Organizing a holiday in Georgia on your own is not at all difficult. Even a novice traveler can easily create a route and travel plan; you just need to take into account some nuances to make your vacation as comfortable as possible. We will talk about them in this article...
Prices in Georgia, how much money to take
A trip to Georgia can be either economical or incredibly expensive. It all depends on your financial capabilities! Naming a specific number and saying: “This is definitely enough for you” or “You need to take no less than ...” is not entirely correct. Therefore, I will tell you what costs you will have to face, and you can calculate the total amount yourself, okay?
Search for flights
For myself and my family I look for tickets to Aviasales, he always finds flights at the best price.
How to look for housing
Living costs are eating up the lion's share vacation budget, so you should approach its search carefully. First, it is important to decide where you want to live: in a hotel, guesthouse or rent a private apartment.
It is better to look for the first two options on booking.com. Its advantages:
But unlike booking, airbnb offers private housing from the owners: a room in a house or an entire apartment. That is, you will not find a hotel room or hostel here.
To calculate travel costs, you first need to plan your route. Made up? The next step is to decide on the type of transport you plan to travel by: taxi, hitchhiking, as part of an excursion group or by bus/train.
- With hitchhiking, everything is extremely simple - they pick up fellow travelers without problems and, as a rule, do not take money from them. We ourselves have hitchhiked more than once, so I can confidently recommend this method to those who are limited in finances.
- Excursions also seem to be easy. You can pay for the trip at one of the country's travel agencies or. In a previous article, I already talked about how best. It describes the pros and cons of each method.
- Find a personal transfer (taxi) upon arrival or on the website
- Buses and trains
- Regular buses (also known as minibuses) travel to both large and small cities. This type of transport is not comfortable, but it is inexpensive. Behind short trip(up to 2 hours on the road) you will pay no more than 4 $ if you travel across the whole country, the maximum I have seen is 8 $.
The schedule of these buses changes frequently. In most cases, you will have to go to the bus station and find out the details on the spot.
- Private transport company. Differences from regular buses: travel is more expensive, new buses, they travel only between major cities: Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, etc. You can find out the schedule, prices and pay for travel online.
- Well, the train... Official site railways It’s terribly inconvenient, so I look at the schedule and cost here. You can buy a ticket both online and at the ticket office at the station.
Food costs
Most cafes and restaurants offer menus at affordable prices. Average check It cost us $14-17 for two people for 2-4 dishes + wine. You can eat both more expensive and more budget-friendly. I repeat - it all depends on your desire and capabilities. This is probably the beauty of a trip to Georgia - a tourist with any budget will not go hungry.
Based on our costs, this is what comes out:
- Breakfast ≈ 5-10 $
- Lunch ≈ 15 $
- Dinner ≈ 20 $
In total, on average we made ≈ $40-45 per day. In my opinion, this is a comfortable amount for two. If the goal is to save, the daily budget can be reduced by ≈ 30-40%.
I wrote about prices in more detail in In it I talked about the cost popular dishes and about how much we usually spend on vacation.
Buying souvenirs
In Georgia, it’s hard to resist buying souvenirs; you’ll definitely take something with you. A huge advantage of this kind of shopping is that many of the purchases can be eaten or drunk. As a rule, people bring from here: spices, sauces, wine, churchkhela, magnets and pottery. What to buy is an individual matter! My shopping list will not suit everyone, but if you are interested, you can check it out.
So how much will a vacation in Georgia cost?
To find out how much your trip will cost, you need to calculate each item.
? — the cost of airfare/bus tickets from your city.
Living expenses. Find the desired hotel/guesthouse and multiply the cost per night by the number of days.
? — Based on what sights you want to visit, create a route around the country. All prices for transport/excursions can be viewed online. How and where to look, I wrote in the paragraph above.
? - Calculate how much food will cost. In Georgia it’s simple: if you have money, spend a lot, if you don’t have money, spend less.
? - souvenirs for yourself and your family.
? - insurance. This is not necessary, but I advise you not to skimp on it. After all, it’s a foreign country, even a small cold can cost you a pretty penny.
Unexpected expenses. I usually set aside $50-100 for emergencies. As a rule, this money is spent on an unplanned excursion, MK or souvenirs.
The cost of your trip. It's simple, right?
What currency should you take with you?
The national currency of Georgia is the lari, and all payments are made in it. You can easily exchange rubles, dollars or euros for lari at any bank or exchange office. It’s more difficult with hryvnias; Ukrainian currency is not accepted everywhere.
On our last trip we took euros with us. At that time, this was the most profitable way to save money. But the Georgian currency is unstable, the situation changes from day to day, so I recommend doing the calculation immediately before leaving. How to calculate, I wrote.
Georgian cuisine, what to try
For those who are on a diet, it is better to choose a different vacation destination or take a time out from your planned weight loss. In Georgia it is very difficult to resist temptations, but they will find you, believe me!
Khinkali, khachapuri, famous cheeses, chkmeruli, ojakhuri and others mysterious names call to indulge in gluttony instantly. And so that your expectations are more than met, I recommend reading about it in advance.
Do you need health insurance?
Border guards do not impose strict requirements for the availability of insurance, so theoretically the trip is possible without “extra” expenses. However, no one is protected from troubles that can not only ruin your vacation, but also hit your pocket.
When deciding to travel to Georgia without insurance, consider the risks and consequences - calling an ambulance will cost ≈ $20, and a daily hospital stay will cost ≈ 100-150 $. If danger is your middle name, I recommend taking out a policy. I buy mine at
Is it safe to travel to Georgia?
Do people steal on the street? No, they don't steal. Are they deceiving or are they openly trying to make money? We have never encountered such cases. Do Georgians harass girls? They are more likely to flirt if they see reciprocity on your part. If you are not in the mood for communication, things will not go further than smiles. Are you forced to do something against your will? And again no!
Neither we nor our friends have ever found ourselves in an unpleasant situation. The locals are very friendly, they try to do everything in their power to make your vacation memorable for many years. It’s not for nothing that the country is famous for its hospitality!
