Georgia, located in Europe’s Caucasus region, is an independent nation. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, its western border is the Black Sea, its northern border is Russia, its southern border is Turkey and Armenia, and its eastern border is Azerbaijan. There are nine regions in Georgia, and two of them are completely independent. In turn, these split into 69 districts. Tbilisi is the most populous city in Georgia.
What are the important attractions in the Capital city?
Further, Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral, Freedom Square, Sioni Cathedral, Metekhi, Narikala, Parliament of Georgia, Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Anchiskhati Basilica, Mtatsminda (Holy Mountain), Kashveti Church, and the National and Historic Museums of Georgia are just a few of the many attractions in the capital city.
The defenses of Upper Svaneti and the castle town of Shatili in Khevsureti further are also excellent examples of Georgian castle buildings from the Middle Ages. Some more examples of Georgian architecture are the Old Town District and the Haussmann-style Rustaveli road in Tbilisi. The Narikala castle, the Anchiskhati Church, the Sioni Cathedral, and the Church of Metekhi are among the city’s most well-known historical sites.
Tbilisi is home to a wide variety of restaurants catering to all tastes. Café Nikala is a great place to get a quick, informal dinner since they provide salads, rice and meat dishes, khachapuri, and pastries all accessible for self-service. If you’re looking for a French restaurant with European food and French wine, consider 12 rue Charden. The Ankara is an air-conditioned Turkish restaurant that serves salads, desserts, kebabs, and other meat specialties.
Major International Airport in Tbilisi
There is one major international airport in Tbilisi. Tbilisi’s fast underground system, the Metro, is operated by the city. The fourth such metro system was to be built in what was once the Soviet Union. The building process started in 1952 and lasted until 1966. The Akhmeteli-Varketili Line and the Saburtalo Line are the two active lines in the system. Twenty-two stops and 186 underground vehicles make up the system. The majority of stations feature colorful designs typical of post-Soviet metro stations. The train schedule is 6 am-1 am.
In terms of weather, Georgia is quite varied. The climate of the nation may be broadly divided in half, with two distinct regions in the East and West. To prevent colder air masses from the north from penetrating Georgia, the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range acts as a natural windbreak. Furthermore, the Lesser Caucasus Mountains shield the area from the hot, dry air that blows in from the south.
Spring and fall see the most precipitation, while winter and summer are often dry. In much of eastern Georgia, the summers are scorchingly warm (particularly in the low-lying districts) while the winters are pleasantly cool. The elevation is crucial in eastern Georgia, just as it is in the western sections of the United States.
Visit the Historic District of Tbilisi
Most visitors to Georgia will begin their journey in Tbilisi, the country’s capital. Tbilisi is such an amazing city that you could easily spend a whole trip to Georgia here.
A vacation to Tbilisi isn’t complete without exploring the city’s historic district. Historical sites, including churches and monuments, are located atop a hill with a breathtaking backdrop. The peak is accessible by both traditional means of ascent and by a cutting-edge cable car system. If your feet start to hurt after all that exploring, head to the hot springs in the heart of Tbilisi’s Old Town and have a long, relaxing dip.
The magnificent modern building may be seen across the Kura River from Old Town, which provides a fascinating contrast. Take advantage of free walking tours to get the most out of Tbilisi’s historic district.
Tbilisi traffic is notoriously difficult, so be prepared. Reserve a room in one of the hotels in the historic district of Tbilisi or one of the nearby areas (like Vake, Sololaki, or Rustaveli). Booking.com has provided us with a map of those places. The Rooms Hotel Tbilisi is a safe bet in my opinion.
Go to a Classic Supra
Simply put, a supra is a Georgian feast. Imagine yourself in a Georgian house being given dish after dish of delectable Georgian food while gallons of handmade wine is poured into your glass. In Georgia, this is something that you simply must do.
Invites from friends are the main way for locals to get into a supra. Especially in light of the current health crisis, this is challenging if you don’t speak Georgian. The simplest workaround is to secure one of the ten available seats at each performance of the critically acclaimed Georgian Folk Show and Play. You may also take a cooking lesson with a small group at Nana’s Kitchen and learn how to make the same experience on your own.
Try some Georgian Wine
Many Georgians now admit that the wine they drink is homemade, as the secret is out. Wine from Georgia is gradually gaining a reputation as some of the best in Europe. And with good reason: decades of experience by the local vintners in the temperate Georgian province of Kakheti result in some truly exquisite stuff. Although the Kakheti wine area has been called “Georgia’s Napa Valley,” seeing a vineyard is an absolute must for every visitor to Georgia. One convenient option is to take a day trip from Tbilisi to Kakheti (the highest-rated tour on Viator is linked, as is the best tour on Get Your Guide).
Go to Svaneti, a Place Stuck in Time
The Caucasian Mountains of Georgia are home to one of the world’s most stunning locations. Hundreds of historic watchtowers can be seen all around the Svaenti area; they were used by the inhabitants for years to ward against intruders. Svaneti, a region of Georgia that is primarily accessible only by a single long and winding road, has recently become one of the most popular things to do in Georgia, in part because of a tiny Georgian airline that operates flights from Tbilisi. Though flights are sometimes sold out months in advance, this customized trip from Tbilisi will bring you there just the same.
