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Armenia... This ancient state Urartu, hospitable locals, delicious national food, Lake Sevan, health, gallant men, handmade knotted carpets, and also magnificent landscapes and a rich cultural program.

The average altitude of Armenia above sea level is from 1000 to 2500 meters.

Located in the Transcaucasus, the state of Armenia covers an area of almost 30,000 square kilometers, which is home to about 3,000,000 local residents.

Ancient Yerevan is the capital of Armenia.

Cities of Armenia

Armenia is the first state of Christians and the most ancient - chronology dates back to the 9th - 6th centuries BC.

Yerevan is home to many important architectural sites, ancient churches and museums. The capital has been known since the 8th century BC. Business card city - a cognac factory that has its own history and is known far beyond the borders of the country.

The cultural capital of Armenia is Gyumri (formerly called Leninakan). Here you can learn folk crafts, ancient architecture and science in a special center. The 1988 earthquake wiped out many cultural monuments city, and today the city is being rebuilt, but in a modern way.

At the residence of the Catholicos - ancient city Etchmiadzin is the ecclesiastical center of Armenia.

Lake Sevan is beach holiday in specially equipped places, sports grounds, rental points. The nature here is very beautiful, rich in thermal springs, protected areas and historical monuments. Sailing competitions are often held on the lake itself.

Armenia is a country of mountains, which is why ski resorts invite both amateurs and professionals. The mountains have healing clean air and the power of natural mineral springs. You can improve your health at the resorts - Arevik, Jermuk, Tsakhkadzor, Dilijan (there is even an anti-tuberculosis sanatorium), Arzni (this resort has a unique composition mineral waters- sodium bicarbonate-chloride) and others.

The city of Vanadzor provides an excellent opportunity to combine a cultural program and health improvement - in the urban district there are many health resorts specializing in mud and hydrotherapy.

How to get to Armenia

Belarus and Armenia are connected by regular air services, so the Minsk-Yerevan plane will comfortably take you to our friendly republic, and in a matter of hours.

There is an option to fly to Tbilisi, and from there - by bus or minibus.

Trains also run between our countries, but the journey will last almost four days, so such trips are resorted to in extreme cases.

For questions regarding purchasing air tickets to Armenia, please contact travel company“Thank you – travel.”

Beaches of Armenia

Beach holidays in Armenia are Mountain Lake Sevan. On one side of the lake, sanatoriums and dispensaries with landscaped coastal areas were built, on the other - many wild beaches against the backdrop of stunning mountain scenery.

The coastal strip of Sevan is mainly rocks and pebbles, but in some places there is also sand.

The water in the lake is of unprecedented purity and transparency, but its temperature does not rise above +20 degrees (in summer, of course). Beach equipment is provided at hotel beaches, but for a fee. Conditions for exercise have also been created on the lake. aquatic species sports.

Climate of Armenia

The continental mountain climate influences climatic conditions Armenia.

Summer weather in the country is hot and dry, average temperature air reaches +26 degrees in the foothills, in the mountains - up to +22.

In winter – cool and +5 and -14 respectively.

Lake Sevan is marked by an average summer temperature of +20 degrees, winter - -12.

The tops of the mountains are covered with snow all year round, the slopes are covered until March or April.

The most comfortable time to travel around Armenia is autumn.

Hotels in Armenia

Hotels in Armenia offer comfortable living conditions and good service. The price usually includes only breakfast.

The country's sanatoriums and boarding houses offer accommodation along with meals and health treatments.

On the coast of Sevan, you can simply rent a house with several rooms and a kitchen.

In small Armenian cities, the list of services provided by hotels will be small.

Banks, money, exchange offices

The national currency in use in Armenia is the dram, which is divided into 100 luma.

It is best to exchange money at special points, as well as in banks and large hotels.

In large hotels, restaurants, private shops, and bazaars, American dollars and European currency are also accepted for payments, and in some places even Bank of Russia rubles.

In small towns you won’t find specialized “exchangers” - this must be taken into account when going on excursions.

Tourist safety

Armenia is safe for tourists, but, as in many countries, following simple rules is simply necessary.

In places where there are a lot of people, carefully take care of your personal belongings, and leave all valuables in the hotel safe.

In the evening and at night, you should not take independent walks along city streets.

But the water from the tap is suitable for drinking - it gets there directly from springs located in the mountains.

When visiting temples and monasteries, you should adhere to a certain culture in clothing - knees, shoulders and chest should be covered.

It is advisable to hire only licensed taxi cars.

Transport

The railway service in Armenia connects all major cities and their suburbs, but the trains are in poor condition and move much slower than their counterparts - buses and minibuses.

Most passengers are transported by buses, which are also very worn out and do not have air conditioning, which is very uncomfortable, especially in the summer.

