How to go to Georgia yourself. Where to go in Georgia

Have you heard a lot of enthusiastic reviews about Georgian hospitality and a fantastic holiday in this small but very beautiful and proud country? Do you all want to go, but can’t decide or don’t know where to start? We have 100,500 reasons to convince you that you need to go to Georgia right tomorrow, as well as a detailed trip plan - what, where, where and how much.

This article does not contain descriptions of attractions and architectural monuments; Wikipedia is for that. But this is a complete guide to planning a vacation in Georgia - how to get there, where to stay, where to go, what to see, where and what to eat.

When to go to Georgia

At any time of the year you will find something to see in Georgia. If you are interested exclusively in excursion tourism and sightseeing, the low season - November - April is quite suitable for a trip for a week. In winter, Gudauri has excellent conditions for skiers - good trails, slopes, lifts.

Spring in Georgia is simply wonderful. April-May is already warm like summer, and even very warm in some places. But some roads may be closed.

Summer in Georgia can be very hot. In July, the temperature in Tbilisi reaches +37+40 and any excursion turns into a walk through the heat. It’s certainly much nicer to be at sea.

September and October are, in our opinion, the best times to travel around the country. There are no longer many tourists; parents and schoolchildren have gone home. But the sea is still warm and you can swim comfortably. Prices for housing, cafes and restaurants are significantly reduced.

How to get there

There are three airports in Georgia: Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi. Mostly tourists choose Tbilisi airport to start.

It is better to buy tickets immediately there and back. Select your departure city on the calendar, the system will select the latest found prices for tickets for both direct flights and with transfers

If you have a car and are ready to go on vacation in it, choose this method of traveling to Georgia. Our cozy editorial team has traveled to Georgia several times in our cars and strongly recommends it to everyone. A little further we will talk about the features of driving in Georgia and explain that driving a car in Georgia is absolutely safe. On the roads you will see a sufficient number of cars with Russian license plates - Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov, Krasnodar, and of course neighbors - Vladikavkaz, Kabardino-Balkaria, etc.

For those who cannot drive their own car, we will also tell you what to do if you do not drive a car.

How to go to Georgia with your own car

We would like to warn you right away that traveling by car is recommended from April to November; it often happens that in winter the road is blocked due to avalanches. And you risk sitting for several days or weeks waiting for the passage to open.

What you need to travel in your own car. From January 1, 2018, in order to travel in your car, you will need to take out insurance for it. Georgia is not included in the Green Card system (those who have traveled to Finland and other Europe understand what we are talking about), so a policy similar to our OSAGO was specially developed for foreign cars, that is, if you hit someone in Georgia, the insurance company will pay. You can apply for such a policy online on the website tpl.ge. The policy is issued for a period of 15 days to 1 year. If you come for 1 week, you will still have to pay for 15 days, it costs 30 lari (about 10.5 euros). The fine for not having a policy is 100 euros, and don’t even try to “negotiate” with the police in Georgia.

It is not mandatory for passengers to take out insurance for traveling abroad, but personally we are always in favor of insurance, so we issue a travel policy online at , which we advise you to do as well. Moreover, a policy for a week will cost only about 400 rubles (a couple of cappuccinos at a gas station).

The border between Russia and Georgia passes through the Verkhniy Lars checkpoint, near Vladikavkaz. And passing this border checkpoint will be the only pain in your journey.

This checkpoint is famous for its eternal queues. There is a 90% chance that you will be standing there for several hours. Last year we drove through Upper Lars in 20 minutes (both there and back) and no one believed us. We recommend monitoring the situation at the checkpoint in the VKontakte group " Situation at the Verkhniy Lars checkpoint «.

Of course, there will be queues from Russia to Georgia and back on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays, at the expense of locals who go to Georgia for the weekend. The neutral territory between two checkpoints is several kilometers and it may happen that you will have to stand there for several hours. Naturally, there are no gas stations or shops in this area. Therefore, take care of a full tank, water and some snacks while still in Vladikavkaz.

Crossing the border in Georgia occurs as follows: only the driver remains in the car, passengers get out and go through passport control in a separate building. The driver drives up to a booth with a border guard, gives a passport, license and registration certificate, 1 minute, a stamp in the passport, picks up the passengers already waiting for him and that’s it.

Features of renting accommodation in Georgia

I would like to dwell in a little more detail on the peculiarities of renting housing in Georgia. Most tourists prefer to stay in private guesthouses, apartments and apartments, which are rented out by local residents in all cities throughout the country. There are either very few hotels or they cost absolutely crazy money.

Don't let the word "military" scare you; the road is of excellent quality. But believe the avid travelers, this is one of the most beautiful roads in the world, stunning views, especially on the section from Stepantsminda to Gudauri. We guarantee that you will stop every 2-3 kilometers.

There is no need to turn away from it anywhere. Just drive calmly and enjoy the views. We recommend stopping by Gudauri and taking a ride on the ski lift to the very top.

About 50 km after Gudauri there will be the Zhinvali reservoir and the Ananuri fortress, don’t miss it. Although it’s hard not to notice them, there will be a souvenir market along the road.

