{"id":16878,"date":"2021-12-20T20:34:13","date_gmt":"2021-12-20T20:34:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/?p=16878"},"modified":"2023-07-12T00:19:46","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T00:19:46","slug":"top-5-reasons-to-love-the-south-caucasus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/top-5-reasons-to-love-the-south-caucasus\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 Reasons to Love the South Caucasus"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_8038-800.jpg\" alt=\"Contemporary sculpture at Yerevan\u2019s Cascade in Armenia. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\" class=\"wp-image-16876\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_8038-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_8038-800-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_8038-800-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_8038-800-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_8038-800-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Contemporary sculpture at Yerevan\u2019s Cascade in Armenia. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<p><strong>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/region\/south-caucasus-turkey\/\">South Caucasus<\/a>&nbsp;countries of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/country\/georgia\/\">Georgia<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia<\/a>, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/country\/azerbaijan\/\">Azerbaijan<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;are neighbors in the porous region&nbsp;between Europe and Asia. Located between the Black and Caspian Seas, the region plays host to dozens of languages, religions, musical styles and landscapes. These three countries are working hard to make a name for themselves among travelers, and <strong>MIR has been singing their praises for decades now.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:37px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignwide is-light\" style=\"min-height:250px\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-40 has-background-dim\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"651\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-4009\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Carpet-Museum-Baku-Azerbaijan-October-2014-5-Jake-Smith.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Carpet-Museum-Baku-Azerbaijan-October-2014-5-Jake-Smith.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Carpet-Museum-Baku-Azerbaijan-October-2014-5-Jake-Smith-300x102.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Carpet-Museum-Baku-Azerbaijan-October-2014-5-Jake-Smith-1024x347.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Carpet-Museum-Baku-Azerbaijan-October-2014-5-Jake-Smith-768x260.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Carpet-Museum-Baku-Azerbaijan-October-2014-5-Jake-Smith-1536x521.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Carpet-Museum-Baku-Azerbaijan-October-2014-5-Jake-Smith-150x51.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Carpet-Museum-Baku-Azerbaijan-October-2014-5-Jake-Smith-600x203.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Carpet-Museum-Baku-Azerbaijan-October-2014-5-Jake-Smith-1600x543.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong><strong>Here are five reasons why we think you should, too<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. The wine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>All three of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/region\/south-caucasus-turkey\/\">South Caucasus<\/a>&nbsp;countries produce their own wine<\/strong>, but Georgian wine is by far the most famous. Wine tourism is nothing new, but what Georgia brings to the table are wines made by an&nbsp;<strong>unusual and ancient method of production called&nbsp;<\/strong><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ich.unesco.org\/en\/RL\/ancient-georgian-traditional-qvevri-wine-making-method-00870\">qvevri<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_5831-800.jpg\" alt=\"Georgian wine made with the ancient qvevri method. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\" class=\"wp-image-16874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_5831-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_5831-800-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_5831-800-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_5831-800-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_5831-800-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Georgian wine made with the ancient qvevri method. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Named for the large clay vessel in which the wines are fermented,&nbsp;<em>qvevri<\/em>&nbsp;wine-making involves fermenting the grapes in the&nbsp;vessel, which is buried in the ground and remains there during the entire process. When the wine is ready, it is drawn out with a long-handled ladle.&nbsp;<em>Qvevri&nbsp;<\/em>vessels are very much a part of Georgian culture and the larger ones can hold more than 4,000 bottles of wine!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_f52dfd6fc740cbd219df92540ea295a5-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0900-800-113x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0900-800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0900-800-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0900-800-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0900-800-450x600.jpg 450w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A qvevri-maker in Kutaisi, Georgia, here working on a clay oven, or tone. Photo credit: Mariana Noble\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"600\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0337-500-150x135.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0337-500.jpg 562w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0337-500-300x270.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0337-500-150x135.jpg 150w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 562px) 100vw, 562px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A toast in Signagi, Georgia. Photo credit: Mariana Noble\"\n  height=\"506\"\n  width=\"562\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0327-800-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0327-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0327-800-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0327-800-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0327-800-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0327-800-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Georgian wine has been made in qvevri for thousands of years. Photo credit: Mariana Noble\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_f52dfd6fc740cbd219df92540ea295a5-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_f52dfd6fc740cbd219df92540ea295a5-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0900-800-113x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0900-800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0900-800-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0900-800-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0900-800-450x600.jpg 450w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A qvevri-maker in Kutaisi, Georgia, here working on a clay oven, or tone. Photo credit: Mariana Noble\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"600\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">A qvevri-maker in Kutaisi, Georgia, here working on a clay oven, or tone.