Georgia…the fragrant history of the South Caucasus

This country, located in the South Caucasus region between Asia and Europe, has many wonderful things to do and attractions that make it a good tourist destination. The prices are reasonable, the culture of the population is welcoming, the transportation options are excellent and cheap, and the city life is vibrant, in addition to the picturesque nature of amazing mountains and coastal resorts. There are many destinations in Georgia to choose from.

Georgia is bordered by the Black Sea to the west, Russia to the north, Turkey and Armenia to the south, and Azerbaijan to the east.

Tbilisi

Tbilisi is definitely the best city to visit in Georgia, and perhaps the first stop on your Georgia itinerary.

Every tourist who travels to Georgia will visit Tbilisi at some point; The city though is very popular among the traveling crowds.

It includes a charming old city located on the side of a dramatic cliff, giving the opportunity to see some wonderful views.

Tbilisi offers affordable, first-class dining options, a vibrant nightlife, plentiful high-quality accommodation, and many fascinating historical sites.

Ushguli

An area that includes a small group of villages located in the mountainous Caucasian region of Svaneti, it is one of the most wonderful places to visit not only in Georgia.

Dozens of ancient watchtowers guard the entrance to this surreal UNESCO World Heritage site, which is surrounded by majestic, jagged mountains.

It is important to know that Ushguli can only be reached via four-wheel drive vehicles on a single dirt road from Mestia, or via a four-day trip on foot for adventure lovers.

Batumi

The best cities to visit in Georgia are characterized by stunning modern architecture, an enormous and wonderful botanical garden, and a group of black pebbled beaches.

“Batumi Boulevard” is the pride of the city. This park was established in 1884 and extends for 7 kilometers, along the waterfront. It is one of the oldest parts of Batumi and one of the largest parks of this type in Europe.

The best way to explore Batumi Boulevard is either on foot or by renting a bicycle.

It is recommended to visit in Batumi the “Botanical Garden”, which is one of the largest botanical gardens in the region, and there are hiking trails within it, in addition to a series of places that provide panoramic views.

Batumi Botanical Garden was founded in 1912 and was the most important facility of its kind in the Soviet Union. The site, an area known as Mtsvane Kontskhe (Cape Verde), is located 12 kilometers north of the city center and can be easily reached by bus or taxi.

The gardens are located on a steep rise, but it ends with beautiful views of the Black Sea once you reach the top.

Mestia

The main city in the Svaneti region in the Caucasus Mountains; Although it is not as difficult to get there as going to Ushguli, it is not very easy, unless you can book a seat on one of the few flights, from Tbilisi to Mestia.

However, this stunning, but isolated, mountainous region is worth a visit, especially for hikers or trekkers, and there the visitor will find a unique culture.

After Georgia greatly promoted tourism to Svaneti, the small town of Mestia quickly turned into one of the country’s top tourist destinations, and is very popular.

Kutaisi

Although it is one of the largest cities in Georgia, Kutaisi seems incredibly small compared to Tbilisi.

However, the city is charming, and there are enough interesting things to do, so it is best to spend a night, or two. Additionally, Kutaisi is a great base for day trips to nearby wonders, such as the Martvili Valley.

One of the most famous landmarks in Kutaisi is the Colchis Fountain, and the fountain animals were chosen as enlarged models of archaeological artifacts, as they resemble a miniature museum located in the heart of the city.

Ananori

About 70 kilometers north of Tbilisi lies the stunning Ananuri Castle complex, an unmissable destination in Georgia for many tourists.

The 17th-century building has survived many attacks over the centuries, and stands in striking contrast to the Aragve River over which it overlooks. There you can climb one of the observation towers to get a unique view of the surrounding areas. Ananuri is easily explored on a day trip from Tbilisi, and is often combined with visits to Kazbegi, giving the visitor the opportunity to see many of Georgia’s best places in one day.

Oblastsky

Just an hour away from Tbilisi, and a few kilometers outside of Gori, is another Georgian point of interest: the stunning cave dwellings of Oblistiski.

It is one of the oldest settlements in Georgia, and the cave city was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kartli.

For those traveling to the western part of Georgia, it represents a wonderful stopping point during the trip.

A day trip to see the ruins of Georgia’s history can be made from Tbilisi by combining Obelistiski with a stop in Gori to visit the castle.

By Editor

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