I was on a small group tour of Armenia and Georgia with Explore. It was excellent with the best tour guide I have had and who became a very good friend
The sun was shining this morning. The weather has been a little miserable for the last few days so it was very welcome, especially as the drive was so pretty. As always imposing mountains surrounding all sides the sun highlighting all the different shades of green and brown. We followed the river as it cut a course through the valley. We passed the remains of a slave market.When the ottomans invaded they made a practice of kidnapping children and selling them at these markets. We stopped to view a fortress on the hill. The view was from an old wooden swing bridge which gave us lots of fun.
dig The cave complex at Vardaman was built by King Giorgi the third to protect against invasions from the Turks. The Turkish border is now only 6 miles away. It a section of caves on different levels carved into the stone and is in an ideal position. davdigWhen King Georgi the third died his daughter Tamar took over the throne. She was a strong woman and a very important figure in Georgian history. She developed the complex and set up a, monastery. There were 3,000 rooms cut into the rock and 12 tiers. Unfortunately, it was hit by 2 earthquakes and subsequent invasions but 600 rooms still remain and it is extremely impressive. King/Queen Tamar had 366 rooms, in the complex so her enemies didn’t know where her bedroom was. davsdrdigThere are still the remains of the monks refectory, the apothecary and the ckay storage jar for wine and food. There is also the remains of the church complete with frescoes. Stone steps are cut into the rock accessing the different levels. Some are on the outside and some lead down into the caves. davdigdavdigIt was brilliant to be outdoors and to get some exercise and air into my lungs, and the weather was perfect. There was a bike up to the complex, then around 880 steps, finally emerging from a cave at the bottom of the rock. After all that exertion we needed sustenance and found the perfect spot for it. I love how local farmers and families make an income from cooking for people visiting the area. It was an idYllic spot with one of the most beautiful gardens I have seen. Next to this was growing potatoes, corn and rows of other vegetables. davdavdavdavDinner was fresh trout and beans, vegetables and salad from the, garden. davThey also make their own wine and I could have quite happily sat there in the sun drinking wine all afternoon. It was time though for the one and a half hour journey back to Akhaltsikhe with a stop off at Rabati fortress which dominates the landscape of the town. I modelled the King – they’re called this even I’d they’re a queen Tamar look. Think I was re-incarnated – definitely this woman in a previous life😂digYou see, you can spot the, resemblance. davThis evening we walked back up to the fortress for dinner in a restaurant within the fortress walls. Fantastic food, if about 3,000 calories and a carb overload. A local specialty of meat filled dumplings in a kind of fondue with cheese, sour cream and a lid of bread to soak up the sauce.Have to say it’s very cheap here too. My entire meal with beer and wine came to £6.50. davIt was a lovely end to a lovely day. Book your tour with Explore.