Public transport in the capital includes buses, trolleybuses, metro, minibuses, cable car and just taxis, in which it is advisable to negotiate the fare in advance.

You can rent a car yourself, it’s inexpensive here (a middle-class car will cost from 35 US dollars per day). But the best and safer option would be to rent a car with a driver.

Entertainment, excursions, attractions

You can start exploring the sights of Yerevan by visiting the ancient monastery of Khor Virap. The monastery is famous for the fact that Christianity was adopted here back in 301. The monastery offers a magnificent panorama of Mount Ararat.

The country's best artists painted the walls of Etchmiadzin cathedral– this also needs to be seen.

The city of Erebuni is very old and has many attractions on its territory that tell the story of the history of Armenia. Churches, cathedrals, temples, museums, memorials, philharmonic society - this is an incomplete list of all the places that are worth visiting.

The attractions of the city of Gyumri today are concentrated in the suburbs. These are 19th century ruins, monasteries and cathedrals.

Shaki, Jermuk, Kasakh waterfalls are natural attractions of the country, as is Lake Sevan. The Lastiver Caves also have waterfalls, gorges and houses right in the trees (by the way, available for overnight stays).

Armenia has created the conditions for ecotourism - you can go hiking on horseback, explore the surroundings from a paraglider, engage in high-altitude diving or agrotourism.

Cuisine and restaurants

Armenian cuisine is known far beyond the country's borders. Today it has absorbed all the best from the past, seasoned it all with the present and reached a decent international level. And the famous national lavash, without which there is not a single meal, is under the protection of UNESCO.

When in Armenia, be sure to taste shish kebab, made from fairly large pieces of meat or beef and lard. Boiled lamb served with peas and herbs has a special taste. Pomegranate, smoked fish, dried fruits - all this can be part of Armenian pilaf. Local cabbage rolls are wrapped not in cabbage, but in grape leaves. Trout caught in Lake Sevan is usually fried on a spit or stuffed with rice-raisins-ginger filling and baked in the oven. Popular “tourist” soups are kefir soup, made from beef tail and served hot.

A flatbread made of puff pastry with filling is a classic of Armenian desserts, as are homemade halva, dried fruits in sugar, peaches stuffed with nuts and cookies.

Shopping and shops

National handmade souvenirs, carpets, copper Turks, cognac, sweets and dried fruits are souvenirs that are brought from Armenia.

Most retail outlets are open every day and almost late. Bargaining is only appropriate in markets; it is not customary to reduce the price of goods in stores.

Customs

You can import and export currency into and out of Armenia unlimitedly, with only one amendment that an amount greater than 10,000 US dollars must pass only through a bank.

Alcohol and tobacco products are limited in import.

The import and export of antiques, drugs, explosives and weapons is prohibited.

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This country is predominantly mountainous, due to which the climate here is distinctly continental. Summer is sunny and very dry, and winter is quite cold and snowy, so when to go on vacation to Armenia depends on your intentions.

The seasons allow for a wide variety of holidays. Therefore, everyone can find something to their liking here. The main resorts and cities are:

- the capital and most charming city of Armenia. Its residents themselves often call it “little Paris” (but there are slight similarities). They also like to call it the “pink city”, since most of the buildings are built from pink tuff. Here you can see the sights, visit museums, theaters, the opera house and many restaurants and pubs.

- main ski resort country, which is located in a picturesque valley at the base of Mount Teghenis. The resort boasts a modern cable car and convenient trails.

- cozy town with a comfortable microclimate, surrounded picturesque nature with mountains, forests and lakes. The city has the status of a National Park.

is a resort town famous for its mineral springs, landscape views and natural attractions, some of which are protected by UNESCO.

- the main alpine lake of the country, which is considered one of the most large lakes Caucasus. There are hotels and sandy beaches here.

As you can see from the list, there is plenty to do in this picturesque country. Therefore, the best time to travel to Armenia in 2019 depends on the chosen holiday destination and your preferences.

Armenia in winter

In winter, the air temperature depends on the altitude of the area. On average, temperatures from -5 to -10 °C can be recorded in the capital, and in mountainous areas - as low as -20 °C. If you want to visit the country during the New Year and Christmas period in 2019, you can spend an interesting holiday at a ski resort. Snow often remains on mountain tops until spring, so even during holidays such as St. Valentine (celebrated very brightly in the country) and February 23, you can have time to ski on well-equipped slopes and enjoy the fresh air. don't have the most low prices, so it’s better to take care of your trip in advance.

Armenia in spring

As a rule, it comes gradually, slowly. In March there is snow only in mountainous places, and in the capital the first notes of the spring aroma are already felt. If you are planning a vacation at the beginning of spring, keep in mind that March 8 is celebrated here on a grand scale. However, it should be noted that in the spring it often rains here, so it is better to spend your holidays in the capital, where you can always run into a cozy cafe and drink aromatic coffee. By the way, holidays in the spring will cost less.