Go on a hiking trip across the Caucasus Mountains
When you begin out on your journey through the Georgian countryside, you may feel like Marco Polo traveling the historic Silk Road. Georgia is one of the world’s most underappreciated hiking locations, with its towering peaks, broad fields, and beautiful woods, all of which are punctuated by quaint and friendly communities. Although there are many of trails to select from around Georgia, the multi-day walk from Mestia to Ushguli is among the most popular.
Indulge in Some Khachapuri
Although there are several variations on this classic Georgian cheese bread, my personal favorite is the Acharuli. You’ll simply have to take my word for it that it includes cracking an egg over layers of dough and cheese. Believe me when I say that sampling some authentic khachapuri is an absolute must while visiting Georgia.
Go on a walk to the Trinity Church of Gergeti
The Gergeti Trinity Church is perched high in the highlands of Georgia’s Kazbegi region. Maybe the most recognizable image of Georgia is this landmark against the backdrop of lofty Mount Kazbegi. Trinity Church is one of the most visited places in Georgia, and it’s easy to see why given the breathtaking scenery.
The best thing to do in Georgia is to stay the night in the town of Stepantsminda, which is close to the church, and then get up early to make the ascent, which will be rewarded with quiet time at the famous church before the tour buses arrive.
Cuisine Typical of Old Georgia
Khinkali (Georgian Dumplings)
Lovely knots of dough, khinkali are usually packed with meat and spices before being cooked or steamed. The challenge of eating khinkali is preventing the boiling soup from pouring all over you. Sprinkle with black pepper, take the dumpling by the handle, and invert to eat khinkali. Slurp the broth as you go and take little pieces from the side.
On our trip to Kakheti, Lali showed us how to make khinkali from scratch. After several failed efforts, we figured out how to properly flip and tuck the dough around the meat. Even after being cooked, our dumplings kept their shape and the soup within. The mail should soon deliver our khinkali-making credentials.
Vegetarian options of khinkali, commonly filled with mushrooms and cheese or curd instead of beef, are usually available if you ask for them.
Badrijani Nigvzit
Strips of roasted eggplant (badrijan), spread with walnut paste and served flat. This is one of Audrey’s favorite meals because of the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. Mix of refried beans and bean soup; known as lobio. Lobio can range wildly in texture and flavor. Consistently enjoyable is the fact that it resembles traditional Mexican bean recipes.
Georgian maize (mchadi) is traditionally served alongside lobio for the full impact. When we had eaten until we were sick of meat and bread, we would go on the hunt for lobio and frequently find it, sometimes in unexpected places.
Qababi (Kebabs)
A thin bread similar to lavash stuffed with grilled ground beef, onions, and sumac. This was the only meal option in some rural areas of Georgia. Surprisingly, it never let us down.
Dolmas
Stuffed vegetables or leaves are cooked in a variety of methods, including steaming, roasting, or boiling, and containing ground beef, herbs, and rice. While we wouldn’t normally think of dolmas as a Georgian dish, our friend Rusiko’s version, made with fresh grape leaves from her garden, was quite delicious.
Chakapuli
Chakapuli is a traditional festival dish from Kakheti, a stew made with lamb and other herbs (e.g., Easter). Traditionally, veal or lamb is used in chakapuli, and it is seasoned with onions, tkemali (sour plums), white wine, garlic, and a variety of herbs.
Mtsvadi (Shashlik, meat skewers)
Salted, fire-roasted pork pieces. Fresh onions, placed in a metal dish, and stirred over a fire make the best mtsvadi. Having mtsvadi at our mountain cookout was a stroke of luck. To put it simply, it was some of the greatest grilled beef we’ve ever tasted.
Keep in mind that the coveted chalahaji (or back meat) is usually served in small portions and is meant to be shared amongst the group. After taking the whole skewer for herself and hearing yells of protest, Audrey realized her mistake. She then shared.
Satsivi \sPoultry (chicken or turkey) served with a thinned paste of walnut, garlic, and spices. Satsivi, a traditional Georgian dish associated with the winter season (“sivi” means “cold” in Georgian), is traditionally served in the Adjara area on the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. We’ve had this before and loved it at restaurants in other countries, but we didn’t get to eat a truly original version while in Georgia.
Important Questions Answered about the Travel Guide to Georgia
What Time Of Year Is Best For a Trip to Georgia?
Georgia’s unique climatic factors make for great outdoor opportunities year-round. Traveling to Tbilisi is most enjoyable between the months of May and October. Summer is the best season to travel to the mountains, spas, and coastal places for relaxation. The grape harvest, one of Georgia’s most colorful and important celebrations, begins in the fall. Ski resorts are open for business during the winter. However keep in mind that this is the time of year when a lot of snow falls in the mountains, making certain passes unusable.
How Do Georgians View Immigrants and Visitors?
The Georgian people are known for their warmth and hospitality; the phrase “a visitor is a gift from God” dates back centuries.
Is it safe to travel to Georgia?
New research has found that Georgia is one of the safest countries in the world. Government agencies are responsible for ensuring the security of visitors. A free “hotline,” 0800800909, is available 24/7 from the Georgian National Tourist Organization for foreign visitors as of 2013.
How much cash may I bring into Georgia?
The entry of foreign currency into the country is unrestricted. Yet, if the sum is more than 30,000 GEL, the customs declaration must include that fact.
Should I spend more money on a “single supplement” if I plan on traveling alone?
In this situation, you have the option of staying in a room by yourself for an additional fee or sharing with another tour of the same sex.