Vacation in Georgia - A Real Insider Tip

Breathtaking views, unspoiled nature, hiking trails as far as the eye can see, exceptionally good food, and endless hospitality - all of this and so much more is Georgia. The country will captivate you!

Facts about Georgia

Georgia Highlights

Getting There

The Most Beautiful Cities in Georgia

The Most Beautiful Places in Georgia

Cuisine

Vacation in Georgia

The diverse country of Georgia is known as a crossroads between Europe and Asia, between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, and the Black and Caspian Seas. Colorful and multifaceted is not only Georgia's location, but also its inhabitants! In the balcony of Europe, over 26 different ethnic groups live, including Greeks, Armenians, and Persians.

And you will find this colorful mix not just in the culture and architecture of the country, but also in the languages spoken on the streets of Georgia, where many different languages are heard. However, the official language remains Georgian - one of the oldest languages in the world, which is unlike any other language and has its own artistic alphabet.

Georgia is roughly the same size as the state of Bavaria in Germany. And although Bavaria has much to offer with its mountains, forests, and rivers, Georgia vastly surpasses the region in terms of nature. Active vacationers, culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurers will all find their desires fully satisfied here. Did you know, for example, that Georgia is one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world, boasting twelve different climate zones? Or that five places in Georgia are already recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites? The country in the Caucasus is regarded as one of the most beautiful hidden destinations in the world and is just waiting to be discovered by you.

Georgia has become an increasingly popular travel destination in recent years - and rightly so! The country is a true treasure trove that makes the heart of every type of vacationer soar. More than 860 lakes, 55 waterfalls, 30 caves, and 26,000 rivers wind their way through the landscape here.

No matter what season you travel to Georgia: You will love it.

In spring, the country in the Caucasus shines in a special glow and welcomes you with joy at the many festivals and outdoor events.

Autumn is considered by many to be the most beautiful season in Georgia. When the grape harvest begins, the autumn sun lights up the mountain peaks, and the temperatures remain pleasantly warm. The perfect time for hiking!

☀️ In summer, you can cool off between the mountains or enjoy the sun at the beach in Batumi on the Black Sea in your bikini and bathing suit, indulging in the culinary delights.

❄️ In winter, Georgia, whose highest peaks rise over five thousand meters, becomes a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Discover the beautiful landscape while skiing, snowboarding, or heliskiing.

Imposing mountains, idyllic valleys, sunny beaches, dense primeval forests, sun-bleached gorges, and picturesque mountain villages - Georgia offers you a combination of landscapes that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Equally unique in Georgia is the endless hospitality. For the people in Georgia, every guest is a true gift from God. No matter which generation you encounter or in what setting you find yourself, the people of Georgia will greet you with open arms and unlimited willingness to help. This is absolutely special and definitely a reason why you will feel right at home in the Caucasian country!

But as if that weren't enough reasons to add Georgia to your bucket list, this little dream destination is also blessed with an 8,000-year-old wine history and is considered the birthplace of wine. To this day, delicious wine is produced here using a specific technique called the Qvevri method, which is unique in the world.

The easiest and cheapest way to get to Georgia is by plane. From major U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami, you can find direct flights to the Georgian city of Kutaisi for under $150. If you're flying from Atlanta, Dallas, or Seattle, you can reach the capital, Tbilisi, non-stop. If you want to fly directly to the sunny coastal town of Batumi, you may need to make a connection. You can easily enter with a passport or ID card as long as it is valid for at least six months at the beginning of your trip; a visa is not necessary.

To explore as many places and sights as possible during your journey through Georgia, you can simply hop onto the minibuses. These small buses traverse the entire country and regularly take you from one place to another for little money. Naturally, you can also rent a car, take a train, or catch a domestic flight to your next destination.

Tbilisi, or Tiflis as Europeans call it, is the capital of Georgia and radiates with its cultural mix of tradition and modernity. You quickly notice that various cultures have lived side by side here for centuries, and that the city has experienced a tremendous upswing into modernity in recent years. Georgia is like a big pot into which numerous cultures have been thrown. Here, beside the Mtkvari River, wooden houses from a time long before us sit beside modern new buildings that will delight any architecture enthusiast, and Tbilisi has a lot to offer otherwise.

