Picture this: You’re standing atop an ancient fortress, the wind whispering tales of centuries past through your hair. In one hand, you’re clutching a glass of amber wine made from grapes crushed in a qvevri buried deep in the earth. In the other, you’re holding a piece of khachapuri, its cheese still bubbling from the oven. The sun is setting over the Caucasus Mountains, painting the sky in hues that would make even the most talented artist weep with envy.
Where are you, you ask? No, not in some fantastical realm from a George R.R. Martin novel. You’re in Georgia, my friends – and no, I don’t mean the state where peaches grow and “y’all” is a standard greeting. I’m talking about the country of Georgia, a place where myth and reality intertwine like the tendrils of a grapevine, where hospitality isn’t just a virtue but a way of life, and where every meal is a celebration that would put your grandmother’s Thanksgiving dinner to shame.
Buckle up, fellow adventurers, because I am about to take you on a journey through a land that’s as intoxicating as its wine and as layered as its history. Get ready to discover 10 experiences in Georgia that will make you wonder why you didn’t book your ticket yesterday. Trust me, by the end of this post, you’ll be googling “how to say ‘cheers’ in Georgian” faster than you can say “supras are my new favorite thing.”
So, grab a glass of chacha (don’t worry, I’ll explain later), settle in, and let’s dive into the wonderfully weird and wildly beautiful world of Georgia. Gaumarjos! (That’s “cheers,” by the way. You’re welcome.)
Let’s kick things off with what might be Georgia’s greatest gift to humanity: the supra. Now, if you’re thinking this is just another word for “dinner party,” think again. A supra is a feast of epic proportions, a gastronomic marathon that will test the limits of your stomach and your ability to toast without slurring your words.
At the heart of every supra is the tamada, or toastmaster. This isn’t your college buddy who can chug a beer in 5 seconds flat. No, the tamada is a respected figure who guides the feast with eloquent toasts that touch on everything from love and friendship to the day’s political climate. It’s part performance art, part philosophical discourse, and entirely entertaining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sustainable Eating Tip: Many restaurants in Georgia are embracing the farm-to-table concept. Look for places that source their ingredients locally – it’s better for the environment and your taste buds!
Did you know that Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine? That’s right, these folks have been fermenting grapes for over 8,000 years. And they’re not about to let you forget it.
The heart of Georgia’s wine country is Kakheti, a region that’s basically Napa Valley on steroids. Here, you can visit traditional wineries where wine is still made in qvevri – large clay jars buried underground. It’s a UNESCO-recognized method that produces some seriously unique flavors.
Don’t Miss: A visit to the Alaverdi Monastery, where monks have been making wine since the 6th century. Talk about dedication to the craft!
Eco-Friendly Wine Tour: Book a bicycle wine tour through GetYourGuide.com. It’s a great way to explore the vineyards while minimizing your carbon footprint. Plus, you’ll burn off some of those wine calories!
Ah, Tbilisi. Georgia’s capital is like that cool, eccentric aunt who wears vintage Chanel with Doc Martens and somehow pulls it off. It’s a city where crumbling Art Nouveau buildings stand next to ultra-modern glass structures, and where you can soak in sulfur baths that have been around since the 5th century before hitting up a techno club that would make Berlin jealous.
Must-See Sights:
Sustainable Travel Hack: Tbilisi has an excellent public transportation system. Grab a Metromoney card for easy access to buses and the metro. It’s cheaper and more eco-friendly than taxis!
Ready for some jaw-dropping natural beauty? Head to Kazbegi, a town in the Caucasus Mountains that looks like it was plucked straight out of a fantasy novel. The star of the show here is Mount Kazbek, a dormant volcano that’s shrouded in myth and legend.
The highlight of any trip to Kazbegi is a visit to the Gergeti Trinity Church. Perched on a hill with Mount Kazbek looming behind it, it’s one of the most photographed spots in Georgia. And for good reason – it’s absolutely stunning.
Adventure Tip: Hire a local guide and hike up to the church. It’s a challenging trek, but the views are worth every drop of sweat.
Eco-Friendly Accommodation: Look for guesthouses on Booking.com that use renewable energy. Many places in Kazbegi are embracing solar power!
Imagine if Las Vegas and Miami had a love child, then dropped it on the coast of the Black Sea. That’s Batumi in a nutshell. This seaside city is a bizarre mix of belle époque architecture, modern skyscrapers, and kitsch attractions that somehow work together to create a uniquely charming destination.
Don’t Miss:
Sustainable Travel Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore Batumi. The city is flat and has excellent bike lanes, making it perfect for eco-friendly sightseeing.
If you’re looking to really get off the beaten path, head to Svaneti. This remote region in the northwestern part of Georgia is home to the Svan people, known for their unique culture, language, and iconic medieval tower houses that dot the landscape.
The main town in Svaneti is Mestia, which serves as a great base for hiking and exploring the surrounding villages. But the real gem is Ushguli, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s considered the highest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe.
Adventure Hack: Book a multi-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli through GetYourGuide.com. It’s challenging but offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery you’ll ever see.
Packing Tip: Bring sturdy hiking boots and plenty of layers. The weather in Svaneti can be unpredictable!
Just a short drive from Tbilisi lies Mtskheta, the ancient capital and spiritual center of Georgia. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the country’s most important religious landmarks.
The star attraction is the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, said to be the burial site of Christ’s mantle. The cathedral’s interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes, while the exterior features intricate stone carvings.
Don’t Miss: The Jvari Monastery, perched on a hill overlooking Mtskheta. The views from up here are spectacular, especially at sunset.
Sustainable Travel Tip: Take a marshrutka (shared minibus) from Tbilisi to Mtskheta instead of a private taxi. It’s cheaper, more eco-friendly, and a great way to meet locals!
Imagine a 12th-century city carved into the side of a mountain. Now imagine that city stretching over 500 meters and 19 levels high. That’s Vardzia for you – a cave monastery that’s as impressive as it is mind-boggling.
Built during the reign of Queen Tamar (who, despite the title, was actually a king – Georgian history is fun like that), Vardzia once housed up to 20,000 monks. Today, you can explore the caves, including the Church of the Dormition with its remarkable frescoes.
Travel Hack: Combine your visit to Vardzia with a stop at Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe. It’s a beautifully restored fortress that offers a great contrast to Vardzia’s rugged caves.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle. There are natural spring water fountains throughout Vardzia where you can refill.
You might recognize the name Borjomi from the mineral water bottles, but this small resort town in central Georgia is much more than just a source of bubbly water. Nestled in the Borjomi Gorge, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
The main attraction is Borjomi Central Park, where you can taste the famous mineral water straight from the source (warning: it’s an acquired taste). The park also has a cable car that takes you up to a plateau with stunning views of the surrounding forest.
Adventure Tip: Visit the nearby Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park for excellent hiking trails. You might even spot some wildlife!
Sustainable Accommodation: Look for eco-lodges in Borjomi on Booking.com. Many use sustainable practices and offer a more authentic experience than large hotels.
We’re ending our Georgian journey in Sighnaghi, a picturesque hilltop town in the Kakheti region that’s often called the “City of Love” (move over, Paris!). With its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and stunning views over the Alazani Valley, it’s easy to see why this town has stolen so many hearts.
Sighnaghi is surrounded by a historic wall with 23 towers, each offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It’s also home to some excellent wineries, where you can sample the local Saperavi wine.
Romantic Tip: Visit the Bodbe Monastery, just 2km from Sighnaghi. It’s the burial place of St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia, and has beautiful gardens perfect for a romantic stroll.
Eco-Friendly Activity: Join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Georgian dishes. It’s a great way to connect with local culture and support small businesses.
Now that we’ve covered the top 10 experiences in Georgia, let’s talk practicalities:
From the mountains of Svaneti to the beaches of Batumi, from the wine cellars of Kakheti to the cave monasteries of Vardzia, Georgia is a country that never ceases to amaze. It’s a place where tradition and modernity coexist in beautiful harmony, where the landscape is as diverse as the food is delicious, and where every visitor is treated like a gift from God (no, really – there’s a saying in Georgia that “guests are a gift from God”).
What struck me most about Georgia was its incredible resilience and warmth. Despite a history marked by invasions and occupations, the Georgian people have maintained their unique culture and identity. And they’re more than happy to share it with visitors – along with copious amounts of wine and chacha.
Remember, travel isn’t just about ticking off famous landmarks – it’s about immersing yourself in new cultures, trying new things (like drinking wine from a ram’s horn), and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And Georgia, with its unique charm and legendary hospitality, offers all that and more.
Until next time, this is Frank from A Tiny Traveler, signing off from a supra in Tbilisi, where I’m about to embark on my 15th toast of the night. Gaumarjos, and happy travels!
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