I had heard a lot about the beauty and culture of the South Caucasus region, so a few months ago, I finally decided to take a tour and explore it. I chose a 9-day classical tour of Armenia and Georgia. This trip left me with unforgettable emotions and memories, and I decided to write a post to share my experience.
Georgia: majestic mountains and the culture
I arrived in Tbilisi and started my tour with sightseeing. Tbilisi – the capital of Georgia – turned out to be a city of contrasts. There were both modern lively areas and old parts with cobbled streets. The Old Town, with its narrow streets, the cable car, and the Narikala Fortress, will forever remain in my heart.
The next day we headed to Mtskheta which was the first capital of Georgia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. The town is considered the religious centre of the country, and one of the must-visit sights. There is a nice hill near Mtskheta from which an amazing view opens on the town and the confluence of Aragvi and Kura Rivers. On the hill, we visited the Jvari Temple, an important historical site built in medieval times and preserved to this day. After immersing ourselves in history and hearing interesting stories from our guide, we returned to Tbilisi.
What impressed me most on the following day was our journey to Gergeti Trinity, situated high on a hill at an altitude of 2,180 meters. The view of Mount Kazbek and the village below was absolutely unforgettable, a scene that is breathtaking in its beauty. It was a sensational location, I enjoyed every moment spending there. A must-visit place on your list if you are visiting Georgia!
Those were only a few highlights of my tour in Georgia. It is impossible to cover the entire tour program but what I definitely want to note except stunning sights is the colorful atmosphere of this country, the friendly and cheerful nature of the locals and, of course, the amazing, incomparable local dishes.
Armenia: timeless monasteries and magnificent view of Ararat
The next day our trip continued to Armenia. We crossed the borders and headed toward Tavush Province. We passed through picturesque places like the lush and green Dilijan town, azure Sevan Lake, and monasteries until we finally reached Yerevan – the capital of Armenia. I was looking forward to the sightseeing tour around Yerevan.
We started our sightseeing tour the next day and I felt as if the city warmly embraced me. I eagerly explored every street and corner of this capital while our guide was leading our group around the center. Yerevan is both about antiquity and modern energy. The highlights were the Republic Square, the Cascade, the majestic Opera and Ballet Theater, and the bustling Mashtots Avenue. At the Matenadaran Museum, I felt deeply connected to the wisdom of the past as I explored manuscripts.
The next day we travelled to Ararat Province where it proudly stands one of the holiest sites in Armenia – Khor Virap Monastery. Khor Virap is one of the most important religious monuments of our Armenia. The monastery is located on a hill from which opens the most beautiful view of Mount Ararat. During the way we hoped that there were no clouds so we could enjoy the view.
The site was fantastic – a must-visit to understand and appreciate the great heritage and evolved culture of Armenia. The view was great! The history of the monastery and its spirit filled us with peace and admiration. This was not just a tour, but a true immersion in the atmosphere of antiquity!
The next day we visited the UNESCO object – Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple. This excursion also amazed us with the landscapes and history.
This is what our trip was like. I realized that the Caucasus is a special world that everyone should visit at least once in their life. The Caucasus is a combination of history, culture and true hospitality. This trip changed me. Armenia and Georgia gave me not just beautiful photos but everlasting memories. I will undoubtedly return, as these places have become more than just a travel destination – they’ve become a part of me.