In my opinion, Georgia is perfect for traveling with children and for those who are just starting to travel on their own.
Do they understand Russian?
The fact that many Georgians speak Russian is a significant plus during independent travel. The older generation (40+) will understand you without any problems, but with young people it is more difficult, not everyone knows Russian.
In any case, there should not be any difficulties with communication. If a person sees that you need help, but does not speak Russian, he will immediately call someone who can help you. After all, Georgian kindness and responsiveness knows no bounds. And this is not a figure of speech, you should definitely come here to understand what I’m talking about!
Georgia is good because it is perfect for your first independent trip. Georgian realities are similar to ours, local residents they know Russian, and planning a trip will be extremely simple.
This is incredible beautiful country, which greets travelers with stunning views, ancient architecture and original cuisine. I remember it for the spiritual gatherings in the restaurants of Old Tbilisi, and also for the amazing Batumi embankment.
No visa required. Citizens of the Russian Federation are allowed to stay in Georgia for up to 90 days without a visa. A foreign passport is required.
What to see
Tbilisi
Tbilisi is located on the banks of the Kura River. This ancient city with lots of attractions. Getting around them all is a good idea only if you are here for at least a month. Let's see the most interesting things.
Narikala Fortress
The main asset of Tbilisi is the ancient building on Mount Mtsatminda. Now most of the fortress has been destroyed, but even in the form of ruins, the Narikala fortress is one of the most visited places. You can get to the fortress either on foot or by cable car. Free admission.
Abanotubani or sulfur baths
More than one traveler paused with a camera in front of the low, neat domes in the center of the Old Town. Under these domes are located famous baths. The water there comes from natural sulfur springs, so going to the bathhouse in Tbilisi is not only interesting, but also very good for health.
Cable car
Thanks to the cable car, the path of which is laid from Europe Square to the Sololaki Temple at the Narikala Fortress, for 2.5 GEL you will have a stunning view of Old city. There is an observation deck at the top.
Anchiskhati
This is an ancient church in Old Tbilisi. A small, modest-looking church is fraught with a long and distant history. The quiet, peaceful atmosphere inside the temple and the spirit of antiquity give you goosebumps.
Tsminda Sameba
In my opinion, the most atmospheric place in Tbilisi. Blown by all the winds, this church is under the sky, clearly visible. You can also see the Old Town from above, only from the other side.
Peace Bridge and Parliament Building
Modern architectural sophistication from the times of Saakashvili. The bridge glows beautifully at night, so I recommend coming after sunset. In front of the Parliament building there is a picturesque park with lavender bushes.
Metekhi Temple
Located on a cliff above the Kura River. Most travelers prefer to admire it from afar, because it really looks more beautiful from the outside.
Batumi
Resort town on the Black Sea coast. Batumi will appeal to those who love beach holiday. Although there are not many attractions in this city, I will still highlight some of them.
View of the beach along the embankment in Batumi
Batumi Botanical Garden
One of the best gardens where a traveler can be lucky enough to visit. The garden area is huge, consisting of 21 natural area and about 5,000 species of living plants. You can spend the whole day there, walking along the paths, observing the rare beauty, relaxing in the shade of giant trees and drinking real Georgian lemonade. Botanical Garden located not in Batumi itself, but a few kilometers away.
Batumi embankment
Very long - 10 km, with equipped bike paths. In the evening you can rent a bike and ride to the very end. And on way back go to one of the restaurants on the Black Sea coast. Personally I really like it Grand Grill Restaurantс view of the Singing Fountains.
Argo cable car
After driving along it, you will see Batumi from a bird's eye view. The entire journey will take approximately 10 minutes.
One way ticket price - 7.5 GEL.
Alphabet Tower
This is a modern structure, but this building is worth seeing. This tower is located in "Park of Wonders". The height of the building is 130 meters. There is an elevator inside, which will open up a beautiful panoramic view of Batumi. There is also a restaurant in the tower. It's best to come an hour before sunset to admire the departing rays.
Prices in Georgia
The national currency of Georgia is the lari, but many people willingly accept euros and dollars. Almost everywhere on the Georgian Military Road you can pay in rubles.
Prices at local spontaneous markets are lower than in supermarkets, and there is always fresh food there. The most popular market in Tbilisi - "Deserter". It is located near the railway station.
Lunch in a cafe in Tbilisi will cost from 250 rubles per person. Dinner with meat delicacies in a restaurant starts from 500 rubles. It is noteworthy that prices in Tbilisi are 10-15% lower than in Batumi.
Georgian food
One of the most famous Georgian dishes is khinkali. They eat khinkali exclusively with their hands, holding it by the top, molded from dough.
Georgia is famous for its unusual and delicious dishes. The cuisine is rich in meat dishes with a large abundance of spices, seasonings and sauces. The most popular Georgian dishes include:
- Puri- traditional Georgian bread. Puri is prepared in stone ovens and the shape of the finished bread resembles a boat. There are many varieties of puri. The most famous include khachapuri - cheese flatbread, Adjarian khachapuri - bread with egg, butter and cheese.
- Khinkali- balls of minced meat or minced meat with the addition of various seasonings, spices and herbs, wrapped in dough.
- Lobio- a dish of beans, onions and herbs. The method of preparation may vary depending on the establishment. Lobio is served in clay pots. Many lovers of this dish add a piece of hot pepper to it.
- Soup kharcho- thick spicy soup with beef, rice and tkemali sauce. There are also many varieties of kharcho soup. There are meat-free cooking options for vegetarians.
- Mtsvadi or Georgian kebab. The peculiarity of this dish is that the meat is not marinated at all before cooking. Kebab is served with herbs, vegetables, satsebeli or tkemali sauces. The finished meat is generously poured with pomegranate juice.
Be careful in your choice, eat little by little, and even better, check with the waiter how spicy the dish is.
Most dishes of Georgian cuisine add a lot of spices, due to which the food can be very spicy.
