Armenia Vacations
Overview
Armenia is situated between Europe and Asia in what is known the Caucasus region. It is roughly the size of Maryland at about 30,000 square kilometers. The country used to be several times its current size, stretching between the Caspian and Mediterranean Seas when it was ruled by King Tigran the Great. It is a landlocked country that borders Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran. It is easy to navigate around in Armenia because English is widely spoken.
Armenia is sometimes called the Island of Mountains. Mount Ararat is the highest point in the country and it can be seen beyond the skyline of the Armenian capital, Yerevan. The area is a rich and beautiful landscape that ranges from desert to alpine areas. There are about 200 rivers and streams across the country and over 200 mineral springs. Canyons, valleys, mountain peaks, waterfalls, and beautiful natural rock formations are the natural attractions in the country. Lake Sevan, one of the biggest freshwater lakes worldwide, is in the central part of Armenia, and covers five percent of its area.
Activities & Attractions
Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion, hence it is especially well known for its religious sites. For instance, the Mount Ararat, where Noah's ark is believed to have come to a stop once the floodwaters dissipated, is a popular historical site to see. The Holy See in the ancient capital of Armenia draws thousands each year to its cathedral that was originally built in the 1st century AD and its museum that holds all sorts of religious relics. A number of churches, cathedrals, and monasteries dot the country, and one of the largest collections of stone crosses in the world can be found at the cemetery called Noraduz.
A Jewish synagogue, a mosque, and a pagan temple also find a place in Armenia. The Garni Pagan Temple, from Hellenistic times, was originally built in the 3rd century. It was later destroyed by Romans, however, an Armenian leader restored it to its glory. It has been destroyed by various forces five different times and rebuilt each time. Finally an earthquake buried the remains that were later unearthed and used to rebuild the site.
Make it a point to include the Sevan Lake Basin in your itinerary. It is an area filled with historic and archaeological monuments. There are plenty of outdoor activities too to indulge in across Armenia in every season of the year.
Lodging
Lodging in Armenia ranges from luxury hotels starting at 10,000 AMD per night to hostels that charge 6,000 AMD per night. Bed and breakfast type inns typically start at about 7,000 AMD per night. Apartment rentals are another popular option for staying in Armenia and can range from the cost of bed and breakfast accommodations to more elegant rooms.
Transportation
Busses and minivans connect the cities in Armenia, and a subway also operates from early morning to late night. The bus fare typically works out ten cents per trip with taxi fare costs around 20 cents if you order the taxi and a little more if you hail one on the street. A rental car and drivers service is available in Yerevan, if you wish to make use of one.
