Armenia
The fact that Armenia still has its own alphabet is telling of its culture. This small, mountainous nation uses its own unique language to retain its independence, and is certainly fascinating as a result. Being the first country in the world to adopt Christianity in 301, here the hilly landscapes are scattered with ancient churches to this day.
Yerevan is an attractive capital city with wide tree-lined boulevards and stylish buildings built of the local pink, volcanic tuffa stone. The towering peak of Mount Ararat can be seen from most places in the capital, which is the reputed resting place of Noah's Ark. You can feel the biblical presence in the towns, and for some adventure, the lush northern forests and rocky southern mountains provide a fabulous mix of hiking terrains. With its fresh mountain air, pure water and diverse flora and fauna, Armenia is a new destination which will appeal as much to nature lovers as to those heading out for the history or craving utterly unique culture.
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What to do in Armenia
Gaze upon biblical Mt Ararat
Yerevan
Towering over the Anatolian plain, in all its brooding splendour, it's easy to understand why the snow-capped twin-peaks of volcanic Mount Arrarat are associated with Noah's biblical flood landing, at least a symbol of world hope. Although we do not invite you to board an ark, or even climb the 'heavy' mountain, Wild Frontiers can arrange a guided excursion to Khor Virap Monastery so you can view this truly biblical landmark.
Stay with a local family
Sissian
The three star Dina Hotel is a small family run guesthouse in the centre of Sissian. The restaurant serves wonderful home cooked food and it also has a small bar. There are 31 simply furnished rooms, all equipped with telephone and colour TV. Staying at the Dina Hotel is a great way to experience the real Armenia.
Wander around Yerevan
Yerevan
Yerevan, Armenia's capital is an attractive city of wide tree lined boulevards and stylish buildings built of the local pink volcanic tuffa stone. In your own time enjoy wandering around the pleasant city of Yerevan. You might like to visit the city's main square - Republic Square- and the History Museum with the adjoining Art Museum. On weekends be sure to visit the Vernisaj, a lively open-air market.
Attend mass at Echmiadzin
Yerevan
Armenia was the very first country to adopt Christianity in 301 AD and Echmiadzin is its holiest city, the seat of Karekin II, head of the Armenia Apostolic Church. Whether a believer or not, attending mass in Echmiadzin's beautiful cathedral is an extraordinary pilgrimage, a journey in space and time, since it is truly moving to feel the ancient weight of belief that has so dominated these highly spiritual but often bitterly persecuted people.
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Where to stay in Armenia
Armenia Marriot Hotel
Yerevan
The Armenia Marriot Hotel is a luxury property located on Republic Square in the heart of Yerevan. This five star hotel...
Avan Marak Tsapatagh Hotel
Lake Sevan
The three star Avan Marak Tsapatagh Hotel is located on the eastern side of Lake Sevan in the village of Tsapatagh. Of...
Golden Tulip Hotel
Yerevan
The five star Golden Tulip Hotel has a long history of top level service to international travellers stretching back to...
Avan Dzoraget Hotel
Dzoraget
One of the first boutique style hotels to open in Armenia, the Avant Dzoraget Hotel is located in the Lori Province, in...
Blue Sevan Hotel
Lake Sevan
With great views of Lake Sevan and the gentle scent of pine trees coming in from the coast, the Blue Sevan hotel is a...
Tufenkian Old Dilijan
Dilijan
The Tufenkian Old Dilijan is a heritage hotel located directly on historical Sharambeyan Street. The 8 rooms are all...
Mirhav Hotel
Goris
Mirhav hotel is a centrally located, newly built hotel designed according to Goris' traditional architectural style....
Lalaner Hotel
Sissian
The Lalaner hotel in Sissian is a small centrally located 16 room hotel. The rooms are simply furnished with double or...
Villa Delenda
Yerevan
Villa Delenda is an elegant traditional hotel in the heart of Yerevan. It was originally built in 1906 as a private...
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Suggested Itineraries
How to book a trip
Armenia Travel Guide
Yerevan
Yerevan, Armenia's capital with a population of over 1 million people is an attractive city of wide tree lined boulevards and stylish buildings built of the local pink volcanic tuffa stone. From most places in the capital one can see the towering peak of Mount Ararat, the reputed resting place of Noah's Ark. The colourful Vernisaj market takes place every weekend in the centre of Yerevan. You will find a good selection of paintings on sale, souvenirs made of obsidian and other local stones, embroideries, carpets and every sort of bric-a-brac imaginable.
Lake Sevan
The largest and highest lake in the Transcaucasus, Sevan holds a special place in the heart of the Armenian nation. With its cool azure waters and fresh mountain air it is a popular holiday resort and is famous for its 'ishkan' trout and other freshwater fish. In recent times Lake Sevan has shrunk due to the tapping of the Razdan river. One result has been the uncovering of forts, houses and artefacts more than 2000 years old. Sevan monastery built in 874 on a small peninsula overlooking the lake, is a wonderful example of Armenian architecture and is especially picturesque.
Dilijan
Surrounded by a heavily forested area of mountains, Dilijan is a popular spa town, famous for its mineral water and the surrounding countryside is home to a great variety of fauna as well as 240 species of birds. The 19th century quarter of Dilijan has been restored with some fine two storey mansions and workshops. There is also a museum and gallery. Near Dilijan are some of the most interesting monasteries and churches in Armenia, including Hagartsin Monastery. This includes the church of St. Gregory, The church of St. Stepanos and the refectory where visitors and pilgrims were received. It is possible to visit Lake Sevan and Dilijan on a long day trip from Yerevan.
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Armenia Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders require a visa to visit Armenia, which should be arranged before departure.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
The visa can be arranged either by yourself at the relevant embassy, or through a visa company such as:
Travcour (UK)
Tempo House
15 Falcon Road Battersea
London
SW11 2PJ
Tel: 020 7223 5295
Fax: 020 7738 2617
Email: info@travcour.com
Website: www.travcour.com
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE), and is arranged by Travel & General Insurance Service Limited. Both companies are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Travel & General Insurance Company plc, details of which can be found at the FSA's website www.fsa.gov.uk.
To contact them please visit their website at www.travel-general.com or call 0845 408 0583.
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Armenia, although you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend:
• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• You inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or medication.
To be on the safe side you can also check on www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
