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    [name] => Armenia - Butterflies of the Caucasus
    [code] => ARM03
    [slug] => armenia-butterflies-of-the-caucasus
    [description] => 

Although no larger than Wales, Armenia supports an astonishing diversity of butterflies, with more than 230 species recorded. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the country harbours a fascinating mix of Caucasian endemics, eastern specialities and western Palearctic species, many occurring at the limits of their respective ranges. During this tour we will explore a remarkable variety of habitats, from semi-desert and flower-rich steppe to ancient beech forests, mountain passes, juniper-clad slopes and alpine meadows, searching for as many of these butterflies as possible. Among the highlights may be Persian Skipper, Dawn Clouded Yellow, Mountain Apollo, Gavarnie Blue, Kurdish Copper and the beautiful emperor butterfly Thaleropis ionia. Thousands of blues and whites can sometimes be seen 'mud-puddling' alongside streams, creating unforgettable natural spectacles.

  • Armenia supports 230+ species of butterfly
  • Persian Skipper, Dawn Clouded Yellow & Persian Fritillary in semi-desert habitat
  • Look for thousands of ‘mud-puddling’ blue & white butterflies at water courses
  • Short-tailed Blue, plus Jerusalem & Caucasian Lesser Spotted Fritillaries, Gharni
  • Large Blue, Hungarian Glider & Northern Brown Argus in forests & meadows, Dilijan
  • Mountain Alcon Blue, Kurdish Copper & False Heath Fritillary near Janjour
  • Apollo, Mountain Apollo & Nickerl’s Fritillary among montane species, Mt Aragats
  • Chelmos Blue, Agri Blue in montane hay meadows around Gnishik
  • This tour supports Butterfly Conservation
[introduction] => An 8-day holiday in search of the butterflies of the spectacular Caucasian countryside. [edges] => Array ( ) [locations] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Armenia [description] =>

Armenia is a small Christian country, about the size of Wales, situated at the meeting point between Europe and Asia, in the Caucasus region. It is a land-locked country, formerly a Soviet Republic, nestling in the snow-capped Caucasian Mountains, overlooked by Mount Ararat just over the border in Turkey.

Its capital, Yerevan, bustles with a lively juxtaposition of old churches and a thriving jazz scene, while at weekends the huge and atmospheric ‘vernissage’ open-air flea market attracts locals and tourists.


It has a rich cultural history – 13th century bridges, ‘caravanserais’ (stopovers for traders plying the silk route in the 14th century) and many interesting Armenian Orthodox monasteries, some dating back as far as the 9th century, all serve as reminders of Armenia’s long history and strategic location.

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The Caucasus is a land of contrast and intriguing combinations. Situated between the Caspian and Black Seas, this spectacular region is dominated by the towering peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, which form a natural barrier between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. This unique location results in an ecological, historical and cultural melting pot that, along with the astonishing scenery, makes the area amongst the most fascinating to visit in the world. Its value for nature in particular is remarkable; listed as one of 34 global biodiversity hotspots, the region’s varied habitats – from snow-capped crags to steppes and coastal lagoons – support 6,400 species of higher plants (1,600 of which are endemic), around 400 bird species and iconic mammals such as Persian Leopard, Brown Bear and Wolf. From a Western European perspective, it is perhaps this heady mixture of familiar and exotic species that gives the Caucasus its greatest appeal.

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Armenia's appeal extends far beyond its butterflies. This ancient Christian nation, nestled within the southern Caucasus between the Black and Caspian Seas, offers a rich cultural heritage, spectacular mountain scenery and warm hospitality. Our route takes us through dramatic basalt gorges, lush deciduous forests, remote mountain villages and high-altitude grasslands, whilst visits to places such as Garni Gorge and the magnificent monastery at Noravank provide memorable cultural highlights. Based in Yerevan as well as a selection of rural towns and villages, we will gain a rewarding insight into both Armenia's landscapes and its people.

