At the crossroads of Europe and Asia lies the visually stunning Republic of Armenia. The tiny country is a storehouse of wonderful experiences for those travelling here each year. Its rich heritage, cultural diversity and spellbinding scenery belie Armenia's tumultuous past. Memories of the deep economic downturn that the country saw in the 90s, as well as its Soviet past, are quickly forgotten when you see the new hotels in Armenia and excellent facilities which made an appearance after the recent boom.
Armenia has long been acknowledged as the ‘cradle of civilization' and its history goes back hundreds of years in the ancient settlements. But just as impressive are the natural sights, like the biggest lake of Transcaucasia, that make this state a tourist's dream. Armenia's natural beauty and rich cultural history combine to provide travellers with a countless variety of things to see & do during there holiday in Armenia.
What Armenia has going for it is a rich heritage, a colourful cultural tradition, an interesting history, spiritual centres, appetising local cuisine, melodious folk music, enchanting vistas and centuries old churches - everything one could ask for in a holiday destination.
Taking a tour in Armenia is like a very interesting history lesson! There are the rock etchings in Erebuni's archaeological dig, the Fortress of Ughtasar upon a plateau, and several remarkable churches set against a stunning backdrop. The country is famous as the first country to accept Christianity as the state religion in 301 A.D., and as such it offers numerous monasteries and churches to explore. However, there are also cities worth checking out, such as the buzzing capital, Yerevan, and Iron Age archaelogical sites, historic towns, temperate rainforests, refreshing lakes ringed by white sand beaches and scenic mountainous terrain. Finally, the cuisine and hospitality of the Armenian people make visiting the country a real delight. Whilst exploring Armenia as an independent traveller may be a little more difficult than Western countries, you will find the rewards to be great indeed!
Flanked by the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, Armenia today is but a shadow of its past in terms of the area it spans. Bordered by Turkey on the west, Azerbaijan on the east, Iran in the south and Georgia in the north, the land-locked nation has its capital in the ancient city of Yerevan, which is as alive and buzzing with activity today as it was in pre-Roman times. This thriving capital city is a great base for your holiday in Armenia. Many Armenia hotels are understandably located in the capital, and many exciting Armenia tours explore the rich cultural history of the city. Our Armenia map can be used to compare the location of hotels that can be booked through our site to the interesting highlights monuments and array of exciting things to see & do in Armenia.
Lakes and mountains dominate the landscape of Armenia, with the 13,435 ft (4,095 m) high Mount Aragats towering above everything else. Lake Sevan is located in the midst of the mountains and is one of the world's largest mountain lakes. Several spas and health farms have leveraged the combination of the mineral waters and mountain air at these locations to set up special facilities to rejuvenate weary travellers and locals on getaways. The waters of the Tavush area are renowned for their healing properties and centres like Ijevan and Dilijan are popular resorts for the health conscious.
Armenia's scenic Kotayk area is immensely popular with domestic and foreign travellers and the area is frequented by a variety of Armenia tour groups exploring the region. The Tsakhkadzor area, also called the canyon of flowers, attracts skiing enthusiasts each winter. Another popular destination is the Syunik area, which has an abundance of natural freshwater springs, and spiritual and historical sites such as Karahunj (Stonehenge of Armenia), the Tatev Monastery, the Shake waterfall and Goris. Backpackers and hikers enjoy what the northern Lori area has to offer but history buffs will find something to please them too. The Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries here have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the Odzun Cathedral is definitely worth a visit.
The spiritual hub of the state is the Holy See of Echmiadzin - the site of Armenia's most important cathedral.
Capital Choice
There are few cities in the world that can claim to be older than 2000 years old - Yerevan is one of them. With a history that dates back 2800 years to Babylonian times, an otherwise well-preserved Yerevan has ironically seen more destruction in its recent past. Most of its buildings are post 1930 Soviet-style edifices.
There is no better symbol of Armenia than its capital city, with its ancient roots and spiritual core, its dark phases of destruction, followed by rebirth and a fresh start.
Accommodation in the city comes in many forms, from the humble Armenian guest house to the full service hotels and even apartment-style rentals. Choosing the right hotel in Armenia for you will be a fun experience with so many options to choose from. Like many capital cities around the world, Yerevan is the launching pad for most travellers arriving in Armenia as transportation to and from the capital is relatively easy to arrange. Yerevan's labyrinth-like by-lanes are an interesting reflection of its Russian past and wandering through Yerevan is a great way to acquaint yourself with life in Armenia.
Its violent past notwithstanding, Armenia is actually quite a relaxing and peaceful place to visit. The resort at North Dilijhan, with its healing powers, the idyllic Lake Sevan and the many small towns and villages set amidst lakes and mountains make Armenia feel like paradise on earth, and are a great place to get a unique souvenir of your holiday in Armenia. Hiking, skiing and even horse riding destinations are fast developing as niche holiday promoters build facilities and resorts in Armenia especially to cater to this segment.
Monasteries
Armenia has plenty to offer the pilgrim and the spiritually inclined. Monasteries in Armenia pepper the landscape - some still in use and others mere remains of their former grandeur. Visitors usually make Yerevan a base from which to explore these sites as many Armenian tour agents and Armenia hotels can arrange private, or group trips to suit travellers' needs. The Zvartnots ruins in the west and the Geghard and Garni sites to the east are must-do day trips.
Most will agree that there is no match for the simple beauty and magnetism of the Khor Virap Monastery in the south. Its location at the base of towering Mount Ararat only adds to the charm.
If you wish to explore monasteries further afield in the north and south, you will need to book accommodation in a town closer to the sites there.
Day Trip to Echmiadzin
The Mother Church of Armenia or the Mayr Tachar is to the Armenian Christian what the Vatican City is to other Christians. Located 25 km to the west of Yerevan, Echmiadzin has several religious sites to visit, including the Papal Visit Monument (constructed to mark the visit of Pope John Paul II in 2001).
Do set aside time to visit the Armenian Genocide Monument, Surp Gayane, Surp Shogahat and other churches in the area.
Through all the ups and downs that the state has seen, what has endured is the spirit of Armenia. The people, the towns and the culture retain an essence that is distinctly Armenian. Pride in their nation and their heritage is evident when one hears a local repeat that oft-told story of Winston Churchill favouring Armenian brandy over a French brandy. And Armenia lives on!
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