Saghmosavank is located at the northern end of the Kasagh River gorges and is probably the most beautiful monastery in the whole region. 

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Armenia

Saghmosavank’

Sanahin monastery, presiding over Debed Canyon, is one of the most beautiful in Armenia. Fantastic architecture, picturesque scenes, spiritual breeze: Sanahin has all of the best that Armenia has to offer. It is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Monasteries of Sanahin

Siuated by the Debed Gorge, at about 1,000m above the river, the town of Odzoun is famous for its 5th - 7th Century monastery. 

Odzoun

A classified UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Haghpat Monastery is without doubt one of the most beautiful in the country.

Haghpat

Lying around one hour from Yerevan, Geghard is one of the most wonderful religious monuments in the whole country. 

Geghard

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<p>My arrival in Geghard literally transported me into another world. From Yerevan, I had first visited the Antique Temple in Garni, whose site is superb, but had left me rather cold. After having gone back up the <a href="/armenia/">Azat Valley </a>up to this display of cliffs which form Geghard's natural arena, the discovery of this monastery, perched at the top of its lost valley, let the wind of spirituality blow over my head.</p>
<p>A fortress constructed by worn stones awaits you, on its own, at the foot of the cliffs, allowing you to pass the bell tower of the St Astvatsatsin chapel. When you penetrate the<strong>outer wall of the Geghard monastery</strong>, which dates back to the 13th century, the church is unveiled in all its splendour. The very oriental ornaments, sculpted on the facade and around the doors, are magnificent. The numerous caves and the khatchkars (ornate Armenian crosses) carved into the cliff honour these completely mineral aesthetics.</p>
<p>But it's inside the St Astvatsatsin chapel that moved me the most. Very sombre, but bathed in bundles of light, skilfully filtered from outside, it was mostly made by excavation, even the cave itself. The austerity of the décor only makes these wonderful decorative elements more valuable: khatchkars, bas-reliefs, including two remarkable lions, completed sculpted from the rock. A treasure!</p>

Gueghard is one of the most incredible sites in Armenia. This isolated monastery, in a cave-dwelling area, is the throne at the foot of the basaltic cliffs of the Azat Valley, in the heart of the Geghama mountains. It's a treasure of mediaeval Armenian architecture.

<p>A monastery constructed in the 4th century AD then burnt by Arab invaders, Geghard is a incredible religious site nestling beneath an impressively steep rocky peak, which seems to blend perfectly with the dry stone of the monastery itself. The two churches within the site, which were constructed in the 12th century AD, are also just as stunning, with incredible inscriptions carved into their stone walls.</p> <p> <strong>Geghard was one of the most impressive sites I visited in the country</strong>, and it really encapsulates what a <a href="/armenia/">trip to Armenia</a> is all about in my opinion: at the end of a semi-tarmacked road in an arid, inhospitable landscape, completely lost in the middle of nowhere, you encounter a pure wonder, a monastery which seems to have no business being there yet which adds that extra little magical dimension to your stay in Armenia.﻿​</p>

Lying around one hour from Yerevan<strong>, Geghard is one of the most wonderful religious monuments in the whole country.</strong> 

<p>Of all the monasteries that I visited during my <a href="/armenia/">holiday in Armenia</a>, Geghard was the one that impressed me the most. Part of building and its halls have been carved out of the mountain, which gives the site a unique architectural style and magical atmosphere. You'll also find a sacred spring in one of the monastery's halls, where worshippers come to pray. To reach the spring, you'll pass through an elaborately decorated hall, engraved with lions and Armenian crosses, all lit by shafts of light that pour from an opening in the ceiling. As for the main hall, its filled with hundreds of votive candles that pilgrims light all year round.</p> <p>What's more, the monastery complex at <strong>Geghard was built in a deep valley through which a river flows</strong>. Before or after your visit, you can relax under a walnut tree, in a lovely shady area by the river.</p>

<strong>Geghard is a monastery built in typical, Armenian religious style</strong>. It stands out thanks to the magnificent sculptures that decorate its walls.