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Mariana Noble<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0337-500-150x135.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0337-500.jpg 562w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0337-500-300x270.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0337-500-150x135.jpg 150w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 562px) 100vw, 562px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A toast in Signagi, Georgia. Photo credit: Mariana Noble\"\n  height=\"506\"\n  width=\"562\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">A toast in Signagi, Georgia. Photo credit: Mariana Noble<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0327-800-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0327-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0327-800-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0327-800-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0327-800-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0327-800-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Georgian wine has been made in qvevri for thousands of years. Photo credit: Mariana Noble\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Georgian wine has been made in qvevri for thousands of years.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Mariana Noble<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#909599\"><em>(click image to view larger photo)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. The food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>The mix of influences prevalent in the&nbsp;South Caucasus&nbsp;region is most evident on the plate. From the&nbsp;Russian-style salads that grace tables throughout the region to the kebabs and use of pomegranates, right down to the love of&nbsp;baklava&nbsp;and&nbsp;Turkish-style coffee,&nbsp;<strong>the South Caucasus \u201cmelting pot\u201d is often the same one that\u2019s used for cooking<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_e74099e9314b92ccb06b19b82faa8ac6-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-child-width-1-4@l uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5-CommunalPlatterAppetizers-MN-1-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5-CommunalPlatterAppetizers-MN-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5-CommunalPlatterAppetizers-MN-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5-CommunalPlatterAppetizers-MN-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5-CommunalPlatterAppetizers-MN-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5-CommunalPlatterAppetizers-MN-1-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A communal bowl of creative appetizers at a Georgian feast. Photo credit: Mariana Noble\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Yerevan-food-market-19-800-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Yerevan-food-market-19-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Yerevan-food-market-19-800-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Yerevan-food-market-19-800-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Yerevan-food-market-19-800-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Yerevan-food-market-19-800-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Lavash in a Yerevan food market. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_1562-800-112x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_1562-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_1562-800-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_1562-800-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_1562-800-112x150.jpg 112w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_1562-800-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_1562-800-675x900.jpg 675w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Boat-shaped Adjaran khachapuri with a cargo of eggs, cheese and butter. Photo credit: Mariana Noble\"\n  height=\"1067\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0119-800-150x133.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0119-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0119-800-300x266.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0119-800-768x682.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0119-800-150x133.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0119-800-600x533.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A bread vendor in Geghard, Armenia. Photo credit: Devin Connolly\"\n  height=\"710\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_e74099e9314b92ccb06b19b82faa8ac6-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_e74099e9314b92ccb06b19b82faa8ac6-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5-CommunalPlatterAppetizers-MN-1-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5-CommunalPlatterAppetizers-MN-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5-CommunalPlatterAppetizers-MN-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5-CommunalPlatterAppetizers-MN-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5-CommunalPlatterAppetizers-MN-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5-CommunalPlatterAppetizers-MN-1-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A communal bowl of creative appetizers at a Georgian feast. Photo credit: Mariana Noble\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">A communal bowl of creative appetizers at a Georgian feast. Photo credit: Mariana Noble<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Yerevan-food-market-19-800-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Yerevan-food-market-19-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Yerevan-food-market-19-800-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Yerevan-food-market-19-800-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Yerevan-food-market-19-800-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Yerevan-food-market-19-800-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Lavash in a Yerevan food market. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Lavash in a Yerevan food market. