Armenia, nestled in the South Caucasus, is a land of ancient history and breathtaking landscapes. As one of the world’s oldest Christian nations, it boasts UNESCO-listed monasteries like Geghard and Haghpat, set against rugged mountains and lush valleys. Yerevan, the vibrant capital, blends Soviet-era architecture with modern cafes and a thriving arts scene. From the serene shores of Lake Sevan to the dramatic cliffs of Tatev, Armenia offers a rich tapestry of culture, warm hospitality, and timeless traditions for travelers seeking depth and authenticity.

**Yerevan**: The cultural and economic hub, ideal for urban explorers. Visit the Cascade for art and views, or Republic Square for evening strolls. Great for couples and solo travelers. **Lake Sevan**: A high-altitude lake with beaches and monasteries, perfect for families and nature lovers. Sevanavank offers history and hiking. **Dilijan**: Known as “Armenian Switzerland,” this forested region suits outdoor enthusiasts with trails and cozy guesthouses. **Tsaghkadzor**: A ski resort in winter (December–March) and a hiking destination in summer, ideal for active families. **Tatev**: Home to the dramatic Tatev Monastery and the world’s longest cable car, best for adventurers and spiritual seekers.

Armenia has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. **Summer (June–August)**: 25–35°C (77–95°F), ideal for sightseeing and hiking; Yerevan can feel warm. **Winter (December–February)**: -5–5°C (23–41°F), snowy in Tsaghkadzor, perfect for skiing. **Spring/Autumn (March–May, September–November)**: Mild, 10–20°C (50–68°F), great for cultural tours. Pack layers for variable weather and sturdy shoes for rural areas.

Citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, and many countries enjoy visa-free entry for up to 180 days; passports must be valid for six months. Others can apply for an e-visa online (US$6–31, 21-day or 120-day options). Customs limits include 2L of alcohol and 400 cigarettes. Declare cash over US$10,000. Prohibited items: weapons, drugs, and unregistered antiquities. Check Armenia’s MFA website for updates. A COVID-19 vaccination certificate may be required for some venues.

Fly into Zvartnots International Airport (EVN), 12km from Yerevan, with direct flights from Moscow, Paris, Dubai, and Vienna via airlines like Aeroflot, Air France, and Qatar Airways. Budget carriers like Wizz Air serve European routes. From Tbilisi, Georgia, take a marshrutka (minibus, 6 hours, US$15) or train (10 hours, US$20). Buses from Istanbul (24 hours, US$40) are available. Book flights early for summer and winter peaks. Taxis from EVN to Yerevan cost US$10–15.

Yerevan’s metro is efficient (US$0.20/ride), covering key areas. Marshrutkas (minibuses, US$0.50–2) connect cities and rural areas but can be crowded. Taxis in Yerevan (e.g., GG or Yandex Go) cost US$1–5 for short trips; agree on fares outside cities. Trains link Yerevan to Gyumri and Lake Sevan but are slow. Renting a car is ideal for remote monasteries. Roads are improving but can be winding; use GPS apps like Maps.me for rural routes.

Car rentals cost US$30–60/day from agencies like Sixt or local firms at EVN airport. A valid driver’s license is sufficient; no international permit needed. Driving is on the right; roads vary from modern highways to rough mountain paths. Speed limits are 60km/h in cities, 90km/h on highways. Watch for livestock and potholes in rural areas. Fuel costs US$1.20/L. Take photos of the car at pickup to avoid disputes. 4x4 vehicles are recommended for remote regions like Tatev.

Wi-Fi is widely available in Yerevan’s cafes, hotels, and public squares; speeds are reliable in urban areas but slower in rural regions. Local SIM cards from Viva-MTS or Beeline (US$5–15) offer 1–10GB data; buy at EVN or The Valley shops. WhatsApp is popular for messaging. Coverage is good in Yerevan and Dilijan but spotty in remote mountains. Carry a power bank for long day trips.

Accommodations range from luxury to budget. **Yerevan**: High-end hotels like Marriott Armenia (US$100–200/night) suit business travelers; boutique guesthouses like Tufenkian Historic (US$60–120) offer charm for couples. **Lake Sevan**: Family-friendly resorts like Harsnaqar (US$40–80) provide lake views. **Dilijan**: Cozy B&Bs (US$20–50) cater to hikers. Book early for summer and New Year. Rural areas have basic but clean guesthouses; homestays offer cultural immersion.

The currency is the Armenian Dram (AMD), with US$1 ≈ AMD390. Cash is king in rural areas; ATMs are plentiful in Yerevan. Visa and MasterCard are accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants, but carry drams for markets and taxis. Daily costs: US$30–60 for budget travelers, US$80–150 for mid-range, US$200+ for luxury. Exchange money at banks or licensed booths in Yerevan for better rates. Tip 5–10% in restaurants if service isn’t included.

['Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112', 'Tourist Information Center (Yerevan): +374 10 54 20 60', 'U.S. Embassy (Yerevan): +374 10 49 42 00', 'UK Embassy (Yerevan): +374 10 26 43 01']

Armenia is landlocked, but Lake Sevan offers beach-like experiences. **Sevan Public Beach**: Sandy shores with calm waters, ideal for families; water sports like jet-skiing are available (US$10–20/hour). **Noratus Beach**: Quieter, with pebbly shores and picnic spots. Best visited June–August when water temperatures reach 18–22°C. Facilities are basic; bring food and shade. Lifeguards are rare, so supervise children closely.

Diving is limited due to Armenia’s landlocked geography. Lake Sevan offers snorkeling and shallow diving in summer (June–August) with clear waters and small fish species. Operators like Sevan Divers provide gear and guided tours (US$30–50/dive). Visibility is 5–10m; best for beginners. No coral reefs or wrecks, but the high-altitude setting is unique. Book in advance, as services are seasonal and weather-dependent.

Shop in Yerevan’s Vernissage Market for handmade carpets, silver jewelry, and duduk flutes. **Must-Buy**: Armenian cognac (e.g., Ararat), dried apricots, and lavash crisps. GUM Market offers fresh produce and spices. Luxury boutiques at Dalma Garden Mall cater to high-end shoppers. Bargaining is common at markets but not in stores. No VAT refund system. Budget US$10–50 for quality souvenirs; cognac starts at US$15/bottle.

Armenian cuisine is hearty and flavorful, rooted in fresh herbs and grilled meats. **Must-Try**: Khorovats (barbecue), dolma, and lavash bread. **Dining Options**: Yerevan’s Tavern Yerevan (US$10–20) offers traditional dishes in a cozy setting. High-end spots like The Club (US$20–40) serve modern Armenian fusion. Street food at GUM Market (US$2–5) includes kebabs and pastries. Vegetarian options like ghapama (stuffed pumpkin) are widely available. Book upscale restaurants in summer.