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Tour ideas for trekking and hiking in Armenia

<p>Hiking in <strong><a data-destination-id="50" data-internal-link="destination">Armenia&nbsp;</a></strong>is a brilliant way to enjoy an active vacation. Whether you head up to the soaring heights of the Caucasus or take a trip to the Lastiver Caves, Armenia’s hiking trails provide varying lengths to satisfy every adventurer. This diverse and ancient land is a stunning place for a hiking trip.<br></p><h3>What makes Armenia a great destination for hiking?</h3><p>Challenging trails offering spectacular mountain vistas and ancient ruins sitting on lush hillsides make hiking in Armenia a fantastic <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/armenia/tours-adventure/" target="_blank">adventure</a></strong>. The country's <strong>trails span a wealth of landscapes</strong> from mountain ranges to inland seas. Though routes like the new Transcaucasian Trail are gaining popularity, the vast majority of Armenia's natural treasures remain little-visited by travelers.<br></p><h3>The best places to go hiking in Armenia</h3><p>There are few better ways to explore the Armenian countryside than on a hiking adventure. Here are some of the finest routes and trails for hiking in Armenia.<br></p><h4>Push yourself on the Apakeqar Trail</h4><p>For a workout along the journey, look no further than the Apakeqar Trail. Located in Dilijan National Park, this route takes you through the village of Hovk up to the top of Mount Apakeqar. Admire the <strong>panoramic views at the top</strong>, then hike back to Hovk via Lake Kari, or onward to the historic village of Haghartsin.<br></p><h4>Trek to new heights on Mount Aragats</h4><p>The towering Mount Aragats offers a choice of <strong>four summit trails</strong>, which lead you to its brilliant peak, 13,420 feet above sea level. There's flora, fauna, and waterfalls, as well as fabulous views of the valleys below. This hike can be done in one or two days, depending on your experience and stamina.<br></p><h4>Wildflowers and petroglyphs in the Geghama Mountains</h4><p>Following the mountain ridge from the Ararat Plain to Lake Sevan, this stretch of the Transcaucasian Trail includes the <strong>extinct Azhdahak volcano with its rugged red terrain</strong> and vibrant seasonal wildflowers. A number of prehistoric petroglyphs also dot the route.<br></p><h4>A serene trip to the Lastiver Caves</h4><p>Near the city of Ijevan, the <strong>picturesque and tranquil hiking trail</strong> to the Lastiver Caves meanders through lush meadows and hillsides covered by low-hanging clouds. Along the way, you’ll come across waterfalls and rustic treehouses before reaching the caves themselves.<br></p><h4>Soak up the views from Smbataberd</h4><p>A scenic hike to the ruins of the Smbataberd fortress near the village of Artabuynk doesn't just provide gorgeous valley views. You'll also see <strong>wild mountain goats</strong> and visit the nearby 10th-century Tsaghats Kar Monastery overlooking the Yeghegis River.<br></p><h3>Tips for planning a hiking tour in Armenia</h3><p>The best time of year for hiking in Armenia is during the <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/armenia/tours-summer/" target="_blank">summer season</a> from May to October</strong>, when weather and trail conditions are most reliable. Make sure to bring layered clothing, and emergency supplies such as a first aid kit and locating beacon.&nbsp;</p>

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Tour ideas to experience Armenia's gastronomy

<p>Foodies looking for a culinary adventure will find lots to get excited about on a food tour of <strong><a data-destination-id="50" data-internal-link="destination">Armenia</a></strong>. With one of the world's oldest established cuisines, its gastronomical roots go deep. Sharing a culinary heritage with its nearest neighbors, including Turkey and Georgia, its dishes have their own distinctive flair—think tender grilled meats, fresh fish, and earthy stews.<br></p><h3>What makes Armenia a great destination for foodies?</h3><p>Armenian cuisine is all about freshness and big, bold flavors. While on a food tour of Armenia, you'll get to try local specialties such as dolma (stuffed vine leaves), khorovats (a kebab served at celebrations), ghapama (pumpkin stew), and much more. What's more, <strong>Armenia is a major regional producer of wine and brandy</strong>. Enjoy fine wine produced in the country's oldest winery in Aragatsotn Province—an ideal wine-producing region with a minimum altitude of 950 meters, hot sunny days, and cool nights—and sip local liquors in each region you visit.<br></p><h3>The best gastronomy tours in Armenia</h3><p>Discover <strong>unexpected flavors, centuries-old recipes, and traditional cooking methods</strong> on a food tour of Armenia. To whet your appetite, check out the following activities for a foodie odyssey.&nbsp;<br></p><h4>Dig into traditional Armenian food in Yerevan</h4><p>Head to <strong>the capital, Yerevan, to sample dishes like harissa</strong>, a pearl barley and meat stew, and the famous lahmacun—a thin crust pizza topped with finely ground meat and vegetables.<br></p><h4>Try the fresh fish of Lake Sevan</h4><p>An enormous, high-altitude lake in eastern Armenia, Lake Sevan is the ideal place to try fresh Armenian fish dishes. Tour the region around the lake to indulge in fresh trout from the glassy waters and <strong>enjoy the local delicacy, crayfish kebabs</strong>. While here, you can even go on a guided fishing trip to catch your own dinner, then take it back to shore to prepare your own meal.<br></p><h4>Savor Armenian wines</h4><p>Opened in the 1930s, the Voskevaz Winery puts to good use the fertile lands of the Aragatsotn region. <strong>Ageing its wine in Armenian oak barrels</strong>, its exquisite finished product has distinctive flavors. Come for a tasting and learn all about wine producing in the region, which is believed to go back as far as 6,000 years.<br></p><h4>Visit the Ararat Brandy factory</h4><p>In Yerevan, visit the distillery of the famed Ararat brandy producer, the Yerevan Brandy Company, to discover its intriguing history and to <strong>taste two fine varieties of cognac</strong>, aged for 10 and 20 years.<br></p><h4>Bake flatbread in Garni</h4><p>Immerse yourself in Armenian culinary culture by visiting a local home to help with the lavash bread baking ceremony. After the bread is baked, you'll <strong>share a meal with your welcoming hosts</strong> and learn about life in this little-visited European country.<br></p><h3>Tips for planning a food tour in Armenia</h3><p>Plan your Armenia food tour for <strong>May through June or September through October</strong>, when the weather is pleasantly warm but not uncomfortably hot. The <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/armenia/tours-fall/" target="_blank">fall season</a></strong> is particularly exciting, with harvests happening across the country on farms and in wineries.&nbsp;</p>

