SIR Ranulph Fiennes and Bear Grylls most likely pop into your head when you think of adventurers. But now, you can add Wizz Air customers to that list.
And me. Last month, I was invited to join some competition winners on a flight to . . . who knows where?
As part of the Hungarian airline’s Let’s Get Lost promotion, 22 lucky travellers and their plus-ones were going on an all-expenses-paid trip, to a secret destination.
We were given five possible locations for our three-night adventure — Moldova, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Lithuania, Armenia and Albania.
Even after boarding the plane we were still none the wiser, all we had was a pre-provided packing list and a rough idea of the climate.
It was only once the flight had exceeded three and a half hours that we could guess it was Armenia. A tannoy announcement confirmed it, prompting a round of applause.
I’ll be honest, Armenia was never on my radar as a holiday destination, but that’s exactly what made this trip so special.
Arriving in Republic Square, the heart of the capital city Yerevan, the Saturday evening atmosphere was electric with hordes of people enjoying live music alfresco.
We stayed in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, perfectly located in the city centre of Yerevan.
A walking tour was the best way to get our bearings. We wandered the main streets past buildings made from pink volcanic stone, before reaching the Cascade Yerevan.
Made up of 572 steps (we took the interior escalator), this mighty landmark is a must-visit. From its peak, we had stunning views of the snow-capped Mount Ararat, now in modern-day Turkey.
A 30-minute drive away is Charents’ Arch, a monument dedicated to a much-loved poet in this region. The curved brick structure provides the perfect natural frame for the landscape and is a great photo spot.
The architectural highlight for me was the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin — the Mother Cathedral of the Armenian Church.
Remnants of it date back to the 4th century (Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity in 301AD), and it is the most ornate church I’ve ever seen.
The ruins of the 7th-century Zvartnots Cathedral are also worth a visit.
The whole place has an otherwordly feel, and with the hot sun beating down on us, it felt spiritual.
In just two days, we ticked off key landmarks, including Garni Temple and the Geghard Monastery, with lunches and dinners in between, accompanied by Armenian wine, which I would highly recommend.
With such a short time on the ground, this trip didn’t allow for loafing, but that’s the brilliance of a Wizz Air mystery getaway — cramming in all the best bits.
Our final evening was spent at Tavern Yerevan Riverside. The setting, grub and entertainment were truly amazing. Armenian wine was flowing while we tucked into khorovats, traditional Armenian barbecued meats scorched over an open flame.
While we had a curated itinerary, Yerevan can be navigated independently and you can tailor-make a cultural and/or foodie break.
After attempting, and failing, to say ‘shnorhakalutyun’ — Armenian for ‘thank you’ — throughout, I was advised that the French equivalent would also be appreciated.
So, merci Armenia — a destination I’d never planned to visit, but am so glad I did.
GO: ARMENIA
GETTING THERE: Starting tomorrow, Wizz Air flies twice a week from Luton to Yerevan with one-way fares from £45.99.
See wizzair.com.
STAYING THERE: Double rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton Yerevan City Centre cost from £101 per night, hilton.com.
MORE INFO: For Let’s Get Lost trips, keep your eyes peeled on the Wizz Air website and social media channels for competition announcements.