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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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

Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, Goris is a superb little town  that's well worth the detour.

Goris

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Goris seems lost in this mountainous landscape. I arrived in this town of 20,000 inhabitants a bit by chance, after driving for hours through the sparsely populated, mountainous province of Syunik, in the south of the country. I really liked the town, which has a delightful centre, old stone houses and plenty of sites in the vicinity. In short, I highly recommend Goris as a stopover on the way to <a href="/armenia/">southern Armenia</a> or Iran. It's a great base from which to explore the wonderful Syunik range, local monasteries and nearby natural reserves. No trip to Goris would be complete without sampling the local tipple, 'Oghis', which is made from fruits grown in the region.

Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, Goris is a superb little town that's well worth the detour.

On the frontier with Nagorno Karabakh, Goris is a small town close to the rocky heights that are lightly covered in vegetation. I wasn't particularly impressed by the town but managed to find what I need to buy in the way of food and equipment for the winter weather. <a href="/armenia/">During a trip to Armenia,</a> I had decided to explore the surroundings. Half an hour from Goris, is Tatev monastery and I certainly wasn't disappointed by this formidable building dominating the cliff. I really enjoyed exploring all the rooms of the monastery which were intact, so you could imagine the monks living in them. I fell in love with one of the secret passages which led out to the moutainside. I also loved the landscapes in the region, especially the Devil's Bridge, a canyon that is so deep the sun never reaches it.

A town without pretensions in the heart of a region that mixes nature and history to perfection.

Many tourist guides present Goris as a city full of charm. So I expected to discover an exceptional place. I admit that once I arrived, I was a little disappointed. Certainly, there are the stone houses, but the city hardly lends itself to wandering around (there really isn't that much pavement and driving is rather sporty), and Soviet urban planning has taken quite a toll. Once you get past your first impression, you realise how lucky you are to be in a city lost in the depths of Armenia. Going to Goris means having access to the authentic Armenia, alternating between the splendour of the past and the uncertainty of the present. In addition, the only way to sleep there is to stay with a local. This is your opportunity to interact with the local population that's always willing to share some good advice. Finally, after some nice encounters, a visit to an abandoned cave dwelling and discovering the local nightlife, I realised that Goris remains one of the most authentic moments of my <a href="/armenia/">stay in Armenia</a>.

Goris is a town in southeastern Armenia with grey stone houses and ornate wooden balconies giving it a unique character.

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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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Goris Holidays

Goris: How to get there?

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Goris: What to see nearby?