Armenia (Armenian: ???????? Hayastan, Hayq) is a landlocked country in southern Caucasus, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan in the east and Iran and the Naxç i van exclave of Azerbaijan in the south. Armenia has long been a trampling ground for the world's major civilizations, and the 20th century was no exception. Western neighbour Turkey clashed with Russia in the first quarter of the century, and Armenia was dragged into the conflict. After suffering mass genocide at the hands of the Turks, Armenia passed into Russian control, till the collapse of the U.S.S.R. at the start of the 90s.

If you fly in your trip will probably start in Yerevan , the capital city. Culturally and economically it is the most important place in Armenia . Garni and Geghard are excellent daytrips from the capital. Echmiadzin is the religious capital of Armenia and is the place of residence of the leader of the Aremenian Church . While Alaverdi in the northern province of Lorri is not particularly interesting, two breathtaking monasteries, Sanahin and Haghpat, and a basilica in Odzun, all three just above the town, are really worth a visit.