Armenia

This new, thoroughly updated 5th edition of Bradt's Armenia remains the only standalone guide available to this mountainous post-Soviet republic at the crossroads of Europe. Packed with detailed background information and invaluable practical advice, Bradt's Armenia remains the essential choice for anyone travelling to this beautiful country. New for this edition is coverage of the gastronomic revival in Yerevan, increased coverage of local music and nightlife, and expanded sections on protected areas, particularly the National Parks, including overview maps of their trail networks. Also new is information on the Transcaucasian Trail, hitch-hiking as a mode of transport, volunteering opportunities for longer-term travellers, and Yerevan as a popular base for 'digital nomads' and young diaspora Armenians. In addition, there is a wealth of new details for adventure travellers, including guidance on hiking and trekking, camping, mountain biking, cycle touring, rock climbing, off-road driving, and winter sports including ski touring. New long-distance trails are covered, too.Bradt's Armenia provides all of the information needed for a successful trip and covers 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 which is undergoing a renaissance as a place to explore and reconnect with nature; Areni village, one of the birthplaces of wine 6,000 years ago; and Vayots Dzor, the 'valley of woes', whose side valleys are abundant with wildlife-spotting opportunities. Tatev village and proposed National Park are included, as are the Orbelian caravanserai and other remnants of the ancient Silk Road trading route network that once criss-crossed the Caucasus regionRich 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 locals, superb hiking possibilities and abundant bird life, and you'll soon discover why Armenia is worth more than just a fleeting visit.