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.

Europe

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

Kobayr is an impressive ruined monastery perched in a breathtaking position at the edge of a cliff above one of the canyons so typical of the Lori region. The ruins are particularly evocative and fascinating, and some parts are veritable treasures of scared art. 

Kobayr

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

Oceania

It is a wonderfully rewarding feeling when you reach Kobayr at the end of the trail after leaving the <a href="/armenia/">Debed Canyon </a> at Tumanian and tackling the steep climb up to the plateau. The valley/plateau contrast is one of the most fascinating aspects of Lori. And the cherry on the cake? All the historical sites here, such as Kobayr. Who were the people that built a monastery from dressed stone at the edge of a precipitous cliff, and what was their aim in so doing? Was it for the purposes of self protection, and to be visible from all around at the same time? 
These overgrown ruins, blending in so well with the natural vegetation all around and bringing to mind the artistic refinement of mediaeval Armenia, made an immediate and strong impression on me when I first arrived at the site. Koabyr Monastery experienced its heyday between the 11th and 13th centuries, when the Bagratuni dynasty was at the height of its powers. It was carefully restored in 2006 after having been left to abandon at various times and the renovations carried out have not caused the ruins to lose their spiritual and traditionally authentic character, as can sometimes happen in such cases.
Enter the apse of the Katoghike Church and you'll discover a wonderful scene made up of of demolished yet well preserved dressed stones lying on the ground, still-standing columns, and magnificent wall frescoes that have survived the years. If you venture away from the monastery, you can get wonderful views of the ancient ramparts, which blend so well into the local landscape, and of the best-preserved sections of the buildings.

Kobayr is an impressive ruined monastery perched in a breathtaking position at the edge of a cliff above one of the canyons so typical of the Lori region. The ruins are particularly evocative and fascinating, and some parts are veritable treasures of scared art.

The best local travel agencies in Armenia for family tours with kids

Family tour ideas in Armenia

The best tailor-made Armenia tours for families with children, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect family holiday with a local expert in Armenia

Family holidays in Armenia

Family Tours

Family Holidays in Armenia | Child-Friendly Tours

The best local travel agencies in Armenia for two week tours

Two week tour ideas in Armenia

The best two week tours to explore Armenia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect two week tour with a local expert in Armenia

Two weeks in Armenia

Two Week Tours

Two Weeks in Armenia | 14 Day Tailor-Made Tours

The best local travel agencies in Armenia for one week tours

One week tour ideas in Armenia

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.

Start planning your one week tour to Armenia

The best one week tours to explore Armenia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect one week tour with a local expert in Armenia

One week in Armenia

One Week Tours

One Week in Armenia | 7 Day Tailor-Made Tours

The best local travel agencies in Armenia for hiking and trekking tours

Tour ideas for trekking and hiking in Armenia

The best hiking and trekking tours and excursions in Armenia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect hiking tour with a local expert in Armenia

Hiking in Armenia

Hiking & Trekking

Hiking & Trekking Tours in Armenia | Tailor-Made Tours

The best local travel agencies in Armenia for cycling tours

Tour ideas for exploring Armenia by bike

The best cycling holidays and bike excursions in Armenia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect cycling tour with a local expert in Armenia

Cycling in Armenia

Cycling Tours

Cycling Holidays in Armenia | Explore Armenia By Bike

The best local travel agencies in Armenia for history and heritage tours

Tour ideas for visiting Armenia's historical sites

The best tailor-made tours to see Armenia's historical sites, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect history tour with a local expert in Armenia

Historical sites in Armenia

History & Heritage

History Tours in Armenia | Armenia's Best Historical Sites

The best local travel agencies in Armenia for privately-guided tours

Guided tour ideas in Armenia

The best privately-guided tours in Armenia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect guided tour with a local expert in Armenia

Guided tours in Armenia

Guided Tours

Guided Tours in Armenia | Professional Local Guides

The best local travel agencies in Armenia for food and wine tours

Tour ideas to experience Armenia's gastronomy

The best food tours and gastronomy experiences in Armenia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your food and wine tour in Armenia with a local expert

Food and wine in Armenia

Food & Wine

Food & Wine Tours in Armenia | Wine Tasting & Foodie Tours | Evaneos

The best local travel agencies in Armenia for city tours

Tour ideas for visiting Armenia's cities

The best city tours and city breaks in Armenia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect city tour with a local expert in Armenia

Cities in Armenia

Cities & Towns

City Tours in Armenia | Explore Armenia's Cities

Kobayr Holidays

Kobayr: How to get there?

Kobayr: See when to go?

Kobayr: For how long?

Kobayr: What to see nearby?