Dilijan is one of Armenia’s most appealing spots, offering lush forests, charming villages, and historic monasteries. But what truly makes Dilijan stand out for travelers are its diverse tour options that combine adventure, culture, and local flavor. We especially love the Adventure Tour: Adrenaline Rush in Sevan, Dilijan and Ijevan because it offers a thrilling mix of hiking, zip-lining, and horseback riding—all set amid Armenia’s stunning scenery. For those interested in local traditions, the Bottle Your Own Local Sparkling Wine provides a tasty hands-on experience, perfect for wine lovers who want to create a memorable souvenir. And if you’re after a relaxed yet culturally rich day, the Forest to Monasteries: A Magical Tour of Dilijan and Ijevan offers scenic forests, ancient monasteries, and wine tasting in one seamless trip.
In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of tours that highlight Dilijan’s natural beauty, historic sites, and local crafts. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a culture, or a leisurely day out, there’s a tour here that will suit your travel style. Want more details? Check out the Adventure Tour: Adrenaline Rush in Sevan, Dilijan and Ijevan or the Forest to Monasteries for a taste of what’s on offer.
Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of each of the top-rated tours in Dilijan, highlighting what makes them special, their pros and cons, and who might enjoy them most.
1. Adventure Tour: Adrenaline Rush in Sevan, Dilijan and Ijevan
This 9-hour adventure is perfect for travelers craving activity and outdoor excitement. For $210 per group, up to three people, you’ll get a full day of hiking, zip-lining, and horseback riding across some of Armenia’s most scenic landscapes. The tour begins with a hike through Dilijan’s lush forests, where you’ll breathe in the fresh mountain air and soak up the serenity of Dilijan National Park. Then, the highlight is zip-lining through the treetops—an adrenaline boost with incredible views overhead. Afterward, you’ll enjoy horseback riding around Ijevan’s scenic countryside, which is ideal for those who want to combine nature with a bit of fun.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of physical activity and natural beauty. The zip-line experience is often described as exhilarating, especially with the aerial views of Armenia’s forests. The horseback ride offers a sense of freedom and connection with the landscape, suitable even for beginners. The tour is quite balanced in terms of adventure and scenic exploration, making it great for active travelers or families.
Cost-wise, it’s a solid value given the full day of activities, especially considering the small group size. The only potential downside? The physical nature of the tour might not suit everyone, and the 9-hour duration requires good stamina. But for those craving an action-packed day, this is hard to beat.
Bottom line: If you’re after a physically engaging experience that combines forests, mountains, and adrenaline, this tour is a fantastic choice.
2. Bottle Your Own Local Sparkling Wine
For just $21 per person, this 1.5-hour experience at Hovaz Wines offers a unique chance to learn how champagne-style sparkling wine is made using traditional methods. Located in Tavush Province, this tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts interested in Armenian viticulture and local craftsmanship. You’ll see how the wine is crafted in the same way as in Champagne, with a chance to label and cork your own bottle—an ideal keepsake or gift.
What makes this experience special is the hands-on nature combined with the chance to learn about Armenian winemaking traditions. During the tour, you’ll discover the history of winemaking in Armenia, which claims to be one of the world’s oldest. The host’s passion for sustainable cultivation and wildlife conservation adds an extra layer of authenticity and purpose.
Guests often comment on how engaging and informative the tasting is, with the opportunity to purchase your own labeled bottle if you wish. It’s a relaxed, intimate experience suited for small groups, couples, or anyone curious about local wines. The only caveat is that it’s quite short, so if you’re a serious wine fan, you might want to pair it with other local activities.
Bottom line: This tour provides a delicious, educational break from sightseeing, great for wine lovers and those wanting a taste of Armenia’s wine-making heritage.
3. Forest to Monasteries: A Magical Tour of Dilijan and Ijevan
This 9-hour tour at $215 per group takes you through some of the most iconic natural and historical sites in Armenia. Starting in Dilijan’s mystical forests, you’ll hike through Dilijan National Park, where the tranquility of the woods makes it easy to forget the modern world. The tour then visits the 13th-century Haghartsin Monastery, a marvel of medieval Armenian architecture—perfect for those interested in history and spirituality.
One of the highlights is tasting local wines at the Ijevan Winery, where you’ll learn the art of Armenian winemaking, adding a cultural dimension to the scenic adventure. The tour balances nature walks, ancient architecture, and culinary delights, making it ideal for travelers who want a varied day.
Guests often praise the personalized feel of this tour, as it’s designed for small groups and includes meaningful stops at sites like the monastery and the winery. It’s a good fit for those who want a mix of outdoor activity and cultural exploration without feeling rushed. The main drawback might be the walking involved, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Bottom line: For travelers seeking a well-rounded experience of Armenia’s nature and history, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Dilijan and Ijevan’s treasures.
4. From Yerevan: Lake Sevan and Dilijan: Private Day Tour
This 10-hour private tour is perfect if you prefer a flexible, personalized experience. For around $215, the tour includes stops at Lake Sevan, Sevanavank, and Dilijan National Park, with optional visits to local landmarks like Goshavank and Haghartsin Monastery. The itinerary is customizable, allowing you to spend more time exploring your interests.
