The Caucasus Crossing

The journey

Day by day

1. 1

   Yerevan arrival

   Pink-stone boulevards, the Cascade at sunset, and a first Armenian supra.

   ⌂ Design hotel, Yerevan Meals: D

2. 2

   Geghard & Garni

   The rock-hewn monastery of Geghard, the Hellenistic temple at Garni, and lavash baking in a village tonir.

   ⌂ Design hotel, Yerevan Meals: B, L

3. 3

   South to Tatev

   The world's longest reversible cable car over the Vorotan gorge to Tatev monastery.

   ⌂ Guesthouse, Goris Meals: B, D

4. 4

   Lake Sevan & Dilijan

   North along the great lake, khachkar fields at Noratus, and the forest spa town of Dilijan.

   ⌂ Resort, Dilijan Meals: B

5. 5

   Across the border

   Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries, then over the Sadakhlo crossing into Georgia and down into Tbilisi by evening.

   ⌂ Boutique hotel, Old Tbilisi Meals: B, D

6. 6

   Tbilisi

   Sulphur baths, the old town's carved balconies, natural-wine bars and the National Museum's gold room.

   ⌂ Boutique hotel, Old Tbilisi Meals: B

7. 7

   Kakheti wine country

   Qvevri cellars in Sighnaghi and Telavi, a family supra with a toastmaster, and vineyard views to the Caucasus wall.

   ⌂ Vineyard estate, Kakheti Meals: B, L, D

8. 8

   Kazbegi

   Up the Georgian Military Highway to the Gergeti Trinity church under Mount Kazbek.

   ⌂ Design lodge, Kazbegi Meals: B, D

9. 9

   Departure

   Return to Tbilisi for departure — or continue west to the Black Sea, or south-east onward to Iran.

   Meals: B