South Caucasus is a fascinating region that has long evoked the imagination of travelers and explorers. It consists of three countries, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, that are inherently different, yet remarkably similar. Today, visitors to the Southern Caucasus can expect an eclectic mix of breathtaking natural beauty, dynamic cities, traditional villages, cultural diversity, and friendly, welcoming people.
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In this video, I take you back to one of my favorite journeys, all the way back in 2013, when I had the chance to travel through this region.
From the bustling streets of Tbilisi and its beautiful and deeply spiritual Tsminda Sameba Cathedral, to the isolated and mysterious villages of the Svaneti region. From the inviting city of Yerevan to the mountain landscapes on the Georgian Military Highway. And from the tranquil monasteries in Armenia to the modern skyline of Baku, the fast-changing capital of Azerbaijan.
Please note that the countries of Armenia and Azerbaijan are engaged in a long running conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has caused great suffering to ordinary civilians. Travelers are advised not to travel to this area, and be sensitive about the topic.
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Here’s a brief overview of the content in this video:
We start our journey in the small but interesting capital city of Georgia. Tbilisi is built on a stunning location, surrounded by mountains with a river meandering through its center. Here, we visit the intriguing backstreets of the old town, that contrast with the modern squares and streets of newer parts of the city. Highlights include the Nariqali fortress, the bustling markets, and the deeply spiritual Tsminda Sameba Cathedral, an important place of worship in Georgia’s Orthodox religion.
We continue our way to the isolated and ancient lands of Svaneti, to explore some of the historic stone towers that were built here centuries ago. We are welcomed by friendly people inside a homestay and get a glimpse of rural life in Georgia.
After a brief stopover in Zugdidi, we traverse the mighty Georgian Military Highway, an historic passage connecting Georgia with Russia. Here, we visit the awe-inspiring Tsminda Sameba Church, perched on a hill surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Our last stop in Georgia is Gori, where we visit the Stalin museum.
We cross the border with Armenia and are treated with some of the country’s most beautiful monasteries. These buildings belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church, and are surrounded by tranquil forests, green hills and mountains, and small rivers.
Our next destination is the nation’s capital, Yerevan, where we explore the vibrant streets. After visiting some of the landmark buildings, we also take a look at the memorial site for the Armenian genocide, a tragic event that took place from 1915 to 1923, and is commemorated each year in April. We finish our travels in Armenia in Khor Virap, another delicate monastery that overlooks the sacred Mount Ararat.
Our last place in the Caucasus is the dynamic city of Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, that we reach by train from Georgia. Baku’s skyline is changing constantly, with modern skyscrapers built right next to ancient neighborhoods and historic mosques. Walk the atmospheric alleys of the old town, visit the popular shopping streets, and browse the colorful markets and bazaars. We finish our journey on the Bulvar, a long seafront park on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
Timestamps / video chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:22 Tbilisi (Georgia)
5:56 Svaneti
9:04 Zugdidi
9:55 Sponsor message
11:29 Kazbegi
13:38 Gori
14:36 Alaverdi (Armenia)
15:39 Dilijan
17:15 Yerevan
20:09 Khor Virap
20:51 Train Tbilisi Baku
22:00 Baku (Azerbaijan)
25:40 End