Everything about holidays in Georgia: reviews, tips, guide. Guide to Georgia for travelers from Belarus Guide to Georgia step by step

All the countries of Transcaucasia seem to me very interesting and worthy of visiting. Georgia, or as the Georgians themselves call it Sakartvelo, is the most interesting and pleasant of them. Ancient churches and fortresses, mountain and sea resorts, unusual cuisine, good wine and an abundance of fruit, and, most importantly, the famous Georgian hospitality, no language problems. Here you can have a wonderful rest, see a lot of new things and have a spiritual conversation.

brief information
Georgia covers an area of ​​69,700 square kilometers. Population: about 5 million people. But this is only on paper. In fact, part of the territories of Georgia is not controlled by the Georgian government. We are talking about Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which declared their own independent republics. Georgia does not recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus does not recommend entry into Georgia through these self-proclaimed states. Naturally, it is better for those entering Georgia not to have any notes in their passport about visiting Abkhazia and South Ossetia. However, the political situation in Georgia itself is quite calm.
There is no rampant crime in Georgia. The situation is quite comparable to Belarus. Smart economic reforms contributed to the rapid development of the service sector, including trade and tourism. The quality of holidays at the resorts is quite comparable to neighboring Turkey, and prices are still noticeably lower (especially for internal transport and food).

Map of Georgia

Nature
Georgia is a naturally very diverse country. In the north it occupies the spurs of the Greater Caucasus, along which the conventional border between Europe and Asia passes, and in the south - along the spurs of the Lesser Caucasus. In a sense, Georgia is not Transcaucasia, but Intercaucasia. There are plenty of mountains (though not too high) inside the country. At the same time, there are many hilly and completely flat valleys and plains. The western part of Georgia is occupied by the wide Colchis Lowland. It is no wonder that with such a variety of terrain, there are many climatic and ecological zones in Georgia. In Georgia you can find snow-capped peaks even in summer, alpine meadows, mountain and lowland pine and oak forests, hot steppes and the humid subtropical zone of the Colchis Valley and the coast of Adjara.

People
The main population of Georgia is Georgians, an ethnically very heterogeneous nation. Georgians are divided into twenty cultural and historical groups, each of which speaks its own dialect of the Georgian language. Moreover, the language of Mingrelians and Laz is very different from literary norms, so it may not be understandable to the residents of Tbilisi. The most interesting ethnic group is the Svans, who live in the foothills of the Caucasus. The Svans are considered the most warlike of the Georgians. At the same time, they preserve ancient traditions and customs.


In general, Georgians are very calm, good-natured people, completely unlike the “proud wild Caucasian” type. As already written above, the country is quite safe and, thanks to its hospitable population, comfortable for travel and communication. Georgians treat Belarusians very well and sympathize with President Alexander Lukashenko, who did not recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The attitude towards Russians is also not bad, but V.V. Putin is not liked here.

Religion
In 319, Georgians converted to Christianity. The majority of believers belong to the Georgian Orthodox Church. There is a small number of Sunni Muslims in southeast Georgia. There are many Armenians living in the southwest who profess Monophysite Christianity and belong to the Armenian Church.

Georgian cuisine
For those visiting Georgia, Georgian cuisine is no less attractive than historical monuments, Black Sea beaches and snow-capped mountains. If we abstract from academic cooking, which identifies special areas of distribution of various culinary traditions, as well as the cuisine of Western and Eastern Georgia, then we must admit that at the present time in everyday life there is no particular difference in the diet of the inhabitants of this country, especially in cities. In restaurants and on the home table there is always a wide range of snacks made from vegetables, beans or, more often, beans, various sauces and meat dishes. In small cafes, you can often find bread pastries that are quite familiar to us (however, rye bread is not particularly popular), as well as khachapuri (pies with cheese, herbs and meat) and khinkali (dumplings). The most common meat in our time is chicken, although Georgians happily eat pork, beef and lamb. Boiled beef is a particularly popular product in the east.
Contrary to the belief that all Georgian cuisine is very spicy, in Georgia you can choose dishes for every taste, including absolutely not spicy ones. In any Georgian city and from merchants on the roads, sweets based on nuts and juice are sure to be sold. The most famous sweet dessert is churchkhela made from nuts and grape juice brewed to a solid state.
Finally, Georgia is a country of wines. Wine is produced in almost all regions of Georgia. Moreover, to my Belarusian taste, it is good everywhere. Georgian cognac differs in taste depending on its name, but is also good. Wine and cognac are sold both in bottles and in small canisters. It is strange that most men prefer vodka. Guests can be treated to homemade wine and very strong moonshine - chacha. It is better not to drink the latter at all, especially after wine. By the way, in Georgia there are well-preserved table traditions with long toasts, each of which is drunk in strict order.
Non-alcoholic drinks include coffee and tea. Coffee is usually brewed Turkish from not very expensive varieties. They drink local tea, mostly black. In hot weather, Georgian mineral water is good. Our most famous one is “Borjomi”, but Georgians prefer another one - “Nabeghlavi”.