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_1562-800-112x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_1562-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_1562-800-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_1562-800-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_1562-800-112x150.jpg 112w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_1562-800-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_1562-800-675x900.jpg 675w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Boat-shaped Adjaran khachapuri with a cargo of eggs, cheese and butter. Photo credit: Mariana Noble\"\n  height=\"1067\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Boat-shaped Adjaran khachapuri with a cargo of eggs, cheese and butter. Photo credit: Mariana Noble<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0119-800-150x133.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0119-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0119-800-300x266.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0119-800-768x682.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0119-800-150x133.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_0119-800-600x533.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A bread vendor in Geghard, Armenia. Photo credit: Devin Connolly\"\n  height=\"710\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">A bread vendor in Geghard, Armenia. Photo credit: Devin Connolly<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#909599\"><em>(click image to view larger photo)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. The culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The&nbsp;South Caucasus&nbsp;is located at the crossroads of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/country\/turkey\/\">Turkey<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/region\/russia\/\">Russia<\/a><\/strong>, and each of these larger neighbors has held sway over the region in turn throughout history. Though&nbsp;Azerbaijan,&nbsp;Georgia, and&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;are independent countries today, the Ottoman, Persian and Russian\/Soviet influences of the past persist today in the linguistic, religious and culinary traditions of the South Caucasus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/culture-food-800.jpg\" alt=\"Georgian dishes with Turkish influences. Photo credit: Michel Behar\" class=\"wp-image-16873\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/culture-food-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/culture-food-800-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/culture-food-800-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/culture-food-800-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/culture-food-800-600x448.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Georgian dishes with Turkish influences.\nPhoto credit: Michel Behar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. The capital cities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Modern&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/travel-diary-baku-azerbaijan-caspian\/\">Baku<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;(Azerbaijan) is a bustling, dynamic and quickly modernizing city that still retains the historic beauty of its UNESCO-listed Old City.&nbsp;<strong>Bohemian&nbsp;Tbilisi<\/strong>&nbsp;(Georgia) also has a beautiful Old Town with architectural, cultural and culinary delights around every twist and turn, not to mention a fascinating array of contemporary buildings that add contrast to the Tbilisi skyline. And Yerevan (Armenia)\u2026<strong>vibrant, walkable&nbsp;Yerevan<\/strong>! The current layout of Armenia\u2019s capital was designed by architect Alexander Tamanian in the 1920s. Modern Yerevan, envisioned by&nbsp;Tamanian, is pleasant, logical and easy to navigate.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Photo-09-09-13-09-45-55-baku.jpg\" alt=\"Architecture in Baku, Azerbaijan, combines old and new. Photo credit: Michel Behar\" class=\"wp-image-16877\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Photo-09-09-13-09-45-55-baku.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Photo-09-09-13-09-45-55-baku-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Photo-09-09-13-09-45-55-baku-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Photo-09-09-13-09-45-55-baku-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Photo-09-09-13-09-45-55-baku-600x448.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Architecture in Baku, Azerbaijan, combines old and new. Photo credit: Michel Behar<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_a67e2724c78162c8b4e2ba68582a0957-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_4148-yerevan-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_4148-yerevan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_4148-yerevan-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_4148-yerevan-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_4148-yerevan-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_4148-yerevan-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Architecture in Baku, Azerbaijan, combines old and new. Photo credit: Michel Behar\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/rsz_tb_2d-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/rsz_tb_2d.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/rsz_tb_2d-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/rsz_tb_2d-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/rsz_tb_2d-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/rsz_tb_2d-600x398.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Tbilisi\u2019s Old Town features houses sporting carved wooden balconies and sits beneath the Narikala Fortress on the hill above.\"\n  height=\"531\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Old-Tbilisi-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Old-Tbilisi.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Old-Tbilisi-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Old-Tbilisi-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Old-Tbilisi-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Old-Tbilisi-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Narikala Fortress looks down on Tbilisi\u2019s Old Town. Photo credit: Georgia Tourism Board\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_a67e2724c78162c8b4e2ba68582a0957-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_a67e2724c78162c8b4e2ba68582a0957-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_4148-yerevan-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_4148-yerevan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_4148-yerevan-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_4148-yerevan-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_4148-yerevan-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_4148-yerevan-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Architecture in Baku, Azerbaijan, combines old and new. Photo credit: Michel Behar\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Architecture in Baku, Azerbaijan, combines old and new. Photo credit: Michel Behar<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/rsz_tb_2d-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/rsz_tb_2d.