Georgia

Georgia sits between the Greater Caucasus and the Black Sea, with 8,000 years of winemaking, a distinctive alphabet and cuisine, and high mountain valleys reachable on rough roads. Tbilisi is cheap, walkable and increasingly well connected, and the country is small enough to combine mountains, wine country and coast in ten days. Shared minibuses cover most routes; 4x4 transfers are needed for the highest valleys.

Cities

Mestia

Mestia is the hub of Upper Svaneti, a valley of medieval stone defensive towers under 4,000 m peaks. It is the start of the four-day trek to Ushguli and of day walks to the Chalaadi and Koruldi lakes. Guesthouse half-board is standard and the local dialect and food differ noticeably from the lowlands.

Sighnaghi

Sighnaghi is a walled hill town in the wine region, looking across the Alazani valley to the Caucasus. Its 18th-century walls are largely intact and the town is small enough to walk in an hour, with cellars and family wineries in every direction. It is the easiest introduction to qvevri winemaking.

Tbilisi

Tbilisi runs along a narrow river gorge with sulphur bathhouses, carved wooden balconies and Soviet-era blocks all within a short walk. The old town, the Chronicle of Georgia and the Fabrika district cover very different sides of the city. It is one of the cheapest capitals in the region for eating out.

When to go

See all seasons

• Spring: Green lowlands; high mountain roads still closed by snow.
• Summer: Hot in Tbilisi, ideal in the Caucasus, all mountain roads open.
• Autumn: Grape harvest in Kakheti and the best hiking light of the year.

Entry & visas

Entry rules for this country aren't published here yet.

Always confirm entry rules with the official source before you book.