Entry formalities
Georgia is an absolutely visa-free country for citizens of Belarus. The only thing you should worry about in advance is medical insurance (but not necessary), since medicine in Georgia is completely paid.

Representative offices
You can apply for consular support at the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Georgia:
Tbilisi, st. Megreladze, 5
Reception days: Monday, Thursday, Friday from 11.00 to 13.00, Tuesday from 15.00 to 17.00
Phone: +995322234110
Embassy website

History of Georgia

2 million years ago– in the south of Georgia in Dmanisi there lived a man of the species Homo Erectus.
Mid 1st millennium BC e.– mention of the first state in western Georgia, Colchis.
2nd century AD e.- formation of the Georgian Iberian state.
319 year AD e. - adoption of Christianity.
XI – early XIII centuries- the heyday of medieval Georgia.
1801 – 1810 gg. – annexation of Georgia to the Russian Empire.
1918 g. – the first declaration of independence.
1991 g. - a referendum that declared Georgia independent from the USSR.
2003 g. – Rose Revolution.

How to get there
The easiest way to get to Georgia from Belarus is to take a Belavia flight. Belavia planes constantly fly from Minsk-2 airport to Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi. . However, Belavia tickets are not the cheapest, so Wizz Air, flying from Kyiv Zhulyany Airport (Kyiv), can be a profitable alternative.
If you don’t want to search for the desired flight on different sites, then buy tickets through a search engine.

Time
Georgia belongs to the UTC+4 time zone, and there continues to be a transition between winter and summer time. For comparison, Belarus belongs to the UTC+3 time zone, but we do not have a transition to winter and summer time. This means that in winter the time in Minsk and Tbilisi is absolutely the same, and in summer in Minsk it is an hour less than in Tbilisi. Therefore, when arriving in Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi in the summer, move your watch forward 1 hour.

Money
The Georgian currency is called lari, which in turn is divided into 100 tetri (always in coins). You can convert prices from lari to a more common currency using a converter.
Don't exchange a lot of money at the airport. In the city of Tbilisi and Batumi, the dollar and euro exchange rates at exchange offices will be higher.

Souvenirs
Common souvenirs are magnets, postcards, Georgian felt hats (good for a bath!), wine, cognac.

useful links

Tourist information centers of Georgia, where you can use the Internet for free, get maps and information about accommodation and tours.
Georgian railway tickets online.
Search, book and purchase tickets to and from Georgia online.

Places, cities, attractions
Details about attractions, transport, hotels, prices, with links to maps...

Tbilisi is the capital and largest city of Georgia with a population of almost 1.2 million people. Known since the 4th century AD. Majestic cathedrals, old town, ethnographic museum, airport, train stations, public transport.

Mtskheta is a small town northwest of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. It occupies approximately the same position as Zaslavl in relation to Minsk. This is the main center of Orthodox Christianity in Georgia and in the Caucasus in general...

From the cold Moscow summer, I especially want to take refuge in warm and welcoming Georgia. In the ancient cities that once belonged to the Colchis kingdom, you can relax and learn a lot of new things. If you have never been there, you should first familiarize yourself with the history and traditions of the country. We will tell you about the best guides in our selection.