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/rsz_tb_2d-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/rsz_tb_2d-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/rsz_tb_2d-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/rsz_tb_2d-600x398.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Tbilisi\u2019s Old Town features houses sporting carved wooden balconies and sits beneath the Narikala Fortress on the hill above.\"\n  height=\"531\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Tbilisi\u2019s Old Town features houses sporting carved wooden balconies and sits beneath the Narikala Fortress on the hill above.<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Old-Tbilisi-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Old-Tbilisi.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Old-Tbilisi-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Old-Tbilisi-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Old-Tbilisi-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Old-Tbilisi-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Narikala Fortress looks down on Tbilisi\u2019s Old Town. Photo credit: Georgia Tourism Board\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Narikala Fortress looks down on Tbilisi\u2019s Old Town. Photo credit: Georgia Tourism Board<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#909599\"><em>(click image to view larger photo)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. The natural beauty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>For such a small region,&nbsp;<strong>the&nbsp;South Caucasus&nbsp;offers a staggering amount of geographic and climatic variety<\/strong>. Boasting shorelines on both the Black and Caspian Seas, the region also features high mountains with peaks topping 16,000 feet, lush valleys where grapes, melons and all kinds of vegetables are grown, and a rocky semi-desert region.<\/p>\n\n\n<section id=\"block_205c1498fcd6b9048e1f4acaf3b5a7ab-media-grid\" class=\"wp-block-xdf-standardmediagrid uk-section js-xd-components__media-grid uk-padding-remove\">\n\t<div class=\"uk-container uk-width-expand uk-padding-remove\">\n    <div id=\"media-grid-media-grid\" class=\"xd-component__media-grid  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open center\"  >\n\n      \n\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-feature-image  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_205c1498fcd6b9048e1f4acaf3b5a7ab\" data-slide-target=\"1\">\n\n            \n                          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Lake-Sevan-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Lake-Sevan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Lake-Sevan-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Lake-Sevan-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Lake-Sevan-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Lake-Sevan-600x399.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Armenia's blue-green Lake Sevan, at over 6,200 feet, is one of the largest alpine lakes in the world.\"\n  height=\"532\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                      <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-1  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_205c1498fcd6b9048e1f4acaf3b5a7ab\" data-slide-target=\"2\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Armania-sunrise-over-Sevan-lake-800-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Armania-sunrise-over-Sevan-lake-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Armania-sunrise-over-Sevan-lake-800-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Armania-sunrise-over-Sevan-lake-800-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Armania-sunrise-over-Sevan-lake-800-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Armania-sunrise-over-Sevan-lake-800-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Sunrise over Armenia's Lake Sevan. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-2  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_205c1498fcd6b9048e1f4acaf3b5a7ab\" data-slide-target=\"3\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0908-800-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0908-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0908-800-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0908-800-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0908-800-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0908-800-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Fall colors in Becho Valley in mountainous Svaneti, Georgia. Photo credit: Mariana Noble\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-3  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_205c1498fcd6b9048e1f4acaf3b5a7ab\" data-slide-target=\"4\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_6462-800-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_6462-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_6462-800-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_6462-800-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_6462-800-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_6462-800-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"View from the top at David Gareja Monastery in Georgia. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-4  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_205c1498fcd6b9048e1f4acaf3b5a7ab\" data-slide-target=\"5\">\n            \n            <div class=\"count\">+ 1<\/div>\n\n                        \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0355-800-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0355-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0355-800-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0355-800-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0355-800-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0355-800-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Vineyards in Signagi, Georgia. Photo credit: Mariana Noble\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n      \n  <div id=\"block_205c1498fcd6b9048e1f4acaf3b5a7ab-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_205c1498fcd6b9048e1f4acaf3b5a7ab-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Lake-Sevan-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Lake-Sevan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Lake-Sevan-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Lake-Sevan-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Lake-Sevan-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Lake-Sevan-600x399.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Armenia's blue-green Lake Sevan, at over 6,200 feet, is one of the largest alpine lakes in the world.\"\n  height=\"532\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Armenia&#8217;s blue-green Lake Sevan, at over 6,200 feet, is one of the largest alpine lakes in the world.