It is not difficult to organize a vacation in Georgia on your own. Even a novice traveler will easily make a route and travel plan, you just need to take into account some of the nuances to make your vacation as comfortable as possible. We will talk about them in this article ...

Prices in Georgia, how much money to take

A trip to Georgia can be both economical and incredibly expensive. It all depends on your financial capabilities! To name a specific figure and say: “This is definitely enough for you” or “It is necessary to take no less than ...” is not entirely correct. Therefore, I will tell you what costs you will have to face, and you yourself will calculate the final amount, agreed?

Flight Search

For myself and my family I am looking for tickets for Aviasales, he always finds flights at the best price.

How to look for housing

Accommodation costs eat up the lion's share of the vacation budget, so you should carefully look for it. To begin with, it is important to decide where you want to live: in a hotel, guesthouse or rent a private apartment.

The first two options are better to look for booking.com. Its advantages:

But unlike booking, airbnb offers private accommodation from owners: a room in a house or an entire apartment. That is, you will not find a hotel or hostel room here.

To calculate the cost of travel, you first need to plan the route. Made up? The next step is to decide on the type of transport you plan to travel with: taxi, hitchhiking, as part of excursion group or by bus/train.

1. With hitchhiking, everything is extremely simple - fellow travelers are picked up without problems and, as a rule, they do not take money from them. We ourselves have hitchhiked more than once, so I can safely recommend this method to those who are limited in finances.
2. With excursions, too, it seems like it’s easy. You can pay for the trip at one of the country's travel agencies or. In a previous article, I already told you how best. It describes the pros and cons of each method.
3. Find a personal transfer (taxi) upon arrival, or on the website
4. Buses and trains

• Regular buses (they are also minibuses) go to both large and small cities. Such transport is not comfortable, but inexpensive. Behind short trip(up to 2 hours on the way) you will pay no more than $4 if you travel across the country, the maximum that I have seen is $8.

The schedule of these buses changes frequently. In most cases, you will have to go to the bus station and find out the details on the spot.

• Private transport company. Differences from scheduled: travel is more expensive, new buses, travel only between major cities: Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi and. You can check the schedule, prices and pay for the fare online.
• Well, the train... Official site railroads are awfully inconvenient, so I look at the schedule and cost here. You can buy a ticket both online and at the railway ticket office at the station.

Food costs

Most cafes and restaurants offer menus at affordable prices. The average check we got was $ 14-17 for two for 2-4 dishes + wine. You can eat both more expensive and more budget. I repeat - it all depends on your desire and capabilities. This, probably, is the beauty of a trip to Georgia - a tourist with any wallet will not remain hungry.

Based on our costs, this is what comes out:

1. Breakfast ≈ 5-10 $
2. Lunch ≈ 15 $
3. Dinner ≈ 20 $

In total, on average, we got ≈ $ 40-45 per day. In my opinion, this is a comfortable amount for two. If the goal is to save money, the daily budget can be reduced by ≈ 30-40%.

I wrote in more detail about prices in In it, I talked about the cost of popular dishes and how much we usually spend on vacation.

Buying souvenirs

In Georgia, it is difficult to resist and not buy souvenirs, you will definitely take something with you. A huge advantage of such shopping is that many purchases can be eaten or drunk. As a rule, they bring here: spices, sauces, wine, churchkhela, magnets and pottery. What to buy is an individual matter! My shopping list is not for everyone, but if you are interested, you can read it.

So how much will a vacation in Georgia cost?

To find out how much your trip will cost, you need to calculate each item.

? - the cost of air tickets / bus tickets from your city.

Living expenses. Find the right hotel / guesthouse and multiply the cost of the night by the number of days.

? - based on what sights you want to visit, make up a route around the country. All prices for transport / excursions can be viewed online. How and where to look, I wrote in the paragraph above.

? - Calculate how much the food will cost. In Georgia, this is easy: if you have money, spend a lot; if you don’t have money, spend less.

? - Souvenirs for yourself and your family.

? - insurance. This is optional, but I advise you not to save on it. Still, a foreign country, even a small cold can result in a good penny.

Unexpected expenses. I usually put down $50-100 as a last resort. As a rule, this money is spent on an unplanned excursion, MK or souvenirs.

The cost of your trip. It's simple, right?

What currency to take with you

The national currency of Georgia is the lari, it is in it that all calculations are made. You can easily exchange rubles, dollars or euros for lari at any bank or exchange office. It is more difficult with hryvnias, Ukrainian currency is not accepted everywhere.

On our last trip, we took euros with us. At that time it was the most profitable way to save money. But the Georgian currency is unstable, the situation changes from day to day, so I recommend doing the calculation just before leaving. How to calculate, wrote.

Georgian cuisine, what to try

For those who are on a diet, it is better to choose another vacation destination or take a time out in the planned weight loss. In Georgia, it is very difficult to resist temptations, and they will find you, believe me!

Khinkali, khachapuri, famous cheeses, chkmeruli, ojakhuri and other mysterious names call for immediate gluttony. And in order to meet your expectations with interest, I recommend reading about it in advance.

Do you need medical insurance

The border guards do not impose strict requirements for the availability of insurance, so theoretically the trip is possible without “excessive” expenses. However, no one is protected from troubles that can not only overshadow the rest, but also hit the pocket.