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Trip ideas for visiting Armenia in Fall

<p><strong><a data-destination-id="50" data-internal-link="destination">Armenia&nbsp;</a></strong>is one of Europe's best-kept secrets and an ideal destination for adventurous travelers. While under the radar for most travelers, Armenia has all the ingredients for a memorable trip. Expect an incredibly rich cultural heritage dating back to ancient times, mesmerizing landscapes, and unparalleled hospitality. Fall in Armenia is the best time of year to visit; after the summer heat cools down and before the cold winter kicks in, weather conditions are optimal for exploring this underrated, captivating country.<br></p><h3>Why should I visit Armenia in fall?</h3><p>Fall in Armenia is characterized by <strong>long, sunny days and mild temperatures</strong>. The cooler temperatures make this time of year particularly suitable for exploring the towns and cities, while the mountains are also accessible. Early fall is the harvest season, during which fresh fruits and vegetables appear everywhere. As the season progresses, trees change color, making for spectacular views at the country's <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/armenia/tours-nature/" target="_blank">national parks</a></strong>.<br></p><h3>The best things to do in Armenia in fall</h3><p>Fall is the perfect time to explore Armenia’s enthralling towns and national parks. A visit to some of the country's perfectly preserved ancient monasteries should also be on your agenda. There isn't a huge amount of infrastructure in place for travelers, so having a local guide is convenient when planning your trip and navigating the country.&nbsp;<br></p><h4>Old meets new in Armenia's capital</h4><p>Yerevan has a long <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/armenia/tours-historical-sites/" target="_blank">history</a></strong>. The city is 28 years older than the historic capital of Italy, Rome, yet it's <strong>a surprisingly cosmopolitan city</strong>. Also known as the ‘Pink City’ for its characteristic rose-colored buildings, it abounds with busy town squares and buzzing cafés.<br></p><h4>See the fall shades in Dilijan National Park</h4><p>Dilijan is one of the most scenic destinations in the whole country, with <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/armenia/tours-hiking-and-trekking/" target="_blank">hiking </a>trails passing through flourishing forests and across rolling hills</strong>, revealing ancient hidden monasteries. In fall, the foliage turns to rich shades of yellow and orange.<br></p><h4>Go winery hopping in Areni</h4><p>Armenia has <strong>a 6,000-year-old wine-making tradition</strong> and the country's finest wines are produced in Areni. Late September and early October are the perfect times to visit the village's wineries, as this is when the grapes are harvested and bottles from previous years are tasted.<br></p><h4>See a magical sunset at Noravank</h4><p>Noravank, a 13th-century monastery decorated with intricate carvings and religious reliefs, is dramatically situated amid red-colored cliffs. <strong>At sunset, the rocks light up</strong> and create a magnificent backdrop to the stone church towers.<br></p><h4>Traveling back in time at Geghard Monastery</h4><p>Geghard Monastery, carved partially out of the mountain rock, dates back to the 4th century. Stepping into its dark tombs and chambers is an eerie but unmissable journey back in time. The monastery is said to house the lance that wounded Jesus on the cross.<br></p><h3>What's the weather like in Armenia in fall?</h3><p>Armenia has a continental climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters. While the summer heat can make sightseeing challenging, the winter sees heavy snowfall, forcing roads and sites to close down. <strong>In fall, temperatures are generally pleasantly cool</strong> and well-suited for sightseeing. Early fall, just after summer, is considered the best time of year to travel to Armenia. During late fall, approaching the winter, rainfall slowly increases and temperatures drop.&nbsp;</p>

