The country of Georgia (known in the Georgian language as “Sakartvelo”) offers a richness of experience for travelers that will be interesting for the lovers of both classical tourism and adventure travel. Georgia offers everything a traveler could want: affordable prices, a welcoming culture, excellent and cheap transportation options, incredible mountains, seaside resorts, vibrant city life, and delicious food and drink.
To help you experience the best of what the country has to offer, here are 10 essential spots to incorporate into your itinerary. we can share a must-see place when you come to Georgia.
1. Tbilisi
Tbilisi is definitely the top city to visit in Georgia, and probably the first stop on your Georgia itinerary. Tbilisi lies on the banks of the Mtkvari (also known as the Kura) river and is surrounded by hills and mountains. It has been the capital of Georgia since the 6th century and its diverse architecture reflects its long and complicated history.
There are a lot of places to visit in Tbilisi: Sulphur Baths, The Holy Trinity Cathedral, Mtatsminda Park, Cable car, Mother Georgia, Georgia, Museum of Georgia, Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church, Funicular, Clock Tower, National Gallery, Anchiskhati Basilica, Peace Bridge, Open-air Museum of Ethnography, Botanical Gardens, Abanotubani, etc.
2. Kazbegi
The small town of Kazbegi is encircled by the surreal, perennially snow-capped Greater Caucasus mountains located a few hours north of Tbilisi. 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, – perched over Kazbegi at 2,000m above sea level – is a must-see.
3. Svaneti
Mestia will amaze any tourist who decided to discover the real beauty of Georgia with its mountain views. This city is located 470km far from Tbilisi. It is a great starting point for tourists who want to have a mountain trip. Mestia, Svaneti’s main center, has great tourist infrastructure and a delightful ethnography museum. The sublime landscape of Svaneti is probably the place in the county to head for day walks or multi-day hikes to glaciers, elevated passes, pristine lakes, and snow-capped summits. No matter what time of the year you visit, this spot is stunning, with activities as diverse as winter skiing or spring hiking among the wildflower meadows. From Mestia, you can access Ushguli via 4×4 on a single dirt road from Mestia, the highest village in Europe.
4. Tusheti
Tusheti, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most charming and rural regions in the country. Here, you can explore untouched wild nature, medieval defense towers, and ancient villages. Tusheti is a pristine, remote region tucked in the mountains of northeastern Georgia. Compared to places such as Svaneti, the landscape here is not as dramatic and you won’t find many glaciers here. Tusheti is bordered by 3000 meters high ridge of the Greater Caucasus. You also need to visit Omalo located at 1,880 meters above the sea. Also, Keselo fortress is a popular tourist destination and without question one of the highlights in Omalo.
5. Kakheti
In this country of wine-lovers, everyone agrees that the very best wines come from the fertile easternmost part of Georgia – Kakheti. here are some of the best things you should see and do in Kakheti while visiting Georgia. Monasteries and churches: Some of the most distinguished ones are David Gareji, Alaverdi Cathedral, Nekresi Monastery, Gremi Monastery, Ikalto Monastery, Bodbe Monastery of st. Nino. You have to visit Tsinandali Museum, Sighnaghi town, Explore the Estate of Prince Chavchavadze, the capital of Kakheti Telavi. Indulge in wine tasting at wineries, Kakheti is home to various vineyards and wineries that you can visit, tour, and taste their products. Visit Schuchmann Winery very close to Telavi, Pheasant’s Tears Winery in Sighnaghi, or Twins Old Cellar in Napareuli.
6. Mtskheta
Mtskheta is located close to Tbilisi and makes a beautiful day or even half-day trip. You can start your trip even in the afternoon and enjoy visiting UNESCO world heritage sites: elegant Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and 6th-century Jvari Monastery overlooking splendid view of Mtskheta with the confluence of two rivers Aragvi and Mtkvari. You should also visit Samtavro Monastery, located about 600 meters from the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the smaller Samtavro Monastery receives a fraction of the crowds and is definitely worth a visit. The main church here was built in the 11th century.
7. Batumi
Batumi is the second-largest city in Georgia country and one of the most famous tourist places and sights of interest among the tourists who visit Georgia for the sea. Visitors to this modern city can enjoy many attractions, international hotels, a great dining scene, and a busy nightlife. Here you can visit the statue of Ali and Nino in Batumi, Alphabetic Tower Situated near the Ali and Nino statue, the tower is another main landmark of the city. The 130-meter-tall (426.5 feet) building combines the design of a DNA strand holding 33 letters of the Georgian alphabet, with each aluminum letter being four meters (13.1 feet) tall. Piazza Square, which features boutique hotels, cafés, and unique architecture, is a go-to destination for many locals to grab a drink or something to eat. Europe square also Head to Europe Square and check out the astronomical clock and Medea monument in the middle of it. Stroll down the Boulevard, A seven-kilometer (4.3-mile) boulevard starts at Batumi Bay, which offers many exciting attractions to visitors. Visit the Batumi Botanical Garden opened in 1912, lies in Mtsvane Kontskhi, a small town 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away from the city. The garden offers some great views over the coastline along with beautiful flora and fauna. And don’t forget Visiting the Dolphinarium is an excellent way to end your trip to Batumi. One of the most popular attractions in Georgia.
8. Borjomi
Resort city Borjomi is 160km far from Tbilisi. Borjomi is famous for its mineral water industry (which is the number one export of Georgia). The tourists may spend one-two days of their tour package in this city of Georgia and just enjoy the beauty of nature and taste the famous water, or if they have a health problem, the trip duration may last for a week or more.
You can visit the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park where you can go horseback riding, hiking, biking, take a variety of tours, and try out a lot of other outdoor activities. The spot is also perfect for a picnic. In Borjomi, you can also visit the Romanoffs’ Palace which dates back to the 19th century and was built during the reign of Tsar Nicolas II of Russia. The palace has many historically significant monuments that you’re bound to find fascinating. The Blue Palace “Firuza” is also a great destination which was built at the entrance of the Mineral Water Park in 1892 by the Consul of Iran. To this day the palace is considered a unique cultural monument. The building is a combination of Persian, Georgian, and European styles.
9. Vardzia
Vardzia is a spectacular cave monastery near Aspindza in southern Georgia. Vardzia, the ancient cave city of Georgia country, a complex of lobbies and rooms. This underground monastery was built in the 12th Century, under the reign of King Tamar, the first woman that was ever crowned as a king in Georgian history. Climb amazing caves and underground tunnels.
Don’t forget to bring some chewing gum with you when you visit Vardzia. There is a special ‘bubble gum tree’ where people make a wish and stick their chewing gum to the tree.
10. Okatse and Martvili Canyon
Martvili is located in the Samegrelo region of Western Georgia, 280km from Tbilisi. On its highest hill, there is a Monastery. People visit it to enjoy the scenery, its waterfalls and take a boat trip in the river with deep green color. Okatse Canyon is a deep forested rift carved by the aqua waters of the Okatse River where fragments of rocky escarpment peeking through the dense forest. he newly built skywalk is the main attraction here and runs between the trees along the edge of the canyon culminating in a free-hanging platform that juts out over the abyss.