Restaurants in Tbilisi
The choice of establishments with national Georgian cuisine is very diverse in the capital. Not far from the sulfur baths in the Old Town, in the building of the Caravanserai Museum, which is located on Sioni Street 8, there is a small cozy wine bar-restaurant Shukhman.
The prices here are moderate, there is a large selection of dishes and wines, and a very atmospheric atmosphere. The restaurant is also distinguished by its signature molecular cuisine.
Excellent restaurant Samikitno on Freedom Square in Tbilisi, they serve the best khinkali and many types. One of my favorite places, overlooking the river and Metekhi temple.
Sahli 11- restaurant on Galaktion Tabidze street 11 in the city center. A small establishment with very talented chefs and friendly waiters. Sakhli 11 has affordable prices, a good wine list, and a large selection of traditional Georgian dishes.
The Tsiskvili restaurant on Beliashvili Street 75 differs from other establishments with its unusually beautiful interior. The restaurant has 4 large rooms, one of them with access to the veranda. “Tsiskvili” is very popular, so it is advisable to book your seats in advance.
Restaurants in Batumi
To truly taste how Georgian dishes are prepared in Batumi, you need to visit "Heart of Batumi". A small cafe on General Mazniashvili Street 11 is a very popular establishment in Batumi. Since the hall can only accommodate a small number of people, it is better to pre-book a seat.
Lovers of hearty food should visit this establishment "Sazandari" on Gorgiladze Street 78. The portions here are very generous, the prices are low, an ideal place for the whole family to go out. The restaurant is located near the beach, so it is often crowded, but despite this, the waiters serve quickly.
Georgian wine
Kakheti winemaking technology is recognized throughout the world as one of the best ways of making wine.
The essence of the technology: wines are infused in large clay jugs at a certain temperature. Thanks to this preparation, Kakheti wines are rich and tasty.
One of the most famous varieties is the semi-sweet red wine Akhasheni. The drink is made from Saperavi grapes.
Dry white wine lovers will love this Rkatsiteli, which is produced from the grape variety of the same name. This aromatic wine with a rich taste is perfect with salty snacks, fish, and simply as an aperitif.
You can taste Georgian wines in the wine store " Winery Khareba" along Vakhtang Gorgasal street 1. You can also go to cellar Karalashvili wine cellar, which is on Vertskhli street 19, where they will tell you about the history of varieties.
Background. Two tourists from Kazakhstan, who once went on vacation abroad through a travel agency, very quickly wanted to be independent. It's decided! This year is my first independent trip.
The country was chosen immediately - Russia. This was the perfect place to start: no language barrier, incredible number of attractions, greatest cities— Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan. Preparations for the trip lasted almost six months: maps, routes, transport, accommodation. The last days of waiting and we are finally... in Georgia!
How is this possible? And it’s all very simple, a month before the trip we looked at photographs of Georgia and were already there in our minds, but a month later we were no longer there in our minds. Why waste time on trifles?
Express retraining for the trip to Georgia took less than a month. Again maps, routes, transport, housing.
Housing
We didn’t book in advance, we looked for it on the spot, or rather, it was always there. There are a lot of guest houses in Georgia, before you even have time to get off the minibus, there is already “housing” nearby! Kidding! The one who offers it is worth it: owners, brokers. We looked at the hotels in advance on booking, chose the ones that were suitable for price and location, read the reviews, marked them on the map and with 100% confidence that there would be free rooms, we just went to the address. In all cases, we checked in without any problems.
Tickets
We didn’t bother with air tickets - we bought them at the ticket office (flight Astana-Baku, Air Astana, the journey takes 3 hours, ticket 118,000 tenge, that’s $336, purchased 5 days before departure). From Baku to Georgia we traveled by night train to Tbilisi (the price of a Baku-Tbilisi reserved seat ticket is 32 manats, to Baku from Tbilisi - 40.27 lari reserved seat).
Cards
We used a printed Openstreetmaps map with additions from Google maps and the MAPS.ME application. There are no completely panoramic maps of Georgia, where all the streets are visible, on the Internet, so we had to be content with point panoramas on Google maps.
Route
Born in pain. He did not get ready, did not adjust, did not become ringed. During the trip, due to our own stupidity, Racha, Zugdidi, Svaneti: Mestia, Ushguli dropped out of the route (later we regretted it many times), because we were afraid of the road - the mountain serpentine road is very poorly tolerated. And here's ours plan for the greatest conquest of Georgia standard route for 19 days (the actual one, the planned one looked more beautiful and more logical), the numbers in the first column are the dates of September:
6 Tbilisi (by train from Baku)
7 Tbilisi – Sighnaghi – Tbilisi
8 Tbilisi - Batumi (night train)
9-12 Batumi + surroundings
13 Batumi - Kutaisi
14-16 Kutaisi + surroundings
17 Kutaisi - Borjomi
18 Borjomi - Bakuriani - Borjomi
19 Borjomi - Tbilisi
20 Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Tbilisi
21 Tbilisi - Kazbegi
22 Kazbegi - Tbilisi
23 Tbilisi - Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Akhaltsikhe - Tbilisi
24 Tbilisi - Baku (night train)
Georgia invariably attracts tourists with its historical and cultural monuments, picturesque landscapes and original cuisine. Help to make your future trip to Georgia interesting, informative and independent virtual tour by cities of this amazing country.
Georgia is located in the central and western parts Transcaucasia. It is bounded from the north by ridges Greater Caucasus, from the south - the Lesser Caucasus, from the west - Black Sea. The state has common borders with Russia (in the north), with Azerbaijan (in the east), with Turkey and Armenia (in the south). The capital is Tbilisi.
Other features of the country:
- official language– Georgian;
- religion – Orthodoxy;
- currency – lari (1 lari = 24.74 rubles (end of 2018 exchange rate. Tetri – Georgian “penny” 1 lari = 100 tetri);
- time in Tbilisi – Moscow + 1 hour;
- The country's population is more than 37 million people.
