After meeting your driver, take an exciting drive north along the Georgian Military Highway into the high Caucasus Mountains. This spectacular highway winds its way through sheer mountains on a route that runs for 220 km from Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz in Russia and dates back to the 1st century BC. Pass by the Zhinvali Dam hydroelectric dam and reservoir on the Aragvi River which blends in with the surrounding environment perfectly. Enjoy the view of the turquoise waters from Ananuri Fortress, a popular tourist sight with stunning, panoramic views. Descend to the shores of the reservoir until you reach Ananuri fortress, built by the Dukes of Aragvi and eith parts dating back to the 13th century. Admire the two fortifications joined by a crenelated curtain wall and the well-preserved, large square tower, known as the Sheupovari. Continue along the highway towards the Gudauri ski resort situated in the Stepantsminda District at an elevation of 2,200 meters above sea level. Visit the Georgievsk Monument which was built in 1983 to celebrate the ongoing friendship between Georgia and Soviet Russia. Peek inside the monument to see a large tile mural that spans the whole circumference of the structure and depicts scenes of Georgian history. Travel onward to the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, located under Mount Kazbek above the town of Stepantsminda and which has for a long time served as a popular way-point for travelers on the road connecting Russia and Georgia.