Tour Transfer to/from Tbilisi with Lake Sevan & Wine tasting

Traveling between Georgia and Armenia can be more than just a point-to-point journey—this group tour offers a fantastic mix of sightseeing, culture, and local flavors all in one day. While it’s primarily a transfer, it’s packed with enough memorable stops to make the travel time feel like part of the experience rather than just transit.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to see Lake Sevan, one of Armenia’s most iconic sights. Second, the Sevanavank Monastery, perched above the lake, offers a glimpse into history and stunning views. Third, the visit to Ijevan Wine & Brandy Factory brings the chance to taste authentic Armenian wines and spirits, guided by knowledgeable staff.

But there’s a small consideration—this is a long day, clocking in around 10 hours, so travelers should be prepared for a full itinerary. The tour suits those who want to enjoy the scenery and cultural highlights without the hassle of planning multiple stops or hiring a driver. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a relaxed but insightful transfer between Tbilisi and Yerevan, with a bit of sightseeing thrown in.

Good To Know

• Comfortable Shared Transport: Relax in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver.
• Cultural & Natural Highlights: Visit Sevanavank, Lake Parz, and enjoy stunning mountain views.
• Wine & Spirit Tasting: Guided tour of Ijevan Winery with tastings of wine and 7-year-old brandy.
• Flexible Stops & Meals: Food courts available for lunch, with options for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
• Beautiful Views & Photo Opportunities: From Sevan Lake to Dilijan’s lush landscape.
• Full-Day Experience: Approximately 10 hours, including pickup, sightseeing, and drop-off.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Pickup & Starting Point

The tour begins with convenient hotel pickup in either Tbilisi or Yerevan, making it a seamless start for travelers. The shared transfer is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a relief given the potential summer heat or winter chill. An English or Russian-speaking driver guides you through the day, making sure you’re comfortable and informed.

Lake Sevan: Armenia’s Pearl

Just over an hour from Yerevan, Lake Sevan is the first major stop. Sitting at 1900 meters above sea level, it’s often called the “Pearl of Armenia” for its vast blue waters and surrounding mountain scenery. You’ll have around 30 minutes for a photo stop, soaking in the panoramic views. Some reviews mention that the views from the top overlooking Sevan are simply fantastic, especially from the vantage point near the monastery.

Sevanavank Monastery: A Historic Clifftop Retreat

Next, you’ll visit Sevanavank Monastery, built by Princess Mariam in the 9th century. It’s perched on a hilltop, offering commanding views of the lake below. Visitors can explore at their own pace, and the one-hour visit allows time for photos, wandering the grounds, and soaking in the history. There’s a 200-step climb to reach the monastery, but that’s optional—many find the effort worthwhile for the scenery and the chance to walk where monks once did.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Lake Parz and Dilijan: Armenia’s Swiss-like Town

The drive then takes you north through what’s often called “Armenian Switzerland”, the charming town of Dilijan. The highlight here is Lake Parz, a serene mountain lake renowned for its reflective surface and surrounding lush forest. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing 40-minute walk, with reviewers noting that the lake looks stunning year-round—green in spring and summer, fiery in autumn, and icy in winter. Here, travelers often note the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity for some quiet nature photography.

Ijevan Wine & Brandy Factory: Tasting Armenia’s Best

The tour’s pièce de résistance is the visit to Ijevan Wine & Brandy Factory, established in 1951. It offers an insightful guided tour—you get to see the production process of high-quality brandy and wines, including seven-year-old Armenian brandy. Tasting sessions include two types of wine (red or white, and pomegranate wine), cheese, dried fruits, and chocolate. Reviewers like Fiona and Luis emphasize that the wine tasting was educational and enjoyable, with many commenting on the friendly and knowledgeable guides.