There are many places in Georgia that attract tourists at any time of the year, and you should see all of them at least once for yourself. Picturesque mountains, special national dishes, comfortable weather - the main thing that will help you get a great experience. The directory contains the main attractions: medieval churches and fortresses, cozy streets of Old Tiflis, as well as information about other cities - Gori, Kutaisi, Batumi and Borjomi. Here you can read about the incredibly interesting history of the country, its culture and customs, and the author talks about Georgian wines in a separate chapter. You can travel either by car or on foot - inside there are the best maps for planning your trip.

Breathtaking views, cozy restaurants, secret attractions - you will read about this and much more in the most romantic guide to the country. It offers several travel options. The first is to explore step by step only the capital and other settlements using routes for one week. You can, on the contrary, go to little-known places where there will be much fewer people: the city of Mtskheta, founded before our era, or the estate of Alexander Chavchavadze, the famous poet and father-in-law. Good restaurants serving Georgian cuisine and shops where you can buy souvenirs are also listed in this guide.

This guide is suitable for an active traveler: if you are ready to walk through the most beautiful cities, feel free to pick up this book and get ready for the trip. The routes are designed taking into account the rich history of the places you will meet along the way. Colorful illustrations will help you decide in advance where you want to go, and practical advice will come in handy when choosing a hotel or cafe. It is not necessary to follow the author's instructions exactly - any deviation from the course will make your journey even more exciting.

Georgia has always been famous for its hospitality, and you won’t believe it, but even after the events of 2008, Russians are greeted there with great pleasure. It’s worth going, if only because it is a small, but incredibly beautiful and colorful country. If we talk about resort holidays, the resorts of Abkhazia and the resorts of Georgia, which are located only a few tens of kilometers from each other, are much more comfortable and civilized. One minus, transport problem. At that time, when I flew to Georgia, there was only one direct flight there, for which it was impossible to buy tickets. But if you fly through Kyiv, then there are no special problems.

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How much does a holiday in Tbilisi cost? July 2018.

tour cost

Last summer I traveled alone to Tbilisi for 5 days. We flew from Krasnoyarsk to Tbilisi via Moscow. The cost of the trip was 38,500 rubles.

I did not buy excursions through an agency. I met the owner of the local travel agency @georgia_grandvoyage through Instagram and ordered through her an individual excursion for one day with a personal driver and guide. In the morning we went to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, then visited the Jvari Monastery, where the Aragvi and Kura rivers connect. After that we went to the city of Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave city carved into the rock. Upon returning to Tbilisi, I had dinner at a Georgian restaurant with real Georgian wine and then a transfer to the hotel. The excursion cost $100, I was very impressed with it, I wasn’t tired at all, since I didn’t have to jostle with the group.

Food and products

Prices for products in stores are the same as in Russia. Only lower, of course, for their local wine. A bottle of Georgian wine can be bought from 200 rubles. The restaurants are different, but most of them are inexpensive, even in the tourist zone. Lunch with first and second courses with wine costs 500 rubles per person. Everything is very tasty.

Souvenirs and other goods

Prices for souvenirs are as follows: magnet 100 rubles, souvenir plate with an image of a Georgian landmark 300-500 rubles. The prices for clothes in the shopping center are the same as ours.

Cost of services and entertainment

Taxi is very accessible, an absolutely safe way to travel, you can wave your hand anywhere on the street and it will stop. Approximately 100-200 rubles. Attending a master class on cooking Georgian dishes - 2000 rubles.

Total money spent on vacation

Helpful information?

Impressions from a holiday in August

Batumi struck me with its beauty. This is an amazing city that you want to come to again and again. In August it is very cool here, there is a lot of fruit, warm and sunny weather, in a word, an almost ideal place to relax.

What to take with you on vacation?

In fact, on vacation it is enough to take a standard set with which you always go to a seaside resort. All you need is a towel, an umbrella (if you don’t want to rent a sun lounger), a mattress or an inflatable pillow.

Where is the best place to stay?

The first coastline is full of good hotels, some are quite expensive, and there are cheaper options, but still there should be no problems with housing here. In the city, many people rent out a room or an apartment, so if you want a cheaper option, then get ready that you will have to walk several tens of minutes to the sea or take a bus.

What to do at the resort?

The city has a large number of different attractions. I recommend going to the dolphinarium, it’s big here and you can see a lot of interesting things for yourself. There are a large number of monuments, museums, and interesting architectural masterpieces. The city is very modern.

