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Russia and Armenia? Starting to think about 2013 travel

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Old Dec 31st, 2012, 02:34 PM
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Amy
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Russia and Armenia? Starting to think about 2013 travel

I realize that Armenia is in Asia (and thus on the Asia forum; not that there's much!) but I am looking into the possibility of combining perhaps three days in Moscow with 10-12 days in Armenia (or Armenia and Georgia.) I do like to spend some time in one place, and am a huge fan of nature/culture/history, not so much nightlife/shopping/resorts/beach.

The last time I was in Russia was 1989 (and the first time was 1984) and of course I know things have changed considerably. I'd love to go back for even longer, but I thought it might be fun to at least stay for a few days and revisit. (Not going to St. Petersburg as well will be difficult, though.) Any recommendations for either the Moscow or Armenia part, as far as perhaps places to stay (I like less than $100US a night, but with a private bathroom; apartments or B&B's are fine) or day tours to arrange? Generally I travel independently but join up for occasional tours in between the walking around and general existence.

I've been all around the Web and have ordered up my travel books for Armenia, but I've always found this site to be one of the best sources for info. Anything you'd like to share would be received gratefully.
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Old Dec 31st, 2012, 02:41 PM
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Very impressive.
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Old Dec 31st, 2012, 06:27 PM
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Amy, I will send you some familiarizaton pics for Russia. These pics are from 1980, 1984, 1985 travels in USSR, as well as recently as 2008. I'll toss in Uzbekistan and Suzdal also.
Can't tell you much about Armenia, capital Yerevan is supposed to have become quite cosmopolitan. Good luck....

You may want to consider Ukraine which is quite fascinating and I found today's Kiev (Kyiv) to be very cordial...on it's way to world class status. No kidding.
stu
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Old Dec 31st, 2012, 06:32 PM
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Thanks, stu! We were in Kiev in '89, and in fact got very lost on our first night there. Again, I'm sure it's quite different from then!
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Old Feb 22nd, 2013, 05:27 AM
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Dear Amy,

If you are looking for nature/culture/history, then Armenia is the right place.
Even if capital city Yerevan has indeed become quite cosmopolitan lately, Armenia is a lot more than just its capital. Sights worthy to be seen are Khor Virap, Geghard and Tatev Monasteries, Mount Aragats,Lake Sevan and Noraduz medieval cemetery, then moving south to the Zorats Karer of Sisian (the so-called Armenian Stonehenge) and to the region of Karabakh. Katabakh also has amazing nature, with the gorge on the Karkar river near the city of Shushi, with hot water springs in the north and with beautiful mountains. Also in the north you can find the archeological site of Tigranakert, dating from the 1st century BC...

I hope I said enough to make you want to visit Armenia. It is more than worth it...

Cristina
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Old Feb 22nd, 2013, 11:20 AM
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Thank you, Cristina! There's not much about Armenia on these boards, for sure. But what I did see made me quite determined to go.

In fact, I have booked five nights in Yerevan, two in Stepanakert, and four near Vanadzor (Tezh Ler, http://www.tezhler-resort.am/?p=1 ) I am so looking forward to this trip with all of the nature and history to enjoy.

Oh, and I booked my final four nights in Moscow in an apartment on Kamagersky, the pedestrian street; it's just a few blocks from Red Square. Yay!

(And for those who are trip planning: yes, my Moscow apartment cost me almost as much as my entire trip to Armenia, although going through Peace Travel gave me a good price for Moscow.)
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Old Feb 23rd, 2013, 06:27 PM
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amy..we'll be aaiting yor report and pics from Armenia.
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Old Feb 28th, 2013, 10:15 AM
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Amy,

If there is anything else I can help you out with, feel free to ask.
You mentioned you have 2 nights in Karabakh/Stepanakert. If there is also anything I can help you out with during your stay, again, feel free to ask. I live in Shushi, 20minutes' trip from Stepanakert...
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