About this book

This new, thoroughly updated sixth edition of Bradt’s Armenia remains the only standalone, English-language guide to this mountainous post-Soviet republic at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Packed with detailed background information and invaluable practical advice, Bradt’s Armenia remains the essential choice for anyone travelling to this beautiful country, which is now easily and cheaply accessed by air.
Following recent political changes, the story of this new republic is rapidly being rewritten, with transformations extending far beyond the vibrant capital of Yerevan. Road infrastructure has greatly improved, while rural tourism is coming to life in even far-flung provinces, thereby catering for visitors exploring well off the beaten path.
New elements in this edition include: expanded treatment of new budget accommodation in Yerevan and provincial capitals; enhanced information on Yerevan designed to inspire the city-break visitor, encompassing arts, culture and nightlife; a wealth of new information for adventurous travellers, including about more than 300km of new hiking trails established since 2018; and an enhanced language section designed to facilitate communication with Armenians.
Bradt’s Armenia provides the information needed for a successful trip, covering all the most popular sights as well as those off-the-beaten track, including Dilijan National Park and the stunning forested mountains of Tavush, a region undergoing a renaissance as a place to reconnect with nature; Areni village, one of the birthplaces of wine; and Vayots Dzor, the ‘valley of woes’, whose side valleys are abundant with wildlife-spotting opportunities. Tatev village and the Vorotan Canyon are included, as are the Orbelian’s Ccaravanserai and other remnants of the ancient Silk Road trading route network that once criss-crossed the Caucasus region.
Rich in both history and spectacular scenery, Armenia is a truly captivating country. Whether seeking out ancient monasteries dotted within dramatic landscapes, wandering through one of Yerevan’s impressive museums or admiring the intricate stone carvings at Noratus, you’ll find opportunities to delve into this nation’s past at every turn. Add to this the welcoming local people, superb hiking possibilities and abundant bird life, and you’ll soon discover why Armenia is worth more than just a fleeting visit.

About the Author

Tom Allen (http://tomallen.info) first visited Armenia in early 2008, having cycled from the UK as part of a round-the-world bicycle tour. The following year he married Tenny, an Armenian national, and settled in the country – their love story becoming the subject of an award-winning documentary film, Janapar. In the years since, Allen has learned the Armenian language and explored every corner of the country, much of it on foot (while mapping its lost network of historic trails) and by bicycle (both on and off road). The dramatic landscapes and heart-warming hospitality of the country inspired him to create a long-distance walking route across Armenia and its neighbouring countries, a dream that would become known as the Transcaucasian Trail. Allen’s experience enables him to uncover and communicate aspects of the country that would otherwise be missed, while his global perspective on travel ensures that such advice remains as objective as possible.
Deirdre Holding and her husband Nicholas first went to Armenia in 2001, on holiday. They were enthralled by the country: its landscapes, the wildflowers, the many medieval monasteries and churches, its unique alphabet, the welcome they received and the country’s complex history. But they were also frustrated by the lack of information about Armenia itself, often bewailing the absence of a practical and informative guidebook. Upon return, Nicholas made amends by writing the first Bradt guide to Armenia, with Deirdre taking over authorship of the third and subsequent editions after Nicholas’s death in 2008. Over the years, she has observed huge changes in the country – including improved road and tourist infrastructure, and the increase in hiking, cycling and wildlife-watching – but is delighted that many of its best elements remain unchanged: residents’ hospitality, wonderful seasonal fruit and vegetables, magnificent landscapes and abundant ancient sites.

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