The guide to Georgia introduces the reader to Georgia: the culture of the country, popular routes, attractions, places of recreation and shopping, tourist trends. The goal of the project is to provide tourists with information for traveling to Georgia in a concise and engaging way. The purpose of the Guide is to save travelers time, effort and money while in Georgia by informing in advance about interesting places for shopping, recreation and entertainment. Each issue is dedicated to one or two tourist destinations.

In the September issue of the Guide, we will travel back in time in the #Stories section. We will make a detailed stop in Tbilisi. Let's take a walk through the Old Town and learn how to navigate its #Route areas. Then we will go to the sea city of Batumi. From the #Observer section we learn about history, popular attractions and vacation spots. #Made in Georgia contains information on what to bring from Georgia, where and how weddings are held in Georgia. #Ge_Family is a vacation spot in St. Petersburg with a Georgian accent. Where you can experience sunny Georgia without leaving St. Petersburg. Behind the scenes #Backstage we will lift the curtain on how wine is produced in Georgia. In a word, we will travel!

What you need to know when going on a trip to Georgia. When and where to go to Georgia, do you need visas, what to see and visit in Georgia. Food and prices, etc.

Georgia has been attracting me for a long time with its khachapuri and mountain expanses, but so far I still couldn’t get to this dream country because of its Asia, Europe and Siberia.. Finally, it is getting closer and closer, and for now I decided to start with this Guest post. My Georgia specialist Victor is also a global traveler and photographer whom we met in Phuket. He lived in Batumi as a child and still comes to Georgia every summer. Victor’s website Georgiabest.ru turned out to be the most useful for me in preparing for my first trip, and in this article Victor briefly but succinctly tells all the most important things: information on how to get to Georgia, about visas, prices, interesting places in Georgia that are worth visit, etc.

Victor, traveler, guide in Georgia: Georgiabest.ru

Yes, Georgia is on everyone’s lips these days. And not in vain, oh not in vain. Come and see for yourself. So that later, closing your eyes, with a dreamy look, you can tell your friends how good, fun and soulful it is there. Of course, there are exceptions among the happy crowds of tourists, but they only prove the rule. And the rule is that this country will not leave anyone indifferent. And you have no reason to deny yourself the pleasure of getting to know Georgia and discovering its amazing people and the breathtaking beauty of nature. What can we say about the cultural, architectural and historical monuments that are literally at every step here, and often right in people’s backyards, such as towers in Svaneti or ancient qvevri in Kakheti...

in winter People go to Georgia to celebrate the New Year in a fun and unforgettable way: on New Year’s Eve, the whole country explodes with hundreds of thousands of fireworks. Also in winter people come here to ski and snowboard in Bakuriani and Gudauri. Well, considering that winter in Georgia is not so cold compared to Ukrainian or Russian, then it will be all the same to see the sights in different parts of the country, with the exception, perhaps, of the remote regions of Tusheti and Racha, and even more so, to take a walk around Tbilisi and Mtskheta comfortable and not cold.

Important information about winter in Georgia:

• In winter, and especially in March, there is a possibility of strong gusty winds, which usually last 2-3 days.
• In apartments and hotels in Georgia, the heating is not at all as good as in Russia - it’s cool.
• Due to snowfalls, the Georgian Military Road, the only highway connecting the country with Russia, may be blocked, and it will not always be possible to get to Stepantsminda to see the legendary Kazbek and the Gergeti Church.
• In Georgia there are a couple of excellent ski resorts with good slopes and space for freeride: Gudauri 80 km from Vladikavkaz (for beginners and advanced) and Bakuriani 180 km from Tbilisi (more difficult trails).

May June– a good period for those who do not like heat. There are no such high temperatures yet, because of which Tbilisi is practically empty in the summer: everyone is trying to leave, and even more so, to take their children somewhere to the forest or to the mountains. In general, in Georgia it is an almost unbreakable tradition - to take children to 3, or at least 2, resorts in the summer to change the air and boost their immunity. So, in the period from May to early July, local residents usually go to the mountains or coniferous forests. In May, pine trees bloom, and this pine air is very beneficial for both adults and children.

But even in Tbilisi at this time it is quite comfortable. As a rule, it rains from time to time, the sun shines, but does not burn everything around yet, plus local vegetables and fruits appear on the shelves. You can eat to your heart's content, because the prices are quite reasonable compared to the megacities of neighboring countries.