Guests are treated to sunny and warm weather. The main tourist season begins this month.

Armenia in summer

Summer in this sunny country quite hot and dry. Temperatures from +35 °C to +40 °C are very often recorded in the capital, which is why going outside in the afternoon is a real torture. Although, according to reviews, tourists from northern countries like this summer. Still, it is better to explore the architecture and sights of Yerevan before noon or late in the evening.

If you are wondering when is the best time to go to Armenia, then summer is the most comfortable time. Despite the heat, most tourists visit the country in the summer. At this time, you can visit all the main resorts of the country, swim in Lake Sevan, try the famous Ishkhan fish baked on coals, and see everything significant places and sights of the country.

Perhaps this is the most beautiful time, which allows you to enjoy the warm colors and romantic atmosphere. A comfortable velvet season is established here, which still allows for a beach holiday in Sevan, and in October the weather arrives suitable for leisurely excursion trips. Daytime temperatures in the capital are often between +20 and +26 °C. November will also allow for pleasant stay, but more so in the capital, since in the mountainous areas and Sevan the air temperature becomes quite low. Planning November holidays, it’s worth deciding on the cultural program - there is room for expansion in this regard.

In autumn, various holidays and festivals take place in Armenia. This is the time of harvest, grapes and weddings.

Holidays in Armenia are one of the best options if you want to see ancient monuments, feel the color new country, see beautiful mountains and even heal your soul and body. The country offers ample opportunities for those who are looking for ways to combine the useful with the interesting and will definitely be able to surprise. What to see, where to go and what you need to know about Armenia? About this and much more below.

Getting to know the republic

Armenia is one of the oldest countries in Transcaucasia with rich history and architectural monuments. Since she was one of the first to accept Christianity, this was reflected in numerous monasteries, churches and other religious buildings. The oldest cities that can be found in this country date back approximately 3000 years, with large beautiful castles and fortresses, unique architecture and beauty.

Where is

This high mountainous country is located on the Armenian Plateau. Its height is approximately 1,700 meters above sea level, its total area is 29.75 thousand square meters. km. It neighbors Georgia in the north, Azerbaijan in the south, and the west and south of the country with Turkish border. The famous Ararat Valley is also located here. It is important to remember that the time difference with Armenia is plus one hour Moscow time. When going on a trip, you should remember this.

Armenia Map

How to get there from Moscow

The most in a simple way There will be air transport to get to Armenia. Since there is no direct railway connection with Russia, suitable option There will also be motor transport or a bus. The best way is through Georgia.

Several direct flights depart from Moscow and head to the country's main airport near the capital Yerevan. Planes depart almost every day and at different times, so choosing a suitable flight will not be difficult.

You can fly from Russia on flights of the following companies:

Aeroflot - flies directly from Moscow;
Air Armenia is the national carrier;
"Siberia" - departure from Moscow daily;
Vim-Avia also flies from Moscow every day.

Since there is no direct route from Moscow to the country by train, you will have to travel with transfers, and the price will be the same as a plane ticket.

If you are planning a trip to Armenia by car or bus, then you should know that the distance between Moscow and Yerevan is approximately 2250 km. When traveling this way, you must have documents for the car with you.

Popular holiday destinations

Mountains, monasteries, ancient civilizations, wonderful climate, delicious cuisine - all this is widely represented in Armenia. Rest, first of all, involves visiting the capital of the country - Yerevan. In the city you can find monuments of ancient civilizations, which are intricately intertwined together. Not far from this city is the ancient capital of the great country Urartu, one of oldest capitals of the past.

It is worth paying attention to another city - Dilijan. Here is the largest number of monasteries located in the mountains and sanatoriums offering treatment in thermal springs. The country also has a ski resort, Tsakhkadzor, which offers tourists a variety of conditions for recreation and training.

Holidays in Armenia also involve visiting the ancient ruins of the capital of the state, Urartu, not far from Baku. This country is also interesting because it is considered one of the first to adopt Christianity. Temple complex Etchmiadzin is considered one of the most popular; its appearance and construction date back to the beginning of our era, which is confirmed by the very fact of the appearance of Christianity in these territories.

Armenia is one of the most ancient countries, famous for its winemaking. Wine began to be made here many centuries ago. The ancient Armenians believed that this was a blessing from the gods, and therefore they especially revered the place where grapes grew-Ararat Valley.

Another holiday destination popular among tourists is the Ararat Valley. Almost all tours to Armenia offer a variety of opportunities to visit this truly unique place. The valley itself is a plain in the Armenian Highlands west of Lake Sevan. The Araks River flows through it, which divides it into two parts - the large one, which belongs to Armenia, and the small southern part - part of Turkey. It is also notable for the fact that on hot summer days you can see a truly unique a natural phenomenon- Sun shine.

