The Caucasus has been attracting an increasing number of travelers recently, and Armenia is one of the major region draws. Local tourist traffic is expected to boom as the region’s heritage and cultural and natural riches are so overwhelming.
It may sound like a cliché, but Armenia truly is full of surprises. The Kingdom of Armenia was the first to adopt Christianity in the early 4th century and according to the Bible, local mythical Mt Ararat is the resting place of Noah’s Ark. Immensely rich cultural heritage, as well as the Caucasus Mountains themselves, are a great source of holiday ideas.
Thanks to its diverse terrain, Armenia is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. According to Caucasus Explorer, there are several tour providers with fantastic local knowledge and tailor-made tours. Armenia travel features cultural tours that invite travelers to explore several UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well the striking mountain region of Svaneti, and hidden caves of Lastiver. As Arthur Mrktchyan, the director of AdvenTour Explorer LLC, confirmed, hiking and trekking tours belong to the most favourite. Adrenalin enthusiasts often opt for the cycling and biking holidays in the rolling hills of Southern Armenia.
Armenia tours invite visitors to the Echmiatsin Cathedral and Zoroastrian fire temple, a heritage site not far from the capital of Yerevan. It is the most visited pilgrimage site in the country whose spiritual status stretches beyond Christianity. The Garni temple built in the 1st century AD, survived unlike many other pagan monuments until 17th century, when destroyed by an earthquake. Only in 1965 did a reconstruction save its remains. The Church of the Virgin Mary, as well as Geghard Monastery, also appear on the list of visited sites. Mt Ararat is not exactly the highest peak of the Caucasus Mountains, but it is the traditional resting place of Noah’s Ark and a very popular attraction. Armenians are also proud of their cuisine and great wine and hope to share a bit of their culture with anyone stopping by.