As Told To Rina Chandarana

Armenia and Georgia, two neighboring countries nestled in the Caucasus region, offer a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Armenia's ancient monasteries speak to its history as the first nation to adopt Christianity, while Georgia's rich heritage and breathtaking mountain views draw visitors in. These countries form a fascinating region where the past and present converge. 

Where In The World

I had to look for Armenia on a map, which, for a seasoned traveler, felt a bit humbling. Sandwiched between Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Georgia, Armenia is a small country with a population of three million, but its culture has a wide reach, with some 11 million Armenians worldwide.

The next day in the State History Museum, our guide, Aram, points out a 7,000-year-old preserved shoe. Yerevan claims to be the oldest inhabited area in the world, with human settlements dating back to the 4th millennium B.C.E. Armenia was once a stop on the legendary Silk Road where food, culture, and new ideas were exchanged, and this mélange of many places is evident in the delicious food — a blend of Mediterranean, Persian, and Asian.  

Sacred Spaces

There's no shortage of churches and monasteries in Armenia, each one with Khachkars-intricately carved cross stones. Adorable dogs and cats are also a constant presence. Outside a church I refresh myself with spring water bubbling from a fountain. 

Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity in 301 C.E., and there are many sites attesting to this. At the Church of Saint Hripsime, I learn how a Roman noblewoman was among the first to bring Christianity to the country. Geghard Monastery, one of Armenia's four UNESCO World Heritage sites, is astonishingly carved into the rock. 

Culinary Traditions

Farm-to-table is necessary in Armenia since the Turkiye and Azerbaijan borders are closed, forcing Armenians to grow and raise what they eat—an array of meat, vegetables, fruit, honey, and wine. At some 7th-century ruins, I gaze at the snowy tops of Turkiye's Mount Ararat, a no-go country for Armenians since the genocide.

Pomegranates bursting with flavor are one of three sacred fruits, along with grapes and apricots. Depictions of this juicy fruit symbolizing fertility dating back to the pre-Christian age are everywhere. Stands selling fresh-pressed pomegranate juice are on street corners and by monument entrances. The local vendor halves and presses five or six pomegranates, squeezing out the tart, bright red liquid for 1,000 Dram (a bit less than $3 USD). Even the bright kernels pop up in many soups and desserts. Gata is another local favorite—a pastry with ground walnuts and butter. Dense and not overly sweet, this was the perfect mid-day snack.

Welcome to Georgia

After getting our passports stamped and crossing the land border, we are in neighboring Georgia. Despite its geographic proximity to Armenia, we're now in a country with a completely different language and religious traditions rooted in Orthodox Christianity. 

Armenians and Georgians speak either English (younger people) or Russian (older people) to communicate with each other. Based in Tbilisi, I make day trips to Khaketi and Kazbegi. There is never a bad view on this journey through Armenia and Georgia. We drive through beautiful countryside with the Greater Caucasus as the backdrop every day. In Georgia, I want to spend less time in historic churches and more time out in nature, hiking and soaking in the mountain air. 

Meanwhile, Tbilisi, the country's capital, has a young, vibrant energy. The old part of town is packed with sidewalk cafes that seem buzzing at all hours of the day serving up khinkali (dumplings) and khachapuri (a pizza-like dough with cheese). Eggplant rolls served with walnut paste is one of my favorite meals. I could have easily spent another day or two wandering the city's streets, eating the food, and visiting the museums. 

We rarely get to explore countries that aren't on everyone's travel radar. Traveling through Georgia and Armenia requires a curious mind and an open heart. Visiting these countries feels authentic, away from typical touristy places. Now, I'll eagerly point them out on a map to anyone searching for a unique destination. 

Pro Tip! Start your trip in Armenia and end in Georgia. And bring an extra suitcase to take home the wine.   

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