Temperature and climate of Armenia

The climate in the mountains is more severe, and therefore attracts lovers of traveling along the mountain slopes. In the Ararat Valley it is milder, but in the capital it can be very hot. In summer the temperature rises to +40 °C. Therefore, the best time to travel to the country will be the beginning of spring and autumn, when there are not yet such high temperatures. Winters in the mountains are very harsh, but excellent for skiing and winter sports. The season starts in December and ends in March.

Water

The water temperature at the country's resorts varies. In the warm season in Lake Sevan it does not exceed +18 °C, which is quite cool. In spring and autumn it does not fall below +15 °C. In winter, conditions are more severe, so the temperature can drop very much, about 4-7 degrees on average.

Air

In the foothills the average temperatures are summer time are +24…+26 °С. In winter they drop to +5 °C. It's much cooler in the mountains; depending on the altitude, the temperature ranges from +10 °C to +20 °C in hot weather, and in winter - from +2 °C to -15 °C. During spring and autumn, frosts are very common, sometimes the temperature drops quite significantly - down to -28 ° C.

Popular beaches

Most of the beaches in the country belong to the resort areas of Armenia and are located near Lake Sevan. Nearby there are mountains and a National Park.

Among the special entertainments offered at the resorts of Armenia, it should be noted the possibility of fishing - trout, pike perch, barbel and others. A license can be purchased right there, on the spot, from local companies that organize water tours.

Any trip to Armenia also includes a visit mineral resorts- Vanadzor, Arzni, Hankavan, Dilijan, where you can also find small beaches for relaxation.

Ski resorts and active recreation

40 kilometers from Yerevan to the north is one of the most popular ski resorts in the country. In the valley of the Marmarik River, more than 1900 meters above sea level, you can see Tsakhkadzor - it’s 13 km ski slopes. Here you can find one of the largest in the country sports complexes. There are also swimming pools, a stadium, a stable, a sauna and other sports facilities that can be used for relaxation and active pastime. Well, after active activities, you can visit many restaurants and cafes that will pamper you with their delicious national cuisine. If the question arises about what you can see in Armenia in winter, then visiting and relaxing at this resort will be the best options.

Must-sees: attractions

It is best to start a tour to the country from the capital. This is one of the largest and main attractions, which is located in the heart of the Ararat Valley. In the ancient dialect, the name of the city sounds like Erebuni, mentions of which date back to several centuries BC. The city was one of the largest in history, and was also famous for its trade. Here you can see Republic Square, which is located in the center, Mashtots Avenue, and many museums. Yerevan is very easy to navigate and travel. Among historically interesting places we can highlight: the Yerevan fortress of the 16th century, the Matenadaran - an institute where ancient manuscripts are stored, the Sardarapat memorial complex, and of course churches, of which there are a great many.

The first church in the world was built in Armenia. This is the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, which was the first of the documented ones. Its construction dates back to approximately the 4th century.

The city of Ashtarak is famous for its Karmvor Church, which is located on a mountain slope. Amberd Fortress, the ancestral domain of the princes of Pahlavuni, is one of the best preserved castles.

Travel to Armenia is limited to visiting modern cities. Armavir is the ancient capital of Armenia. Located on the left coast of the Araks. At first it was a fortress, which over time turned into Big city. Nearby is Artashat, which is often called the Armenian Carthage. Here the number of ancient monuments is the largest in the country. The capital of the Middle Ages, Dvin, is still under the supervision of archaeologists.

Artsakh has almost 2 thousand architectural monuments, and 600 of them are monastery complexes. The number of churches here has exceeded 500.

Nightlife in Armenia

For those who want to relax more actively, Yerevan offers many opportunities for night walks. After sunset, the entire city is illuminated with many colorful lights, especially in summer. Then life comes alive on the old streets of the capital. Especially many tourists and local residents relax on Revolution Square, where you can drink wine or coffee in a cafe. At 9 pm in the summer, multi-colored singing fountains turn on here - all you have to do is sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

There are also many fashionable clubs, cafes, and wine bars. Most of them are located in the center. Local performers always play in clubs; you can listen to both jazz compositions and fashionable music that is fun to dance to. The best thing is that entry to such establishments is usually free for everyone.

Cafes, hotels, car rental

Recently, the country has offered quite wide opportunities for a comfortable holiday. Many cafes and restaurants offer their services both during the day and at night. Hotels have mostly retained the Soviet approach. This is due to the fact that the owners do not want to comply with the accepted classification. So don’t be surprised if you are served a very tasty dinner, but you still won’t get internet.