If you are driving your own car, you might want to stop in Mtskheta, take a walk around Mtskheta the next day and follow the route as indicated below. And leave Tbilisi after Batumi. But since we need to write a useful article for those who fly to Tbilisi and start from the capital of Georgia, we will write about Tiflis now.

Now it’s the turn of not only motorists, but also those who arrived by plane. Therefore, from this place, recommendations will be made not only for those lucky enough to have their own car, but also for those who plan to rent a car and just pedestrians.

Where to stay

We will give you two inexpensive guest houses with a very good location. If you like them (price, description) and are available, you can book - you won’t go wrong. If they don’t fit, based on their location, look for something nearby.

• Giorgi Apartment - excellent location, right next to the sulfur baths, there are many cafes, bars, restaurants nearby, most attractions can be reached on foot. And the hosts are simply... to be honest, there are no words... You will be incredibly lucky if these are the first Georgians you meet. There are several types of apartments, they are all excellent, but some are truly excellent, excellent. With a balcony that offers such a view that in the evening you can take a bottle of wine and not go anywhere at all.
• Liza’s Guest House is another great choice, with such kind hosts... The apartment itself is very large - bedroom, kitchen, separate entrance, balcony. It will cost less, is located a little further away, you will need to walk for 20-30 minutes through the very colorful streets of Tbilisi. Several grocery supermarkets are within walking distance.

For example, if you need a sightseeing individual tour of Tbilisi for the first time, we can recommend one of these:

• - one of the popular excursions.
• — inexpensive group sightseeing tour.
• - a walk with a hereditary Tiflis resident. A very interesting private tour.
• - another inexpensive option for a sightseeing walk.
• . Excursion with one of the popular guides in Tbilisi.
• City tour on a double-decker tourist bus. Bass tourism, popular in many cities, is also found in Tbilisi. You buy a ticket for 1 or 2 days, ride the bus all day, have an audio guide in your headphones, get out where you want, wait for the next one, and move on. A great inexpensive option for introverts :)

If you want gastronomic, photo, tasting or unusual excursions, look there.

If you don’t have a car and don’t plan to rent one, check out the excursions:

• and .

After this, you can go by minibuses from Avlabari station (they run constantly, you don’t need to buy tickets in advance) to the sea in Batumi. From there you can make a couple more excursion trips, which we will talk about a little further.

Car rental in Georgia

If you fly to Tbilisi, you don’t need a car to get around the city. But for your further journey you really need it.

Traveling around Georgia by car is the best way to get to know this stunning country. Of course, you can sign up for excursions or hire a driver with a car, but the pleasure of being “your own boss” cannot be compared with anything. And there is no need to look for 101 reasons why it is better not to drive in Georgia - all this is complete nonsense. In Georgia, you need to drive a car, even if not your own, but a rented one, otherwise you will either not see anything, or you will simply go broke on a taxi.

Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe - 50 km. You will walk around the fortress for about 1 hour. Further Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia is another 55 km. In Vardzia, in the parking lot, at the bottom of the complex, there is an absolutely wonderful restaurant with surprisingly low prices for a tourist place. We recommend.

In Vardzia you will walk for about 2 hours - all these stairs, passages... And back in the evening in Borjomi. Near Borjomi, stop by the Green Monastery, available on MapsMe. It is quiet and calm, lost in the forest. The remaining time in Borjomi will be enough for you to take a walk to the springs.

In the morning from Borjomi you can take the old train to Bakuriani (ski resort). The peculiarity of this train (besides the fact that it is old, the road is 100 years old) is that it moves along a very beautiful narrow-gauge railway passing through the forest. It is especially beautiful in autumn. The journey takes 2 hours 25 minutes. The fare costs 1 and 2 lari. A carriage for 2 GEL after repair. Payment to the conductor on the spot.

Schedule (check on the Georgian Railways website):

• Borjomi-Bakuriani: 07:15 - 09:40
• Bakuriani-Borjomi: 10:00 - 12:23;
• Borjomi-Bakuriani: 10:55 - 13:21;
• Bakuriani-Borjomi: 14:15 - 16:32

Upon returning to Borjomi, get in the car and head to Kutaisi.

Sights of Kutaisi and Imereti

Kutaisi is the capital of the Imereti region. Khachapuri is made with Imeretian cheese. Be sure to try different types of homemade cheese at the central market.

In the city itself, the main attraction is the Bagrati Temple. All other interesting places are located outside the city.

Where and for how long to stay in Kutaisi

If you are traveling according to our plan, we recommend that on the day of arrival you stop at the Bagrati Temple, visit the local market, and stroll around the city center, which was restored in 2010. The center starts from the territory of the Rustaveli Bridge and ends with a square with a beautiful fountain. This area includes the opera building, the park in front of it, laid on the right side of the street all the way to the White Bridge, a square with stone sculptures and Okros Chardakhi, the building of the residence of the Imeretian kings, located on the very bank of the Rioni River.