End of summer. Well, if you are a lover of the scorching sun, sea, beach and watermelons, come to Georgia in July-September. You can fly straight to Batumi, go to Kobuleti, Kvariati, Shekvetili, Ureki, Sarpi or to Cape Verde (Mtsvane Konkhi). During this period, you will also be exposed to an incredible abundance of local fruits, berries, vegetables and herbs.

Late fall. It may seem that from October to December in Georgia it is gray, uninteresting, cold, and there is nothing to do. Actually, not quite like that. In October it is still quite warm, and going on excursions is a pleasure, and the stalls are bursting with gifts of the Georgian land: grapes, persimmons, figs - these are just a few examples. The famous Georgian tangerines will begin in November. Also, in the fall they go to Georgia to attend such a colorful and unforgettable event as “rtveli” - the grape harvest. A visit to Rtveli is in itself a sufficient reason to go here in mid-autumn.

An important factor in favor of planning a trip at this time (as well as from February to March) is lower prices for accommodation and excursions than at the height of the season. So weigh the pros and cons, and choose the perfect time for you.

Visa to Georgia (not needed)

Good news, if you are coming from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Moldova and 88 other countries, you do not need a visa, they will simply put an entry stamp in your passport at the border. Moreover, citizens of Russia, if you suddenly want to stay longer (and this is a very possible scenario, as practice shows), you can stay for a whole year, you will not need a visa.

Is it safe for Russian-speaking tourists in Georgia?

Very often you can hear the question: “How safe is it for Russians to travel to Georgia?” Considering the tense relations between these two states, the question is quite understandable.

But among Georgians it causes either laughter or bewilderment. “How could you even think that it’s dangerous for Russians here?” - this is roughly what the answer to your question will sound like from the mouths of local residents.

Georgians, and everyone who lives in this southern country, are for the most part peaceful and hospitable, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about. The older generation in Georgia speaks excellent Russian, and so do some of the younger generation. Although young people usually know English better than Russian, as such, you will not have a barrier in communicating with the local population. There will definitely be someone nearby who knows Russian.

And even more so in the field of tourism services: sellers, guides, drivers, hotel staff speak Russian.

How to get to Georgia on your own

At the moment, you can get to Georgia either by air, or by land, or, if you are coming from Ukraine, by sea - by ferry. Trains, unfortunately, do not travel here yet.

• Planes fly to Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi. They fly to Kutaisi, so this is a good option, especially since there are also many interesting places in this part of Georgia, you can even stay there for a couple of days. A Moscow-Tbilisi air ticket costs around $80, you can find the best tickets.
• You can come by your own car - this gives you even greater freedom of movement and incredibly beautiful roads.
• Getting there by bus from Moscow to Tbilisi takes a long time, but is inexpensive (about $60). There is a bus from Kyiv.
• You can get to Georgia from Odessa by ferry. Although it takes a long time and the price is close to air travel.

Prices in Georgia: for vacation and for life

Another pressing question is how much it will cost to vacation or live in Georgia. This is understandable - you want to have an idea in advance, at least approximately, how much money to take with you and what to be prepared for.

Regarding housing prices- then here, depending on your luck, well, what conditions do you prefer. - from $4 per night per person, clean and in the city center - from $10. Apartments for daily rent during the season cost $30 and more. Usually a good renovated apartment with a good location costs $50-60.

→Rent housing for a long time The easiest way is to already be there, or write an ad in advance in a Facebook group (a group for the city where you want to live). During the winter season, many not cheap hotels rent out rooms for a long period of time very cheaply, you can find them around $200/month.

Taxi around the city- from 5-15 lari ($2-7). Guide services - from 100 lari ($40) per day, car rental - from $50 per day. Gasoline costs 2.35 lari ($1).

Entrance to many historical places is free, or within 3-7 lari ($1.25-3).

