Tom Allen (http://tomallen.info) first visited Armenia in early 2008, having cycled from the UK as part of a round-the-world bicycle tour. The following year he married Tenny, an Armenian national, and settled in the country – their love story becoming the subject of an award-winning documentary film, Janapar. In the years since, Allen has learned the Armenian language and explored every corner of the country, much of it on foot (while mapping its lost network of historic trails) and by bicycle (both on and off road). The dramatic landscapes and heart-warming hospitality of the country inspired him to create a long-distance walking route across Armenia and its neighbouring countries, a dream that would become known as the Transcaucasian Trail. Allen's experience enables him to uncover and communicate aspects of the country that would otherwise be missed, while his global perspective on travel ensures that such advice remains as objective as possible. Deirdre Holding and her husband Nicholas first went to Armenia in 2001, on holiday. They were enthralled by the country: its landscapes, the wildflowers, the many medieval monasteries and churches, its unique alphabet, the welcome they received and the country's complex history. But they were also frustrated by the lack of information about Armenia itself, often bewailing the absence of a practical and informative guidebook. Upon return, Nicholas made amends by writing the first Bradt guide to Armenia, with Deirdre taking over authorship of the third and subsequent editions after Nicholas's death in 2008. Over the years, she has observed huge changes in the country – including improved road and tourist infrastructure, and the increase in hiking, cycling and wildlife-watching – but is delighted that many of its best elements remain unchanged: residents' hospitality, wonderful seasonal fruit and vegetables, magnificent landscapes and abundant ancient sites.
