My Dream Trip: Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia
I've long dreamed of going to the Caucasus, but I never got around to it. This spring, I finally bought a tour of three countries: Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. It was an amazing Caucasus adventure, full of new colors, flavors, and discoveries.
Azerbaijan: Country of Fire and the Boundless Caspian Sea
My journey began in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The first day was free for our rest and a stroll in the city on our own.
The adventures started on the second day. Together with our friendly and knowledgeable guide we headed toward the Gobustan National Park to see its ancient rock paintings and mud volcanoes. Azerbaijan surprised me with its natural gems!
The next day we started our sightseeing tour in Baku. I got surprised by a blend of antiquity and modernity: the old city, with its narrow streets and fortress walls, and the modern buildings along the waterfront. In the evening, we strolled along the Caspian Sea embankment and admired the city lights at night.
The food in Azerbaijan was rich and flavorful. I tried the delicious piti – a thick lamb and chickpea soup baked in a clay pot, with lots of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. I especially remember the qutabs – thin flatbreads stuffed with greens and meat, fried in a pan. I also liked local desserts like pakhlava served with local tea. Many tourists' write that Azerbaijani cuisine is generous and delicious and I can confirm that this is true.
Georgia: Warm People, Mountains, and Wine
A church in the mountains of Georgia
After Azerbaijan, we headed to Georgia, after crossing the border we headed to Tbilisi – the capital of Georgia.
Next day we headed to a small and beautiful town Mtskheta, which is known for its religious history. This small town is center of Christianity, a “Holy City” of Georgia. We enjoyed the architecture of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and climbed up to Jvari Temple enjoying a beautiful view from above.
The same day we had a sightseeing tour with Araratour in Tbilisi: we strolled through the old streets, admired the city view from Narikala Fortress, and then went to local restaurant to taste khachapuri, a pie with cheese, and khinkali – succulent meat "bags," and, of course, Georgian wine.
The next days were dedicated to the beauties of Georgia. We drove along the Military Mountain Road, stopped at the Ananuri Fortress, admired the majesty of the Caucasus Mountains, and visited the Gergeti Temple with a view of snow-capped Kazbek.
Kakheti region was our last destination during the tour. Georgia is a land of toasts and wine, and Kakheti is its must-visit wine center. We visited Khareba Winery, where we tasted wine straight from large jugs, listened to stories about winemaking, and enjoyed the sunny views of the vineyards.
Armenia: Ancient Monasteries and Mountain Silence
An ancient monastery in the mountains of Armenia
The third country on my tour was Armenia – a land of warm people, ancient monasteries, and mountains. My first great impression after crossing the border was of Dilijan National Park with its ancient monasteries and cozy Dilijan town with small houses and carved balconies.
Lake Sevan was our next destination and it impressed me so much: it's so large it almost seems like a sea, and the water is a stunning shade of blue.
In Yerevan, I saw beautiful architecture, wide streets, and many cozy cafes. We visited the History Museum, the Matenadran, a repository of ancient manuscripts, and at the Genocide Memorial, I felt a deep connection with the history of the people.
The ancient monasteries of Garni and Geghard left a particularly strong impression – they seemed carved out of the history of the land itself.
Armenian cuisine also amazed me with its heartiness and flavor. I tried the tender kebab, aromatic harissa, and, of course, the traditional lavash bread, which we even baked during a master class. For dessert, I remember the Armenian sujukh and sweet gata.
A church in the mountains of Azerbaijan