Nutrition

Since tourism has recently begun to develop with great strides, Armenia will surprise you with a variety of dishes. National cuisine is even one of the country's attractions. In any cafe, restaurant or other similar place, you will be offered lots and lots of greens, cheeses, vegetables, meat and definitely lavash! These are traditional components of Armenian cuisine. And also fermented milk matsun, a variety of salty snacks, twisted Chechil cheese, salads with beans and herbs, pilaf and, of course, shish kebab. This is only a part of all the delicious dishes that you will be hospitably offered to taste.

Accommodation

Hotels offer their services in all the largest cities of the country. Accommodation services are also offered by sanatoriums located on the most popular resorts. The most convenient and best hotels is located in the capital. They offer transfers, winter gardens for viewing, and swimming pools with solariums.

New hotels are rarely built in the country. Therefore, even if the hotel category is calculated as 5 stars, the service corresponds to the 2-3 star category.

Transport

Buses are the main mode of transport. It connects almost everything big cities. But it is very important to remember that this type of transport rarely has a clear schedule of movement and shipments. Buses usually depart when they are full.

You can also travel by car, which can be rented in the capital. But this will require special driving skills - the country’s roads are very worn out, and in mountainous areas they are completely absent. Traffic rules will also be problematic, since local residents are accustomed to driving without signals and markings.

Shopping in Armenia

If we talk about shopping in this country, then we immediately need to mention a unique symbol - carpets. This is the real pride of Armenians. You can buy them both in specialized stores in Yerevan and in the market, where prices will be more reasonable. They all differ in color and national symbols.

Another souvenir that you can buy here is cognac. You can find it in any store, and the quality will be the best! You can also return home with copper Turks, bronze figurines, and amulets dolls.

Places for wellness

Transcaucasia has always been famous for its fresh, healing mountain air, mineral springs and beautiful landscapes. The best places There will be local resorts for recreation. Based on mineral springs- Hankavan, Arevik and Arzni. A visit to one of the largest resorts in Vanadzor is also recommended. Jermuk and Dilijan also offer health and recreation services. More leisure offers the ski resort Tsakhkadzor.

Armenia and security

An important aspect of visiting the country will be maintaining special safety measures on the road. Because local population does not strictly adhere to traffic rules, this can lead to accidents and injuries. Prepare for the fact that pedestrians will also cross the road right in front of your nose. It is difficult to buy good gasoline, so if you are concerned about the safety of your car’s engine, it is better to buy it in the capital.

Lighting on the streets is very poor, so traveling by private vehicle at night is prohibited, especially without the accompaniment of a person who knows the area.

The export and import of antiques is prohibited in Armenia, precious stones, art, drugs and weapons. It is better to declare large sums of money.

Holidays in Armenia are an opportunity not only to look at beautiful landscapes, enjoy fresh mountain air and relax at mineral springs. Here you can also see interesting sights, enjoy delicious national cuisine and observe unique traditions that are still passed on to this day.

Armenia is a nostalgic journey to a country where you are sincerely welcome, where there are mountains and ancient monasteries, where the largest mountain lake in the world is, where the capital is built of pink tuff, where there is generous cuisine and amber cognac.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

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Armenia weather map:

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My Yerevan

It is not without reason that I consider Armenia one of the most underrated countries in terms of tourism. It has all the conditions for cultural tourism - the cradle of Christianity, one of the oldest countries in the world, many preserved temples, amazing views, clean air, excellent food and drinks. But the authorities are not very bothered to develop the tourism sector, unfortunately. Having visited Yerevan, I enjoyed walking around its center and looking at the sculptures, which are sometimes surprising with their futurism. They speak Russian well here, so there are no problems with communication. Armenians are very friendly, curious and always ready to help (although, as everywhere else, there are taxi drivers who are greedy for profit).

In principle, everything is beautiful and safe here. But many attractions are scattered throughout the country, and getting to them is not so easy. In addition, when leaving Yerevan, you see desolation and ruin, which greatly spoils the impression. But in a few years, I am sure, all this can be improved and greatly advanced due to financial influences from tourists, who will undoubtedly be interested in looking at antiquities and beauty.

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Prices for holidays in Yerevan. June 2018.

tour cost

My husband and I flew, a round trip flight for two cost us 48,000 rubles. We bought tickets in the winter, so it wasn’t expensive. We flew from Novosibirsk to Yerevan, the flight lasts 4:55 hours. We flew with s7 company. It is very convenient that there is a direct flight. We lived in an apartment, it was much cheaper. We flew on whole month and renting a 1-room apartment cost us 9,000 drams (11 thousand rubles).