The Georgian language is mainly used, but all inscriptions (names of streets, shops, bus stops), which can be found in major cities, must be duplicated in Russian and English languages. The older generation is fluent in spoken Russian, the younger generation prefers English.
If necessary, you can always ask passers-by for help. However, to feel more confident, you can memorize the pronunciation of several of the most frequently used phrases in Georgian:
Traveling to Georgia on your own will require you to prepare the following documents:
- international passport. It is important to check its validity period: it must be valid not only at the time of entry into the country, but also upon departure.
- Medical insurance policy. It is not necessary to have one, but it is advisable, since calling an ambulance in Georgia is paid.
- Visa needed only for those who plan to stay in the country for more than a year.
- If a child is traveling, it fits into the international passport of one of the parents (necessarily with a photo).
- Baby's birth certificate. May be necessary, although not required when crossing the border.
How to get there by public transport
Direct railway connection between countries is currently absent.
The route starting in Rostov-on-Don could be as follows:
- Evening train No. 392C departs from the city every 4 days, traveling to Baku, and arriving at its final destination in the morning the next day.
- In Baku you can take the daily night train from Baku to Tbilisi, leaving at 21.10 and arriving at 10.25.
- Traveling from Tbilisi to any city in Georgia is not a problem.
You can travel to Georgia independently by train or bus. Approximate prices The most popular tourist routes starting in Tbilisi are:
- you can travel to Batumi in a seated carriage (2nd class) for 19 GEL;
- a ticket for a reserved seat carriage to Zguridi can be bought for 8.5 GEL, a compartment ticket will cost 18 GEL;
- travel in a general carriage to Kutaisi costs 9 GEL.
Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online. Children under 5 years old travel free of charge, children from 5 to 10 years old travel with a child ticket, and everyone over 10 years old will have to pay for the trip in full.
Traveling to Georgia on your own by plane is an easier and faster option. Direct flights to Tbilisi depart from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, average price– 6 thousand rubles (round trip). From other Russian cities you will have to fly with transfers.
The only road for travel by bus is through the Verkhniy Lars checkpoint, located in the mountains, between Vladikavkaz and Kazbegi. There are buses going directly from Moscow to Tbilisi, but it is better to get to Vladikavkaz by any means, from where there is a direct minibus to Tbilisi.
You can use the following (cheaper) route:
- Get from Vladikavkaz to Upper Lars (price – 40 rubles).
- Take a minibus going to Stepatsmindy (crossing the border on foot is prohibited).
- Take a bus to Tbilisi (price – 10 GEL).
In winter, snow drifts are possible in the mountains and, accordingly, problems with crossing the border.
How to get there by car
The owner of his own car will also have to go to Georgia through Upper Lars.
On Russian side you will need to present:
- A foreign passport valid for the entire stay in Georgia (driver and passengers).
- Passport vehicle.
- Driver's license (for the driver).
A green card and insurance policy are not needed. After customs checks, you must travel through neutral territory and present the listed documents on the Georgian side.
The rules of behavior on the road in Georgia are approximately the same as in Russia, but the punishment for violating them is more severe.
For example, if you cross a solid lane or exceed the speed limit, you will have to pay a fine, which in ruble equivalent will exceed 1,000 rubles.
Where to stay
Like any other country in the world, Georgia offers tourists accommodation in a wide range of prices:
- Hotels and inns range from the most luxurious, where you can enjoy maximum comfort, to economy-class establishments with a minimum set of services.
- Guest houses where the guest, for a reasonable fee, will feel at home home environment.
- Inexpensive hostels that give travelers the opportunity to stay comfortable and save on housing.
Specific prices largely depend on the “stardom” of the establishment, its location and season. When booking a hotel or any other type of accommodation, you need to inquire about the range of services, their cost and which of them are included in the room fee.
What to visit first
Traveling to Georgia on your own should be filled as much as possible with interesting trips and excursions. To do this, it is better to decide on the route in advance. The first acquaintance with the country will most likely begin from its capital.
Tbilisi
This is one of ancient cities world with a population of 1.11 million people, today occupying an area of 726 square meters. km. It was founded back in the 5th century AD. It is incredibly interesting for tourists for its history and culture. You can stay in an inexpensive hotel, guest house or a hostel that will be happy to provide guests with decent living conditions:
Taxi and public transport
In Tbilisi big variety means of transportation.
Public transport in the city is as follows:
- Metro. The cost of the trip is 50 tetri.
- Buses. The price of one ticket is 50 tetri.
- Minibuses. For travel, depending on the route, you have to pay from 50 to 80 tetri.
- Cable car. You can use it for 1 GEL.
- Taxi. Trips within the city will cost about 3-6 GEL, and a trip to the airport will cost 25 GEL.
What to see
Historical and cultural monuments, most interesting places in a city that is already one and a half millennia old, you can find it at every step.
In the center of Tbilisi you can try the following route:
- Abanotubani. Or the bathhouse quarter, famous for its complex of bathhouses built on sulfur springs. The complex is located on the Kura embankment, you can get to it by buses 31, 44, 50, 55, 71, 80 and 102, the stop is called “Abanotubani”. Then you can walk.
- Canyon and waterfall. The picturesque section of the Tsavkisistskali River with a waterfall flowing through the very center of the city is called the Tbilisi Canyon. The attraction is located near the botanical garden, not far from the sulfur baths.
- Meydan Square. One of the central squares of old Tbilisi, from which, according to legend, the history of the city began. It is not difficult to reach it on foot from the baths.
- Shardeni street. It was once a center of handicrafts, but today it is a cozy street where, after a short walk from Meydan Square, you can relax, enjoying the atmosphere of the old city and aromatic coffee.
- Metah and Darejan. In the ancient Metakh quarter, located a few steps from Sharden Street, it is easy to find the palace of Queen Darejan, standing on the Avlabari Hills.
- Cable car. From Darejan Palace you can go down to Europe Square. Here, next to Rike Park, is the lower cable car station. You can take the funicular and then have a short ride over the river and the old town.
