4 independent reviews for Armenia hiking vacation, small group
Reviews for Armenia hiking vacation, small group
Donal O review 24 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I was moved by the Armenian genocide museum on the outskirts of Yerevan - much more than I anticipated. I left the visit for my last day in the country, and expected to get choked up a bit, given Armenia's recent past. I will now cheat here and mention another highpoint: the rugged Armenian countryside! It gorgeous, largely unspoiled. Some vistas, such as pastures of red poppies and contented cows, are unforgettable. Everywhere we went we found arrays of bee hives, a sign of intact ecosystems. And if I can cheat a second time: my two fellow travelers, one from the US and the other from Germany, were wonderful. I had fears I'd be stuck with incompatible companions (or they'd be stuck with me!). I was struck by how many interests we shared - maybe that is inherent in folks who do walking tours abroad.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
This is my mistake, so it is on me. I did not ask Arara what the situation would be if our guide or someone in the group had a Covid-like infection. Within three days of arriving in Armenia, I contacted a respiratory infection. It hung on maliciously for 3 weeks. I finally got tested for Covid two days ago, after my return to the US. I tested negative. Yet I harbor a suspicion it was Covid since it was so late in the clinical course. It took some fun out of the longer daily walks. Bottom line: given that Covid persists worldwide, and Armenia is largely maskless, travelers might ensure they well vaccinated before heading out. There is close contact with strangers, esp. during daily long-haul drives. I was well vaccinated for Covid.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Local B+Bs were generally the best overnight stays. It presented an opportunity to meet and communicate (ineptly, at my end) with Armenians. The company used local taxis to get back to our vehicle at the end of longer, one-way hikes. All of the hotels were economical and staffed by friendly employees. almost all understood some English. I had the distinct impression our company had taken a hit from the downturn in tourism due to two years of Covid, since it had moved its office several times and laid off some employees. At a minimum, it was good to be working with a local business which paid attention to detail, and got us to multiple off-the-beaten track hikes, churches, villages and forts.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good. This was an excellent way to get a feel for Armenia. There is big contrast between cosmopolitan Yerevan, full of outdoor cafes and expensive shops, and the more traditional countryside (it was rare to see a female driver outside of the big towns). Our guide/driver spoke good English, was patient with our endless questions, and paid attention to safety on the road. Armenian roads are not for the fainthearted. Arara office folks were responsive to questions and concerns. Our guide, Vardan, wasSophie to chase
Nuha Albulbul review 18 May 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Did what I really missed last year Such as hiking/ cycling activity and contact with local people2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't expect to get high quality of services in Armenia3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Maybe4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good tripJon Talbot review 23 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Would not describe it as a trip of highlights. Everything enjoyable.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Put trust in the company. They are genuinely interested in your welfare. They are flexible, helpful and appoint good staff. I could not recommend them highly enough.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I do not believe any form of tourism is environmentally sustainable but equally all of it has economic benefits for service providers etc. I have a professional interest in building conservation and preservation, as does our guide. He took pictures of modern accretions to World Heritage sites which contravene UNESCO guidelines. He did not discuss this with us as this was the action of a concerned citizen rather than tour guide.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I have no criticisms only praise and one suggestion. The company are excellent. My one disappointment from the trip was the food. Armenian cuisine is a major draw for many visitors and the best food we had by a country mile was when staying in family run guest houses, although not all of them. The guide did his best to find decent places but l think the company as a whole ought to consider this as something to research for all trips.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your feedback and comments. Your remarks will help us to improve our services. We are very happy you have enjoyed your trip and hope to see
you in Armenia again, soon!
Charles Louis review 21 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
How can I begin as every day was wonderful. Probably the best walk was on our 3rd day when we walked up to the castle and then down and up again to the monastery and then on the way down walked with a herd of cows who seemed to enjoy our company.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring gaiters if you are to hike Mt Aragat, I found my walking poles invaluable, make sure you have good waterproof hiking boots - we had no rain so I can’t speak to rainwear needs though I brought them with me.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really though we always took our food wrappers and other trash with us. Driving by van was essential but it’s not environmentally positive!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
For me 10 out of 10! Ara was a great guide who was very knowledgeable and always made sure I was safe.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your time and positive feedback. It was our pleasure to organize your trip. Hope to see you in Armenia again!
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