"Armenia and Karabakh" is unique as the largest and most colorful guidebook available for these countries. This is also the ONLY travel guide that specializes ONLY in Armenia and Karabakh. Its 320 pages are filled with more than 140 vibrant color images, and 27 detailed color maps. The text -- which is written in a conversational tone that's easy to read-- is comprehensive and filled with the wisdom of authors who are as comfortable in Armenia as they are when they are traveling back home in the US.

This is the only travel book on Armenia that is truly an "insider's guide." This is because its author Matthew Karanian, and its photographer Robert Kurkjian, have each lived, worked, and traveled throughout the region for nearly two decades. They spent year after year researching and updating this edition. As a result of their time spent, all of the travel research in this book is original, and when the book recommends a site, or suggests a travel route, it's because the authors have actually been there and know what's worth seeing and what's worth avoiding.

Visitors will find that this book is essential gear when traveling throughout Armenia and Karabakh, in the villages, as well as in the cities. This guide is indispensable in helping travelers make the best choices when deciding where to go, what to see, and where to eat and sleep.

Short term visitors who don't speak Armenian will be able to communicate with the assistance of the glossary of phrases. Travelers who have never been to Armenia, and also those who have made a dozen trips, will find the information about the country's historic sites to be equally fascinating and readable. Nature and conservation are also featured prominently. "Armenia and Karabakh" is still the only guide to the region that emphasizes environmental awareness and conservation as a primary focus for visitors.

The book's beautiful photography and intriguing background information makes this a book for armchair travelers, too. The photographs were all created during the research for the book, and they will help the traveler determine where to visit. In addition to being a valuable field guide for seasoned travelers this book is also an ideal introduction to the region with lots of intriguing facts and interesting anecdotes about the land and people.

This quality paperback has a durable binding and is a standard 5.375 x 8.375 inches to easily fit into your backpack while you are traveling. Detailed and full color maps, prepared by the American University of Armenia, cover every region of Armenia. Accurate street maps are included for every major city and town. Color tabs make it easy to locate information in any of the book's nine chapters.