Hospitable people, quaint rural backwaters and cosmopolitan capitals make the South Caucasus region a thrilling, off beat place to discover this is a cultural crossroads where Europe meets Asia on tomorrow.

Mingles with today.

Russian, Persian, Turkish and other influences have been absorbed into distinctly local cultures against a backdrop of astonishing natural beauty where landscapes are peppered with antique forts, monasteries, churches and ruins.

Yeah, nor were blames the romance of the past with the striving for a new future better than Tbilisi's all tone.

The eons old narrow Kala fortress supervises everything while the 21st century presidential palace looks on from over the river.

This mysterious and long isolated village sits amongst mountain valleys high in the Caucasus, surrounded by snowy peaks and alpine meadows.

Armenia's rich collection of ancient churches is a world treasure that has developed over thousands of years of architectural tinkering.

At first glance, they appear identical, yet each has its own unique character and design.

Scattered in the woodland glades and sheep nibbled slopes.

In the foothills of the great caucuses lie remote shepherd villages, some speaking their own unique languages and separated by dramatic canyons and wild river valleys.

These much revered cave monasteries were carved from a cliff face long, long ago.

Ah, cradle of medieval monastic culture and fresco paintings offer a startling experience.

May end.

October offered the most pleasant temperatures in the lowlands.

Wintry weather often last into April.

Travel costs in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan can range from less than $50 a day if you choose hostels and simple meals toe over $125 a day.

For luxury hotels and a private driver, many Busses provide the main transport within the region.

Trains are slower than Busses, but overnight sleepers air inexpensive and more comfortable than traveling by road.

Despite unresolved conflicts, Caucasian states have transformed themselves beyond belief.

In the last 20 years, however, disarming hospitality remains a defining feature of each of the three remarkable nations that comprise this beautiful and ever fascinating region.