Hi everyone! This is episode eight of my Caucasus series in which I travel through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. This is also the first of my Armenia videos in the series.

I did not know what to expect of Armenia. I had some questions at the border about my visit to Azerbaijan, and even though I did not visit the region of Nagorno-Karabakh (alternative spelling: Nagorno Karabakh; also called the Republic of Artsakh in Armenia), I was very aware of the situation.

In this video, I go on an organised tour called 'Essential Armenia'. The tour consists of various stops showing the absolute essential must see destinations in this country. Please note that I am not sponsored by any individual or company in this video or in the production thereof.

The tour starts with a visit to the Symphony of Stones, consisting of basalt columns that resemble a musical organ. The river provides the 'music', hence the name. During this stop, I talk about the challenges I faced after visiting Azerbaijan earlier in this series and the interest that border officials had regarding that visit.

The next stop is Geghard Monastery, located in the mountains which provides for quite a stunning setting. This is also testament to the importance of religion in Armenia - the oldest Christian country in the world.

After this, we also visit Garni Temple that was destroyed in a 17th century earthquake but reconstructed and also surrounded by incredible nature. The Armenian royal family used this area as a resort and there were also Roman baths - I briefly visit the remains of the latter.

We then head to the village of Noratus, passing the incredible Lake Sevan along the way. This lake is situated approximately 1.9 kilometres above sea level and is the lifeblood of the economy for many parts of Armenia. We then stop for lunch at an Armenian family's home where we eat, among other things, some delicious trout from Lake Sevan.

After lunch, we simply cross the street to our next stop, which is Noratus cemetery. Here I learn all about the cemetery and its many 'khachkars', as well as some interesting stories regarding some of the cross-stones and others graves.

The final stop on the tour is Sevanavank, a monastic complex overlooking Lake Sevan.

Hope you enjoy a taste of this fascinating country! A massive thanks to tour guide Christina who patiently answered all my questions :)