Mission “Fall in love in 72 hours”: where to live, what to eat and where to go in Armenia to make the trip unforgettable for a long time?

Before going to Armenia, I asked my friends and acquaintances there to describe the country in three words. No more, no less, exactly three. As a result, the list of bright names turned out something like this: homeland, heart, mountains, hospitality, home, family and people. By the way, the last word was mostly found in my modest journalistic survey.

But it wasn’t until I landed at my destination that I realized why my friends so often focused on people. More precisely, when I get into a taxi. The driver literally delivered the apples with the words: “These are from my garden, help yourself.” Oh yeah, I almost forgot. He added a resounding “brother” to the end of the sentence, and then I realized that this trip would stay in my memory forever. Spoiler: There are really a lot of memories left, so I decided not to be greedy and share them with you.

In this material I will tell you where to live, what to see, where to eat (yes, there was a lot of delicious food, so get ready) and other tourist spots that are definitely worth knowing in order to be 100% immersed. Calm atmosphere of Armenia. So, reader-jan, get ready for a digital trip to Yerevan, after which you will definitely want to buy tickets.

Where do you live?

You should stay at Seven Visions Resort & Places, The Dvin, a five-star luxury hotel in the heart of Yerevan. And here it is important to note that the renovated complex is truly impressive: 153 cozy rooms in the Art Deco style, One&Only air theater, a nightclub The Stage with a dinner show, The Pool outdoor pool with panoramic views (by the way, this is one of the main features of the hotel), Fragrance Bar, Hayrik Restaurant and Music Hall Banquet Hall.

By the way, the hotel only opened in October 2022, but has already won in three categories of the World Travel Awards, the world’s main tourism award.

And yes, the hotel will definitely not let you get bored. On Wednesday you can attend the unique, immersive acrobatic show One&Only, and from Thursday to Saturday The Stage hosts a spectacular dinner show featuring aerial acrobats, dancers, musicians and DJs. Every month there is a new show program and special thematic menu. And of course, we can’t help but mention the Pool located on the fifth floor of the hotel. Spoiler: The view is simply crazy.

The location of the hotel is also very advantageous: Saryan wine streets with atmospheric restaurants, gastronomy shops and wine boutiques, Republic Square, National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Sergei Parajanov Museum and Northern Boulevard are within walking distance. . Views of the old Kond region and Mount Ararat can be seen from the panoramic windows. Ideal for creating content for social networks.

Where?

You should start your gastronomic journey with the two-storey Hayrik restaurant located in the hotel. By the way, the name is translated from Armenian as “father”, and the staff calls this place the soul of the hotel. There, chef Rafael Kazumyan prepares dishes from modern European and traditional Armenian cuisine with love and the author’s imagination. Guests can enjoy Hayrik’s sophisticated atmosphere for breakfast, served in the restaurant and offering continental, buffet and à la carte breakfast options.

What to watch?

Where, where, but in Armenia you definitely can’t do it without a guide. After all, he is a knowledgeable person in love with Armenia who can tell you everything about the country’s culture, lifestyle and main attractions. Those who work at the travel company ToArmenia.Travel are exactly these enthusiasts of their job. Do you want to go to Garni and see the pagan temple? Easily! Do you dream of going to Sevan? Yes please! In general, it is the team of ToArmenia.Travel guides that will arrange for you the most unforgettable trip to the main places of power.

Note that wine tourism is gaining popularity in Armenia. That’s why the team also includes professional sommeliers, wine guides and oenology experts.

Where to go on a short trip?

If you want to hide from the heat and dive into the mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of Twin Peaks, go to Dilijan immediately. Surrounded by forests and mountains, the city becomes a center of attraction for all connoisseurs of beauty, peace and harmony. Mountains, lakes, abundant greenery, a pleasant climate and water (second in the whole world, as far as I remember from the cult movie “Mimino”). And also history, antiquity and impressive originality – here there is absolutely everything you need to relax your soul and body.

By the way, Dilijan is called the most intellectual city in Armenia, and for good reason: famous Armenian artists, writers, musicians and film directors once worked here. It is worth noting that the younger generation appreciates such a rich heritage and has created many projects aimed at promoting tourism in Dilijan. One of them is GoToDili. A team of enthusiasts introduces guests to Dilijan through its products: city tours organized by locals, excursions to the surrounding region and ancient temples, horse riding, hiking in the National Park and off-road tours to the mountain peaks.

And yes, it is worth staying there for a night to fully experience the atmosphere of Dilijan. The most suitable place will be the Toon Armeni guest house, located in the city center surrounded by picturesque nature. The complex includes private rooms, a home-cooked restaurant, a co-working centre, several cottages and a traditionally designed small house.

Well, what would it be without gastronomic pleasures! There is a cute city cafe on the shores of an artificial lake in Dilijan: Cafe #2. By the way, all employees are local residents. Here is another interesting fact worth respecting: Cafe #2 attracts local youth aged 14 and above as employees and visitors. Here they gain first work experience, master professional skills, organize holidays, public discussions and thematic events together with various educational organizations.

Where to try the best wine?

Festival tourism is another direction that activates Armenia and its regions today. For example, last year the team of creative agency TimeTo organized three large-scale events in Dilijan: the gastronomy festival GastroFest, the Tatev Midsummer Music Festival and the Dilijan Wine Festival.

I want to talk about the last one on the list in a little more detail, there are several reasons for this. First of all, thanks to the Dilijan Wine Festival, representatives of 40 wine houses from Armenia and Artsakh gathered in one place. Secondly, the festival had live music with performances by the duo Garik & Sona, rock band Lav Eli and Yellowheart. Third, guests of the event can attend a master class on sabrage, cocktail workshops, a wine casino (yes, that happens too) and an outdoor film screening.

Text: Grigory Cherkasov