If you’re looking for somewhere different to visit this year off the beaten tourist track, then small but spectacular Armenia could be just the ticket. The good news for the UAE residents is that Armenia tour packages are affordable and the UAE citizens don’t need visa to visit the scenic country.
With a rich and diverse range of attractions it can cater to a wide range of interests and has landscapes that’ll take your breath away.
It’s also just three hours flight from the GCC with direct flights on Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost airline Flynas from Riyadh to Yerevan, while UAE travellers – who don’t need a visa to enter Armenia – can hop on one of flydubai’s regular flights to the capital too.
Flydubai operates regular Dubai to Yerevan flights. Armenia’s currency is Dram.
Armenia Tour Package: 10 Facts You must Know
Here are 10 quirky facts that give Armenia serious traveller appeal:
Pleasant Armenia Weather
The weather remains pleasant most of the year. The best time to visit Armenia is from the month of May to September. July and August are the warmest months. January is the coldest.
It’s the World’s Oldest Country
The country has a history that dates back over 3,500 years and The Kingdom of Urartu, an ancient civilization that thrived in the Armenian Highlands, was one of the most advanced states of its time.
Oldest Alphabets
The country is credited with the creation of its own unique alphabet in 405 AD, making it one of the oldest alphabets still in use. The script was designed by Mesrop Mashtots and has 38 letters. Armenian letter art and its cultural expressions Inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Apricot country
It’s known as the apricot country. Armenia is famous for its delicious apricots, and it is believed that the fruit originated in this region. The apricot tree is considered a national symbol and is deeply integrated into Armenian culture.
Chess Champions
Chess is incredibly popular, and the country has produced many world-class chess players. The Armenian national team won the Chess Olympiad in 2012, and several Armenian grandmasters are ranked among the top players in the world.
Toasting Tradition
It has a serious toasting tradition. Speaking of wine, Armenians have a unique tradition of toasting during meals expressed as “where each person makes a heartfelt speech or offers a toast.” It’s an essential part of their culture and social gatherings.
Its Famous Bread is UNESCO listed
Lavash, a thin and soft unleavened flatbread, is a staple in Armenian cuisine and in 2014 UNESCO inscribed it in its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
World’s Deepest Freshwater Lake
Sevan Lake
Armenia is also home to Lake Sevan, which is one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world and the largest in the Caucasus region. This should be a must visit place in your Armenia tourist package.
Places to Visit in Armenia
Located on a cliff edge overlooking the Vorotan Gorge, Tatev Monastery is an architectural marvel and a must-visit attraction. This destination must have place in your Armenia tour package. You can take a nerve-jangling ride on the “Wings of Tatev” cable car- the longest reversible cableway in the world (5752 m), recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. This is the shortest and most picturesque route to Monastery.
Armenia Capital: Pink City
Forget Barbie, the capital city really knows how to do pink! And finally – way before Mattel got in on the action – the capital Yerevan was known as the “pink city” because the buildings were all made of naturally coloured volcanic rocks of varying shades of pink.
Conclusion:
Discovering Armenia is an enticing journey waiting to unfold, offering a blend of rich experiences and captivating destinations. With affordable Armenia tour packages, UAE residents are in for a treat, exploring a land where history, culture, and landscapes intertwine seamlessly.
From the vibrant streets of Yerevan, the pink-hued capital city, to the breathtaking allure of Lake Sevan and the architectural marvels like Tatev Monastery, Armenia’s tourist places invite you to create cherished memories. As the gateway from Dubai to Armenia beckons, travelers can bask in the pleasant weather and immerse themselves in the nation’s unique toasting tradition.
ALSO READ: Five reasons UAE residents should visit Armenia
For UAE residents with UAE passport, the process is made even smoother with visa-free entry. As you embark on a journey from Dubai to Armenia, the allure of this ancient land unfolds, showcasing the beauty of its landscapes, the warmth of its people, and the wealth of things to do there. So, pack your bags, step into a world where Armenia’s currency, the Dram, tells tales of the nation’s heritage, and let the allure of Armenia tourism captivate your senses.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