After spending one more night in Kutaisi, you leave in the morning and explore. If after a walk through the Okatse Canyon you realize that you don’t have the strength for further adventures, leave the Martvili Canyon for the next day.

Here is a very good, inexpensive guest house in the Martvili area, just 7 km from the Martvili Canyon. Don't be confused by the lack of a bathroom in the room. The entrance to the bathroom is right next to it. Our boring editor experienced absolutely no inconvenience. Very quiet, huge area, garden. Amazing hosts. We recommend ordering additional breakfast and dinner from them to try real, truly home-cooked food.

Svaneti - what to see in 2 days

From Martvil to Mestia, the capital of Svaneti, the most beautiful region of Georgia, 170 km. The road is great. There is a small section of concrete, but it is of very good quality, even if you drive a Smart.

By the way, in Svaneti you have to eat kubdari. Kubdari like the one in Svaneti is not made anywhere else in Georgia. Ask the Svans why their kubdari is the most delicious in Georgia.

The road is very beautiful; on the way you need to stop at the Inguri hydroelectric station. After turning off to the hydroelectric power station, you need to drive a little, leave the car in the parking lot, and then walk a little.

Where to stay in Mestia

We recommend Teo GuestHouse. Don’t let the steep ascent of the road scare you :) Pedal to the metal and go forward. Excellent rooms with both private and shared bathrooms await you. Svan tower right on the territory of the house. Amazing hosts, with a great sense of humor, who will tell you about the Svans, the history of the region, traditions and customs. There is an excellent restaurant nearby, a 5-minute walk - very tasty and inexpensive. By the way, the chacha they serve there is very good, we recommend taking it home with you, I’ll pour 0.5-1 liters into bottles for you there.

Remember that you can export as much alcohol as you like from Georgia, but you can only import 3 liters of alcohol per passenger into Russia.

Near the guesthouse in one of the houses the hostess makes Svan salt. We recommend buying there (we bought 2 kg ourselves and didn’t regret it). Ask the hosts of the guest house, they will tell you.

Sights of Svaneti

People come to Svaneti all year round. In winter, for a ski holiday in the Hatsvali resort. In summer, spring and autumn it is a great place for easy hikes.

The trek to the Chaaldi glacier is very simple - there are no drops, the road goes through the forest, along the shore, and a small section through the stones. Even children are coming. Important!!! Under no circumstances should you come close to the glacier or stand under it. Ice blocks and stones roll down constantly and unnoticeably. 3 days before our trip, one tourist died there while trying to take a spectacular selfie. Approaching the glacier, you will understand where the very place is, beyond which you do not need to go.

Getting to the Chalaadi Glacier is easy. MapsMe knows the parking lot, from where there is one direct road across the bridge. The entire walk will take you 2-3 hours. If you don’t have a lot of free days, you can leave the trek to Chalaadi for the day of departure - take a walk in the morning and go to Batumi.

The trek to Lake Koruldi is more difficult. The total journey will take you about 8 hours. There are excursions on horseback. Find out at the guest house, they will tell you.

The village of Ushguli is the same postcard views of Svaneti. It is not recommended to get to Ushguli by car. But it’s also expensive to take a tour, since there’s nothing to talk about there. In Mestia, as well as in Stepantsminda, you can buy a seat in a car that will take you there and back. The guest house where you are staying will help you organize such a trip. Or just look for these signs on the square in Mestia - these are the offices of travel agencies that take you to different cities. If there are few passengers, you will go by jeep, if there are many by Mitsubishi Delica.

It's time to tell you about Georgia . My previous articles were a preface to this chapter.

Let me remind you, to get into it from , we had to drive through Adygea, Stavropol Territory, Kabardino-Balkaria and North Ossetia - Alania .

• Why couldn’t it be possible to drive along the Black Sea coast?
• What passports do you use to cross the border in Georgia and do you need a visa?
• Is it worth going to Georgia by car?

If you are planning a trip to Georgia and you have these and other similar questions, this article is just for you.

Georgia: instructions for use

In this article I want to talk about why tourists go to Georgia in general, how you can get to Georgia, what are the pros/cons of each method, whether a visa is needed, and also give general information: about prices, about the features of this country in terms of food, accommodation, etc. So that in the next articles, when I talk about the sights of Georgia, I will be less distracted by this.

So let's start with this: What is the most convenient way to get to Georgia?

How to get to Georgia: three legal ways and one illegal

Let's start with the legal methods. Option number one - by plane . The simplest and also the most expensive. There are most flights to Tbilisi, but there are also flight options to Batumi or Kutaisi. The cheapest way is to fly from Moscow, of course, and there are quite a lot of flights at any time of the year. A couple of airlines also fly from St. Petersburg.

The regions, as always, are less fortunate: even if there is a direct flight, the prices are such that you’ll think twice about it. From Sochi, for example, there is a direct flight to Tbilisi, but the price is about 13,000 rubles round trip! And the flight is only an hour!