Translated, Tbilisi means 'place of warmth' or 'warm spring.' The city owes its name to the underground sulfur springs, which are primarily used by locals for baths and relaxation. While the warm thermal water has a pungent smell, it is said to help with skin and joint ailments - among Georgians, it is considered a true miracle cure. So, if you've had an exciting sightseeing tour through the city, treat yourself to a sulfur bath in the Abanotubani district, complete with a vigorous massage and a pleasant scrub.

The ruins of the Narikala Fortress sit atop the Sololaki Mountain ridge in Tbilisi and attract countless visitors annually since 1827. The reason: From here, you have a spectacular view over the capital of Georgia. The easiest way to get up is by taking the cable car from Rike Park. Adventurers and hiking enthusiasts can also walk the way. At night, a magical sight awaits you here, as the fortress walls are illuminated in colorful lights. At the foot of the fortress lies the largest botanical garden in the southern Caucasus. Here, you can escape the hectic city life and relax in the 128-hectare green oasis in the heart of Tbilisi.

The Bridge of Peace connects the old town of Tbilisi with the new residential areas of the city and the parks below the Metechi Church, the landmark of the Georgian capital. Since 2010, the 156-meter-long pedestrian suspension bridge has illuminated the skyline of Tbilisi. The bridge spans the Mtkvari River and has a dome-shaped glass roof that is unmistakable. Especially at night, you should visit the bridge, as countless LED lights shine in various colors. The Bridge of Peace is seen as a symbol of new Georgia bridging the past and the future.

When you visit the Georgian capital, a stroll through the old town in the heart of Tbilisi should definitely be on your to-do list. In 1795, Tbilisi was almost completely destroyed by attacks from the Persian army, including the old town. In the rebuilding process, the government primarily focused on the rest of the city to give it a modern shine. The old town was mainly cared for by local craftsmen. To this day, its image is shaped by old cobblestones and the small buildings that still show signs of their former grandeur. Colorful houses, leaning towers, and ornately decorated balconies line the streets. Allow yourself to be carried through the small, narrow alleys, take a peek into the courtyards that seem to have stood still in time, and experience the special charm radiated by the old town of Tbilisi.

If your feet hurt from sightseeing and all the exploring, you can enjoy a wonderful break in the port city of Batumi on the Black Sea. Here, you can relax on the beach and end the day with some cocktails and parties along the 7 km long boulevard. Batumi is the perfect place for those who enjoy a bit more action: Numerous restaurants, cafés, and clubs invite you to indulge. Batumi is unlike any other city in Georgia, and the city itself will continuously amaze you with its contrasts of tradition and modernity.

One of the most popular attractions in Batumi is the Botanical Garden. Here, on over 1,000 hectares, you can discover more than 5,000 plant species that many may have never seen before. Make your way past exotic plants and extraordinary trees, wander through the various themed gardens like the Japanese Garden, the Rose Garden, or the Caucasus Garden, and enjoy the stunning view of the Black Sea coast at the end.

Among the many tall buildings in Batumi, a sculpture will probably catch your eye: the love sculpture of Ali and Nino. It consists of two 8-meter tall steel figures that move closer together throughout the day, embrace for a moment, and then part ways again. The artwork represents true love that can overcome all obstacles. It tells the story of Nino, a Georgian Christian girl, and Ali, an Azerbaijani Muslim man, who embody this love in the novel Ali and Nino by Kurbain Said.

If you fly to Georgia, you will probably land in Kutaisi. Here, you will find a mix of a quiet city, an exciting and colorful nightlife, and impressive sights in the surrounding area. You can explore Kutaisi itself within a day, but it also serves as a perfect starting point for all kinds of activities. Here, you can slowly settle in and take a relaxed journey of exploration before getting to know the rest of this incredibly diverse country.

From the main square in Kutaisi, you walk about 20 minutes uphill to reach the Bagrati Cathedral, which overlooks the city and is hard to miss due to its turquoise roof. The trek is definitely worth it, for from up here you have a marvelous view over the entire city.

At first glance at the old cable car in Kutaisi, you might wonder, as you've probably never seen a cable car like this. Traditional red gondolas float above the ground, running back and forth between the White Bridge and the tourist information in Kutaisi in the small park along the Rioni River. It is used daily by locals and is super cheap at just 30 cents. A ride on the cable car is thrilling and allows you to feel a piece of history. Hop on and discover the next attraction in Kutaisi: the Besik Gabashvili Park. This is a small amusement park that will enchant you with a miniature Ferris wheel and a carousel for children.

