Date: 13-14th May 2026
Travelled: 190 kms from Gudauri to Tbilisi in Georgia
Visited: Ananuri Fortress and Jivaro Monastery.
Stayed: Holiday Inn Express, Tbilisi
We wake to what sounds like rain this morning, I pull back the curtains to expose dark gloomy clouds and lots of wet snow. No forced march this morning so an extra 30 minutes in bed.
The breakfast buffet a little ordinary once again. I used to enjoy devon on toast when I was a 10 years old. Soon enough we are passing our bags to the driver who gets to load the luggage in the now pouring rain. Soon enough we say goodbye to Gudauri making our way down the mountain turning onto the Georgian Military Highway for Tbilisi.
The drive to our first stop of the day challenging in the rain and mist. Our coach looses a mirror against a passing truck the loud bang sound had everyone on edge for a while. An hour later the rain has eased to light drizzle when we arrive at Ananuri Fortress.
The fortress stand above the Aragvi River. Built in the 13th century by the local Dukes to control the northern trade route. Today the river is part of the Zhinvali Reservoir.
Our guide focuses on the larger Church of the Mother of God built in 1689 for the son of Duke Bardzim. It is a central dome style structure with richly decorated faรงades, including a carved north entrance. It also contains the remains of a number of frescos, most of which were damaged by a fire in the 18th century.
The fortress done we walk the tat to the toilets. As usual entry to the toilets 1 GEL less than A$.50 doesnโt stop Pam trying to run the gauntlet but the old woman tackles her on the way out.
Where soon back on the road following the reservoir and river south to our next stop
Our next stop is ancient Iberian capital of Mtskheta founded in the 3-4th century. The guide focuses our visit on the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. As you can see from the following photos it is surrounded by fortress like walls, gardens and lawn.
Mtskheta and itโs cathedral are the capital of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Our next stop is high on a hill overlooking Mtskheta, the 6th century Jvari Monastery. Yes our third church today, thatโs Georgia. Although itโs only two kms from the cathedral it takes the best part of 20 minutes to get there.
Another day of Georgian monastic history complete as we drive into chaotic late afternoon traffic in Tbilisi. Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia with a population of 1.5 million people.
Our digs at the Holiday Inn look pretty good and Pam has given the โdry white wineโ a tick of approval.
Another day slips through to the keeper.
Michael + Pam