- Narikala Fortress. From the upper station of the cable car to this ancient defensive structure (more than one and a half thousand years old) is just a stone’s throw away. Having risen to the very high point near the cross, you can admire Tbilisi spread out below.
- Statue of Mother Georgia. You need to go by foot, to the very top of Salakak Hill - to where the majestic statue of “Mother of Kartli” stands.
- Betlemi Stairs. Built in the mid-19th century, it starts from the statue and has 120 steps. Along it, stopping at observation platforms, you can go down to the old Sololaki district.
- Sololaki and the Kaleidoscope house. Sololaki was once the most respectable quarter of Tbilisi. A traveler should definitely go to the Kaleidoscope house, the front door of which is decorated with amazing stained glass windows.
- Freedom Square and Gabriadze Theater. Noisy and busy place. Here you can admire the standing monuments to the lamplighter and sculptor, and then approach the building of the Gabriadze Puppet Theater. In his tower there is a door from which an angel appears every hour to strike the bell with a hammer.
- Bridge of Peace. The bright glass majestic structure, built quite recently, during the reign of Saakashvili, is located near the Gabriadze Theater. That's why pedestrian bridge You can quickly walk to Rike Park.
- Rike Park. A green and cozy seating area where you can sit quietly and even take a photo with Ronald Reagan himself, peacefully sitting on a bench.
- Mimino. Not far from the park there is the Avlabari metro station, and next to it is a monument immortalizing the heroes of the film “Mimino,” popular in Soviet times.
- Tsminda Sameba Cathedral(Church of the Holy Trinity) Interesting and external architecture And interior decoration. On its territory you can have a snack at the Lagidze water cafe and enjoy Adjarian khachapuri, which will be a worthy finale to the excursion.
Mtskheta
The capital of the Mkhtseta-Mtianeti region, Mtskheta, is located north of Tbilisi, its population is 10 thousand people. Today this small town is a holy place for the inhabitants of the country and is very interesting for tourists, and inexpensive accommodation here is represented by guest houses, hostels, and hotels.
For example:
What to see
The abundance of hotels and hostels in a small town already says in itself: there is something to see here, and this is true.
You can start your tour of Mtskheta by visiting the following neighborhoods of the city:
Kakheti
Kakheti – historical region in the eastern part of Georgia, near the upper reaches of the Alazani and Iori rivers. A picturesque region with a rich, centuries-old history - real paradise for tourists, therefore, the first thing you need to do is look for housing. Prices for hostels, guest houses and hotels in Kakheti are quite reasonable, although if you wish, you can stay in a luxurious, expensive hotel.
Several options in different price categories:
What to see
The most striking sights of Kakheti and how to get to them:
- Telavi. A small town that is historical capital Kakheti, was known as the largest shopping mall, located on the route of caravans coming from the East. Outlandish temples and monuments are at every turn here, but the main advantage is the cleanest, healing air. You can get to Telavi by bus, the distance from Tbilisi is 95 km.
- Chateau Mere. A wine hotel located near Telavi in the village of Vardisubani. This is a 3-story palace built in the ancient Georgian style. At guests' disposal are wine cellars filled with delicious wines of Kakheti. The hotel is located 7.3 km from the city center, and a walker can get here in an hour and a half.
- Shuamta. A complex of monasteries located near Telavi on the Tbilisi side. Directly from the highway you can see the New Shuamata Monastery, where a dirt road leads. If you drive along it a little further, you can visit the Old Shuamata monastery.
- Tsinandali. A legendary village in Kakheti, located 10 km from Telavi. Here was the estate of Alexander Chavchavadze and the ruins of the church in which his daughter Nina and Griboyedov were married are still preserved. You can take a taxi or walk, admiring the breathtaking scenery.
- Shumi Factory. Produces the best Kakheti wines, located right there in Tsinandali. You can visit the factory museum, where samples of ancient winemaking equipment are collected.
- Ikalto. A monastery complex consisting of three churches, located in the village of the same name, which is located 10 km from Telavi. You can get there by minibus, taxi, or on foot.
- Alaverdi. Monastery and cathedral located in the vicinity of Akhmeta. The monastery is located right next to the highway connecting Telavi and Akhmeta, and the cathedral is 9 km away from it. You can get there by hitchhiking or by car; buses run very rarely and irregularly.
- Gremi. The fortress, which was once the royal residence, is located in the village of the same name, located near Kvareli. It is located near the Telavi-Kvareli highway, and you can get to it by any minibus going in this direction.
- Lake Lopota. The picturesque reservoir, located in the village of Naparuli (Telavi district), is surrounded by forests and mountains. There is a hotel near it, you can ride horses or rent a boat, and in the summer enjoy swimming in cleanest water.
- Nekresi. The monastery complex, standing above the Alazani Valley, is located near Kvareli. Those wishing to get to Nekresi must walk or drive 7 km from Kvareli towards Gremi to the road sign. Further, along a steep mountain road, there is a special bus.
- Kvareli. A small town located 150 km from the capital, in eastern Georgia. Ideal place for those who like peace and quiet, who love walks along mountain paths and will not refuse a glass of fine wine.
- Graneli Factory. It produces exclusive wines designed for VIP buyers; they are sold only on the territory of the plant. Wine lovers are also offered a tour of the plant and wine tasting. The plant is located just 2.5 km from Kvareli. You need to drive along the highway in a southerly direction, turn off at the Wine Route sign and drive about another 700 m.
- Sighnaghi. A tiny ancient town located in a picturesque mountain valley 100 km from Tbilisi, which can be walked around in a day. Around the town there are vineyards, temples, fortresses, monasteries, which can be reached on foot or by car.
- Bodbe. monastery, which stands 2 km from Sighnaghi. Famous for the fact that the tomb of St. Nino is located here. The holy spring and font are located below the monastery, at a distance of 5 km from Sighnaghi.
