Traveller Reviews

VELVET REVOLUTION

I was bit hesitant in writing about today's story. Through one of my write-ups I had described how we were stuck in the hotel room in the States due to heavy snow fall. A similar situation is initiating in Armenia. Reader may think that this is a pattern of our travel.
My wife Saroj and I arrived Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia on 29th April 2018. We were aware of the unstable political situation in the country. Our holiday trip was planned much before and also our friends connecting to Armenia mentioned high about peace loving people of Armenia which encouraged us to go ahead with the trip.
Our interaction with the local people at the airport and also with the taxi driver and our host on arrival to the apartment we rented, was quite pleasant. We got convinced about the hospitable nature of Armenians. The older generation is aware of the losses in the past. The Armenian Genocide also known as the Armenian Holocaust, took away lives of 1.5 million people between 1914 &1923. The Second World War claimed lives of 20 million Soviet citizens among which there were Armenians. Close to only three million people live in Armenia today. You will be surprised to know that total population of Armenians in the world is above 10 million. More than 7 million Armenians live away from their motherland. I have never come across a country with such disproportion. Most of those who left Armenia since the beginning of 20th century chose Russia, USA, France and neighboring country Iran to settle down. Armenian population in Russia exceeds the number in Armenia. Somebody cracked a joke that Vladimir Putin should be considered to be the real president of Armenians.
Armenia is the first country to adopt Christianity as religion in the third century AD. Civilization in the territory of Armenia is proved to have been existing more than six thousand year back. Armenian language is considered to be the oldest with its unique script which has not been effected by any major changes enabling to read old manuscripts and stone carvings. Such a great nation is scattered around the globe and the country is revolting today for justice. Armenians are leaders by nature. I hope my Armenian friends will not get hurt if I say that coexistence of so many leaders in one place is impossible. This may be one of the main reasons why they dispersed and are shining bright around the world. Those who can afford are helping their motherland by constructing schools, roads, tunnels etc. A corruption free country may encourage more fundings.
These days republic square is flooded with people, major part is youth. I spoke to many Armenians about the political situation in the country. All of them think that a corruption free government is today's demand. Industries of soviet era are closed down. Most of the unfinished projects during break up of Soviet system are yet to be completed. Unemployment is as high as 20%. Earnings are low. A bus driver quoted his grandson's statement- we (youth) are going to make our country prosperous which could not be achieved by your generation. But the bitter past has taught the nation to stay away from violence. On the day of protest all the radial roads leading to Republic Square are closed by young boys and girls from 9 to 5. This is the way people demonstrate their unity and determination to overthrow the government for a better future. Government offices, schools, museums, shops and restaurants are functioning as usual. The leading tour operator of Armenia, Hyur service with its excellent fleet of vehicles and professional staff could introduce us with Armenia without major hamper.
Hope the movement in Armenia will not be provoked by external forces. I am not at all worried about the little inconveniences we are facing during this trip to Armenia. Wish the nation to find the path of prosperity with the help of right leadership.

Dear,

We travelled yesterday with Hyur Service from Erevan to Tbilissi and we would like to thank you for this perfect travel.
Our driver was impeccable, perfect, so kind!
We were blocked during 6 hours near Dilijan because of manifestations and he gave us drinks and food!
Once again thanks to him and to your company!
Kind regards,

Aurelie Bellavia

Everything was simply wonderful: the drivers, tour guide IRENA, and the way our requests were taken care of. We’ll recommend you to everyone and hope to come back ourselves! Long live friendship and good neighborly relations!

HUSBAND OF IRINA KRUTSKIKH, WHOSE EMAIL YOU WORKED THROUGH!

The sightseeing tour of wonderful Yerevan took place during a difficult time for Armenia, but the guide and driver did everything they could to show us the city's sights. I learned a lot of interesting things about the capital's architecture, and we visited memorials.

Sincerely,
Natalya Kuzmina

Dear Lilit!

I would like to thank you and everyone who helped organize our vacation in Armenia. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the country. Thank you for the wonderful program, which allowed us to learn so much about Armenia’s culture, history, and way of life. We are grateful for the warm welcome and professionalism.

A special THANK YOU to our guide, Anahit. Thanks to her, we didn’t just learn and see so many interesting things—we simply fell in love with Armenia. Thank you to our driver, Karen, for his professionalism and kind, considerate attitude.
Thank you all, and (we hope) until we meet again.
Respectfully,

Tatyana and Konstantin

Good afternoon! On 23.04.2018, we went on a tour with your company and guide Samvel. He is a wonderful, cheerful, intelligent guide. We would like to thank him for the interesting tour. He knows so much about the history of Armenia and tells it so beautifully that it takes your breath away. Samvel is an intellectual and a great guy, and he speaks languages fluently. You need more specialists like him; people like Samvel should be valued. Respectfully, Olga and Aleksey Fedorovs.

Hello there

We have given you a 5 star rating on Tripadvisor. We went on two of your trips, the first was on Saturday 14th April to Garni / Geghard, whilst the second was to Noravank / Jermuk etc. Both were excellent and we wanted to thank everyone from the very efficient office staff to the drivers and tour guides, particularly for the all-day trip on Monday 16th April as we didn't have a chance to speak to our guide before we left because she was busy with other guests. Please do pass on our good wishes - the trips were amazing and were really enjoyed them. The monasteries were fantastic and the countryside is beautiful - Armenia really is a hidden gem!

Thanks again for helping to make our visit to your country so much fun.

Best wishes
Amanda and Elisabeth Powell

Hayk! You’re simply wonderful! My wife and I had an unforgettable trip to Georgia. Everything was well organized. Very informative. Nothing but positive emotions. And even the rather rude attitude of the Georgian clergy couldn’t spoil our vacation. Say hi to Garik! The best driver in Armenia. I ask the company management to reward these employees for their professionalism. Yur, keep it up! Tatev, Khndzoresk—simply magical! Next time we visit, we’ll come only to you. Thank you!
Best regards, Pavel/Tatyana (Belarus/Russia)

Dear Mari, ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of our travel agency and the tourist, I would like to thank you for the interesting tour programs and your patience in discussing the details of the program.

Sincerely,
Tatyana Yankovaya

We thank tour guide Irina for being informative, attentive, and tactful. We recommend that all tourists turn to professional tour companies - only this way can you get reliable information and touch the history of a unique country.

Good morning!
Colleagues, thank you so much for hosting our delegation!
The clients really enjoyed it!
We were happy to work with you.

WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU HERE IN THE URALS!

My heartfelt thanks to guide Maria and drivers Mais and Avet for their professionalism and the wonderfully organized tours on March 24 and 25, 2018.

Elena Bobkova, Moscow