Partly carved out of the side of a mountain, the Geghard Complex is an awe-inspiring example of an ancient Armenian monastery. Although the monastery was built before the 4th century, the main cathedral wasn't built until 1215. The entrance to the compound is surrounded on three sides by high walls, and by the mountain on the fourth. The churches inside the complex are all interconnected, and you can wander through them all. Outside the complex is a series of caves and ruins. These are also quite interesting to explore.

Nestled in a temperate rainforest on the side of a mountain, approaching Haghartsin monastery through the mist can be a surreal and enchanting experience. The scenic surroundings definitely add to the overall aura of the place. The combination of natural and architectural beauty is very impressive, and something which most visitors to Armenia never see. Three main buildings are still standing at the complex. One is a large hall, and the other two are gorgeous churches. Views from the surrounding areas are spectacular.

Sitting on the crest of the ridge between Yeghegis and Artabunyk (formerly known as Alayaz), this stunning 9th century fortress includes an upper citadel and monastery. The castle used to receive water from a buried clay pipe, which lead from the monastery. According to legend, the Turks compelled the fort's surrender by employing a thirsty horse to sniff out the pipeline. The path to Smbataberd fortress is very windy and narrow, and as such, getting local knowledge (such as that of a tour company) on the best way to get there is essential.

The top of Ughtasar Mountain is one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Armenia. Along with the scenic views of the mountain-top valley and the small lake, there are a number of ancient petroglyphs, which have been dated to between four and seven thousand years old. Getting to the top of the mountain can be quite difficult, and, as such, a tour guide and a 4X4 vehicle is recommended for anyone wishing to make the journey to see the petroglyphs. Journeys should only between undertaken between July and September, as the mountain is covered by snow during the rest of the year.

This huge mountain lake, which is about 2,000 metres above sea level and takes up about 5 % of Armenia's total land area, is one of the main tourist attractions of Armenia. This fresh water lake has shores of white sand, and despite being popular with locals, its size means that most of the beaches are uncrowded. The most popular spot is the monastery peninsula. This peninsula has two crude churches, known as the monastery of Sevanavank, which are worth visiting and climbing up for the views of the lake and surrounding areas. Due to the fact that it is a popular local destination, there are quite a large number of accommodation choices and restaurants, especially along the west and north shores of the lake.

Traditional architecture abounds in the forested town of Dilijan. Dilijan is located in the Tavush region, and it is worthwhile spending a night or two here. It is often referred to by the locals as the "Little Switzerland" of Armenia, and is also just a short trip to the monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank. The main street is Sharambeyan Street, and has been preserved and maintained as a "traditional street" of Dilijan. Along this street you will find craftsmens workshops, a museum and a gallery. Dilijan is an attractive summer retreat, as the cool forests offer a nice respite from the heat of Ararat Valley. It is quite easy to organise transport from Yerevan to Dilijan.

Vanadzor is located an hour and a half drive south of Yerevan, and is Armenia's third largest city. It is set in a river valley, and has a milder climate than the capital. The scenic valley is blighted somewhat by a monstrous chemical plant. However, there are points of interest in the city. The grand main street escaped relatively undamaged by the earthquake, and its buildings are worth a look. As well, with a history that dates back to the Bronze Age, there are a number of interesting tombs around the city. The name Vanadzor, which means Black Church, was taken from a black stone church which sits on a nearby hill.

The second largest city in Armenia, Gyumri is known mostly for its large cemeteries, some of which are filled with victims of the 1988 earthquake. Much of the city's buildings still show earthquake damage, but as Armenia's oldest large town, it does provide the opportunity for some interesting walks. Gyumri, or Alexandropol as it was then known, was at one stage the largest city of the republic, and as such, some of the old architecture that has survived the earthquake is quite attractive. Some of the main sites of Gyumri include Gyumri Museum, Gyumri Cathedral, the Russian Fort and some of the old churches. There are also a few Iron Age archaelogical sites that may be of interest.

As almost everything of interest is located in the very centre of Yerevan, it is extremely convenient for tourists to get around. Yerevan is at its best when the weather is warm, and the whole central part of it can often feel like one big cafe. With the Opera as its centre, people take advantage of the late sunsets, and are out late drinking coffee and fruit smoothies, and eating pastries, cakes and crepes. Strolling along the main avenues, or just sitting at an outside table at one of the cafes is a great way to pass the evening.

There are also a number of museums that may be of interest. The most popular of these is the Sergei Parajanoc Museum. Despite being probably Armenia's best known directors (he was actually born in Georgia, but is of Armenian heritage), this museum is filled with his hand crafted arts, rather than anything related to his films. The National Art Gallery contains some interesting art from around the region - especially the floors featuring Armenian art. Other museums and galleries that are worth a visit include the Children's Art Gallery, Martiros Saryan's House-Museum and the Matenadaran.

Whilst in Yerevan, you may wish to spend an evening at the Opera. The stately Opera House contains both opera and symphony halls, and is one of the nicest buildings in Yerevan. Tickets can be obtained very cheaply, and it is worth purchasing some just to see the interior of the building. Finally, a great place to spend a few hours on the weekend is Vernissage, which is the weekend tourist bazaar. Old soviet souvenirs, handmade and hand carved items of almost everything imaginable, and everything in between, is bargained and haggled over in this market, and it can be a lot of fun.