Food and products

Food prices are very low, a full lunch with barbecue, salads, alcohol for 2 people cost about 350-500 rubles. The portions are very large, we tried local dishes. Very tasty wine of Armenian and Georgian production at a price of 1100-1600 drams (145-210 rubles), for the first time I tried real pomegranate wine, it’s just an indescribable bouquet of tastes. Groceries in stores are usually not expensive, since the standard of living is not very high. Liter milk 14 rub. Natural sausage made from MEAT 190 rub.

Souvenirs and other goods

They have different prices for clothes. It’s expensive in boutiques, but not in regular stores. I bought myself a very beautiful, floor-length summer sundress for 350 rubles. A large selection of Turkish clothes, they are not at all expensive, but the quality is simply superb. But clothes made in China are much more expensive. I bought a lot of souvenirs, backgammon for 600 rubles made of wood

Total money spent on vacation

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Svetlana

Holiday impressions in October

This time (early October) is suitable for educational relaxation; the weather is still quite warm during the day, but in the evenings you already need a jacket or a light coat, although you won’t go out during the day without a sweater or windbreaker. There is almost no rain yet; in two weeks it rained only once, and even then it was very short-lived. For lovers of warmth, I would recommend going earlier, although everything is still green and there are a lot of flowers.

Why is it better to vacation in September?

In September it is much warmer, so it is more pleasant to walk. No need to take warm clothes.

Vacation with children

The city is very calm, there are many opportunities for children's recreation. There is a wonderful puppet theater.

Youth recreation

There are many universities in the city, and therefore there are many young people. Accordingly, there is infrastructure.

Family holiday

The city lives measured life, no rush, no crowd. You can feel very comfortable as a couple: there are many restaurants, museums, exhibitions. There's a lot to see.

What to take with you on vacation?

In principle, everything can be bought without much difficulty, prices are very affordable. They accept cards, even Mir, and there are many banks and terminals where you can withdraw (exchange) money without problems.

Don’t forget that Armenia is a mountainous country, so your shoes should be appropriate - preferably sneakers.

Where is the best place to stay?

There are a lot of hotels in Yerevan, there are chain hotels, such as "Ibis". But we stayed at a small hotel "Mia Casa" (Shara Talian St.). It's not the center, but it's a 15-minute walk to the center. The hotel has excellent staff. The hotel owner is also an expert on history, you can negotiate with him personal tour. Very tasty breakfasts. Despite the fact that the hotel (it is still a mini-hotel) does not have a restaurant, it has an excellent kitchen where hot tea and coffee are available 24 hours. You can take the dishes and have dinner at the table.

What to do at the resort?

There are many interesting places in Yerevan; you can walk around the city endlessly. Everyone loves Republic Square with its singing fountains. This is a separate story - the spectacle is simply amazing. You definitely need to go up to the Erebuni fortress, but you should take a guide at the museum - it’s less interesting to see on your own. Many people go on excursions and tastings to the Ararat factory, but I would recommend visiting the Noy cognac factory - there is a more interesting exhibition there, and the factory is much older. There are many museums.

There are many near Yerevan iconic places. You should definitely go to Garni and Geghard (but better with a guide). If you're lucky, you can hear church singing in Geghard - volunteers sing there periodically. It is unforgettable and penetrates the soul. For a long time afterwards you cannot forget this divine sound. You should definitely visit Lake Sevan and Sevanavank - the oldest monastery. But each trip takes a day. You can go in the other direction, then these are Noravank and Khor Virap. In general, Armenia has such a hoary history that it takes your breath away: after all, it is part of the kingdom of Urartu.

What can you buy?

In Yerevan itself there is a wonderful market where you can buy sweets, dried fruits, and seasonings. But this can also be purchased during excursions. Returning from Geghard, we stopped in a small village - from a stall a woman was selling nuts, dried fruits, preserves, jams, and some other canned goods. Drivers usually know where to buy. All this is cheaper than ours and much better quality. You can buy jewelry in Yerevan. I bought it on the lake. Sevan, but they turned out to be of lower quality; stones flew out of the pendant almost immediately. And in Yerevan there are excellent silver jewelry with natural stones and leather. Simply fantastic.

About product prices

I bought the pendant for 10,000 drams (approximately 1,400 rubles). The pendant is large and very beautiful, but the stone is not secured well, so I had to take it home for repairs.

A kilogram of shelled walnuts of excellent quality 5000 drams - 700 rubles.

Basically, everything is inexpensive.

Where can I eat?

The best tavern in Yerevan "Caucasus" near the intersection of Sayat-Nova and st. Hanrapetunyan. There are always a lot of people there, but all the locals eat there. Delicious.

We have long wanted to visit Armenia. Therefore, we immediately took advantage of the opportunity. Knowing about the richest cultural and historical heritage countries, made a list of cities and attractions that they planned to see in advance, so as not to waste precious time on questions and searches on the spot. Getting acquainted with the reviews and photo reports of others, we noticed that people write that It’s best to plan a trip to Armenia for a week. That's what we did. Therefore, here we will describe in detail what you can see in 7 days if you travel on your own. So, join us on our virtual tour.

