Destination Overview
Armenia
Capital
Jerewan
Language
Armenian
Time
GMT +4
Religion
Christianity
Currency
Dram
Population
3 Million
International Airports
Jerewan
Weather
Armenia has a continental climate with dry and sunny summers lasting from June to mid-September. The summer temperature fluctuates between 22 and 36 degrees Celsius (72 and 97 degrees Fahrenheit) with evening breezes blowing down the mountains providing a welcome refreshing and cooling effect. Springs are short, while falls are long.
Top Highlights
- Visit one of world’s most ancient Christian churches in Echmiadzin (UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Take a boat trip on lake Sevan – the second highest and largest alpine freshwater lake in the world.
- Explore the magnificent medieval Tatev monastery by the world’s longest non-stop double track aerial tramway.
- Bake Armenian bread «Lavash» (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity) in a traditional underground stove.
- Sleep like the locals in the wooden barrel houses or in an eco-friendly glamping camp.
- Travel in time and hop in a soviet taxi to explore the soviet relicts of the country.
- Taste “drunken” cheese at the Mikaelyan’s Family Farm.
- Ride a motorcycle to discover Armenias off-road beauties.
Ancient Churches
Armenia, known as ‘the land of churches’, has some of the oldest churches and monasteries in the world, standing in some incredible settings. There are thousands of them – 4,000, in fact – in cities, towns and villages across the country. From the largest – Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan, to the smallest – the 7th century Karmravor church in the Ashtarak region, their historical beauty is something to be seen.
Lakes and Mountains
From deep ravines cut by ancient rivers to the glittering waters of Lake Sevan, water plays a major part in Armenia’s landscapes, but with around 90% of the country standing 900 metres or more above sea level, it’s the dramatic mountain scenery that will leave the lasting impression. The second largest freshwater alpine lake in the world can be found in Armenia and it’s also host to a medieval monastery offering breath-taking surrounding views.
Bread Baking
A very important aspect of Armenian cuisine is the traditional bread in the country. Lavash (Armenian thin bread) for Armenians has a sacred meaning and symbolizes well-being, luck, abundance, and prosperity. Lavash has been selected for the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage and as one of the most beautiful and common Armenian national traditions, is a baking process well worth witnessing when visiting the country.
Armenia Journeys
- All Journeys
- 10-Days
- 11-Days
- 12-Days
- 13-Days
- 14-Days
- 15-Days
- 16-Days
- 17-Days
- 18-Days
- 2-Days
- 3-Days
- 4-Days
- 5-Days
- 6-Days
- 7-Days
- 7-Nights
- 8-Days
- 9-Days
- Adventure
- Algeria
- Animals
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Auckland
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bali
- Bangkok
- Bangladesh
- Beach Extension
- Beijing
- Bespoke
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Buenos Aires
- Cairo
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Cape Verde
- Chiang Mai
- Chile
- China
- City Explorer
- Colibri Group Journey
- Colibri Travel
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Culinary
- Destination Trip
- Dhaka
- Dolphins
- Egypt
- Family
- Georgia
- Germany
- Highlight Tour
- Hiroshima
- Hoi An
- Hong Kong
- Hotel Specials
- Hurghada
- India
- Indonesia
- Island Hopping
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Journeys
- Kenya
- Kep
- Kyoto
- Langkawi
- Laos
- Madagascar
- Malaysia
- Marrakech
- Morocco
- Movie Tour
- Multi Country
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nature
- Nepal
- New Zealand
- Panama
- Peru
- Philippines
- Phnom Penh
- Phuket
- Portugal
- Private Journey
- River Cruise
- Rwanda
- Safari Tour
- Santiago de Chile
- Saudi Arabia
- Self-Drive Tour
- Siem Reap
- Singapore
- Slovenia
- Small Group Journeys
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Stopover
- Tangier
- tanzania
- Thailand
- Tokyo
- Uganda
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Vietnam
- Weekend Getaway
- Wellness
- Whales
- Wilderness
- Zagreb
Visit some of the oldest cathedrals in the world and an open-air handicraft market in Yerevan. Take in magnificent views of the iconic Mount Ararat from beautiful river canyons and gorges and see ancient cave monasteries, pagan temples, and fortresses.…
Top Places to Visit
Yerevan
The city older then Rome. It’s the capital and largest city of Armenia and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. It’s 2800+ years old city which historical center dates back to the 8th century BC. Today, Yerevan is also a modern charming city with interesting cultural life, beautiful green parks and numerous fancy restaurants.
Echmiadzin
The religious center of Armenia 20 km west of the capital. The city is best known as the location of Etchmiadzin Cathedral and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church, one the first Christian churches of the world. The city is home to other early Christian period churches with unique architecture and all are listed among UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Areni
A small village in the south of Armenia best known for its wine production and home to the Areni-1 complex where the earliest known winery in the world was uncovered. It’s a 6100-year-old winery that defines Armenia as one of the oldest wine producing regions of the world with endemic grapes. The wine making tradition is preserved until now and you can enjoy a set of local wines during annual Yerevan Wine Days festival.
Tatev
This village can be found in the southern gates of Armenia. It’s home to a huge medieval monastery which is located on a large basalt plateau near the village. It hosts a station of the Wings of Tatev – the world’s longest non-stop double track aerial tramway. Get on the tramway and have an unforgettable trip to the monastery overlooking the magnificent gorge of Vorotan river.
Garni
A village to the south-east of Yerevan which hosts the only pre Christian standing building in the region and the CIS countries. The Pagan temple dedicated to the God of Sun dates back to the 1st century AD. It’s at the edge of a triangular cliff overlooking Azat River gorge along the sides of which are cliff walls of well-preserved basalt columns called “Symphony of the Stones”.
Tsagkhadzo
50 kilometers north of the capital Yerevan, surrounded with alpine meadows, this spa town is situated on the slope of Mount Teghenis, at a height of 1841 MSL and is a perfect place for ski lovers and for winter holidays. Here the skiing season normally starts in mid-December and stretches well into March with the top slopes often fit for skiing in April.
Gyumri
The second-largest city in Armenia in the northwestern part of the country. By the end of the 19th century, when the city was known as Alexandropol, it was one of the largest cities of Russian-ruled Eastern Armenia. Throughout centuries, Kumayri-Gyumri was labeled as the “city of crafts and arts” and it’s the cultural capital of Armenia. It has a well preserved historical center where different local and international festivals and cultural events are held.
Lake Sevan
The emerald of Armenia and the second largest freshwater high-altitude (alpine) lake of the world. Its sole major island (now a peninsula) host a medieval monastery and offers a breathtaking panoramic view to the blue waters of the lake. This huge freshwater basin is home for endemic Sevan trout (Salmo ischchan) which is delicious especially grilled with vegetables.
Geghard
Geghardavank means “the Monastery of the Spear”, originates from the spear which had wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion, allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Thaddeus and preserved in the monastery till 17th century. It’s a partly cave monastery of 12-13 century and is listed in UNESCO highlights with enhanced protection status.
Dilijan
A spa resort in the north-east of Armenia within the Dilijan National Park. The forested town is often referred to as the Armenian Switzerland by the locals. It features some traditional Armenian architecture on cozy and charming Sharambeyan Street where one can visit the craftsman’s workshops, a gallery and a museum or just have a nice stroll through its narrow romantic streets.
Noraduz
A unique place in the world. It’s a village located near Lake Sevan which cemetery has the largest cluster of khachkars – memorial stele bearing a cross. Also known as Armenian cross-stones they are a national symbol and are unique to Armenia. Since 2010, khachkars, their symbolism and craftsmanship are inscribed in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
