We’re halfway through our trip in Georgia. This lovely holiday destination, nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, is perfectly accessible by campervan. It’s a diverse journey with mountains, castles, churches & monasteries, caves and ruins, abundant nature and of course, the Black Sea!
Uplistsikhe ruins
Let’s get straight to the point: the Uplistsikhe ruins are amazing! Uplistsikhe is a rock-hewn city. It’s one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus and is located about 10 km from the town of Gori. From the top, you have a magnificent view of the valley and the Mtkvari-Kura River.
Even though it’s 38 degrees Celsius, we walk up and look into all the caves. And of course, at the small church at the top. I photograph a lizard, and Leo waits in the cave to cool off. In a photogenic spot, nice!
Mtkvari – Kura River
Past Gori, we spend the night at Vano’s campsite next to the Mtkvari-Kura River. A great spot; check out this video!
Chiatura & Katskhi Pillar
I drive through a mountain pass to Chiatura, a village with many remnants from the Soviet era. I enjoy the expansive view with old apartment buildings towering above. We look at old buildings, and to my great surprise, a few people still live here. They turn out to be refugees from the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Then we spend the night overlooking the Katskhi Pillar. A pillar approximately 40 meters high with a small church on top, it’s truly unique! We wake up to the sound of cowbells as the cows graze next to our camper. The sound of the mountains!
Urban exploring in Tskaltubo
Today’s program is urban exploring. We had a nice preview in Chiatura, but now we’re also going to explore the interiors of the buildings.
“Urban exploring is the practice of visiting and photographing man-made infrastructure, usually abandoned buildings or locations not open to the public.” (Wikipedia)
The old spa town of Tskaltubo has rejuvenating waters and was booming during the Soviet era. There are many old sanatoriums and Soviet buildings. We’re spoiled for choice! Leo and I stroll through the park and look at various buildings. It’s incredibly cool, so much fun to take photos.
Old buildings are currently being converted into new ones. So it seems like you should go there NOW for urban exploring, because in a few years everything will likely be beautifully renovated.
Overnight stay at New Chateau Chkaduachi
In Zugdidi, we spend the night at New Chateau Chkaduachi. It’s a unique spot with mountain views. The owner, Prince Murat, offers us a drink, tells wonderful stories, and is happy to show us his self-built (little) castle. We’re parked on the grass, and Leo loves it here. He is relaxing among the flowers.
On the way to Mestia
A long drive to Mestia, and it’s a stunning route! Our first stop is at the White Cross, what a view, wow! Check out this video.
The azure-blue Enguri Lake (see main photo) is also breathtaking! The road gets progressively worse, and I’m glad when I arrive in Mestia; we’ve driven on enough bad roads this summer.
Mestia in the mountains
In Mestia, I’m parked in the garden of a house. A huge downpour breaks out, and it rains for the rest of the evening and night. The next day, the sun is shining again! Great, then we continue into the mountains.
Taking the chairlift up—haha, Leo and I haven’t done that before. Leo sits listlessly in his chair, and I hold him. He’s not thrilled, and neither am I. I’m suddenly afraid he’ll fall. Then we take the gondola to the top, which is better!
On the top I enjoy coffee & waffle with a view of the snow-capped peaks 😍
We walk along the ridge for an even better view. Wow, it’s so wonderful here!
We take the gondola back down, but this time we skip the chairlift and walk the last part down.
Black Sea
I’m driving through the countryside to the coast, we’re going to the Black Sea! I’ve picked a spot not far from Ureki, Black Sea Camping with my camper by the sea! Relaxing and swimming in the Black Sea, what more could you want?
Fully rested, we continue our journey. A stopover in Tashiskari, an overnight stay with the locals. The grandmother speaks a little German, and I enjoy my first plate of homemade Adjapsandali, a delicious Georgian vegetable dish.
Rabati Castle
The Rabati Castle Complex in Akhaltsikhe has a large medieval castle and a mix of various other buildings. We walk over the castle walls, past ponds, and through green gardens. Leo joins me and goes for a swim in the castle pond.
During lunch at one of the many restaurants, I meet a Spanish woman, Maria Jezus. She sit down at my table, and we chat happily about traveling while sharing our food. These unexpected encounters are so lovely.
Vardzia Cave Monastery
I drive for another hour through this amazing area and then park for the night in Vardzia with a view of the cave monastery. Unfortunately, Leo isn’t allowed in the caves, and waiting in the car at 30-degree celcius isn’t an option. We continue our trip to the South along the river with a view of the gorge.
Our fantastic trip in Georgia has come to an end, and we’re going to Armenia! Just fill up with cheap diesel and then head to the border. It’s an easy border crossing, but I get a thorough check on my car insurance. Make sure you have it for the entire period, otherwise you’ll get a fine.
We continue our journey to Armenia, will you please follow us?
