Georgia, a small country that was once part of the Soviet Union, offers a wide range of attractions: cities with a European feel, lush forests, snow-capped mountains, stunning waterfalls, deep canyons, historical landmarks, and even beaches.
We recently spent eight days in Georgia as part of a Caucasus tour. Here’s a guide based on my experience, with some tips for fellow travellers.
About Georgia
Georgia is a landlocked country, sharing borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Turkey. After gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the country has been at a crossroads, debating whether to move closer to Europe or maintain ties with Russia. Ironically, it lost two provinces to Russia during its last war.
By the way, Joseph Stalin, the infamous dictator who ruled the Soviet Union for nearly three decades, was born in Georgia!
Entry and Visa Formalities
For detailed information on entry and visa requirements, please refer to my dedicated post on this topic.
Suggested Itinerary for Georgia
If you’re planning a trip to Georgia, don’t rush it. We stayed for eight days and felt that it wasn’t enough. I’d recommend spending at least two weeks to truly explore the country. A typical itinerary could look like this:
- Tbilisi: 2-3 days
- Kazbegi: 3-4 days
- Kutaisi: 2-3 days
- Mestia: 2-3 days
- Batumi: 2-3 days
Our 8-Day Itinerary
Given our limited time, we focused on three main areas: Tbilisi, Kazbegi, and Kutaisi. Here’s how our trip went:
- Day 1: Arrived in Tbilisi from Yerevan, Armenia. Visited Mtskheta in the evening.
- Day 2: Sightseeing in Tbilisi, including an evening walking tour to learn more about Georgia.
- Day 3: Traveled to Kazbegi. Visited the Russian border and Gveleti Big Waterfall.
- Day 4: Full-day hike to Gergeti Glacier.
- Day 5: Full-day hike in Truso Valley.
- Day 6: Traveled from Kazbegi to Kutaisi. Explored Kutaisi in the evening.
- Day 7: Visited Prometheus Cave, Okatse Canyon, and Martvili Canyon.
- Day 8: Returned to Tbilisi Airport, stopping at Katskhi Pillar, Chiatura, Stalin Museum in Gori, and Jvari Monastery.
Getting Around Georgia
Public Transport in Tbilisi
Tbilisi has a well-developed public transport system, including buses and metros. You can either buy travel cards or use a credit card to get around.
YandexGo
For taxis, the YandexGo app is very convenient and much cheaper than regular taxis.
Intercity Transport
Georgia has a vast network of mini-vans known as Marshrutkas. These vans, a remnant of the Soviet era, leave when full or at scheduled times. They are the cheapest way to travel but can be uncomfortable due to limited legroom and overcrowding.
Tbilisi’s Didube bus station can be confusing, but locals are very helpful if you ask for directions.
Organized Day Tours
If you’re looking to explore tourist spots without the hassle, organized day tours are a great option. We used GetYourGuide to book tours to Prometheus Cave, Okatse Canyon, and Martvili Canyon in Kutaisi, and the experience was smooth.
Car with a Driver
The most expensive option, but it gives you the flexibility to stop where you want. We found GoTrip to be reliable for booking cars online. We hired a car for the journey from Kutaisi to Tbilisi Airport, allowing us to stop at Katskhi Pillar, Chiatura, Gori, and Jvari Monastery along the way.
Best Time to Visit Georgia
Your ideal time to visit depends on what you want to do. We visited in August for hiking in Kazbegi, but it was hot in the lower regions like Kutaisi and Tbilisi. The shoulder months of April/May and September/October might offer more pleasant weather. Be prepared for rain in the mountains at any time of the year.
Food in Georgia
Vegetarians can find options in Georgia. Indian restaurants are available in Tbilisi, Kazbegi, and Kutaisi, although they are not usually owned by Indians. Georgian cuisine also has many vegetarian dishes, and international fast food chains like Subway and McDonald’s are common in cities.
I misjudged portion sizes at times in Georgian restaurants —sometimes meals were too small, and other times I was overwhelmed by the amount of food. Georgia is known for its wine, but I personally loved their lemonade, which comes in colorful, fun bottles!
Accommodation
There are plenty of accommodations to suit all budgets in Georgia. We stayed in hostels and homestays and used Booking.com to reserve most of our stays.
Language
Georgian is the primary language, and its script can be difficult to read. English is not widely spoken but we didn’t face many communication barriers.
Currency
The local currency is the Georgian Lari (1 Lari ~= 30 INR). Currency exchange shops are easy to find in tourist areas, and cash is necessary for many hotels.
Final Thoughts
Georgia is a beautiful, affordable country with a rich history and stunning landscapes. Flights are reasonably priced, and the cost of living is much lower than in Europe, while the standard of living remains high. It’s a destination well worth visiting!
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