The only advantage of this option is the speed of movement. But, in principle, if you just want to have a pleasant weekend in Tbilisi or Batumi, then this option is quite suitable for you. And then, perhaps, it is much easier for you to buy a ready-made package tour to Georgia. Did you know that sometimes a trip costs less than a regular flight ticket? Moreover, the price of the tour includes flights, accommodation, transfer, insurance and meals of your choice. Choose one of the ready-made options >>here<<

But if you, like us, like to see the country in detail, with feeling, sensibly, with an arrangement, then you will most likely choose option number two — travel to Georgia by car . I thought about why more and more tourists choose to travel by car in this article -. We have liked this option more and more in recent years. This is how we explored the whole .

And now the turn has come Georgia. This country was not chosen by chance:

• Russians do not need a visa to visit, they only need a valid passport;
• the climate is excellent;
• the selection of ancient monuments is rich;
• food and wine delight travelers;
• sea, mountains, ancient culture and good infrastructure.

What's not an ideal place for a vacation?

It would also be possible to get to Georgia from Sochi by sea: “comets” run from the port of Sochi to Batumi. And this option number three could be recommended, but... The cost of a trip by sea is comparable to the price of air tickets, and hanging out at sea for about 10 hours on an old boat is not a pleasant prospect. Our friends tried all the delights of this option in August - what a pleasure it was! Instead of the stated 5 hours, they sailed to Batumi for all 10! It was stormy, they say...

So we chose the option of driving our own car. The arguments in its favor, in addition to the fact that the car gives freedom of movement throughout the country, were as follows:

• Unlike a number of other CIS countries, you do not need to take out any additional car insurance to enter Georgia
• incredibly beautiful views and Trans-Ajar highway who have already won our hearts in absentia
• Although the territory of Georgia is small, if you set a goal to see as many places as possible in one trip, then you simply can’t do it without a car

The only unpleasant moment is the price of gasoline in Georgia. For some reason, it’s so expensive here - from 50 to 70 rubles per liter!

Why can’t you go to Georgia through Abkhazia? I’ve been asked this question more than once or twice... Yes, damn it, it would be ideal: leave Krasnaya Polyana in the morning, in 40 minutes be on the border with Abkhazia, another three or four hours on the territory of Abkhazia, and - voila! - after lunch we would already be in Georgia... But no, this option is still from the realm of fantasy. More precisely, you can get to Georgia this way, but only once. This is the one illegal way.

The whole point is that by trying to penetrate Georgia through Abkhazia, you are violating the Law of Georgia on Occupied Territories. After all, it is only for us, citizens of Russia, that Abkhazia is a sovereign state. And from the point of view of Georgia, Abkhazia is a part of Georgia (by the way, radically minded citizens never tire of writing comments under every video of mine about Abkhazia...) In general, according to the laws of Georgia, as soon as you set foot on the territory of Abkhazia, The passport must have a Georgian stamp. But, as you might guess, there are no Georgian border guards on the border between Russia and Abkhazia, and there is no one to give you a Georgian stamp. Accordingly, your entry into the territory of Georgia will be considered illegal with all that it entails... Do you need such problems on vacation? Not for us.

That’s why we took this whole intricate route: Sochi - Tuapse - Maykop - Lagonaki - Pyatigorsk - Vladikavkaz. We don’t regret it at all, because we saw a bunch of different interesting places. You can read the following articles about this from me:

In this regard, our road from Sochi to Georgia lasted almost a week. Although strictly speaking, the distance between Sochi and Tbilisi - which is 960 km - can be covered in one day. But that wouldn't be interesting, would it? ;-)

In general, regarding the section of the road that passes through Russia, I can say the following:

• The roads are quite good, and from Nalchik to Vladikavkaz they are simply gorgeous!
• on the stretch between Pyatigorsk and Nalchik there are several checkpoints where almost every car is checked, especially with license plates from another region. The whole procedure boils down to opening the trunk and doors of the car and a separate check of documents at the guard booth. Here the inspectors are only interested in your documents and documents for the car. The documents are searched through the database, we were not asked any questions. The purpose of these checks, as I believe, is to suppress the illegal entry into Russia of foreign citizens and stateless persons from neighboring countries, as well as to detect the transportation of weapons, etc. How long ago did you want the Caucasus to cease to be a hot spot?

Route around Georgia for 10-12 days

Initially we planned to spend 2 weeks in Georgia. But at the end of our trip the weather worsened, and the number of days was slightly reduced. Although in general they completed their program.

So, we got this route: crossing the border to Upper Lars - Kazbegi (Stepanatsminda) - Gudauri - Tbilisi - Sighnaghi - Kvareli - Telavi - Mtskheta - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe - Batumi - Kobuleti - Ureki - Samtredia - Kutaisi — and departure back to Russia via .

This is based on the main milestones. There were also small towns and villages along the route. But I’ll tell you right away - there was a travel schedule too dense, in fact it was not a vacation, but a rather vigorous motor rally. Not a single day of aimlessly wandering around the city. Not a single day of lying on the beach. This probably won't suit everyone.

Crossing the border

Russians do not need a visa to visit Georgia. But you need a valid passport.

