Georgia at a glance

I started my journey of the Caucasus region in Armenia and arrive in Georgia overland. The border crossing is on foot and after 15 minutes’ we are in Georgia met by our tour guide and much better roads. Georgia is better connected with UK and you can fly directly to Tbilisi or Kutaisi which is about 230 km from the capital and only 150 km from the beach resort Batumi. Duration of the flight is around 5 hours.

Georgia is strategically located in the crossroads between Europe and Asia and lies along the historic Silk Road. It is double the size of Armenia and has a population of around 3,7 million. About third of the population live in the capital Tbilisi.

The name Tbilisi means “warm location” thanks to the thermal waters under the city. You can still experience sulphur baths in the Tbilisi Old Town. The spa building is one of the most picturesque and colorful in town and is often used by local couples a as a backdrop for their wedding pictures.

Stroll around the Old Town brings back memories of walking around Havana, the colours, the atmosphere and some of the oldest buildings falling apart graciously. Old Town architecture is mainly wooden with some beautifully carved wooden lace decorations.

The best view of the city is from the cable car and as the evening approaches and the city lights come on, Tbilisi feels like one of the most romantic places to be.

Rustaveli Avenue is the main street and you can spend a day looking around the museums. Due to an election day the National Museum is closed but I managed to see the Art Museum of Georgia and Moma Tbilisi.
The art museums interior is very modern with glass staircases and great pieces of art from sculptures to paintings.

Moma is the modern art museum primarily showcasing the work of Zurab Tsereteli.

The next day wine is on the menu and we head to Kakheti region in the East of the country, a must-visit destination while on holiday in Georgia! Along the route we stop at the ancient city Signagi, known as the City of Love. Similar to Las Vegas, many people travel there just to get married as the wedding house is open all day and night…

The town overlooks the Alazani valley and faces the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The city wall is an impressive remnant of the medieval past and reminds of the Great Wall of China. Some parts of the wall are open for walking and views of the valley and mountains are worth it.

For lunch we arrive at the Cooperation Kindzmarauli which produces Georgian wines. The wines have been popular in the post-Soviet Republics and are now starting to be recognized internationally. We are served a traditional shashlik – marinated meat grilled on skewers followed by the wine tasting. Qvevri wines are the most traditional ones made in egg shaped pots buried in the ground.

The next day we are heading to explore Mtskheta, the old capital of the kingdom of Iberia. It is known as the religious capital of Georgia and houses one of most important cathedral – Svetitskhoveli. For the best views of the town and two rivers we head to the Jvari monastery.

Georgians are proud of their food. Bread, meat, cheese and wine play a great role in their culinary culture. Shoti bread is made in big tandoori ovens and the scent is amazing. Cheese is produced locally and sold on the roadside.

One of the most famous Georgian dishes is khinkali, a Georgian dumpling.

On the last day I found a Grandma’s place near the hotel. A tiny restaurant which feels like home, grandma is cooking, grandad playing the piano! Ambiance is very cosy and the food deliciously filling!

If you wish to explore Georgia, please have a look at our Highlights of Georgia Tour. You can also combine Georgia and Armenia in one trip and enjoy our Highlights of Georgia and Armenia Tour.

Daina Kontrima

for Baltic Travel Company ( all rights reserved for Baltic Travel Company )