From Tbilisi: Ananuri Fortress, Gudauri & Kazbegi Day Trip

Drive 72 km north of Tbilisi to Ananuri on the shores of the artificial Zhinvali Reservoir. The fortress complex was the seat of the Aragvispiri (Dukes of Aragvi), who controlled this mountain pass from the 13th century until their clan was extinguished by a rival duke in 1743. The complex includes the main Keep Tower (Sheupovari), the smaller older tower, the Church of the Assumption (17th century) with well-preserved frescoes of the Virgin and warrior saints, and the Church of the Redeemer (16th century) decorated with relief carvings of grapevines and crosses. The reservoir was created in the 1980s and has transformed the castle's setting from a river valley fortress to an island-like position above turquoise water — now one of the most photographed views in Georgia.

Continue north on the Georgian Military Highway as it climbs to Gudauri at 2,200 metres, passing the Russian-era Cross Pass (Jvari Pass) viewpoint at 2,395m. Stop at the Friendship Monument — a Soviet-era circular mosaic panorama celebrating Georgian-Russian friendship, now somewhat ironic — and photograph the dramatic valley below with the Caucasus ridgeline extending in every direction. In winter, Gudauri is Georgia's main ski resort; in summer it is a paragliding hub with outstanding views.

Arrive in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), a mountain town at 1,740m above sea level. The 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba) sits on a cliff at 2,170m above the town, with the glacial cone of Mount Kazbek (5,047m) directly behind it. A 4WD vehicle takes the group up the mountain track to the church, which has been a place of pilgrimage since the medieval period. Inside, the walls retain fragments of medieval frescoes. The view from the church toward the Russian border and the Caucasus is among the most dramatic mountain panoramas in Europe. Free time in Kazbegi for lunch before the return to Tbilisi.