Georgia is, probably, the most unknown of the countries I’ve visited so far. In fact, at times when I speak about having been there, some people think I refer to the US state. And even though Georgia is geographically Asian, it is the country that best defines the mix between Europe and Asia.
The reality is that it is still a mysterious country, which has its benefits: there are no tourists, people are super kind with the foreigners, it’s a very authentic atmosphere as it is a country still not massively impacted by tourism, etc. However it also has its disadvantages: the public transport system is pretty complex to use as they use an alphabet completely different to ours and mostly nobody speaks English, which makes even going out to try to buy a box of milk a challenge (true fact ?).
Itinerary
Tbilisi (2 days)
Arrival via the international airport at Tbilisi. The old town can be visited on foot as everything is pretty much close. Don’t miss Metekhi Church, walk until the Sinagogue, The Sioni Cathedral and the Anchiskhati Basilica. Walk from there to the Narikala Fortress (climb up and enjoy the panorama views), and relax in the Sulphur Baths. Try to get to see a traditional Georgian dance, maybe dining in a restaurant while enjoying an amazing khachapuri or the famous khinkali ?. Cross the modern Peace Bridge and if you’ve got time visit the Mtatsminda Pantheon. You can also take the famous Funicular.
With its dramatic valley setting, picturesque Old Town, eclectic architecture and superb eating and drinking opportunities, Tbilisi is the vibrant, beating heart of Georgia and home to more than one in three of its citizens.
Mtskheta – Kutaisi (1 day)
It takes approximately 1 hour to get from Tbilisi to Mtskheta, the old Georgian capital and religious epicentre. Here you can visit the Jvari Church from VI century and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral from XI century (donde dicen que está enterrada la túnica de Cristo) – ambos sitios son Patrimonio UNESCO.
Then drive around 3 hours to get to Kutaisi, the second biggest city in the country. Here is where legend says the story of Jason and the Argonauts happened. You can visit the Gelati Cathedral and walk along the streets to get to the ruins of the Bagrati Palace. Also don’t forget to see the citadel.
Jvari Monastery of Mtskheta, Georgia
Svaneti Region (2 days)
Svaneti is the most populated highest region in the Caucasus. It spreads until Mestia (around 5 hours trip), exactly in the center of the highlands. Here you’ll be surrounded by mountains, small sort of medieval villages, and the very characteristic houses-towers that were built during the invasion in the IX to XIII centuries. Sleep in some of the guesthouses in the area. It’s an ideal place to do trekking. For instance, you can hike from Lakhiri back to Mestia (around 5 hours), or venture to the Shkhara glaciar and the river Enguri (to go and back it’s around 6 hours).
You can also visit the village of Ushguli, the most famous one for the amount of towers still standing (it’s around 3 hours by car from Mestia). Visit the Lamaria church and walk until the Queen Tamar tower.
Svaneti Khevi, Tbilisi, Georgia
Batumi (2 days)
Leave the mountains behind and go to the seaside. It will be 7-8 hours by car until you reach the coast of the Black Sea. In the Soviet times Batumi was one of the most famous beach resorts, and it still is for the locals.
Visit the Makhuntseti waterfall, walk along the streets of this city, freshen yourself in the square fountains and discover the statues of Ali & Nino, lightened up by night.
Fronted by the calm waters of the Black Sea, Georgia’s main summer resort boasts a long beach and a vast and beautifully maintained corniche.
Sighnaghi (2 days)
Get ready for an 8 hours trip until here. Sighnaghi is a super characteristic village and from what the locals told me, a typical place where they come to get married. Try the strange churchkhela (a sort of snack made out of nuts and honey – you’ll find them being sold by street vendors), and simply get lost in its colourful streets.
Making Shotis Puri, the traditional Goergian bread. Sighnaghi, Georgia
Tbilisi (1 day)
And we’re back to the capital city. Use this last day to explore what you didn’t have time initially and then make yourself ready to take the plane back home from the International Airport.
How to get there
The easiest way to get to and from Georgia is flying to the International Airport in Tbilisi. There are some budget companies like Wizz Air that offer good prices, and it’s very well linked with conections via Turkey.
The best way to then move there is renting a car, as public transport is not very efficient.