Look at examples of food prices if you have the strength and desire to cook yourself in a country where there is delicious street food and fairly reasonable prices in restaurants:

• Sugar 1 kg – 2 lari ($0.75)
• Bread – 70 tetri ($0.25)
• Local apples – 1.5 lari ($0.6)
• Potatoes – 80 tetri ($0.3)
• Georgian cheese – from 6 lari ($2.5)
• Coffee beans 100 g – from 1.5 lari ($0.6)
• Milk – 2.50 lari ($1)
• Churchkhela – 3 lari ($1.15)

→Some restaurants in Tbilisi worth visiting:

• Art Cafe Gabriadze (Shovteli St., 13) is one of the most original establishments in Tbilisi, an original cafe created by artist and director Rezo Gabriadze, author of “Kin-dza-za”, sculptor of the famous monument “Chizhik-Pyzhik” in St. Petersburg .
• Restaurant “House of Khinkali” (Rustaveli, 37, Rustaveli metro station). Open 24/7, the name speaks for itself :).
• Dukhan “Racha” (6 Lermontov St.). An establishment for locals, most of the visitors are men. The place is very atmospheric, you can order Georgian national dishes here, but it is best to try dishes typical of the Racha region: aphazuri, lobiani, etc.
• Art cafe “Shevardnadze’s Garden” - the establishment combines a shabby chic cafe, a garden and a flower shop. Location: Latkini microdistrict. at the end of the street Khudadova, (near the police station).
• “Machakhela” (Meydan, 26) is a chain restaurant, one of the best is the restaurant on Meydan Square, in the very center of the old city. It is easy to recognize by the voluminous inscription located in front of the entrance: I love Tbilisi. Sitting in a restaurant, you can admire the panorama of the city opening from a window, balcony or open terrace.
• Restaurant Samikitno (25 Merab Kostava St).
• Mirzaani (delicious beer, address: 140 Akaki Tsereteli Ave).
• Salobio.
• Hinkleys sahli.

Although these are more likely to be eateries, they are clean, some of them have interesting Georgian-style interiors, and the food is almost like home-cooked food.

In general, you need to try hard to find an establishment in Georgia that serves Georgian cuisine poorly. Prices for shish kebab - from 12 lari ($5), Khinkali - 70 tetri piece. Five pieces - and out of habit, nothing else will fit into you. But we have to. Khachapuri - 7 lari ($3), kebab - from 6 lari ($2.5). Tea, coffee, lemonade - about 2 lari ($0.8) per cup/bottle.

Street food is also tasty and inexpensive: lobiani, kubdari, picini, khachapuri cost an average of 2 lari.

Georgian cuisine. Must try

One can write endlessly about Georgian cuisine. But it’s even better to come and taste everything yourself. We can only guide you so that you do not completely get lost in the novelty, diversity and unusual names.

Khinkali

Khinkali– the most famous dish of Georgian cuisine. They look like bags made of thick dough, filled with minced meat and herbs, including cilantro. A proper khinkali should have at least 16 folds, according to knowledgeable people. It is important to eat them correctly: with your hands or a fork (a compromise for non-locals), grab the leg, carefully bite it, drink the delicious juice, and then eat everything except the leg. You can pour satsebeli tomato sauce into the hole of the khinkali. For vegetarians they prepare khinkali with mushrooms.

Khachapuri

Khachapuri. There are many different types of them: imeruli, ajaruli, megruli, and, of course, adjaruli. Adjarian khachapuri in the shape of a boat and with an egg broken into a cheese filling and butter is a real feast of taste. This is a must try. Some establishments serve huge ajaruli, nicknamed the Titanic - enough for a whole company or family. You need to pinch off pieces of dough on the sides of the khachapuri and dip them into the hot filling.

Lobio and Mchadi. A simple, satisfying and very tasty dish. Red beans cooked with spices in a ketsi (clay pot) and an unleavened flatbread made from corn flour. There are even establishments called “lobiynaya” - for example, the Salobio cafe, which has already become a separate landmark of the city of Mtskheta, where Alexander Sergeevich himself once treated himself to the famous Mtskheta pies and lobio.

If you are not afraid of new tastes and unusual combinations, also try the following very colorful dishes:

Chakapuli– young meat stewed with herbs and spices, as well as sour green tkemali.

Hashi– very much for an amateur. If you are that kind of fan, you will be delighted. In Georgia, khashi is so respected that separate establishments have been created for them: khash houses. And they open very early in the morning - at approximately 4:00. Because this fatty, hearty, scalding hot soup made from offal and with a lot of garlic has a very beneficial effect on hangovers. It is usually eaten with chacha.

