Whereas planning my journey to Armenia, I found that the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, was just a few hours away by highway. I had by no means been to Georgia earlier than and the concept of visiting one other nation so simply was too tempting to go up. I made a decision to hitch one of many tours in Tbilisi from Yerevan and to my delight, it turned out to be some of the pleasurable and enriching elements of my total journey.
Crossing the border was easy, because of the well-organized course of dealt with by the tour workforce. Our information made positive we had every part so as and walked us by every step. The drive itself was extremely scenic, passing by mountain passes, winding roads alongside rivers and canyons and quaint villages nestled within the hills. The altering landscapes had been mesmerizing and the experience felt like a journey by layers of nature and historical past.
By the point we reached Tbilisi, I used to be already impressed. The town’s ambiance was fully totally different from Yerevan – it was extra colourful, eclectic and buzzing with life. There was a singular mixture of European attraction and Japanese character, the place Soviet-era buildings, fashionable glass structure and medieval stone church buildings all appeared to coexist in a captivating stability.
Our information led us by the winding streets of the previous district, part of the town wealthy with character. What stood out instantly was the variety – church buildings, synagogues and mosques stood facet by facet, a robust image of Tbilisi’s multiethnic and multireligious heritage. We discovered about how these communities had lived collectively for hundreds of years and it gave the town a depth I hadn’t anticipated.
We took the funicular as much as Mtatsminda Park, which provided breathtaking views over the town and a enjoyable, nostalgic ambiance with its classic amusement rides and tree-shaded walkways. Strolling throughout the Peace Bridge, with its fashionable design arching over the Mtkvari River, felt like entering into the town’s newer, extra dynamic facet. We additionally explored the Abanotubani district, residence to the well-known sulfur baths – the nice and cozy scent within the air, the domed brick roofs and the traditional really feel of the world made it some of the distinctive stops on the tour.
What I favored most in regards to the excursions from Yerevan was the right stability between guided sightseeing and free time. We had loads of alternatives to strive conventional Georgian dishes – the khachapuri was a should (and sure, I had a couple of slice!) and I additionally tried khinkali, the dumplings full of spiced meat and broth. The meals was wealthy, flavorful and served with a degree of heat and hospitality that made the expertise really feel homey. There have been moments to flick through artisan outlets, decide up handcrafted souvenirs and benefit from the vibe of the town at our personal tempo with out feeling rushed.
The group was small, which made the expertise really feel extra intimate and versatile. Our information was not solely fluent in a number of languages, but additionally extremely educated. They answered each query – from sensible recommendations on forex to insights on native traditions – and provided recommendations on what to do throughout our free time. Their ardour for the town was contagious and it felt like we had been discovering Tbilisi with a buddy, not only a information.
One other factor I appreciated was how stress-free all the expertise was. Every little thing was organized: transportation, timing, border procedures and even recommendations for meals and actions. For somebody traveling solo or with out a lot time to analysis, this tour was the right method to discover a brand new vacation spot with ease.
In case you’re already in Armenia and have a full day to spare, I extremely suggest contemplating one of many excursions in Tbilisi. It’s a good way to expertise two international locations in a single journey and it provides selection, depth and new tales to your journey. I got here again with nice recollections, lovely photographs and most of all, a newfound appreciation for Georgia – its individuals, its tradition and its attraction.
I’m already planning to return and subsequent time, I wish to spend extra days discovering the areas past Tbilisi. However for now, I’m so grateful I took that first step throughout the border. It was greater than a day journey – it was a real spotlight of my Caucasus journey.