When you visit Kutaisi, you should definitely take a look at the Kolkheti Fountain. It stands in the central David Agmashenebeli Square and will impress you with its imposing size. It is especially worth a visit in the evening, when the fountain is illuminated.

Georgia is truly an inexpensive and easy-to-travel vacation destination. Prices are sometimes even lower than in Balkan countries such as Serbia and Romania. The reason you feel right at home here is undoubtedly due to the great hospitality and warmth of the locals. No matter where you go, you will be welcomed with open arms.

You definitely should visit this area when taking a trip to Georgia. The high valley of Svaneti is particularly suited for a hiking trip with its countless trails set against stunning mountain backdrops. Nestled in the foothills of the Caucasus, which reaches heights of up to 5,000 meters here, you can simply let your soul dangle and enjoy life. The highlight of the region is the medieval watchtowers in the capital Mestia, which the residents used to guard their properties in the past. They stand out at first glance from the scenery and are just waiting to be explored by you.

The Gergeti Trinity Church is located about 160 kilometers from Tbilisi at an altitude of over 2,000 meters. The Georgian Orthodox complex was built on the Kwemo Mta, the lower mountain, in the 14th century and has since perched in breathtaking surroundings in front of the Caucasus. As it is not exactly easy to get to this sight, we recommend spending at least one night in the nearby town of Stepanzminda. From here, it's only about a kilometer to the church. However, if you don't want to walk, you can also take a shuttle up from the marketplace and enjoy the beautiful view along the way.

Another great tip for your Georgia trip is the town of Mtskheta. The medieval capital of Georgia is just a few kilometers from Tbilisi. It is considered the religious center of the country and therefore houses several cultural monuments. For example, the cave monastery of David Garedja, founded in the sixth century, takes you on a journey through time to the past. Here, you can admire fascinating frescoes on the cave walls and enjoy a unique view at the same time. A magnificent sight is also found in Upper Svaneti, which was rightly declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as the mountain village of Ushguli. The unique setting, the houses, the surroundings - you must see this.

Wine and food are considered the elixirs of life in Georgia. The warm-hearted and generous Georgians regularly meet up with friends and family on weekends to spend time together over homemade delicacies. The variety is immense, as the climate allows countless fruits and vegetables to grow throughout the year - and everything is always cooked fresh. No other country in the Caucasus has such a diverse range of dishes as the country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The table is filled with vegetable and meat dishes, various sauces and dips, as well as bread, until nothing of the tablecloth is visible. If you are not invited to dinner by one of the incredibly friendly Georgians, you can certainly order the variety of delicacies at a restaurant.

By the way: The Georgian cuisine is a dream for vegans, as the Georgians often cook with various vegetables and nuts, serving a great variety of plant-based dishes and vegetarian delicacies.

If there is one thing you absolutely must not miss while in Georgia, it is the Supra. This is a fascinating cultural tradition that is always celebrated with a delicious feast and is a fantastic opportunity to connect with guests. At every Supra, there is a Tamada, a kind of master of ceremonies, who leads every toast during the feast. After the Tamada, other participants of the Supra give their toasts. The Tamada and the other participants share interesting stories, read poems, sing, dance, and communicate only with love and warmth. So don't be surprised if strangers suddenly embrace, acting as if they have been friends for years. This is a fact that makes this country so special. Enjoy the Georgian Supra and the delicious food. One thing is for sure: You will never forget this celebration!

If you are out sightseeing and hunger strikes, you should definitely opt for Khinkali. These Georgian dumplings can be ordered with either meat filling or various vegetables - truly delicious. Alternatively, you can choose Khachapuri, a type of cheese bread made from yeast or puff pastry, traditionally shaped like a boat and filled with butter, cheese, and a fried egg in the middle. In restaurants, be sure to order Mzwadi in the evening, which is Georgian shashlik. It is one of the national dishes of the country and originates from Kakheti. We also recommend Chakhokhbili, a chicken stew with tomato and onion sauce.

Traditional desserts are quite rare in Georgian restaurants, but you should definitely buy some Churchkhela at one of the street stalls. These are walnuts coated in grape juice. You can find popular restaurants in various regions of Georgia serving these delicacies and much more on the Georgia map.

Are you just as excited about Georgia as we are? It offers not only beautiful hiking routes and breathtaking views - especially the hospitality of the locals and the excellent food make a vacation in the Caucasus so special. Hurry up before everyone else does in a few years as we are sure Georgia's beauty and all its advantages will no longer remain undiscovered.

Cover Image: ©GNTA