The best way to see Georgia is by driving through the country. You’ll pass by lush green valleys, a sprawling wine country, the\u00a0snow-capped Caucasus Mountains, thick forests, and black sand beaches \u2013 all located within a few hours\u2019 drive.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>Image via Amanda-Villa Lobos\/ goeatgive.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Walk around the capital of Tbilisi through its winding, narrow cobblestone streets, charming bazaars and caf\u00e9s offering local cuisine, drinks, and hookah. Spend a weekend at one of the lakeside resorts in the Kvareli region. Enjoy the romantic town of Sighnaghi, which offers picturesque views of the Alazani valley and even has a round-the-clock wedding chapel. Find a quiet spot along the beaches by the Black Sea, or gamble all night at a casino in Batumi.<\/p>\n
Looking for cheap flight deals to great domestic and international destinations? Check out these amazing low fares!<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Georgia adopted Christianity as a country in the 4th<\/sup> century and even today is predominantly Georgian Orthodox. It’s believed that Saint Nino carried a cross made of grape twigs from Cappadocia (in Turkey) to Georgia, converting many of the locals. The first Christian church in the country was built in Mtskheta, Georgia\u2019s oldest continuously inhabited city. Due to its historical significance and numerous ancient monuments, the \u201cHistorical Monuments of Mtskheta\u201d became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.<\/p>\n The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral here is said to house Jesus\u2019 robe that was recovered after his crucifixion. The cathedral has also played an important part as a site for the coronation and burial of the kings of Georgia.<\/p>\n Image via Amanda-Villa Lobos\/ goeatgive.com<\/p><\/div>\n About 45 miles away is Ananuri castle complex, another notable historic site that’s beautifully perched amidst turquoise river water and towering mountains.<\/p>\n The 14th<\/sup> century Holy Trinity Church near Gergeti village, located on a steep mountain cliff, is an iconic symbol of Georgia. It’s noted that, in times of danger, precious relics were brought here for safe keeping.<\/p>\n Image via Amanda-Villa Lobos\/ goeatgive.com<\/p><\/div>\n Vardzia<\/a>, a spectacular cave monastery stretching along the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain and which once housed 2,000 monks, is another must-see.<\/p>\n You can witness Georgia’s rich history in many such monasteries, churches, and cathedrals that are spread throughout the country.<\/p>\n Georgia is a great destination for those who are looking for active vacations on a budget. There are abundant opportunities for hiking, trekking, and skiing in the Caucasus. Drive through the Goderdzi Pass for high adrenaline off-roading, where you can also enjoy views of mountains covered with wildflowers, thick pine forests, and well preserved remote villages.<\/p>\n Image via Amanda-Villa Lobos\/ goeatgive.com<\/p><\/div>\n In Gudauri, you can rent a room at a traditional B&B including meals for $30\/night, while ski lift passes go for an average of $30\/day.<\/p>\n Another beautiful and much easier drive is on Georgia Military road that runs between\u00a0Tbilisi\u00a0(Georgia) and\u00a0Vladikavkaz\u00a0(Russia). Passing alongside the Aragvi River, you can enjoy beautiful views of fertile green valleys, crystal clear rivers, and majestic snow passes.<\/p>\n Many travelers enjoy the comforts of an upscale mountain lodge, like at Rooms Hotel Stepantsminda ($100-150\/night), before heading on to trek Mount Kazbek, the third-highest mountain in Georgia at 5,034 meters. Here, you can see snow-covered peaks year-round.<\/p>\n Kazbegi is also home to one of the world’s most spectacular marathon routes.<\/p>\n Every meal in Georgia is a feast, called Supra<\/em>. Fresh baked breads, assorted salads, and farmers’ cheese (called sulguni<\/em>) are staples. Then comes badrijan nigzit<\/em>, eggplant with walnut paste; khinkali<\/em>, drum shaped dumplings with soupy minced meat, cumin and pepper; or shashlik<\/em>, tender grilled pork.<\/p>\n Image via Amanda-Villa Lobos\/ goeatgive.com<\/p><\/div>\n The Georgian national dish is khachapuri —\u00a0<\/em>bread stuffed with cheese. While it\u2019s made differently across the country, the most popular one is adjarian<\/em>\u00a0khachapuri<\/em>, baked boat-shaped bread filled with gooey, melted, tangy\u00a0cheese, a whole egg yolk, and some slivers of butter.<\/p>\n Meals in Georgia last for several hours, with multiple shared plates and endless toasts. Dried and fresh fruits are always served for dessert. Of course, everything is fresh, locally grown, and oh so tasty!<\/p>\n Georgians have been making wine for at least 8,000 years in traditional methods by storing grapes (including skin and seed) in large clay barrels (known as kvevris<\/em>) underground.<\/p>\n As a result, the wine has a dense and robust flavor. This method has been listed in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. There are hundreds of varieties of indigenous grapes that aren\u2019t found anywhere else in the world.<\/p>\n Kakheti is the most fertile wine region in Georgia, known for Kindzmarauli<\/em>\u00a0wine, a semi-sweet red variety. There are several local wine makers in the area. Winery Khareba is one of the largest winemakers and offers factory tours where they take you through their cold underground granite cellars. Pheasant\u2019s Tears is an award-winning winemaker, producing artisanal natural wines, owned by an American-Georgian couple.<\/p>\n One of the monasteries I visited, Saint George Monastery of Alaverdi, has been making wines since 1011 AD<\/a> and the monks residing there still grow and sell their wine for $50\/bottle.<\/p>\n While in Georgia, also try Cha-Cha<\/em>, a local distilled alcohol made from wild grapes. Due to its high alcohol content (45-60%) it’s also called “Georgian vodka.”<\/p>\nAncient Sites With Interesting Stories<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/a>Tons of Fun for Outdoor Adventurers <\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Unbelievable Food<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a>A Very Old Wine Culture\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n