For vegetarians in Georgia there is also complete freedom. There are all kinds of cheese, kindzmari (fish in cilantro sauce) and pkhali - paste made from spinach, cabbage, beet tops or beets with spices, and nadugi with mint, and various soups, and champignons fried in ketsi, and ajapsandal - stew from tomatoes, sweet peppers, eggplants and potatoes, and a variety of pickles.

All kinds of spices, herbs, herbs, and nuts are generously used in Georgian cuisine. Even an ordinary tomato and cucumber salad is turned into a work of art here, because they add aromatic regani (red basil) and add nut sauce. Nuts are put in fried eggplant rolls, in satsivi, in bazhi, and in kharcho soup.

Wine in Georgia. Special wine and gastronomic tours are popular, Georgian cuisine is so delicious and original, and there’s no need to say anything about the wines - come and taste it.

What to see in Georgia, where to visit? Top 7 interesting places

Georgia, although small in territory, can compete with the largest and most ancient countries in terms of the number of attractions and beautiful corners. It would probably take several months or years to explore everything Georgia has to offer! So you’ll have to make a plan, choosing the most interesting thing for you. But there are places that every self-respecting traveler to Georgia must visit. We will list them for you to take note of.

Metekhi Church of the Mother of God and the monument to King Vakhtang in Tbilisi

No matter how far to go, there are many such places in Tbilisi itself:

• Narikala fortress,
• Sameba Temple,
• Meydan (one of the central squares of Tbilisi),
• sulfur baths...

Ancient city of Mtskheta(20 km from Tbilisi, coordinates: 41.840922, 44.707233) . Near Tbilisi is Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. In this renovated city and its surroundings you will see many beautiful, important and holy places: Jvari Monastery on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Shiomgvime Monastery, and many others. Also, the city itself has been restored, there is a large selection of souvenirs, spices, churchkhela, and it’s just nice to stroll along its cozy streets.

Vardzia(240 km from Tbilisi, coordinates: 41.381223, 43.284173) - not the only ancient cave city, but perhaps the most spectacular. 8 “floors”, about 600 caves. An incredible place where people lived for many centuries, hiding from numerous enemies.

Svaneti. Also a very original and unlike anything else region in Georgia is Svaneti - a historical mountainous region in North-West Georgia (coordinates 42.904220, 42.503335). It attracts tourists from all over the world. Svaneti has never been conquered or conquered throughout its history. And the people who live here are special - the Svans, real harsh mountaineers. Many people still have ancient defense towers in their yards that once belonged to their ancestors and were built about 1,000 years ago.

Prometheus Cave near Kutaisi (42.376771, 42.600971), discovered in 1983, is located next to the Sataplia nature reserve, where there is also a smaller cave and dinosaur tracks. A very spectacular place. Inside there is a cave with beautiful lighting, huge stalactites, and it will not leave either adults or children indifferent. You can even take a boat ride on the underground lake.

Martvili Canyon is one of the most beautiful in the Megrelian Region

Definitely worth a look and incredibly beautiful Martvili Canyon (Northwest Georgia, coordinates: 42.457356, 42.377148). If you are in Georgia during the hot season, be sure to visit this picturesque place, sail from the upper to the lower canyon by boat and swim at the waterfall.

Rabat Fortress in Meskheti (coordinates: 41.642829, 42.977166)- a restored medieval Turkish fortress with an area of ​​7 hectares and modern infrastructure. Beautiful, majestic, convenient for visiting and family time.

Black sand of Ureki (41.987783, 41.760103). If you visit Georgia in the summer or early autumn, be sure to take the opportunity to visit the Black Sea coast, on the unique magnetic sand beach in Ureki. This black sand is famous for its healing properties for joints and the cardiovascular system.

Cities in Georgia that are worth visiting

Tbilisi- a unique capital, the heart of Sakartvelo, where in the old town you will find narrow streets, antique carpets, openwork bars on windows and balconies, the aroma of coffee and a special relaxed atmosphere, so unusual in big cities. You can walk in Tbilisi for more than a day or two, discovering new interesting places and establishments every day. Historical and cultural monuments are presented in abundance here. It is unforgivable to come to Georgia and not get to know Tbilisi.

