Absolutely. Armenia is among the safest places we have ever visited with very low crime rates.

Once you arrive in Yerevan, there will be free WIFI in the airport after passport control. Depending on your carrier, you might have service in Armenia (i.e. T-mobile). If not, find the the desks for Armenian cell phone carriers (Viva Cell, for example) by the baggage claim section or in the arrival hall. This will be a great time to download the GG app (the Armenian Uber), since this is the best way to get to the city center.

The Armenian currency is called "dram". The exchange rate for $1 is around 400 drams. You can exchange foreign currency in the airport. Some supermarkets in the city center also have currency exchange services. Having cash is a good idea, even though almost all places in Yerevan accept credit cards.

The best way to get to the city center from the airport is by Taxi. Download the app called GG (the local Uber) for best rates and reliable service. The cost should be around 3000-4000 drams (~$10). Try to avoid taxi drivers in the airport offering you rides: as a rule of thumb, they overcharge for the service. Once you are in the city, using the GG app or the local subway are affordable and reliable ways to get around. If you stay in the city center, you will be able to walk to most places of interest, museums, galleries, cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, or music venues.

English became a popular language in the late 90s. The younger people in the capital city Yerevan speak English well. Russian and French are among the other popular languages in the country. Armenians are very proud of their language. Learning a few simple words in Armenian will make you a quick friend here :)

We are expecting a mild summer weather with around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit).

YOU WILL NEED AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE TO RENT A CAR. We found out the hard way :) If you are planning to stay in Yerevan, you do not need to rent a car. The Yerevan city center is small, you can walk around easily, use the subway or taxis when needed. Transportation is very affordable in Armenia. A single subway ride in Yerevan costs 100 drams (25 cents). If you are planning to stay longer and explore the countryside, renting a car will be a more suitable option for you. *Buses to and from the wedding venues will be provided.*

Armenian food belongs to the delicious and flavorful Mediterranean cuisine: stuffed grape leaves, barbecues, salads, cheese, olives, freshly-baked European breads or Armenian lavash (flatbread) and pastries... We highly recommend trying the fruits and vegetables here, they are so rich in flavor. If you do not like Mediterranean food, Yerevan has plenty of restaurants offering American, Mexican, French, Italian, Russian, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese and other popular cuisines. There are vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Yerevan as well.

Armenia is a mountainous country with vast reservoirs of fresh drinking water. The tap water is safe to drink, however, you may choose to drink bottled or boiled water to avoid any chance of emergencies.

The capital city Yerevan is just like another European city: it has a vibrant city center, with lots of restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs. The country has rich history and culture, so you will also see a lot of museums and galleries. The areas outside the city center are mostly residential, showcasing old Soviet architecture. The countryside is mountainous, with lakes, water reservoirs, forests and vast fields.

• • Dilijan - it's only 1.5 hours away from Yerevan. It's a small beautiful town located in the Dilijan National Park. Surrounded with lush forests, the town has small lakes, historical churches, cute little restaurants, resorts, spas, traditional crafts workshops, etc. • • Garni/ Geghard - built in the 1st century AD, Garni temple is the only Greco-Roman colonnaded building in Armenia and post-Soviet territory as well as the central shrine of Armenian paganism. Geghard, which is located very close to Garni, is a medieval temple, carved out of an adjacent mountain. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with enhanced protection status. •• Sevan Lake - the pearl of Armenia and the biggest lake in the country. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, you will also find a 9th century Sevanavank monastery in the coastline. Make sure to try the local Sevan trout, if you like fish. • • Gyumri - the second largest city of Armenia, it is the cultural and historical hub of the country. The city is famous for its charming three-story buildings, classic Armenian architecture and humorous people. The gallery of Mariam and Yeranuhi Aslamazyan sisters, the Black Fortress, and the Gyumri Fish Restaurant (Cherkezi Dzor) should be on your to-do list if you plan to visit the city. •• Tatev Monastery - a 9th century monastery built on the edge of a gorge. It used to be a medieval university, which served to preserve Armenian culture throughout difficult historical times. The monastery attracts tourists for its breathtaking views and the famous "Wings of Tatev" aerial tramway.

Unfortunately yes... The past 3 years have been difficult for Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) and some parts of Southeastern Armenia. After the 2020 war, the international borders are not clearly marked there yet. While 9 times out of 10 driving to these regions will be perfectly fine (Syunik Province is where we spend most of our time for our nonprofit work), at any given moment, the 1 time out of 10 is possible. If you choose to go to these areas, you should be aware of this and exercise extreme caution.

Absolutely! Armenia's geography allows travelers to visit many parts of the world including Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Africa. There are direct flights from Yerevan to many European cities (Paris, Rome, Milan, Venice, Athens, Tbilisi, Vienna, Frankfurt, Nicosia). You can explore Middle East by flying direct to Qatar, Lebanon, Egypt, UAE. We would very much appreciate if our guests chose NOT to travel to Turkey or Azerbaijan as a part of our wedding.