A wealth of other wildlife can also be expected. The country's diverse habitats support an excellent range of birds, dragonflies and day-flying moths, and we will keep a particular eye open for such avian specialities as Upcher's Warbler, Green Warbler, Semi-collared Flycatcher, White-throated Robin, Radde's Accentor and the magnificent Lammergeier. With the possibility of recording 80 or more butterfly species during the week, combined with some of the Caucasus' finest scenery and wildlife, this promises to be a truly rewarding exploration of one of the Western Palearctic's most exciting and under-appreciated natural history destinations.

 

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A mixture of simple but comfortable hotels and guesthouses with private facilities.

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All food included in the price.

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At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

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A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists 
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!

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For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Itinerary image

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Armenia - Butterflies of the Caucasus

Tour Code: ARM03

An 8-day holiday in search of the butterflies of the spectacular Caucasian countryside.

£3,595

Flight Inclusive

£2,795

Land Only
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Tour Itinerary and Reports

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1 Itinerary 4 Tour Reports
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Carbon Footprint

1604kg CO2e

With International Flights

488.6kg CO2e

Tour Only

What does this mean?

Highlights

  • Armenia supports 230+ species of butterfly
  • Persian Skipper, Dawn Clouded Yellow & Persian Fritillary in semi-desert habitat
  • Look for thousands of ‘mud-puddling’ blue & white butterflies at water courses
  • Short-tailed Blue, plus Jerusalem & Caucasian Lesser Spotted Fritillaries, Gharni
  • Large Blue, Hungarian Glider & Northern Brown Argus in forests & meadows, Dilijan
  • Mountain Alcon Blue, Kurdish Copper & False Heath Fritillary near Janjour
  • Apollo, Mountain Apollo & Nickerl’s Fritillary among montane species, Mt Aragats
  • Chelmos Blue, Agri Blue in montane hay meadows around Gnishik
  • This tour supports Butterfly Conservation

Summary

Armenia's appeal extends far beyond its butterflies. This ancient Christian nation, nestled within the southern Caucasus between the Black and Caspian Seas, offers a rich cultural heritage, spectacular mountain scenery and warm hospitality. Our route takes us through dramatic basalt gorges, lush deciduous forests, remote mountain villages and high-altitude grasslands, whilst visits to places such as Garni Gorge and the magnificent monastery at Noravank provide memorable cultural highlights. Based in Yerevan as well as a selection of rural towns and villages, we will gain a rewarding insight into both Armenia's landscapes and its people.

A wealth of other wildlife can also be expected. The country's diverse habitats support an excellent range of birds, dragonflies and day-flying moths, and we will keep a particular eye open for such avian specialities as Upcher's Warbler, Green Warbler, Semi-collared Flycatcher, White-throated Robin, Radde's Accentor and the magnificent Lammergeier. With the possibility of recording 80 or more butterfly species during the week, combined with some of the Caucasus' finest scenery and wildlife, this promises to be a truly rewarding exploration of one of the Western Palearctic's most exciting and under-appreciated natural history destinations.

Outline Itinerary

Day
1
Fly Yerevan.
Day
2
Hatsavan and Garni; overnight Yerevan.
Day
3
Acharkut, from Dilijan.
Day
4
Janjour Pass, from Gumri.
Day
5
Mount Aragat, from Yerevan.
Day
6
Khosrov, from Yeghegnadzor.
Day
7
Noravank and Gnishik, from Yerevan.
Day
8
Fly London.
Itinerary Image
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What's Included?

Food

All food included in the price.

Accommodation

A mixture of simple but comfortable hotels and guesthouses with private facilities.

Dates & Prices

2027

Flight Inclusive

£3,595

Land Only

£2,795

Single Supplement

£345

Regional Departures

Would you rather depart from an airport closer to you? Give us a call at 1-844-433-9473 and we'll see what we can do.

Tour Leader
Tom Brereton
Tom Brereton
Tom has had a lifelong passion for all forms of natural history, and a varied career in wildlife research and nature conservation spanning the last 15 years.
Read more about Tom

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

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