(18-21 Oct) A Memorable Visit to Armenia: Exploring Yerevan and Beyond (+GAL)

Posted in News and Events. Written by Admin on October 22nd, 2025

Armenia, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offers a captivating experience for every traveler. During our recent visit, we had the pleasure of exploring its vibrant capital, Yerevan, and venturing into the scenic countryside that surrounds it. From bustling markets and historic monasteries to picturesque lakes and exquisite local cuisine, Armenia proved to be a truly unforgettable destination. From Rotary Club Sofia International, Claude Badan (President), Inna Badan, Domagoj Stefan (Secretary), Ani Hristova (Vice-President) and Boyan Griffen attended. We were hosted by Rotary Club Yerevan International, including our former RCSI member Mariam Melikyan, who recently repatriated back to Yerevan and is now active there. They really went out of their way for us and we are truly grateful.

Discovering Yerevan, the Heart of Armenia
Our journey began in Yerevan, the lively capital city known for its ancient roots and modern charm. The city’s lively streets, spacious squares, and colorful architecture create a unique ambiance that blends the old with the new. One of the highlights was strolling through Vernissage Market, an open-air bazaar teeming with handcrafted souvenirs, artwork, jewelry, and traditional Armenian crafts. It’s a perfect place to find authentic gifts and immerse in local culture. And here is more about our trip, not necessarily in chronological order:

Tasting Armenian Delights
No visit is complete without savoring local cuisine. Our Rotarian hosts graciously took us out to dine with them in Yerevan at Caucasian Captive (a fun restaurant based on a famous soviet-era film) and Ararat Tavern Yerevan, two renowned restaurants offering delicious Armenian dishes. The warm hospitality and flavorful foods – such as khorovats (barbecue), dolma, and lavash – left a lasting impression. The rich flavors and traditional recipes provided a true taste of Armenia’s culinary heritage. They also featured dance and musical performances, with traditional Armenian national instruments, some of which resemble Bulgarian national instruments.

Visiting the Noy Cognac Factory
A trip to Armenia wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its famed cognac. RCSI members toured the Noy Cognac Factory, which is more like a small city and features several deep underground levels with enormous barrels containing up-to-100-year-old wines and cognacs, where we learned about the meticulous process of producing these renowned drinks. The factory’s rich history and craftsmanship produce cognacs enjoyed worldwide. Tasting some of their finest varieties was a highlight, encapsulating Armenia’s centuries-old tradition of spirit-making.

Exploring Lake Sevan and Surroundings
One of the natural treasures of Armenia is Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world. The scenic vistas, crystal-clear waters, and mountain backdrop offered a perfect setting for relaxation and photography. Along with our Rotarian friends, we enjoyed walking along the shore and the views of the landscapes and nearby mountains.

Visiting Monasteries and Cultural Sites
The spiritual side of Armenia is epitomized by stunning monasteries like Sevanavank Monastery and Haghartsin Monastery, which we visited during a day trip, thanks to our hosts from Rotary Club Yerevan International. Sevanavank, nestled amidst lush greenery, offers peace and a glimpse into Armenia’s religious history. Haghartsin monastery, set in a forested mountain area, mesmerized me with its ancient stone structures and serene atmosphere. Both sites were amazing and reflect Armenia’s deep religious roots and architectural ingenuity. We sampled ‘gata’ there. Armenian gata is a sweet, buttery pastry or bread with various regional forms that is often served with coffee or tea. It typically features a filling called khoriz, which is a mix of flour, butter, and sugar, sometimes with added ingredients like walnuts, nuts, or dried fruits. Gata is traditionally baked for holidays, especially Tiarn’daraj (Candlemas), and is considered a symbol of family unity and well-being.

Discovering Dilijan Town
A scenic drive took us Rotarians to Dilijan, often called the “Switzerland of Armenia” for its lush forests and charming old town, and resembles Bulgaria’s Etara. The town’s cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and surrounding nature made it a delightful stop for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. It’s also known for its mineral water spas and cultural festivals.

Conclusion: A Journey Through Armenia’s Heart
Our visit to Armenia was a deeply enriching experience, blending the vibrancy of Yerevan with the tranquility and spiritual legacy of its monasteries and natural landscapes. From wandering through bustling markets and tasting exquisite food to exploring historic sites and relaxing by Lake Sevan, Armenia offers a diverse and authentic adventure. It’s a country that warmly welcomes visitors with its deep history, breathtaking scenery, and hospitable people – truly a hidden gem in the Caucasus and less than three-hour direct flight from Sofia. Thank you very much to Mariam and our hosts from Rotary Club Yerevan International.

Rotary Club Yerevan International was the first Rotary club established in Armenia, with the first club starting in Yerevan in 1999. As part of the global Rotary organization, the club is a fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders dedicated to service, promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, and growing local economies in Armenia and around the world.

Website: https://www.rotaryerevan.international/

Mission: The club’s mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace.

Key areas of focus

Community and global service: The club is involved in service projects that align with Rotary’s six areas of focus: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies.
Local impact: The Yerevan club focuses on local community projects and programs, keeping members informed about local, national, and global events through weekly meetings.
Members: The club is composed of business, professional, and community leaders who are dedicated to making a positive impact.

We extend our thanks to the Rotary Club Yerevan International and friends, for making our visit possible: Mr. Arthur Khachatryan, Mrs. Geghanush Gyunashyan, Mr. Mkrtich Melkonyan, Mrs. Elya Jugan, Mr. Nune Melkonyan, Mr. Serob Mikayelyan (President of the Club) and of course to Mrs. Mariam Melikyan and Mr. Sasoun Melikyan – her dad.

Taste of Armenia in the heart of Sofia?
This is the place:
Granatus Bakery & Café
ul.”Iskar” 33
Sofia
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