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Summer trip ideas in Armenia

<p>Head to <strong><a data-destination-id="50" data-internal-link="destination">Armenia</a> </strong>in the summer to discover this ancient and beautiful land. This Southern Caucasus country is quickly becoming a top travel destination thanks to its wide range of adventure activities and incredible scenery. Spend your days hiking in the mountains or kayaking on picturesque lakes, and enjoy delicious local cuisine come dinner time.&nbsp;<br></p><h3><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Why should I visit Armenia in the summer?</span></h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Summer in Armenia is the perfect time to experience the best of this country's natural wonders and friendly locals. The warmest time of year, <strong>summer brings plenty of opportunities to explore Armenia’s natural beauty and historic attractions</strong>. A <strong>variety of festivals celebrate the country's rich culture and diversity</strong>, including the International Children's Day celebrations in Yerevan, and July's Vardavar festival, with <strong>giant street parties and water fights</strong>.</span></p><h3><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Best things to do in summer in Armenia</span></h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">There are numerous <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/armenia/tours-adventure/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.com/armenia/tours-adventure/">adventure activities</a></strong> to enjoy in summer in Armenia, whether it's <strong>swimming, <a href="https://www.evaneos.com/armenia/tours-hiking-and-trekking/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.com/armenia/tours-hiking-and-trekking/">hiking</a>, or even extreme sports</strong>. In the city, <strong>check out ancient churches and ruins</strong>, and <strong>head to the local markets to taste a bounty of summer produce</strong>.&nbsp;</span></p><h4><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Get an adrenaline rush in the mountains</span></h4><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Armenia's mountains are the perfect setting for a variety of extreme sports, <strong>from paragliding off peaks and slopes to rock-climbing and abseiling</strong>. Whichever adrenaline activity you choose, you’ll be rewarded with <strong>unbeatable views</strong> of the surrounding countryside.</span></p><h4><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Take a hike among spectacular scenery</span></h4><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Hike to the summit of <strong>Armenia's tallest mountain, Mount Aragats</strong>, for superb views of the surrounding valleys. The two-day hike is absolutely worth the effort, but those seeking something more adventurous should trek the multi-day <strong>Transcaucasian Trail</strong>, which runs for over 1,860 miles across Armenia and <strong><a data-destination-id="129" data-internal-link="destination">Georgia</a></strong>.&nbsp;</span></p><h4><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Taste delicious Armenian produce&nbsp;</span></h4><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Visit the local markets on your own or with a guided tour to try the wide variety of the <strong>plentiful seasonal fruits, vegetables</strong>&nbsp;and other <a href="https://www.evaneos.com/armenia/tours-food-and-wine/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.com/armenia/tours-food-and-wine/">foods</a> that grow here. Don’t miss the <strong>famous Armenian apricot</strong>, one of the finest, juiciest apricot varieties in the world, golden in color, with a <strong>soft, plump pulp and sweet taste</strong>.</span></p><h4><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Swim in a striking lake</span></h4><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">To locals, Lake Sevan is known as the '<strong>Inverted Sky Lake</strong>'. It gets this moniker due to its altitude, so high up in the mountains that the <strong>water seemingly touches the sky</strong>. Hike here and jump in the cooling waters, which are just about<strong> warm enough for a relaxing swim</strong>.&nbsp;</span></p><h4><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Fly by an ancient monastery</span></h4><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Visit the <strong>9th-century Tatev Monastery</strong> via the world's<strong> longest double-track cable car</strong>, sitting around 1,000 feet above the Vorotan River. This 12-minute ride will leave you in awe as you cross the rugged gorge. At the top, you'll be wowed by the monastery’s fortifications, an important site in Armenian <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/armenia/tours-historical-sites/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.com/armenia/tours-historical-sites/">history and culture</a></strong>.</span></p><h3><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">What's the weather like in Armenia in the summer?</span></h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Summer in Armenia is pleasantly warm and dry</strong>, thanks to its highland setting. Average temperatures are around 80°F in the capital city of Yerevan, with cooler temperatures the higher you go. Evenings often enjoy a <strong>refreshing breeze</strong> thanks to the mountains.</span></p><p><br></p>

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The monastery is built into the rock. There are sacred chambers on two levels in the rock. Go find a cave nearby.

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