- David Gareja. A unique mountain monastery complex, which includes 9 cave monasteries, is located 60 km from Tbilisi, on the border with Azerbaijan and stretches for 25 km along the Gareji Ridge. You can get here along the route Tbilisi - the city of Sagarejo - the village of Udabno. From the village there is an asphalt road along which you will have to cover 13 km.
Kutaisi
The second largest city in the country, located on the Rioni River, can be reached from Tbilisi by car, train, plane, minibus. There are plenty of tourists here at any time of the year, so it is better to book a hotel or hostel in advance.
What to see
Most Popular tourist places Kutaisi is:
Svaneti
Traveling to this corner of Georgia has become available for independent exploration by tourists. Svaneti is often called lost world, because its pristine beauty has been preserved here. Tourist center Mestia is considered to be a town with a population of 2.5 thousand people, where most of the hotels of different star levels are located.
What to see
The most famous tourist sites of Svaneti are:
Batumi
Situated on the Black Sea coast, the city is popular resort, the economic and cultural center of Georgia, and is very attractive for tourists. Accommodation in Batumi is represented by hostels, guest houses, hotels of all levels of comfort.
What to see
You can diversify your beach holiday by visiting the following outstanding places in the city:
Main excursions
Traveling to Georgia on your own doesn’t always work out, and if you don’t have enough imagination, develop a tourist route, you can use the services of the TRIPSTER tour desk.
It offers the following routes in Georgia:
Pros and cons of holidays in Georgia
Unfortunately, such a holiday has its drawbacks:
- In hotels and hotels, “surprises” may lie in wait in the form of a lack of water, electricity, and cold radiators.
- Many architectural monuments are in deplorable condition.
- Mountain walks are not always possible due to bad weather.
- Many are surprised and frightened by the hot Georgian temperament of local drivers.
- Non-smokers may not like the widespread smoking practice here.
- The disadvantage can be considered the noisiness and some extravagance of Georgians.
As for the advantages of traveling to Georgia, everything is obvious: the opportunity to learn a lot of new things, enjoy independent hiking, unforgettable impressions of fabulous beauty.
Article format: Lozinsky Oleg
Video about traveling to Georgia on your own
15 rules have a good travel to Georgia:
Georgia is a country where your day begins with a smile and ends with a glass of wine. One visit to Georgia is enough to leave your heart here forever. He will be captivated by the stunning mountain panoramas of Kazbegi, sea waves Adjara, a view of Tbilisi from the Narikala fortress, hot khinkali with a glass of “Khvanchkara” and, of course, the friendliness of the local residents. This will be confirmed by each of the 6 million tourists who annually visit the birthplace of winemaking. Why is it worth going to Georgia? And what should you know before your first trip? All answers are in the material Traveling. by , prepared jointly with specialists from the tour operator Mouzenidis Travel.
The stunning beauty of the mountains, the cleanliness and warmth of the Black Sea, aromatic cuisine and even wine traditions cannot overshadow one thing in Georgia - the boundless hospitality and responsiveness of the local residents. Here, anyone you ask about the right road to a church or fortress will personally take you and tell you everything he knows about it. And every driver in Georgia is a guide following the call of his heart; he will tell you from the bottom of his heart everything he knows about every house, street, temple on your route.
Georgians are a people with wide open hearts. Before you know it, you’re already being treated to their chacha, being served homemade suluguni, and being invited to your daughter’s wedding next year. And Georgians are like that in everything - they sing bewitchingly, dance fieryly, make the best wine in the world ancient technology, and they prepare it in such a way that you will see the Georgian feast in your dreams long after you return home. In this country, hospitality seems to have been elevated to a cult. If you are lucky enough to attend a family dinner, the hostess will prepare her own best dishes, to show what a skilled cook she is, and the owner will do everything possible to show that he is the head of the family, and you are the most honored guest in their home.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP
The country, located in the highlands between the Caspian and Black Seas, at the junction of the West and the East, has more than 11 centuries of history. Whoever visited the fertile Georgian lands during this time - Greeks, Turks, Armenians, Arabs, Russians. Georgians not only took the best from these cultures, but also organically integrated this heritage into their carefully preserved traditions.
Georgia has also saved religion - almost 90% of the population today professes Orthodox Christianity, without challenging the right to other religions: the country has mosques, synagogues, Gregorian, Catholic churches. Pilgrims from all over the world flock to Orthodox churches and monasteries.
In addition to the shrines, Georgia prepares tourists walking tours of Tbilisi and gastronomic tours to any of the 12 regions of the country, the wine cellars of Kakheti, the mountain slopes of Svaneti, Gudauri and Bakuriani, the beaches of Batumi and surrounding resort villages.
HOW TO GET TO GEORGIA
There are regular flights between Minsk and Georgian airports - you can get directly to Tbilisi (Belavia planes fly every day) or Batumi (every day in summer, on Wednesdays and Sundays in winter). There are also direct flights from nearby capitals - Moscow and Kyiv.
VISA TO GEORGIA
Belarusians do not need a visa to Georgia, just like citizens of 93 other countries. To visit Georgia without a visa, you must have a passport, which will be valid for another six months after returning from a trip to Georgia. You can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days in a six-month period.
CUISINE OF GEORGIA
One of the most delicious cuisines in the world is Georgian. She absorbed all the best that the gastronomic cultures of other peoples could give her, in different time settled on the territory of Georgia. Many call Georgian cuisine one of the main attractions of the country - and it’s impossible to argue with that.
The cuisine is based on an abundance of herbs and vegetables, harmoniously balanced with meat. Thanks to this, it is almost impossible to gain weight from these dishes. For cooking, Georgian housewives always take only fresh products - nothing frozen or stored for a long time. They add cilantro to almost all of them - it is its taste that will subsequently make you persistently nostalgic for Georgia and a strong desire to return.
Feast in Georgia – business card countries. And if you find yourself at the table in a Georgian’s house, then you are incredibly lucky - you will experience the full power and depth of Georgian generosity. Dishes on the table for dear guests here are placed in several layers: lobio with mchadi corn flatbread, ajapsandali, khachapuri, khinkali, satsivi, kebab, elarji porridge, kebab with tkemali, satsebeli sauces or - for the strong-willed - with Megrelian adjika. A bottle of chacha or wine will add the right notes and mood to any dish. By the way, it’s customary to order wine here in bottles or jugs at once, you’re in Georgia!
There are no restaurants in Georgia where the food is not tasty - the cooking skills of local chefs know no bounds. And if such places appeared, they simply would not withstand the enormous competition with all the abundance of cafes and restaurants that any Georgian city can boast of. You can usually find out about the best of them by chance - through recommendations from locals. For example, about the family restaurant Shavi Lomi (“Black Lion”) on the ground floor of a house with a huge graffiti of a lion at 23 Amagleba Street in Tbilisi. Or about the Berlin-inspired bar Black Dog on Asatiani, 33 – with posters of cult westerns and portraits of the heroes of the film “The Big Lebowski”. About the classic Maspindzelo restaurant near the Sulfur Baths or the Machakhela khachapur chain.
A hearty dinner for two in Georgia will cost 15 USD, a bottle of wine to go with it - from 8 USD to 50 USD, depending on the type. Tips in Georgia are included in the bill and amount to 10-18% of the cost of the check.
SHOPPING AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE IN GEORGIA
The monetary unit of Georgia is the lari (GEL), which is divided into 100 tetri. Other currencies are not accepted for payments. You can exchange money profitably away from tourist areas.
What should you bring from Georgia?
The best Georgian souvenirs for gourmets will be Suluguni cheese, better - Mingrelian. To get it, go to a specialized store of the Aristaeus chain. Here, in addition to traditional cheeses, you can buy rare varieties with spices and additives - cheeses aged in beer or wine, with honey and mint, with garlic, with coriander, paprika and others.
And, of course, how can you return from Georgia without a bottle of good wine? One of the most famous is “Khvanchkara,” which Stalin loved for its sweetness and richness of taste. A bottle of real “Khvanchkara” will cost about 70 lari (about 30 USD). To choose your favorite Georgian wine, do not miss the opportunity to try the red wines “Saperavi”, “Tsinandali” and “Mukuzani”, among the whites - “Tvishi”, “Rkatsiteli” and the pink “Aladasturi”. This is only a small part of the wine diversity; in Georgia, wines are also produced from rarer grape varieties, including using the most ancient technology - in clay amphorae “qvevri”.
They bring spices from Georgia (the most popular is Svan salt, a mixture of herbs and salt from the Svaneti region), sauces, preserves and the famous Georgian tea (connoisseurs should check out the “Tea Museum” in Tbilisi at the intersection of Tabidze and Lermontov), and as a more expensive Souvenirs worth looking at include jewelry made from the famous Georgian cloisonné enamel using the minankari technique and clothing by Georgian designers.
TRANSPORT (TBILISI)
Getting around Tbilisi is easy - there is a well-developed network here public transport. You need to purchase a card in the metro for 2 GEL and top it up. The Metromani pass is valid for travel on the metro (50 tetri / 0.17 USD), buses (50 tetri / 0.17 USD), minibuses (80 tetri / 0.27 USD), as well as for the cable car ride to the Narikala fortress and by funicular to Mount Mtatsminda. You must keep the receipt for its purchase and return it at any metro ticket office at the end of your trip.
It is better to order a taxi in Georgia at the hotel. If you stop a taxi on the street, agree on the cost of the trip in advance.
VACATION IN GEORGIA WITH CHILDREN
Georgians are family people, they value everything related to family and love children very much. You will feel this immediately upon arrival in the country. You will meet groups of Georgian schoolchildren during every excursion - in castles, stalactite cave Prometheus, in the rock cave city Vardzia and on the Martian-looking slopes of Uplistsikhe. What child did not imagine himself as a knight or a conqueror? It is these excursions that help develop imagination and captivate little travelers.
In Tbilisi, be sure to check out the Botanical Garden or the water park, which is open all year round. A special place is occupied by the Mtatsminda amusement park on the mountain of the same name - climbing it by cable car will become an adventure for a child. And when your Ferris Wheel cabin is at the highest possible height, remember that you are at the highest possible height above Tbilisi and are observing the entire panorama of the million-plus city.
ENTERTAINMENT IN GEORGIA
Georgia is a country not only of wine and gastronomic tours, but also exciting excursions into the history that little ones keep mountain towns. The city of love Singagi, the village of Kazbegi with a view of the majestic Kazbek, the restored Rabat fortress, the 6th century complex of David Gareji in the mountains, Kutaisi in Imereti, the ancient Caucasian fortress Ananuri, the Alazani Valley... Little hospitable Georgia is ready to give you everything it has: ski lovers and trekking - the stunning beauty of the mountain, connoisseurs of knowledge - 11 centuries of its history and the most valuable artifacts, pilgrims - the oldest monasteries and churches with relics, gastronomic fans - wine from qvevri and full tables of dishes, lovers nightlife- the clubs of Batumi and the bars of Tbilisi, for those who yearn for the sea - the entire coastline of beaches, and for those yearning for human warmth - the Georgian soul, open and pure, like Georgia itself.
Select your level of intensity of the excursion program:
Light: Holiday program “Eureka! Tbilisoba. Gifts of Autumn"
- Only two days - from October 6 to 7, 2018, the most popular Georgian festival will be held in the capital of Georgia. As part of the program, you will not only spend several unforgettable days in the world capital of winemaking, take part in tastings of wine and Georgian cuisine, but will also receive a boat trip on the Kura River as a gift!
- Meals: breakfast
- Cost: $484 for 5 nights
Standard: “All colors of Georgia” 1 / “All colors of Georgia” 2
- Route: No. 1 Tbilisi – Uplistsikhe – Mtskheta – Gori – Borjomi – Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia – Kakheti – Wine Land
- Meals: breakfast + 1 lunch
- Route: No. 2 Mtskheta – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Batumi – Martvili – Okatse – Prometheus Cave – Kutaisi – Sataplia
- Meals: breakfast
- Cost: No. 1 – $672 for 5 nights; No. 2 – $730 for 5 nights
In-depth: “Georgian Odyssey”
- Route: Mtskheta – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Batumi – Martvili – Okatse – Prometheus Cave – Kutaisi – Sataplia – Tbilisi – Borjomi – Akhaltsikhe – Rabat – Kakheti – Wine Region (Bodbe – Sighnaghi – Telavi) – Annanuri – Kazbegi
- Meals: breakfast + 1 lunch
- Cost: $1040 for 9 nights
Advanced: Wine and gastronomic tour “Gamarjoba, Georgia!”
- Route: sightseeing tour in Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplikhtsikhe - Chateau Mukhrani - Kakheti - Wine Land - Alaverdi - Tbilisi
- Meals: breakfasts + 4 lunches with drinks + 4 dinners with drinks, cooking master classes
- Cost: $732 for 5 nights
GUIDE TO CITIES AND RESORTS OF GEORGIA
Tbilisi
Georgians say: if you have not been to Tbilisi, you have not seen Georgia. This city is worth choosing for your first acquaintance with the country. It captivates with colorful houses scattered along the slopes of Mount Mtatsminda with carved balconies and garlands of colored linen on them, churches reflected in the Kura River, cats in the narrow streets of the old city, the ancient Narikala fortress, from which the best panorama of the capital of Georgia opens. Tbilisi streets keep the love story of Alexander Griboedov and Nina Chavchavadze, echoes of the steps of Tchaikovsky, Lermontov and Mayakovsky.
Be sure to check out the performance at the clock tower of the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater. Right here you can have a cup of coffee at the “Don't Cry!” cafe. - the interior of the cafe was completely created by Rezo Gabriadze himself, the creator of the films “Don’t Cry!”, “Mimino”, “Weirdos”, “Kin-dza-dza!”, “An Extraordinary Exhibition”.
Where to have lunch in Tbilisi:
- Georgian house with an interesting interior,
- Mravaljamieri, where you can see fiery Georgian dances,
- Funicular cafe on Mount Mtatsminda,
- high class restaurant Tabla,
- Tavadoori restaurant on the banks of the Kura River.
Must visit ancient capital- Mtskheta. It is located just 20 km from Tbilisi - here an unusual panorama is created by the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers, the 7th century Jvari monastery flaunts on the mountain, and in the grandiose Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the tunic of Christ is buried.
The pilgrimage program “Shrines of Orthodox Georgia” includes visits to the main holy places of the country, temples with the most important spiritual and historical meaning, places associated with the enlightener of Georgia, St. Nina. Tour cost – from 784 USD, 7 nights/8 days, breakfast + dinner, flight included.
8 things you must do in Georgia:
- take the cable car: in Tbilisi - to the ancient Narikala fortress, in Batumi - to Mount Anuria, from where you can enjoy a stunning panorama of the city;
- visit the sulfur baths in Tbilisi (the most beautiful bathhouse– Orbelianovskaya, which Alexander Pushkin himself visited) and test for yourself their magical effect on the skin. By the way, next to them there is a monument to the heroes of everyone’s favorite film “Mimino”;
- listen to Georgian men sing - Georgian polyphonic singing is included in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List;
- take a funicular ride to Mount Mtatsminda in Tbilisi and try cream donuts in the cafe at the top. Order the traditional Logidze Water lemonade with tarragon, cream soda, lemon or pear flavors;
- decide on your favorite variety of Georgian wine by going on a wine tour;
- learn how to eat khinkali correctly - hold it by the tail, carefully biting it so as not to spill the hot, aromatic broth;
- choose your favorite type of khachapuri with cheese - Adjarian, Imeritian, Megrelian or another;
- visit the local market and bargain for homemade suluguni, churchkhela (a sweet made from nuts strung on a string and grape or pomegranate juice) and walnut jam.
Batumi
In a few recent years Batumi has changed a lot and is not inferior to other European cities - the resort has been declared a national project. Modern buildings and hotels of the world chains Sheraton, Hilton, Radisson and others appeared here. Batumi embankment is one of the most beautiful and romantic places Batumi. Both tourists and locals love to stroll here past the palm trees against the backdrop of the sunset. You can rent a bicycle and ride along the embankment to see all the sculptures installed against the backdrop of the sea. The most touching of them is the monument to Ali and Nino, the heroes of the book of the same name about eternal love. The giant figures move slowly, now converging and merging into a single whole, then parting again, as if forever. Some episodes of the famous Soviet film “Love and Doves” were also filmed on the Batumi embankment.
Recently, Batumi has gained the reputation of “Georgian Las Vegas” - at night the city lights up with casino lights, expensive hotels, Alphabet Tower and Ferris Wheel. It is good to enjoy the view of this spectacle from the terrace of one of the restaurants on the shore - to the sound of the waves and the cries of seagulls. Local restaurants seafood is reputed to be the best in Georgia.
IN summer time this same shore will give you sea baths, bronze tan and water activities. In winter, a holiday in Batumi can be combined with ski holiday at the new Goderdzi resort, which is just an hour's drive from the city.
Borjomi
This medical resort in the mountains at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level is famous for its mineral water. It’s worth going to Borjomi for a peaceful holiday in the lap of nature, walks in the local park, the same amazing Georgian cuisine and health improvement - local sanatoriums and hotels are considered the best in the country, and Georgians themselves love to relax here.
Gudauri
Gudauri confidently takes the palm from other Georgian ski resorts– Bakuriani, Svaneti, Mestia. This young resort, 120 km from Tbilisi, was built by Austrian specialists using the most modern technologies. To the delight of skiers, there are 57 kilometers of excellent slopes. Best time for a trip to Gudauri - from December to April, when the slopes are covered with the best snow cover, and small cozy hotels have a fireplace in the evenings.
