Discover 12 epic experiences in Georgia
Georgia, a country at the intersection of Europe and Asia, is a former Soviet republic that’s home to Caucasus Mountain villages and Black Sea beaches. It’s famous for Vardzia, a sprawling cave monastery dating to the 12th century, and the ancient wine-growing region Kakheti. The capital, Tbilisi, is known for the diverse architecture and mazelike, cobblestone streets of its old town.
1. BATUMI
The Black Sea resort and port city, Batumi, is the capital of the Georgian republic of Adjara. Batumi Boulevard encompasses a waterfront promenade with a park and beach. The 130m-high Alphabetic Tower, adorned with Georgian script, has a seaside observation deck. The old town district is lined with renovated 19th-century buildings. North of the city, Batumi Botanical Garden showcases flora from around the world.
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2. BORJOMI
Borjomi is a resort town in central Georgia. It's known for its mineral waters, with springs in Borjomi Central Park. Defined by its striking exterior, the Romanov Palace contains ornate furniture and a billiards room. Nearby, trails wind through the vast wilderness of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
3. CHIATURA
Chiatura in Western Georgia is famous for its system of cable cars connecting the city's center to the mining settlements on the surrounding hills. The city is located inland, in a mountain valley on the banks of the Qvirila River. The Katskhi pillar is a natural limestone monolith located at the village of Katskhi in western Georgian region of Imereti, near the town of Chiatura. It is approximately 40 metres high, and overlooks the small river valley of Katskhura, a right affluent of the Q’virila.
4. GUDAIRI
The ski resort, Gudairi, is located on the south-facing plateau of The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in Georgia. The resort is situated in the Stepantsminda District, along the Georgian Military Highway near the Jvari Pass, at an elevation of 2,200 meters above sea level.
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5. KUTAISI
Kutaisi is a city in west Georgia and home to the centuries-old Bagrati Cathedral. On the city's outskirts, the Gelati Monastery is a medieval cathedral with elaborate frescoes. The nearby hillside Motsameta Monastery has martyrs' remains. Historical Georgian manuscripts, ceramics and textiles are on display at the Kutaisi State Historical Museum.
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6. MESTIA
Mestia and the adjoining 132 villages form Mestia District. The townlet is dominated by stone defensive towers of a type seen in Ushguli and Mestia proper ("Svan towers"). A typical Svan fortified dwelling consisted of a tower, an adjacent house (machubi) and some other household structures encircled by a defensive wall. The town is the starting point for the popular Mestia-Ushguli trail. Most hikers complete this route in four days, sleeping in guesthouses or in local farmhouses.
7. MTSKHITA
Mtskheta is one of the oldest cities in Georgia as well as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is located approximately 20 km north of Tbilisi, at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.
8. SIGNAGI
Signagi or Sighnaghi is one of Georgia's smallest towns, but serves as a popular tourist destination due to its location at the heart of Georgia's wine-growing regions, as well as its picturesque landscapes, pastel houses and narrow, cobblestone streets. Located on a steep hill, Signagi overlooks the vast Alazani Valley, with the Caucasus Mountains visible at a distance.
9. STEPHANTSMINDA
Kazbegi municipality is located in eastern Georgia, in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region and includes the territory of the historical region, the gorge. Its administrative center is Stepantsminda. Kazbegi attracts many tourists with its beautiful, diverse nature and important cultural monuments. Medieval temples built on the top of the mountain with wonderful views, villages lying on the slopes and castle-towers preserve the history of Georgia, unbelievable stories and myths.
10. TBILISI
Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia. Its cobblestoned old town reflects a long, complicated history, with periods under Persian and Russian rule. Its diverse architecture encompasses Eastern Orthodox churches, ornate art nouveau buildings and Soviet Modernist structures. Looming over it all are Narikala, a reconstructed 4th-century fortress, and Kartlis Deda, an iconic statue of the “Mother of Georgia.”
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11. TUSHETI
Located on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Tusheti is bordered by the Russian republics of Chechnya and Dagestan to the north and east, respectively; and by the Georgian historic provinces Kakheti and Pshav-Khevsureti to the south and west, respectively. The Tusheti National Park in eastern Georgia is one of the eight new protected areas approved by Parliament of Georgia on 22 April 2003.
12. VARDZIA
Thecave monastery site, Vardzia, in southern Georgia is excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain on the left bank of the Kura River, thirty kilometres from Aspindza. The main period of construction was the second half of the twelfth century. The caves stretch along the cliff for some five hundred meters and in up to nineteen tiers. The monastery was an important cultural center, a place of significant literary and artistic work.
EAT BADRIJANI
EAT CHURCHKELA
EAT KACHAPURI
EAT KHINKALI
DRINK CHACHA & WINE
HOW TO GET THERE: The major gateway airports into Georgia are the capital Tbilisi (TBS) & the second largest city of Kutaisi (KUT). The airports are at opposite sides of the country, nearly 4hr drive apart (270km).
VISA: Georgia is visa-free for many travellers!
BEST TIME TO GO: The best time to visit Georgia is May, June or September, especially in the lowlands around Tbilisi, as you'll avoid the summer heat and humidity as well as the freezing winter.
HOW TO GET AROUND: Trains are one of the easiest ways to travel in Georgia. There are fast and reliable services between major cities and tourist areas, and you can purchase tickets online.
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