests and mountains, Jermuk lies on a plateau that splits into two by the Arpa river gorge. The town is famous for its alluring waterfalls and the presence of curable water.

Sevan: Half-Day Lake Sevan Tour from Yerevan

4. Sevan: Half-Day Lake Sevan Tour from Yerevan

Get ready to explore the Armenian Highlands on a full-day tour. Head to many of the most dramatic and breath-taking places in Armenia, starting from the capital city Yerevan and traveling northwest through this mountainous, historic region. Make your first stop at the famous peninsula of Sevan to enjoy the wonderful view of the Lake Sevan. Listen to your guide explain to you the architectural composition of Sevanavank, and the secrets of Lake Sevan, 1900 meters above sea level. Continue on and pass by the blue waters of Lake Sevan, and arrive in the village Noratus. Here, take the chance to explore the beautiful khachkars of Noratus. At the end of the tour, return to the capital Yerevan.

Yerevan: Hayravank, Noratus, Selim, Winery, and Jermuk Tour

5. Yerevan: Hayravank, Noratus, Selim, Winery, and Jermuk Tour

During this tour, visit Hayravank, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the "blue pearl" of Armenia – Lake Sevan. The next stop will be at the collection of khachkars in Noratus, which are considered the highlights of Armenian architecture. Then you will pass through the Selim Pass, which connects the northern part of Armenia with the southern one. You will visit the Arpi winery, where you will taste the unique Armenian wine. Then you will go to the resort town of Jermuk, which is famous for its mineral waters, which have various healing properties. Also in Jermuk you will see a waterfall with the original name "Mermaid's Hair".

Armenia: 7-Day Private Highlights of Armenia Tour with Meals

6. Armenia: 7-Day Private Highlights of Armenia Tour with Meals

During our 7 days, we will hike the Armenian mountains, enjoy the local food and get familiar with the Armenian historical and religious monuments, ancient culture and national cuisine. We will visit memorials, markets, temples, monasteries, and many more to learn about history. Day 1 / Airport pick up and drive to your hotel / City Tour(Visit Erebuni fortress which is an Urartian fortified city) / walking tour / Lunch / back to your hotel Duration: 7 hours Day 2 / Yerevan - Echmiadzin - Hike from Garni village to Garni temple(distance - 4km; duration 2-3 hours) - Lunch - Geghard cave monastery - drive back to Yerevan Duration: 8 hours Day 3 / Yerevan - Drive to Khor virap monastery -Hike from Gnishik village to Noravank monastery(distance - 13km; duration 5-6 hours) - Lunch - riding cable car to Tatev Monastery - Overnight in Goris town Duration: 12 hours Day 4 / Goris - Khndzoresk cave city - Yeghegis village - Lunch - Zorats church - 13th century Jewish cemetery- o/n in Yeghegis Duration: 8 hours Day 5 / Selim caravanserai - Noratus cemetery -Lake Sevan - Lunch - o/n in Dilijan. Duration: 8 hours Day 6 / Dilijan - Hike Goshavank to Parz lake(distance - 8km; duration 3-4 hours) - drive to Alaverdi- o/n in Alaverdi Duration: 10 hours Day 7 / Hike from Sanahin to Haghpat(distance - 10km; duration 4-5 hours)- Lunch - Back to Yerevan - farewell dinner Duration: 10 hours

Armenia: Yerevan to Sevan Transfer

7. Armenia: Yerevan to Sevan Transfer

This reliable transfer service promises to be the safest option possible, with new and comfortable vehicles (sedan, van, or bus depending on the number of passengers). You will be driven with a professional and experienced driver, with WiFi and insurance on board. Don't miss your chance to visit Sevan City, one of the most popular resorts in Armenia. During your stay, make sure you visit Noratus, an open-air museum of Armenian "khachqars" (cross-stones), that has huge historical and cultural value.

Yerevan: Lake Sevan, Noratus, & Hayravank Monastery Tour

8. Yerevan: Lake Sevan, Noratus, & Hayravank Monastery Tour

Whilst staying in Armenia, you simply cannot miss the opportunity of visiting one of the country’s most renowned landmarks: the beautiful Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at the height of 1,900 meters above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. Here you will visit Hayravank Monastery, which is situated on a high hill. The trip will then continue along the shore to reach Noratus, a village which is home to the largest collection of the Armenian Khachkars, stone steles engraved with a cross which are designed to show the way to salvation. According to the legend, Hayk (the ancestor of all Armenians) ordered his people to decorate every single stone in Armenia, which is why you will see some 3,000 of these decorated stones, which depict various stories from different ages.

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What people are saying about Noratus

Staff was amazing, drivers provided safe transportation, and tour guides were well informed. Drivers, Arayik and Marat were friendly, as well as the tour guides, Taguhi and Karen. They covered a lot of information that I was not aware of about my country.

The tour guide (a young woman) was fantastic, so knowledgeable, so friendly and with a great sense of humour. Im really sorry i cant remember her name. The food was good too

We had Naira as our guide, she is a lovely person! Tour had rich lanch, unlimited water. Bus driver was really accurate. I attended tour in russian language.

Great trip to beautiful Dilijan and Lake Seven. Our tour guide Sascha was amazing!!

Great tour, great explanations from the guide, answered all questions, very polite