The ruin of the Amberd Fortress is 2300 m above sea level; it is a symbolic monument perched on top of a stony setting and at the foot of Mount Aragats. Just next to the Vahramashen church (11th century) is another architectural and scenic gem.

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Armenia

Amberd

Aparan, a small town that is as severe as it is picturesque, lies at the foot of Mount Aragats, Armenia's roof. A small town in the high plateaus, buffeted by the winds, dry and freezing in winter, it is an ideal point of departure for climbing Aragats.

Aparan

The symbol of a country which recalls the riches of its history and the bitterness of its defeats.

Mount Ararat

Areni's excellent red wines  are produced in a small village in the south west of the country on the border with Azerbaijan

Areni

Ashtarak is a peaceful,  smallish town in Aragatsotn Province, which is not without interest.

Ashtarak

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I passed through Ashtarak and didn't find anything particularly interesting about the town, although it is very pleasant. Ashtarak is a rural town with some old buildings, like a 16th century bridge and some beautiful 19th century houses. Ashtarak is interesting for other things - mostly because it is centrally placed for the numerous monasteries hiding in the region, such as the unmissable 7th century Karmravor church or 6th century Tsiranavor. So altogether I don't recommend staying in Ashtarak, especially as the town is only 15 kilometres from the capital Yerevan, and you could easily visit it in a day , including visiting the surrounding monasteries, if you want a good trip into <a href="/armenia/">rural Armenia</a>.

Ashtarak is a peaceful, smallish town in Aragatsotn Province, which is not without interest.

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A week away in Armenia&nbsp;is the perfect opportunity to get out of your comfort zone while enjoying the incredible sites that this stunning destination has to offer. Take a walking tour and enjoy the rustic scenery as you explore monasteries, lakes and castles, or stay in the city to see incredible museums and galleries as well as soaking up the local culture. Your itinerary will be filled with amazing sights and sounds as you explore, meeting welcoming people as you go and experiencing <a data-destination-id="50" data-internal-link="destination">the best of Armenia</a>. <h3>Best things to see and do for one week in Armenia</h3><h4>What to see in one week</h4>Armenia is the perfect destination for history lovers, with so many fascinating sites, ranging from prehistoric to more modern times. Above all, Armenia is known for its incredible monasteries and other religious sites and these should certainly be on your list of things to see during a one week tour of Armenia. Start at Lake Sevan, where you can enjoy sandy beaches and countless outdoor activities before visiting the beautiful monastery that has stood here for centuries. Next, visit <a data-place-id="14467" data-internal-link="place">Geghard</a>, a monastery which is set into a canyon, with part of the structure being carved out of the rock face. Tatev Monastery is another must see site and will make for an incredibly picturesque visit as it is built at the very top of a cliff. Explore the three churches and the rest of the complex before enjoying a truly breathtaking view. Armenia’s incredibly array of historical sites is so large that a one week tour would not be enough time to appreciate the scale of the rich history that has unfolded here, were it not for the History Museum of Armenia, which is a fantastic option for those without a lot of time. Whilst its no match for exploring the sites themselves, it is a fantastic, interesting and interactive way to learn about the incredible events that have taken place here over the years. <h4>What to do in one week</h4>Visiting Armenia is an experience as unique as the things you will find here. Take a day trip to sites such as The Temple Of Garni, a 1st century classical Greek design which still stands today. Imagine life in the 1st Century as you wander around this feat of human engineering and marvel at its incredibly and beautiful structure. For active visitors, travel to Mount Aragats, a volcano with no less that four peaks as well as a stunning medieval fortress to reward those who decide to hike to the summit. Not only will you get to explore this fortress, you will also be greeted with some truly stunning views out over the rural countryside. A city tour is another must on any one week Armenia tour and with so many interesting things to do in such a small area, ts by far the best way to make the most out of your week here. Visit Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, to enjoy galleries, museums, restaurants and bars as well as visits to Victory Park, Republic Square, The Blue Mosque and many more incredible locations. <h3>Best time to travel to Armenia for a week</h3><a data-document-id="4657" data-internal-link="article">Whenever you visit Armenia</a> for your one week tour, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time, with each season offering a unique reason for visiting. Plan your trip to Armenia&nbsp;during the peak season (May to August) and you’ll be able to enjoy warm, sunny weather, the international film festival in July as well as an extreme sports festival on Lake Sevan in August. Visiting during these months also means, however, that you’ll be met with more crowds and less availability for accommodation and activities. During the winter, Armenia becomes fairly cold and snowy, meaning that winter sports are possible in places such as the ski resort at Tsakhkadzor and the cities, while cold, are even more beautiful under a layer of snow. Winter trips are also often a little cheaper, with less demand for accommodation and therefore, more choice on offer.

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Ashtarak Holidays

Ashtarak: How to get there?

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Ashtarak: For how long?

Ashtarak: What to see nearby?