Day 1: Airport, hotel and delicious dinner.

“Armenia is a country with a taste of the sun” - this phrase is found in many travel magazines and on the signs of travel agencies that offer excursion week tours from Moscow to Yerevan. And as if confirming this phrase, already at the exit from the plane and down the ramp, we were warmly greeted by the bright sun. From the plane, the bus quickly took us to the doors of the airport terminal and we entered the building of Zvartnots International Airport. Compared to Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, Sheremetyevo in Moscow or Suvanaphum in Bangkok, it is quite small.

Photo: Cozy and inexpensive hotel in Yerevan - 3 stars.

We chose the Primer Hotel, which is located in the northern part of Yerevan, a 15-minute drive from the center. That’s how much time we spent getting to the square where the famous Vernissage market took place. We were greeted at the hotel by friendly staff. One of the employees kindly showed us the number. It turned out to be quite spacious and very cozy, and most importantly, bright due to the wall-length window. The room had everything necessary for a comfortable week's stay: refrigerator, air conditioning, TV, hairdryer. The bathroom is equipped with a shower and new plumbing. Everything functioned properly, no leaks or other unpleasant surprises.

We were very pleased with the room and left our things and went for a walk around the city. A 10-minute walk along the street and park and we came to the Cascade - this is one of the main attractions of Yerevan.

Photo: View of the capital of Armenia from the cascade.

Photo: House with Armenian flatbreads - Lamajo.

Photo: Republic Square in Yerevan.

Then we walked around Republic Square, got hungry and decided to find a cafe or restaurant where to eat, preferably tasty and inexpensive. By the way, while traveling around different cities and countries, we have always tried to eat dishes national cuisine. Agree that being, for example, in Bangkok or Prague, eating fast food from McDonald's is stupid. By the way, we have not come across a single such establishment in Yerevan. Despite the absence of McDonald's, nevertheless, on the square we saw many cafes and restaurants, but only with Italian and American cuisine - the same burgers, pizza, pasta. We got a little upset and went further down the street to look for local cuisine. We came across a restaurant with traditional Georgian and Armenian cuisine, and ordered several local dishes. . A separate article will be devoted to it. And our first day in Yerevan ended with an excellent dinner at the Yerevan Tavern restaurant with traditional Armenian dishes and a return to the room.

Photo: Food in Armenia is very varied and tasty.

Photo: Fried khinkali with lamb.

Photo: You can see how bread is baked in a tandoor.

Day 2: Noy and Ararat cognac factories.

Remembering that cognac is part of the culture of the Armenian people, we decided to start the second day with excursions to the Noy cognac factory. We went there straight in the morning. The excursion lasted about an hour and cost us 4,500 drams per person, which translated into rubles is about 1,200 rubles for two. The guide took us to the Noy factory museum, told us about the history of the oldest enterprise and about the different types of cognac. Then we went down into the underground cellar. Here, in barrels, cognacs and wines are aged for decades. In a separate article we will write more information about the Noy plant in Yerevan.

In order not to be distracted from the cognac topic, after the Noy factory, we went on an excursion to the Ararat Brandy Factory. Important point! It is better to register for this excursion in advance on the official website, 3-5 days before your trip to Armenia, since this plant is often visited by tourist groups from different countries. If you do not register online and do not receive a confirmation response, there is a possibility that you will not be able to go on the excursion on the planned day and time. Everything worked out great for us and the walk through the halls of the museum was no less interesting than at the Noy factory.

The guide told a fascinating story about the history of the factory and cognac. We learned Interesting Facts from the biographies of famous personalities who took an active and direct part in the development and prosperity of the enterprise. At the end, we were invited to a tasting of different brands of Ararat cognac, including the famous 25-year-old Dvin, which was Winston Churchill’s favorite drink. While visiting the Noy factory, we also tasted the signature cognac of this enterprise. And it’s worth noting that Noah cognac, in our opinion, turned out to be softer. But we took a bottle of both 20-year-old cognac with us, because in the stores at both factories the prices are much lower than in supermarkets in Moscow and even slightly lower than in duty-free at the airport. And there was no need to worry about authenticity.

Photo: Armenian cognac is the best souvenir from Yerevan.

We spent the rest of the second day walking along the Vernissage souvenir rows. We bought magnets, wooden coasters for wine, a unique holder for glasses in the shape of a nose, a wine horn and other little things as souvenirs.

Day 3: Lake Sevan and Sevannavank Monastery.

