Armenia

Armenia is a mountainous country situated at the juncture of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. Bordered by Turkey, Georgia, Iran, Azerbaijan, and the exclave of Naxcivan; Armenia has a rich and ancient culture, and thanks to its welcoming people, is relatively easy to travel through.

Yerevan, the capital and largest city of Armenia, has a buzzing cultural scene, enough museums and galleries to keep you busy for days, and endless dining options. Most of the tourist attractions are concentrated around the city centre, making it easy to get around and explore.

Points of interest in Yerevan include Republic Square, known for its fabulous architecture; the Blue Mosque, an 18th century Shia Islamic Mosque; and Cafesjian Museum, which houses a sculpture park and the Cascades - an Art Deco version of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion, more than 1,700 years ago in 301 AD, and as such there are a multitude of cathedrals, monasteries and churches scattered throughout the countryside.

The UNESCO World Heritage Listed Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the oldest state-built church in the world, and was originally built as a vaulted basilica in 301-303 AD. Its design was changed over the centuries, but much of the current design dates back to 618 AD.