<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Armania-sunrise-over-Sevan-lake-800-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Armania-sunrise-over-Sevan-lake-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Armania-sunrise-over-Sevan-lake-800-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Armania-sunrise-over-Sevan-lake-800-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Armania-sunrise-over-Sevan-lake-800-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Armania-sunrise-over-Sevan-lake-800-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Sunrise over Armenia's Lake Sevan. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Sunrise over Armenia&#8217;s Lake Sevan. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0908-800-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0908-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0908-800-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0908-800-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0908-800-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0908-800-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Fall colors in Becho Valley in mountainous Svaneti, Georgia. Photo credit: Mariana Noble\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Fall colors in Becho Valley in mountainous Svaneti, Georgia. Photo credit: Mariana Noble<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_6462-800-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_6462-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_6462-800-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_6462-800-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_6462-800-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/img_6462-800-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"View from the top at David Gareja Monastery in Georgia. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">View from the top at David Gareja Monastery in Georgia. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0355-800-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0355-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0355-800-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0355-800-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0355-800-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSCF0355-800-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Vineyards in Signagi, Georgia. Photo credit: Mariana Noble\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Vineyards in Signagi, Georgia. Photo credit: Mariana Noble<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/TTC2010-Martin003-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/TTC2010-Martin003.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/TTC2010-Martin003-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/TTC2010-Martin003-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/TTC2010-Martin003-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/TTC2010-Martin003-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Azerbaijan's natural mud volcanoes. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Azerbaijan&#8217;s natural mud volcanoes. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#909599\"><em>(click image to view larger photo)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignwide is-light\" style=\"min-height:250px\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-40 has-background-dim\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"651\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-4204\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-300x102.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-1024x347.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-768x260.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-1536x521.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-150x51.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-600x203.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-1600x543.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-large-font-size wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#fffeff\"><strong>Travel to the South Caucasus with MIR<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<p class=\"is-style-body-2\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-body-2\">MIR has more than 30 years of unmatched destination expertise&nbsp;and travel planning experience, hand-crafting tours to&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/region\/south-caucasus-turkey\/\">South Caucasus<\/a>&nbsp;since 1986.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fall in love with this part of the world on MIR\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/trip\/?tt=small_group_tour&amp;r=469\">small group tours to the&nbsp;South Caucasus<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or, opt to travel on<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>your dates and at your pace<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>on one of MIR\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/trip\/?tt=private_trip&amp;r=469\">private flexible independent trips<\/a> or on a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/custom-private-travel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">private journey<\/a>, customized to your desired dates and style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Chat with one of our destination specialists today!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/contact\/\">contact us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The South Caucasus countries of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan are neighbors in the porous region between Europe and Asia. Located between the Black and Caspian Seas, the region plays host to dozens of languages, religions, musical styles and landscapes. These three countries are working hard to make a name for themselves among travelers, and MIR has been singing their praises for decades now. Here are five reasons why we think you should, too.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11972,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Top 5 Reasons to Love the South Caucasus<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Here are five reasons why we think you should travel to the South Caucasus countries of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/top-5-reasons-to-love-the-south-caucasus\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Top 5 Reasons to Love the South Caucasus\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Here are five reasons why we think you should travel to the South Caucasus countries of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/top-5-reasons-to-love-the-south-caucasus\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"MIR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MIR.Corporation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-12-20T20:34:13+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-07-12T00:19:46+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Georgia-Signagi-view-2-Martin-Klimenta-1920.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"651\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta 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