This lake is located in the mountains, at an altitude of almost 2 km above sea level. The local nature made a huge impression on us - majestic mountains with peaks covered with snow at any time of the year, the bright blue surface of the lake and the ancient buildings of the monastery. Incredible a nice place and the amazing mountain air that they couldn’t breathe.

Important note! This place is blown from all sides by a strong icy wind. Very cold! Our trip to Armenia took place at the end of April. In Yerevan at this time the air temperature remained at +26 degrees. When we arrived at Lake Sevan, having traveled 80 km, the temperature had already dropped to about 8-10 degrees. So, be sure to take warm clothes with you! If you travel from Yerevan to Sevan by bus, keep in mind that the stop will be in the city of Sevan or on the highway, at the turn towards it. And then you will need to walk about 4-5 km. Given the cold wind, this can be uncomfortable, especially if you are traveling with children. In summer, the weather in Sevan is noticeably better, but still cooler than in the city. The best way getting from Yerevan to Sevan is a taxi. A trip on it will cost inexpensively - about 15 thousand drams, which in our money is 2 thousand rubles. The taxi driver will pick you up, wait a couple of hours while you walk around and take you back to your hotel. You can order a taxi directly from the hotel. It's a little more expensive public transport, but it is much more convenient if you are traveling as a family with children. If you still decide to take the bus, the bus station is located near the David Sasunkiy metro station and the central railway station.

Photo: Road from Yerevan to Sevan.

There is a restaurant on the shore of the lake, which is clean and cozy. There we tried a signature dish - Sevan whitefish with seasonings and vegetable salad. Sevan is a place that is definitely worth visiting when traveling around Armenia.

Day 4: Garni - Sun Temple and Geghard Monastery.

Garni and Geghard can be visited in one day, which is what we did on the fourth day of our trip. In the morning a taxi was already waiting for us at the hotel and first we went to Garni, where the pagan temple of the Sun is located. It was founded in the 1st century BC. Then it was severely damaged by an earthquake and its debris was scattered throughout the mountain gorge. To local residents It was possible to collect some of them, and the lost elements were replaced with copies. Thus the temple in Garni was restored.

Photo: Taxi from Yerevan to Garni - our Mercedes.

Photo: Garni - Temple of the Sun.

But the medieval fortress has not survived. All that remained of it were the ruins of the foundation. Now tourists make money on them beautiful pictures, in the background of which are mountains and a temple. And the view here is truly wonderful. The temple stands on the edge of a gorge, a mountain river flows below, and silhouettes of mountains are visible in the distance.

Next to the monastery there is a small market where you can buy a variety of Armenian sweets and listen to an ensemble of Armenian musicians play. We will add videos with musicians to YouTube a little later.

Day 5: Etchmiadzin, April 24 and service in the temple.

April 24 - Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Armenian Genocide. Early in the morning, around 7 o'clock, we went to the Tsitsernakaberd memorial to pay tribute to those who died during this period and lay flowers at eternal flame on the hill where the monument is located.

We asked a local policeman what events were planned for that day and decided to go to the outskirts of Yerevan - the city of Etchmiadzin, where a service was to take place with the participation of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. We got from Yerevan to Etchmiadzin by taxi in 50 minutes. We paid the taxi driver 8 thousand drams (about 1 thousand rubles). U central cathedral we were there around 10 am. We walked around a bit and took some photos.

Then we went inside and just got to the beginning of the service. The interior of the cathedral is magnificent. It was very interesting for us to attend such a solemn service. At the end of the service, Catholicos Karekin II arrived and the event moved to the street, to the monument with flowers. Thanks to a well-taken shooting position in advance and the right lenses, we got many unique photographs from this memorable event.

At the end, we found a cafe where we had a snack and went on our journey. Not far from the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, 4 and 8 km, there are two ancient temples - Surb Gayane and Surb Hripsime. If you like visiting ancient temples and monasteries, then these two sites are a must-see. We really enjoyed it and the experience was unforgettable. In the evening, a local taxi driver took us back to the hotel for 6 thousand drams (about 800 rubles).

Photo: Surb Gayane.

Photo: Surb Hripsime.

Day 6: Walk around Yerevan and delicious food.

We decided to devote this day to a walk around the city and tasting local dishes and drinks. We had afternoon tea at the Grand Candy donut shop. Very tasty, aromatic and large donuts and 2 cups of coffee cost us only 750 drams (about 90 rubles). Finding this place is not difficult, it is located at the address: Mesrop Mashtots Ave., 54. If you are traveling with children, be sure to visit this place - after all, the interior of the cafe is made in a bright cartoon style, and the hanging Railway right under the ceiling with a moving train delights all the kids.

For 3 hours we walked the streets and went into different shops. We visited the Shustovsky brandy store and tasted a couple of types of this wonderful drink.

Photo: Shustovsky cognac brand store.