So, you can legally enter Georgia by land only through the Verkhniy Lars checkpoint, which is located 30 km from Vladikavkaz. About 100 meters before the checkpoint itself, we pulled into a line of cars: cars separately, trucks in their own lane. We stood in this line for about 15 minutes. Actually, crossing the border took us exactly an hour: first, customs and inspection of the vehicle by the Russian side, then passport control by the Georgians.

In the summer, they say, the queues are much longer, people stand for 4-5 hours. And in winter, Vekhniy Lars is often closed due to heavy snowfalls. So we went at the best time - early autumn.

Already at the entrance to the checkpoint, the landscapes outside the window looked promising.

And after crossing the border, when we drove along, the roof began to slowly move away from the indescribable beauty that I wanted to shoot with everything I could get my hands on:

So in terms of impressions, the road justified itself 100% and even more.

Only in Georgia itself we were upset by our navigator: he either shamelessly lied about how long it would take to get from point A to point B, or led us into the oncoming lane onto a one-way street, or even laid out a route through pedestrian zones or to such dead streets:

In Tbilisi, we simply got tired of getting lost based on his “tips” and simply threw him out of the car and turned him off out of harm’s way.

Myths and legends about Georgia, as well as facts

Before I talk about which of the common stereotypes about Georgia is true and which is untrue or skillful marketing, let’s figure this out.

Why do people go to Georgia at all?

Excellent movie "Love with an Accent" director Rezo Gigineishvili, released in 2012, basically shows all the top places in Georgia, for which it is actually worth going there: stunning views of the mountains around, panoramas of beauty, charming streets, parks and skyscrapers of Batumi...

In fact, this film has become the best advertisement for the tourism wealth of Georgia. And the touching love stories that are played against the backdrop of these landscapes seem to hint that ANYTHING is possible in Georgia! So is it any wonder that already in 2013, Georgia quickly became one of the top summer tourist destinations? And continues to stay on top for the fifth year in a row! So it's there Something like this , don't you think?

So, tourists usually go to Georgia to:

• see countless architectural monuments of antiquity and modernity,
• join the vibrant Georgian culture (music, dance),
• taste famous Georgian wines,
• taste dishes of no less famous Georgian cuisine,
• admire the beautiful mountain scenery,
• swim in the gentle Black Sea,
• and of course fall in love: with each other, with a stranger, with this country)

Some of this works out for them, some they don’t. Everything is individual here. In the next paragraph I will tell you which moments came true in Georgia and which did not.

Our impressions of the trip to Georgia

In general, impressions of any country largely depend on tourists’ preparedness for the trip. We prepared for the trip mentally and financially, read blogs, and studied travel sites. There was a lot of information, perhaps even too much. Part of it has been confirmed, but we are not ready to agree with part of it.

From what has been confirmed:

• responsiveness and hospitality of the local population: the solution to your problem (if it arises) involves almost everyone who you turn to: the owners of guest houses and hotels, passers-by on the street, workers at a construction site;
• the beauty of nature and architecture: Georgia can truly claim to be an open-air museum;
• a friendly attitude towards Russian tourists (and tourists in general) and an atmosphere of safety (compared to Abkhazia, for example, there was no unpleasant feeling that you were looked at as a bag of money, while some people were not averse to shaking you if possible).

What turned out to be wrong or not quite as travel bloggers and guidebooks wrote:

• many inexpensive accommodation options. Lies! If you are ready to live in strange hostels with 5 more roommates, and one shared toilet and shower, then yes, there are plenty of such options here. But even then - only in big cities like Tbilisi or Batumi. Hotels are incredibly expensive - the most modest hotel room in the middle of nowhere will cost around 2000-2500 rubles per night. Closer to the center - already 5000-6000 rubles, and this is not some kind of Marriott-Radisson-Parkinn, but an ordinary old hotel, with modest rooms and furniture.

Therefore, the most popular accommodation option in Georgia is guest houses. It's more comfortable than a hostel and cheaper than a hotel.

In this video I show what it is guest house in Georgia:

There are still options to look for private apartments for rent. But we lived in each city for no more than 2 nights, and therefore this was not suitable for us in principle.

The following statement that we often came across regarding Georgia:

• in Georgia you can eat inexpensively and very tasty ;

This was our biggest disappointment. Firstly, prices. For the most modest snack in a simple restaurant, prepare at least 1200-1500 rubles for two. It will be a salad or soup and a main course, without wine. A meal with wine will cost between 1500-2000 rubles. If it’s cheap, then who’s yelling that it’s expensive to vacation in Sochi?

And okay, to hell with them, with prices. But somehow we categorically did not like what we were offered all this time under the guise of Georgian cuisine. Almost every restaurant insistently recommended kebabs or khachapuri or khinkali to us. In short, meat, dough or dough with meat. Vegetables? Well, then look at the vegetable salad. That's all! No, I can eat shish kebab and even khinkali, but not 3 times a day, 7 days a week! Cheese? For mercy, but for the money it costs in Georgia, I’d rather buy French “stinkers”... Fish and seafood? Look on the menu, but there is no guarantee what will be available.

