GEORGIA

Travelling solo across Georgia was an unforgettable journey through ancient history, towering peaks, and rich traditions. The adventure began in Tbilisi on a guided walking tour through the cobbled alleyways of Old Town, exploring the clock tower, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the surroundings of Narikala Fortress and the historic sulfur bath district. Setting off in a rental vehicle, I journeyed along the Georgian Military Highway, stopping at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, the waterside Ananuri Fortress, and the iconic Gudauri Friendship Monument before arriving in Stepantsminda. Standing alone in the shadow of Mount Kazbek at the perched Gergeti Trinity Church, and later venturing off the beaten path into the rugged alpine scenery of Juta and Truso Valley, offered a profound sense of scale and solitude.

Leaving the high Caucasus behind, the route turned southwest toward the ancient fortress towns and hidden canyon systems of the country. Exploring the sprawling Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe and venturing deep into the multi-story carved rock chambers of the Vardzia cliff monastery felt like stepping into another era. Continuing to western Georgia, I navigated the emerald waters of Martvili Canyon before turning east toward the Kakheti wine region, pausing at the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe and the tranquil Bodbe Monastery along the way. Reaching the hilltop town of Sighnaghi, I walked its 18th-century stone defensive walls and soaked in sweeping views of the Alazani Valley before driving back over Gombori Pass to Tbilisi for one last evening at the Dry Bridge Market.