For months now, I’ve been traveling with my campervan and my sweet dog, Leo. We took a road trip through Belarus to Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. After a fantastic trip through Central Asia, I’m now traveling back to Europe via Georgia, Armenia, and Eastern Turkey.
Border crossing Russia-Georgia
A stretch of no-man’s land between the borders of Russia and Georgia. It’s a rough road and what a (mud) mess after yesterday’s downpour.
The border crossing in Georgia goes very smoothly, officials speak English, check the papers, a quick check in the car and then on.
Both border crossings in about 2.5 hours, great, I have nothing to complain about.
Stepantsminda / Kasbegi
I drive along a mountain road to the village of Kasbegi, now called Stepantsminda. First, I need to withdraw some money, but the ATM in the village is empty. Eventually, I walk around the village and up the mountain in my flip-flops to find a working ATM. You can also easily exchange money here, haha, so I recommend to change money 😁
We’re going to see Trinity Church on the mountain. It’s a lovely church in a stunning location; the view is breathtaking! We park the campervan in the large parking lot and walk through this expansive landscape. Leo can run around freely, but he has to wait a bit when I visit the church.
The church was built in the 14th century and decorated with beautiful frescoes. I’m so glad it’s cooler here; the Trinity Church is over 2,100 meters above sea level, and it’s even a bit chilly here!
In the morning, we walk to the large stone sculptures in the village of Sno. The Giant Stone Head Sculptures were made by local Merab Piranishvili (see the photo at the top of this blog).
Dinlenme Yeri Anit monument
Then, a stunning mountain route on a reasonably good road. Wow, this is truly amazing! We stop at the Georgian-Russian friendship monument, Dinlenme Yeri Anit, and enjoy the phenomenal view.
After a few long days of travel, I’m looking for a place to rest. I find this place at “Overland Haven” in the village of Sagarejo. Australians Sarah and Grant are overlanders themselves and now live in Georgia. They make wine, and we enjoy it together.
Ninotsminda monastery in Sagarejo
In Sagarejo stands a centuries-old monastery currently run by nuns. The church of Ninotsminda played an important role in the development of Georgian architecture. It is a small monastery and a special place to visit.
Sighnaghi village
Lonely Planet: “Sighnaghi is one of Georgia’s most attractive towns. It boasts a stunning location on a high hilltop, overlooking the vast Alazani Valley and the snow-capped Caucasus in the distance.”
Lonely Planet is right, I have nothing to add! Sighnaghi is a touristy village, but definitely worth a visit!
Wine tour & tasting Winery Ibero
Archaeologists have discovered jars in Georgia containing the oldest grape seed remains in the world. They date back to 6,000 BC, making Georgia the world’s oldest wine-producing country. Time for a wine tasting!
This unique wine tasting consists of 4 amber-colored wines from endangered grape varieties, a red wine, a tasty port (my favorite) and cha cha of 51% alcohol pfff that stuff is strong 🤪 At the tasting I was served a delicious salad and other snacks.
Hip city Tbilisi
In the capital, Tbilisi, we visit the Cathedral, Old Town, Victory Square, and the Peace Bridge. I try kachapuri for the first time: baked bread with cheese and egg. It’s 38 degrees Celsius, very warm for a city visit, and Leo cools off at the fountain.
Jvari Church
Near Mtskheta is the Jvari Church, beautifully situated on a hill overlooking the river and valley 😍
Then we drive to Mtskheta, one of the oldest villages in Georgia.
Old village, Mtskheta
The village is built around Svetiskhoveli Cathedral. Leo and I are sitting on a terrace, letting the tourist crowds pass us by. There are tons of souvenirs for sale; I’m now the proud owner of a Georgian rug.
We’re halfway through our Georgia trip, and our next stop is the Uplistsikhe ruins in Kvakhvreli. Would you please follow our journey?
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