In short, when on the third day I got tired of chewing cucumber and tomato salads, I ordered mushroom soup. And they brought me such a boiling, fatty “batch” with a ton of greens and three floating mushrooms that I simply resigned myself to the fact that Georgian cuisine is not for me. Although, for the sake of fairness, I note that khinkali in Georgia are cheaper than in Sochi. But for me these are still banal dumplings.

No, we tried to find the places where the locals themselves eat. But, firstly, there are very few such places in Georgia (apparently all the locals prefer to eat at home), and secondly, even there the choice was between lula kebab and shawarma.

So I had to simply go shopping and cook my own food. And it's more reasonable for the money. Unless you go to small shops for groceries. The most normal option for dinner we had was this: fresh pita bread, vegetables and fruits, dessert and... a bottle of wine.

In short, there was no gastronomic holiday for us in Georgia.

About money

Yes, I almost forgot. The money in Georgia is their own, Georgian - lari. 1 lari = 25 rubles. You can travel with both dollars and euros.

Exchangers are often found in tourist places, but much less often in non-tourist places. The exchange rate at different points can vary quite significantly, by 10-20%.

The first time we changed money was already in Tbilisi, in the large shopping center “Tbilisi Mall”. The course there was normal. Then I came across a more profitable one, but it depends on your luck.

About shopping

Don't expect much good shopping in Georgia. All branded clothing and shoes are more expensive than in Russia. We were pleased only with the Turkish WAIKIKI (often bought clothes for myself and children in these stores in Turkey) and the Turkish KOTON (also clothes and shoes).

By the way, a little more about food: Georgian McDonald's turned out to be the most expensive of all the places I have ever visited.

About cellular communications

An unpleasant moment was the purchase of a local SIM card from the Beeline operator in Tbilisi. We basically only needed good internet from her, and rarely the telephone connection itself. There were no problems with communication, but the Internet worked very poorly! Even in the city centers, the Internet was slow, and we could not get directions, book a night at a hotel, etc.

Then they asked the locals why there were such problems with the Internet. They recommended taking SIM cards from Georgian operators, not international ones.

Again about traveling by car in Georgia

So, looking ahead, I will say: you can and should go to Georgia by car. Even despite the expensive gasoline. Just download a normal navigator (not Russian). And don't break traffic rules. The locals themselves periodically violate them, but the Abkhaz reckless drivers are like walking to China.

Police officers in Georgia are simply the eighth wonder of the world. They always drive with the “chandelier” on (no sound). And if they see that someone is messing up on the road (parking in the wrong place or in the wrong way, not following the lane, etc.), they will give him a warning first, rather than running happily to write out a violation report...

There are no problems with parking in Georgia either. In any, even a very popular tourist place, you can always park properly, and absolutely free. After the resorts of the Krasnodar region, such expanse is simply a balm for the soul.

Well, it seems like I told you all the main points about the trip to Georgia today. This is technical information, so to speak. For practically minded people. And in the next posts I will give you “lyrics” - about beautiful Georgian cities and amazing places. So subscribe to our newsletter so you don't miss their release.

How much will a trip to Georgia cost on your own in 2019? Let's find out where it is better to go on a gastronomic trip, where you must visit and how much money to take for entertainment. We will select the best hotels for your vacation, find inexpensive plane tickets, what are the prices for food and food in stores.

If you are planning to fly to Georgia on your own, then you need to know a few key points about organizing your trip: how insurance and visas are issued for Russians, what air travel options and transfer methods are available, where and how much accommodation costs, how much pocket money you need, etc. d.

Aviasales will help you find cheap flights; it actually compares prices in all search engines and shows only the best offers, you can be sure, verified by personal travel experience.

A good holiday in Georgia on your own begins with planning and studying flight options. Today, tourists have access to flights from a large number of airlines. Planes fly to Georgia daily from all airports of the Russian capital (Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo). The main final stops are airports in cities such as Tbilisi and Batumi.

• Khachapuri in Adjarian style - $3-7;
• Khinkali - 0.3 $; per piece
• Kebab - 4 $;
• Kubdari pie – $2.5;
• Salads – $2-5;
• Wine – $3/liter;
• Beer – $1.5/0.5 liters;
• Drinks – 0.5-1 $.

It is worth noting that the availability of food in cafes and restaurants is confirmed by numerous reviews of independent trips to Georgia. The most budget-friendly food option, as in other countries of the world, remains self-cooking.

Prices in restaurants:

• Lunch in an inexpensive restaurant in Tbilisi for one tourist – $5.60,
• Mid-class restaurant with lunch for two (three courses) – $18.66,
• McDonalds (other chains) – $4.48,
• Homemade beer (0.5 l draft) – $1.12,
• Imported beer (0.33 l bottle) – $1.49,
• Cappuccino (regular) – $1.54,
• A glass of Pepsi (0.33 liters) – $0.41,
• Water (0.33 liters) – $0.18.

Buying groceries in Georgia is not difficult, since in all areas of Tbilisi and Batumi there are a huge number of chains of 24-hour supermarkets, shops, and markets.

Product cost:

• Milk (1 liter) – $1.17,
• Fresh white bread (550 g) – $0.33,
• White rice (1 kg) – $0.94,
• Eggs (10 pieces) – $1.30,
• Local cheese (1 kg) – $3.53,
• Chicken breasts (1 kg) – $3.28,
• Beef (1 kg) – $5.51,
• Apples (1 kg) – $0.89,
• Bananas (1 kg) – $1.30,
• Oranges (1 kg) – $1.20,
• Tomatoes (1 kg) – $0.91,
• Potatoes (1 kg) – $0.43,
• Onion (1 kg) – $0.45,
• Water (1.5 l bottle) – $0.37,
• Bottle of wine – $4.48,
• Homemade beer (0.5 l) – $0.81,
• Imported beer (0.33 liters) – $1.17.

Find out everything you need to know about organizing an independent trip to Georgia! How to go? What documents are needed? What to see in Georgia? Tips, prices in 2019, ways to get there, vacation reviews for 2018.

Until recently, Georgia was considered an almost exotic destination - few people went there or even planned to go there. Now the Internet is full of tourist reviews, guides to the country and beautiful photographs. Georgia has become one of the most visited countries by Russian tourists! This is both good and bad: on the one hand, the infrastructure is developing, there are many flights, on the other hand, you will have to put up with a huge number of other tourists, especially in the summer.

Our experience. We had been planning an independent trip to Georgia for a long time, but from year to year our attention was drawn by this handsome man, this, that. In February 2019, we finally got to Georgia - we flew to Tbilisi for a few days. We liked! Now we are making plans for a big trip around Georgia in our car. In this review we will share with you our experience, tips and plans.

Exchange rate: 1 Georgian lari (GEL) ≈ 23 RUB.

Documents for travel to Georgia

What documents are needed to travel to Georgia? Everything is very simple here: Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians do not need a visa if their stay in the country does not exceed 1 year. A foreign passport, of course, is needed for a trip to Georgia; it must be valid for the entire duration of the trip and should not contain Abkhaz stamps (otherwise there will be problems, so enter using an internal passport).

Insurance- this is not a mandatory item at all, but for your peace of mind we advise you to arrange it on the websites or. They compare prices from all major insurance companies. You can choose a policy according to the parameters you need and the best price. We always take out insurance.

Trip to Georgia: how to get there on your own

By plane

An airplane is the easiest way to come on vacation to Georgia. Tickets are very cheap - many airlines fly to Georgia, competition is good, so prices are low. Pobeda also flies - usually it has the best prices. Flights to Tbilisi from Moscow, as well as from many other Russian cities, are direct. Tickets from Moscow, Perm, Yekaterinburg, Rostov-on-Don cost 5-10 thousand rubles in both directions without luggage.

An idea for lovers of interesting independent travel and challenging routes: fly to Georgia on flights of the classy Azal airline with a long layover in Baku and also see the beautiful Old City of Baku during daylight hours.

By car

An independent trip to Georgia by car is a completely different format of travel. In some cases, it is not as comfortable as a flight, and, undoubtedly, longer and more tiring, but how many impressions you will get, how many secluded corners you can visit! The Georgian Military Road alone is worth it. We want to go there by car. We generally love traveling in our car, especially around the Caucasus.

Can't come by your own car? Rent a car! It's simple and inexpensive. - reliable and convenient service. Choose a car to suit your taste and budget - there is a wide choice. Car rental costs from $23 per day. Do you have any questions? The Russian-speaking support service will help you with everything.

Housing prices in Georgia

Finding accommodation to suit every taste and budget in Georgia is very easy! There are a lot of options. We advise you to choose not just an ordinary hotel, but accommodation in a national style - believe me, you will especially enjoy your trip to Georgia. This is exactly what we did for our holiday.

Book in advance. If your trip to Georgia is planned for the summer or for holidays (New Year, May), be sure to book accommodation in advance, preferably a couple of months in advance. First of all, this concerns the Black Sea resorts and Tbilisi itself. This way you can get the best option in terms of price/quality ratio, and not be content with what is left free. We remind you: A LOT of tourists come to Georgia.

Look for hotels with discounts on the Rumguru service. This way you won’t wander around the city with your luggage looking for the best option, and you’ll save time and money. However, if you are ready to bargain and like to take risks, you can try to find options the old fashioned way - on the spot. But, to be honest, I don’t understand who else does this and why.

Live in an apartment. The best way to make your trip to Georgia pleasant and memorable is to rent a cozy apartment in national style. Highly recommended! By the way, for a family or group of friends it will be both cheaper and more convenient than staying in a hotel. Look for cool apartments and rooms on Airbnb.ru - there is a huge selection of housing for every taste and budget.

Do you want to experience the famous Caucasian hospitality? Stay in guest houses - as a rule, this name hides either rooms in the owner's house or in a separate one next door. The bathroom is often shared. A warm welcome, homemade wine and a lot of communication are guaranteed.

Want to save money? It is better to refrain from vacationing in Georgia during the high season (July and August), as prices rise significantly. We flew to Georgia at the end of February: prices were the lowest, there were few tourists, and the weather was already spring.

Food prices in Georgia - 2019

Delicious Georgian cuisine is one of the main reasons why tourists love this country. Many people come here just for all these khinkali, khachapuri and kebabs! According to reviews from all tourists who vacationed in Georgia, food prices are quite reasonable, and cooking on your own while on vacation is not always cheaper than eating in a cafe.

Portions are often very large(with some exceptions), you can order half portions - check this if you are not ready for a large meal. Sometimes the waiters even warned us that the portion would be large and asked if we would like to order a smaller one.

Our average bill in a cafe in Tbilisi - 25-35 GEL for two. These are two or three main courses, tea or lemonade, and dessert. In most cafes and restaurants, a service charge of 10-15% is added to the order amount.

Prices in cafes in Georgia in 2019:

• Adjarian khachapuri - from 6 GEL;
• khinkali, 1 pc. - 0.5-0.7 GEL;
• eggplants with nuts - 5-7 GEL;
• lobiani and kubdari - 4-7 GEL;
• kebab, skewer - 6-10 GEL;
• coffee and hot chocolate - 2-3.5 GEL;
• tea - 1.5 GEL;
• water "Borjomi" - 1 GEL.

Product selection in supermarkets Large cities are about the same as in Russia, you can find anything (which cannot be said about small villages). Vegetables and fruits are usually cheaper to buy either at markets or in supermarkets. Prices in single stalls on the streets are usually overpriced. Many products are brought to Georgia from Russia, even labels with information are in Russian, so in the store you will feel like you are in your own Pyaterochka.

Approximate food prices in stores in 2019:

• milk (1 l) - up to $1.5;
• bread (500 g) - from 0.2 to 0.4 $;
• local cheese (kg) - $2-4;
• eggs (12 pcs) - $1.2-1.6;
• bottle of wine - $3-6;
• water (1.5 l) - $0.3-0.5;
• bananas (kg) - $1.2-2;
• apples (kg) - $0.6-1.2;
• figs (kg) - from $0.8;
• grapes (kg) - about $3;
• oranges (kg) - $0.6-1.7.

If you're not afraid baking, then one meal, for example, when sightseeing, can be replaced by eating khachapuri (or something else tasty) on the go - tasty, cheap, fast, satisfying. Georgians themselves willingly buy baked goods from local bakeries.

What to see on your own in Georgia

Georgia seems like a small country only on the map. In fact, there are a lot of interesting places here. In addition, the country is mountainous, so moving around it takes a lot of time.

It’s difficult to advise what to see in Georgia on your own, especially in just a few days or a week. We will list the places that we have taken note of for ourselves, and based on the list, you can create routes that suit your interests and timing.

Places worth seeing on an independent trip to Georgia:

1. First of all this Georgian Military Road- they say it is one of the most picturesque in the world. We are big fans of mountain roads, so this is the most interesting attraction for us. If you go on a trip to Georgia in your own car, then your route will run along this road.
2. Tbilisi. We've already been here. We advise you to look not only, but to visit the cozy courtyards and magnificent ceremonial cities - for us this was a real discovery, it was for them that we fell in love with Tbilisi.
3. Batumi- the main Black Sea resort of Georgia. Read more about.
4. Kutaisi and Imereti in general.
5. Vardzia Monastery.
6. Kakheti- wine-growing region. The cities of Sighnaghi and Telavi, Gremi castle, numerous monasteries.
7. - it’s better to go here by SUV for a few days (only in summer).
8. Svaneti.
9. And much more.

Don’t try to see all of Georgia at once in one trip - you won’t be able to do it anyway, and constant travel will simply exhaust you. It’s better to carefully work out several routes and come to the country several times.

Our budget: how much does a trip to Georgia cost?

We spent three full days in the Georgian capital. We lived in the Old Town. The program for our first visit to Georgia was simple and uncomplicated - we walked around the city all day, looked for and studied its wonderful front doors and courtyards, ate plenty of national food, went out of town only once - to Mtskheta for half a day.

In Tbilisi you can pay by card almost everywhere, so you hardly need cash. I only exchanged $15 to pay for transportation. In general, exchangers are everywhere here.

Budget for our trip for two for three days:

• Air tickets Perm-Tbilisi for a direct Pobeda flight with luggage one way - 9,400 rubles.
• Apartment - 5150 rubles.
• Bus from the airport and back - 2 lari (50 rubles).
• Metro - 2 lari (50 rubles).
• Minibus to Mtskheta and back - 4 lari (100 rubles).
• Food in a cafe - 4400 rubles.
• Groceries in supermarkets - 450 rubles.
• A bottle of Kindzmarauli wine - 900 rubles.

In total, we spent three days in Tbilisi 11000 rubles excluding tickets. The budget for one day for two is 3,700 rubles.

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.

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 budget-friendly (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). In 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 sakhli.

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– 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. 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. They usually eat it 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.

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.

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 here in abundance. It is unforgivable to come to Georgia and not get to know Tbilisi.

A guide to Tbilisi can be studied

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- 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 the traffic on the roads of Georgia 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. You can rate this article: