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Georgia Travel Guide

The 4 reasons to go to in Georgia

Forget the ideas you may have about an old Soviet nation, made up of big, empty streets and sad rows of flats. Georgia's beautiful scenery and historical monuments, as well as the Georgians' warm welcome will surprise you.

1
Rich Cultural Heritage
2
Diverse Landscapes
3
Georgian Cuisine
4
Georgian Hospitality

1. Rich Cultural Heritage

Considered to be one of the first Christian countries in the world, Georgia is brimming with an absolutely breathtaking religious heritage. It's not uncommon for churches to date back to the 4th or 5th century- churches which, incidentally, gave rise to a very specific architectural style. Like their Armenian neighbours, Georgian churches have a style all their own. Georgia is also an architectural goldmine that rests midway between Eastern and Western aesthetics. The delicately carved wooden walkways run along the length of houses and overlook little gardens or courtyards.

2. Diverse Landscapes

It's hard to imagine that such a small country would have such diverse landscapes. Even though the surrounding area around of Tbilissi doesn't seem too extraordinary, it's a great place to get away from the city and step into another world. To the east are hills and forests. Between the trees, Georgians plant vines, which makes it all feel a bit like Italy. Even further east, the area becomes drier, signifying the beginning of the steppe. On the other hand, in the north, the Caucasus mountain range and its peaks (some of which stand at more than 5000 metres) offer breathtaking views. To the west, the Black Sea is close by, generating a sub-tropical climate which one would hardly expect in this part of the world. Finally, in the south, the landscape is once again dominated by forests with a few spa resorts here and there, among which is the famous Borjomi.

3. Georgian Cuisine

You might not see it coming but the discovery will certainly be a pleasant one. Georgia is a foodie's delight! It's a tall order to list the various dishes, which often have unpronounceable names. However, what we can do is say that Georgian cuisine is extremely diverse. With a variety ranging from cheese bread (khatchapuri), spicy beef stew with coriander (odjakuri) and the local ravioli (khinkali), you're sure to find a favourite. And the vegetarians need not worry as there are many entrees that are made up entirely of vegetables. In Georgia, you can also find traditionally produced wines (in clay pots) and the some 500 original varieties of wine are sure to pique your interest.

4. Georgian Hospitality

During your trip to Georgia, don't be surprised if your fellow patrons at a restaurant propose a toast to you or if strangers you've been chatting with invite you out for a meal.Hospitality is of primary importance in Georgian culture and Georgians seem to hold this value close to heart. That only serves to make the trip even more pleasant. Behind all their rich cultural heritage lies a kind people.

Customize your perfect trip to Georgia

Discover all our travel ideas for a trip in Georgia.

Design your perfect hiking tour with a local expert in Georgia

Hiking in Georgia

Design your perfect history tour with a local expert in Georgia

Historical sites in Georgia

Design your own Food and drink tour in Georgia

Food and drink tours in Georgia

All our tours in Georgia

When to go in Georgia?

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The best period for going to Georgia is from May to October. The temperatures are pleasant, and the weather is generally sunny, whereas winter is much colder. You should chose to go in September/October if you want to see the grape harvest in Kakheti.

Each month, a unique getaway

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aprilGeorgia in April

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juneGeorgia in June

julyGeorgia in July

augustGeorgia in August

septemberGeorgia in September

octoberGeorgia in October

novemberGeorgia in November

decemberGeorgia in December

What to see in Georgia?

Top places to discover.

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Prepare for your departure to in Georgia

Here is some of the practical information you'll need for a stay in Georgia.

What documents to travel to in Georgia?

For a stay in Georgia of twelve months or less, Europeans don't need a visa. When you enter the country, the customs officers will check that you have sufficient means of payment to cover the length of your stay and that you have taken out travel insurance.

You are strongly advised not to go to the separatist areas of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

For more information, see the government website.

Canadian citizens do not need visas for stays of less than 90 days.

Health advice

Before travelling to Georgia, it is important to take out health and repatriation insurance.

No vaccinations are compulsory but check that you are up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK.

There are hygiene measures which need to be taken, for example, only drink bottled water, wash your hands regularly and particularly before each meal.

Language

The official language is Georgian. Other languages such as Russian, Armenian and Kurdish, are also spoken.

Time difference

Georgia is 4 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 3 hours ahead in summer.

Phone and internet connection

The phone dialing code is +995

There are numerous cyber-cafés in the cities and the connections are quite good. The hotels usually have Wi-Fi or at least have a connection.

Electricity

The plug sockets are two-pin, like in France, so take an adapter.

British Embassy in Georgia

51 Krtsanisi St

Tbilisi 0114

Embassy of Georgia in UK

4 Russell Gardens

London W14 8EZ

Emergency number (Police, fire brigade, hospitals, ambulances): 112

What to pack for Georgia?