The highlight is the visit to Sevanavank, which sits on the peninsula with panoramic views of Lake Sevan. You’ll also visit Goshavank, with its impressive khachkars (stone crosses), and Haghartsin Monastery, set amid peaceful forests. The itinerary balances scenic viewpoints, cultural sites, and leisure time.
Guests often mention how convenient and comprehensive this private tour is, especially for those seeking a hassle-free day with a local driver. The downside? It’s a longer day, so travelers with limited mobility or tight schedules might prefer a shorter option.
Bottom line: If you want a customized, full-day exploration of Armenia’s most famous sights with flexibility, this private tour is a top choice.
5. Horseback riding in Dilijan
At $213 for up to three people over 5 hours, this horseback riding tour offers a chance to connect with Armenia’s landscape in an active and memorable way. Starting from Yerevan, the day includes a scenic drive to Dilijan, where you’ll ride with views of Lake Sevan and through forested areas. The ride itself is customizable, suitable for beginners or more experienced riders.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on personal connection with nature and horsemanship. The itinerary includes a mountain ascent that provides some of the best vantage points of the region, along with opportunities for photography. The tour also offers a mix of breaks, sightseeing, and scenic stops—perfect for travelers who like active experiences that aren’t just sightseeing but involve physical participation.
Guests love the unforgettable photo opportunities, especially the mountain views and lakes. The main consideration is the physicality involved, so guests should have a moderate level of fitness. The timing allows for a relaxed day, but it’s best suited for those comfortable on horseback.
Bottom line: For outdoor lovers and adventure seekers who want to combine sightseeing with riding, this tour delivers a memorable Armenia experience.
6. Armenia: Private Tour to Dilijan & Lake Sevan
This 9-hour private tour offers a deep dive into Dilijan’s forests, monasteries, and Lake Sevan. The itinerary is flexible, with stops at Lake Sevan and Dilijan National Park, as well as the Haghartsin Monastery. It’s ideal for travelers who want a personalized, culturally rich day without the crowds.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on independent exploration with expert guidance. You’ll visit Lake Sevan—famous for its large size and scenic vistas—and Lake Parz, a peaceful spot perfect for relaxing or a picnic. The visit to Haghartsin Monastery adds historical depth, and the driver will tailor the day to your pace.
This tour is perfect for those who want a private experience with flexibility. It’s well-suited for families, couples, or small groups. The main limitation? It’s a full day, so travelers must be ready for a lot of walking and sightseeing.
Bottom line: If you prefer a customized, private approach to exploring Armenia’s lakes and monasteries, this tour provides a relaxing yet enriching experience.
7. Dilijan: Armenian Wine Tasting at ACOL Ethnic Manor
For about 3 hours, this wine tasting experience at the ACOL Ethnic Manor is a wonderful way to learn about Armenian winemaking traditions. Located in Dilijan, the tour includes a guided visit of the estate, where you learn how wines are made in clay amphorae, a practice dating back thousands of years.
One of the most appealing aspects is the tasting of Armenian wines, paired with regional snacks and snacks. The guided tour provides insights into local customs and techniques, making it more than just a tasting—it’s an educational experience. The guide’s passion for preserving traditional practices shines through, making it an engaging visit.
While the tour focuses on wine, it’s also a cultural experience, perfect for those interested in Armenian crafts and local food traditions. It’s best suited for adults, as participants need to be at least 18 years old.
Bottom line: For wine lovers and cultural enthusiasts, this wine tasting at ACOL Ethnic Manor offers a memorable and flavorful look into Armenia’s wine heritage.
8. Group Tour: Dilijan, Parz Lake, Makaravank, wine factory
This 11-hour group tour combines nature, history, and local wine. Starting from Hyur Service, it includes stops at Dilijan town, Lake Parz, and Makaravank Monastery—a 10th-century site with spectacular medieval architecture. Then, on the way back, you’ll visit a local winery.
The tour is designed for travelers who want a rundown of Dilijan’s highlights. The visit to Lake Parz offers peaceful waters and photo opportunities, while Makaravank showcases medieval stone craftsmanship. Its relaxed pace makes it suitable for those who enjoy sightseeing without rushing.
Guests appreciate the timed visits and scenic views along the route. The main limitation is the length—11 hours is a long day, so it’s best for those prepared for a full schedule.
Bottom line: If you want a thorough tour covering natural, historical, and culinary highlights, this group outing offers good value and variety.
How to Choose Your Perfect Dilijan Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you love active adventures, the Adventure Tour or horseback riding are excellent options. For a cultural and scenic experience, the Forest to Monasteries or private Yerevan tour provide a more relaxed pace. Wine enthusiasts should not miss the Wine Tasting, especially if they want to learn about Armenian viticulture.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure spots in your preferred experience. For active travelers, packing comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for outdoor activities is recommended. For cultural tours, bring your curiosity and camera.
Final Thoughts
Dilijan offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, history, and local culture, reflected in the variety of tours available. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure, a serene monastery visit, or a hands-on wine experience, there’s something for every kind of traveler. For active types, the Adventure Tour and horseback riding stand out, while those interested in culture and history might favor the Forest to Monasteries or private Yerevan trip.
If you’re planning a trip, consider which experience aligns with your interests and fitness level. Booking early can help you secure a spot in these popular tours. No matter what you choose, Dilijan’s charm is sure to leave a lasting impression.