Food Courts & Flexibility

Throughout the day, there are stops at large food courts in Sevan and Ijevan. These are ideal places to grab lunch or a snack, giving travelers the flexibility to choose their preferred cuisine. Many reviews suggest that these stops add value, offering local dishes and a chance to refresh before heading to the next point.

Drop-Off & End of Tour

The tour wraps up with drop-offs in Yerevan or Tbilisi, making it convenient regardless of your final destination. The entire journey, including sightseeing, tasting, and travel, takes around 10 hours, so it’s a full day but one packed with memorable sights and experiences.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews paint a clear picture of a well-organized, scenic, and enjoyable day. Fiona appreciated the friendly driver and the great stops, calling it a “smooth way to travel between Armenia & Georgia.” Luis highlighted how helpful the driver was, especially in navigating the stops, and recommended speaking directly with the agency for additional services.

Lee raved about the views from the top of Sevan, the wine tasting, and the breathtaking scenery at Lake Parz during the stop near Dilijan. Many reviewers also praise the safe, punctual drivers and the ease of pick-up and drop-off arrangements. That said, a few noted that the tour isn’t particularly packed with guided commentary, so travelers seeking a more educational experience might want to prepare some additional info ahead of time.

Practical Details

The price reflects value for money given the inclusions—transport, multiple scenic stops, wine and brandy tastings, and flexible meal options. The full-day length makes it ideal for those who want an efficient way to see Armenia’s highlights without planning multiple separate trips or hiring a driver. The group size tends to be small to medium, fostering a relaxed atmosphere.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives with plenty of photo opportunities, especially those keen on experiencing Armenia’s natural beauty and historical sites. It’s perfect if you’re arriving in Tbilisi or Yerevan and want a straightforward way to see some of Armenia’s highlights without the hassle of self-driving or organizing multiple guides.

Wine lovers will appreciate the guided tasting at Ijevan, while history buffs will find Sevanavank’s ancient monastery fascinating. If you’re after a relaxing, scenic day with a balance of sightseeing and culture, this tour strikes a nice chord.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this tour suitable if I only speak English?
Yes, the driver provides services in English or Russian, making it accessible for English speakers. The guided tour at the winery is also in English, ensuring clear understanding.

How long is the total drive?
While the entire experience lasts about 10 hours, the driving time between stops is reasonable, with plenty of scenic breaks. It’s designed to maximize sightseeing without long, monotonous periods in the car.

Can I customize my food options during the stops?
The tour includes stops at food courts, allowing you to choose your meal. While specific menus aren’t detailed, these places typically serve local cuisine, and you can plan accordingly.

Is it possible to do this tour in the winter?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine, and the scenery, especially Lake Parz with snow, can be quite beautiful in winter. Just dress warmly for the outdoor stops.

Are there any physical demands?
The main physical activity involves climbing about 200 stairs at Sevanavank, which is optional. Otherwise, the tour is comfortable with plenty of opportunities to sit and enjoy the views.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers pickup and drop-off, transportation, guided winery tour, tastings of wine and brandy, cheese, dried fruits, chocolate, and a bottle of water.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No, food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, but stops at food courts are included for meal breaks.

How many people typically join this tour?
The reviews suggest small to medium groups, making the experience more intimate and flexible.

Do I need my passport for this trip?
Yes, travelers should ensure they have their passports, especially given the crossing between Georgia and Armenia.

This transfer tour from Tbilisi or Yerevan offers an appealing mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and local flavors. You’ll get to walk away with stunning photos, taste authentic wines and brandies, and experience some of Armenia’s most treasured spots—all without the stress of independent planning.

It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer a relaxed, guided day that combines transportation with sightseeing, making it ideal for those short on time but eager to see a lot. The inclusion of quality tastings and scenic stops makes this a worthwhile choice for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and nature admirers alike.

If you’re after a smooth, well-organized way to travel and explore Armenia’s highlights, this tour is an excellent option. Just remember to bring your camera, a sense of adventure, and your passport!

You can check if your dates are available here: