Which destination is on your mind for your next trip? Is it in Europe? Asia?
If you are still hesitating, you should definitely choose to discover Georgia!
A halt on the Silk Road, at the crossroads of many civilizations and cultures, its exceptional heritage reflects its blend of unique traditions. Adding to this, with its specific alphabet and language, its wonderfully friendly people, its tasty food and last but not least its colorful folklore, you can say Georgia has it all.
It is as famous for its cave monasteries as for the ancient wine region of Kakheti. And its capital, Tbilisi, is known for its varied architecture and its old town’s labyrinth of cobbled streets.
Even if to this day Georgia remains a mysterious land of adventure, far from being a highly touristic spot, visitors are seduced by its landscapes, churches and monasteries, as they are captivated by its millenary history.
Despite the country’s modest proportions, landscapes and climates are so varied in Georgia that they go from snowy mountains to valleys where vineyards flourish, and it offers seaside resorts which are very popular in the region.
Enjoy hiking into its mountains, forests and steppes, strolling along its lakes, exploring its vineyards and tasting its wines which have earned a reputation matching the country’s gastronomy: khinkali, chakapuli, satsivi, lobiani, kubdari, khachapuri are all delicious dishes prepared from meat, vegetables, spices, cheeses ... Their unique flavor reflect the blending of Caucasian, Soviet, European and Oriental cultures.
A real treat for the palate, even the most demanding!
Georgia has an incredible number of places for the visitor to discover: The rock-hewn towns of Uplistsikhe (“Fortress of the Lord”)- the oldest one and on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, the underground sanctuaries of Vardzia- a cave-palace-monastery from the 12th century, and David Garedja’s monastery complex, built in the 6th century, fortresses scattered about everywhere, cities such as Gori – Stalin’s birth place, Mtskheta - the ancient capital, Borjomi and its thermal spa baths, Kutaissi and its market, Stepantsminda and its spectacular surrounding mountains, everything is pleasure to the eyes and the endless list will satisfy the most curious. And for trekking enthusiasts, an ascent to the Gergeti glacier offers unbelievable sceneries and unforgettable memories.
You will also have to stop and spend one or two nights in Tbilisi. The current capital is still dominated by the Narikala fortress which dates back to the 4th century.
Strolling through the streets in the restored old town is a delight. Crossing the Peace Bridge, a pedestrian walkway between the two banks, which modern architecture made out of steel and glass is illuminated at night, will make you feel you are walking between past and present. The baths area, renowned for its sulphurous springs curing properties, churches around the city, Rustaveli Avenue - the main artery, the gold market, and the old caravanserai renovated and turned into a museum, are among many other wonders to discover.
Tbilisi is a city where boredom does not exist and is also the land of the famous Golden Fleece legend. A visit to the National Museum will introduce you to the treasures which have nurtured its myth.
If you are looking for nature or culture, modernity or tradition, you will find much more than you could expect in Georgia.
Get there and let its charm operate.