Colonnade on the seaside boulevard - Batumi

Batumi is a lively and charming city on the Black Sea. Beaches, musical fountains, old and new houses, a moving monument to lovers, an alphabet tower, bicycles for rent, a fish market where the fish of your choice will be cooked before your eyes, and much more awaits you to surprise and delight.

Sighnaghi - the city of love

Sighnaghi- a restored, romantic, cozy city with red roofs and views of the Alazani Valley. There is a 24-hour wedding palace here, where couples from different countries can get married by first submitting the necessary documents.

Auto tourism in Georgia

Gasoline cost in Georgia - a little less than a dollar per liter.

About movement. Be prepared for the fact that traffic on Georgian roads is chaotic, everyone is honking, cutting off, violating, so keep your eyes open. In the center of Tbilisi there are problems with parking - there are not enough places, there are paid parking lots near Rike Park and on Meydan, as well as underground parking at large supermarkets, take your cue from them, because in the central areas of the city in most places you can park only if you buy from the mayor's office such a service.

There are several highways in Georgia - this is part of the Tbilisi-Batumi road, as well as the Rustavi and Gori highways. The government plans to build new roads and restore existing ones.

The introduction of a new system of fines is currently being actively discussed in Georgia. Under this bill, a driver would have 100 points per year and a certain amount would be deducted for violations. If the limit of points is reached, you will have to retake the exam to obtain your license. Special “smart” video cameras are being installed throughout the city.

The road patrol is more loyal to tourists than to locals; moreover, it helps if you contact them.

The most beautiful roads- this is the road to Racha, Svaneti and Tusheti, although the latter can only be reached from June to September.

Georgian Military Road The road along which we enter Georgia from Russia is incredibly beautiful, but the quality of the road is much less pleasing than the scenery. However, this is not so important, let's see what sights you will pass immediately after entering Georgia along the Georgian Military Road:

• Along the entire route there are Georgian ancient monuments: cathedrals, fortresses, watchtowers. On the Georgian Military Road there are Mtskheta, the Jvari temple-monastery (late 6th - early 7th centuries), and the Zemo-Avchala hydroelectric power station.
• The village of Chmi, where there is a complex of archaeological monuments from the Bronze Age to the late Middle Ages and a large Alan burial ground of the 6th-9th centuries, where a large number of weapons, implements, and household items of the Alans were found.
• Mount Kazbek (5033 m).
• Daryal fortification, built in 1804 in the Daryal Gorge to protect the road.
• "Tamara's Castle" - the ruins of an old tower on the opposite bank of the Terek.
• Zion Grove is a green oasis among the snowy peaks of the Caucasus.
• Cross Pass is the highest point of the Georgian Military Road.
• Gudauri abyss and the highest mountain village of Gudauri on the Georgian Military Road.

What a tourist should know about Georgia

• Georgia is a patriarchal country with living traditions, respect for elders, and strong nepotism.
• The Orthodox Church has great influence in the country. When visiting churches and monasteries, be prepared for the fact that women may need to cover their heads or wrap themselves in a scarf if they are not wearing a skirt. Not all places inside temples allow photography.
• Children are treated with reverence here, they are allowed a lot, they are bathed in love and attention. Strangers may try to kiss your baby's hands and squeeze your cheeks, and in a restaurant they may well pick you up and take them, for example, to the kitchen, or walk with them around the hall. To some parents, such increased attention seems tactless, while others rejoice and admire. Be that as it may, these are the nuances that you need to be prepared for in order to respond adequately.
• Georgia is a mixture of east and west, and this is its zest and charm. This is not a “sleek” tourist country.
• On the central streets and in the metro you may encounter harmless but annoying gypsies and beggars.
• People smoke in many public places, although the ban has already been practically passed.
• The streets are not always perfectly clean and restored, although many visitors consider the latter to be a plus.
• People for the most part are friendly and hospitable, not because they expect monetary rewards from you, but because they are naturally like that, and have not yet forgotten those qualities that are considered important for every worthy resident of this amazing country.

Georgiabest.ru is Victor’s website and the most complete guide to Georgia, I highly recommend bookmarking it to everyone who is planning a trip to this country.