Georgia attractions

Georgia can be called the most beautiful country in Caucasus region. The country is located near the southern slope of the Caucasus mountain range, and there are beach resorts on the Black Sea coast. Georgian cuisine does not leave anyone indifferent, and the hospitality of local residents creates a special atmosphere. Many people want to return to Georgia. 

The history of Georgia is of great interest. During the reign of the kings of the dynasty of Bagrationi Georgia reached its peak. King David IV the Builder (1089-1125) restored Georgia`s independence from the Ottomans and united the scattered principalities. The "Golden age" came during the reign of Queen Tamara, who was the granddaughter of David the Builder. During these years, many remarkable cultural monuments were built in all regions of the country. 

When visiting Georgia, you can plan different routes, depending on your interests. You should start with Tbilisi and Mtskheta, and then you can choose your own destination: trekking in the Caucasus mountains, wine tours in Kakheti or beach holidays close to Batumi. All regions have a lot of historical attractions, so your vacation will be diverse. 

Capitols of Georgia: Tbilisi and Mtskheta 

The capital of Georgia is the city of Tbilisi. It has many historical attractions, so you should definitely stop here for 2-3 days. The old city blocks at the foot of the Narikala fortress are of great interest. The atmosphere of a 19th-century Caucasian city is preserved here. Be sure to visit the Sulfur Baths. Other attractions of Tbilisi include the Metekhi Church, Sioni Cathedral, Sameba Church, Rike Park, and others. Almost all of them are within walking distance from each other. 

The ancient city of Mtskheta, located 20 kilometers from Tbilisi, is very important for the Georgian people. There is the main Shrine of Georgia – Svetitskhoveli temple (temple of the Life-Giving Pillar). It was founded in 326, the year of the baptism of Georgia. The Cathedral of the 11th century has been preserved to this day. Nearby is the Samtavro monastery, where king Mirian, who declared Christianity the state religion of Georgia, is buried. On a high mountain above Mtskheta stands the Jvari monastery. It was built in the 6th century on the edge of the mountain, where Saint Nina installed a wooden cross made of grape tree. 

Caucasus mountains in Georgia 

Tourist infrastructure for trekking in the mountains is most developed in the Daryal gorge. This is the only place in the Central Caucasus where there is a passage through the Caucasus range that is accessible to regular transport from Russia. 

In the mountain village of Stepantsminda there are very beautiful places of the Caucasus mountains. Mount Kazbek (5033 m), the second highest peak in the Caucasus mountains after Elbrus (5642 m), rises above the village. The Monastery of the Holy Trinity, which is a symbol of these places, was built at the foot of Kazbek. Many narrow gorges branch off from the wide Daryal gorge, and almost every one of them has interesting trekking routes. Thus, you can plan several days for a mountain program in Georgia. In the Daryal gorge, the Gudauri ski resort is open in winter. 

In addition to the Daryal gorge, hiking in mountain regions is possible in Upper Svaneti at the foot of mount Ushbu. There are many watchtowers included in the UNESCO cultural heritage lists. The capital of Svaneti is the city of Mestia, but the base camp for trekking is better to choose the high-altitude village of Ushguli. The highest season in these places is from mid-June to September. 

Gastronomic tours in Kakheti 

Kakheti region is located to the East of Tbilisi. Here in the Alazani valley is the center of Georgian winemaking. In September, there is a harvest festival called Rtveli. It attracts a lot of tourists who can take part in the creation of wine. 

The Georgian Wine Road passes through the cities of Sighnaghi, Telavi, Kvareli, as well as small villages. There are dozens of wine houses that make famous Georgian wines: Khvanchkara, Kindzmarauli, Alazani Valley and many others. In addition to wine, there are many historical attractions: fortresses, monasteries and palaces. In Bodve monastery, there are the Tomb of the most revered Saint Nina equal-to-the-apostles. Thanks to her Georgia converted to Christianity in 326.