Have you ever considered boarding a plane without knowing your final destination? This isn't some twisted Final Destination storyline – it's an actual experience offered by Wizz Air. I flew from London with no idea where I was going and found 25C and £1.55 pints.
The Mystery Flight Experience
My only instructions were 'get to Luton Airport for 7am for a 9am flight', alongside the vague detail that I'd be heading somewhere with temperatures hovering between 20-25C. For someone who habitually overpacks (and overthinks everything), relinquishing this much control felt genuinely challenging.
Upon reaching the airport, I expected some sort of hint, but none materialised. My boarding pass merely stated 'unknown'. Even the departure screens displayed 'unknown' as the destination – something that undoubtedly baffled other travellers milling about the terminal.
The carrier had arranged for the flight to be removed from FlightRadar, preventing inquisitive passengers from investigating online. The cunning organisers at Wizz Air were clearly dedicated to maintaining the mystery.
Journey to the Unknown
Strapped in and settled, we departed. Three hours into the journey, I gazed through the window at snow-capped peaks below. It could've been virtually anywhere. There was something peculiar about entrusting myself completely to an airline. I've seen far too many hijacking thrillers to feel entirely comfortable with how these scenarios typically unfold.
Then, just over five hours after takeoff, the aircraft began its descent. Scrutinising the landscape below offered no clarity. The cabin crew eventually made their grand announcement. We'd touched down in Yerevan, Armenia. Little wonder I was clueless when peering out earlier – my only knowledge of this place came courtesy of Kim Kardashian.
First Impressions of Armenia
Armenia had never crossed my mind as a travel destination, and I'll admit my knowledge of the country was virtually nonexistent – I couldn't even pinpoint it on a map. Yet stepping off the plane, a wave of warmth washed over me, instantly dissolving any apprehension. The adventure was only just getting started.
The trip was organised in partnership with the Armenian tourist board, and it quickly became apparent that Armenians hold an immense pride in their homeland. This is a nation with a fierce patriotism and a remarkably complex recent history – having emerged from Soviet rule in the 1990s and endured conflict with neighbouring Azerbaijan as recently as two years ago.
As Armenia gradually shakes off its turbulent past, the country is beginning to truly blossom. Breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples and magnificent churches exist in remarkable harmony here. Widely regarded as an emerging holiday destination, I was keen to discover what all the excitement was about.
Local Cuisine and Wine
After a lengthy flight, the first order of business was sampling the local cuisine. Armenian food revolves around roasted vegetables, freshly baked flatbreads, grilled meats and wine. Particular highlights included lavash, a traditional flatbread prepared in a clay oven, and sarma – grape leaves filled with rice and meat.
Armenia is also a significant wine-producing nation, making a visit to a local Yerevan winery an absolute must. The aptly named Armenian Wine Company offered a fascinating glimpse into their winemaking process – and naturally, a spot of tasting was very much on the agenda. The wines were notably light-bodied and wonderfully smooth. Armenia also boasts a substantial brandy export industry. Ararat Brandy is another beverage the locals frequently enjoy, and it's undeniably remarkably potent.
Spiritual and Historical Sites
Beyond the cuisine, religion forms another fundamental pillar of Armenian culture. During our four-day visit, we managed to explore some truly extraordinary spiritual locations. Our first stop was the Garni Temple, an ancient pagan ruin perched on a cliff edge, commanding views over the Azat River gorge. Following that, we visited the Geghard Monastery: a distinctive and stunning cathedral hewn into the cliffsides. Choir singers nestled within the building's depths performed for us as we wandered through.
We subsequently visited the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin church. Constructed in the 4th century, it stands as the world's oldest state-commissioned church. One minor yet significant consideration is that visiting all these landmarks would require either hiring a car or joining an organised tour group. They're not accessible on foot and public transport connections are scarce.
Accommodation and City Life
My accommodation for the weekend was the DoubleTree by Hilton, situated in Yerevan's centre. It provides stunning vistas of Mount Ararat, while the rooms are generous and thoroughly contemporary. It also features a luxury spa, gym and sauna, ideal for unwinding following a day of city exploration.
The city itself buzzes with energy and carries the nickname 'pink city', owing to its stone structures and mountain panoramas – with certain buildings predating Rome. It's a lively destination brimming with coffee shops, restaurants and retail outlets, alongside bars where you can grab a beer for around £1.50. While Armenia had never featured on my travel wishlist, I'm delighted to have visited and immersed myself in the experience. It certainly wasn't what I'd anticipated, but it's somewhere I'm enthusiastic to see gain greater popularity.
Practical Information
Wizz Air operates flights from Luton to Yerevan on Mondays and Fridays from 8th June, starting at £45.99 one way.