When deciding to go to Georgia without insurance, consider the risks and consequences - calling an ambulance will cost ≈ $20, and a daily stay in a hospital ≈ $100-150. If danger is your middle name, I recommend getting a policy. I buy mine for

Traveling to Georgia, is it safe?

Do people steal from the street? No, they don't steal. Are they cheating or outright trying to cash in? We have never seen such cases. Do Georgians pester girls? Rather, they flirt if they see reciprocity on your part. If you are not in the mood for communication, things will not go beyond smiles. Are they forced to do something against their will? And again no!

Neither we nor our friends have ever found themselves in an unpleasant situation. The locals are very friendly, they try to do everything in their power to make your vacation memorable for many years. No wonder the country is famous for its hospitality!

In my opinion, Georgia is perfect for traveling with children, as well as for those who are just starting to travel on their own.

Do they understand Russian

The fact that many Georgians speak Russian is a significant plus during independent travel. The older generation (40+) will understand you without any problems, it is more difficult with young people, far from everyone knows Russian.

In any case, communication should not be difficult. If a person sees that you need help, but does not speak Russian, he will immediately call someone who can help you. After all, Georgian kindness and responsiveness knows no bounds. And this is not a figure of speech, you should definitely come here to understand what I'm talking about!

Hospitable, hot, ardent and alluring - this is how Georgia is known as seasoned tourists, and those who saw Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi only on satellite maps. But the main difficulty when visiting this attractive country is the price of the issue. After all, the cost of a tourist voucher with all tickets, guides, accommodation and documentation reaches more than one thousand hryvnias. Therefore, an excellent option for saving money and a unique program is an independent trip to Georgia. It is not difficult to organize it, it is enough to know a few tricks and make the right route.

Active holidays in Georgia - from the capital to the mountains

Geographically, we know Georgia precisely from the Caucasus and its landscapes. But it is better to start your trip from Tbilisi, and leave Batumi for another vacation.

Duration: up to 5 days.

Your route: Tbilisi - Cross Pass - Mount Kazbek - Sighnaghi.

Along the way, you will find many adventures and fascinating places.

It goes without saying that the status of the capital obliges to inspect everything inside and out. In Tbilisi, as well as in Batumi, it is best to relax for several days in a row. But it all depends on your time frame. Get to know the capital at the beginning, because after the mountain peaks and fortresses, there will simply be no strength left for the beauty of mosques, castles, museums and squares.

Having rested and a little bit drawn into the atmosphere of Georgia, go to the Cross Pass, which is located near the resort of Gudauri. By the way, on ski slope you can pick up a track for the coming season. On the pass, the spirit is breathtaking from the beauty and scale of nature! But it's time to move on.

The next stopping point is the village of Kazbegi, next to which Mount Kazbek rises. The daredevils try to climb the mountain (which we do not recommend), and the lovers of photo shoots stay at the foot and look into the Gergeti Monastery.

Mountains in Georgia are not the only way to entertain yourself. From Kazbegi, the route runs to the city of Sighnaghi. It is here that you can enjoy the picturesque view of the Alazani Valley, the one about which there are many legends. And also feel like the king of life and have a hearty dinner in a restaurant on a small observation deck.

After this rest, you can take the bus and return.

Hotels

Accommodation in Tbilisi hotels costs different amounts, it all depends on the season and the level of the hotel. Basically, prices in hostels and cheap hotels start at 45 GEL per day, and grow to an acceptable limit.

In the village of Kazbegi, despite the small number of local residents, there are small hotels where you can stay for the night. But it is advisable to book a room in advance, because in this area they are extremely common. The prices here bite a little, they charge about $ 120 per day per night, but there is no point in staying longer than a day.

Journey through Georgia - from Batumi to Prometheus

Often travelers arrive in Batumi, so you can start your trip in this city.

Duration: 7 - 9 days.

Your route: starts in Batumi - Kutaisi - Tskaltubo, with a visit to the cave of Prometheus - Mestia - ends in Batumi.

There are more than a dozen must-see attractions in Batumi. This city is the main tourist centre countries, several gorgeous beaches are open here, and a completely different world comes to life at night. You should spend more than one day to see the whole of Batumi.

The list of must-see places includes: the Orta Jame Mosque, the tomb of the Apostle Matthew, the Nobel and Stalin Museums. And many more castles, museums, churches and parks.

The next destination where the route leads you is the city of Kutaisi. It is also important in the country's infrastructure, so it's worth looking around here longer. Numerous temples, churches, museums. And a few more attractions that are protected by UNESCO. This also applies to the Gelati Monastery of the Virgin.

The city of Tskaltubo is an old tourist corner where citizens of the Soviet Union came to relax and improve their health. But, to tell the truth, there are no outstanding sights here today. It will be enough just to walk through the parks, breathe clean fresh air and, perhaps, stop for the night. Get enough sleep, have breakfast at a local cafe with a portion of khachapuri and go further to an independent one.

It is difficult to see the whole region of Svaneti in one visit to a mountainous country. Major historical and natural sights of Georgia are mostly concentrated here. Therefore, for a short tour, the capital of the region, the city of Mestia, will be enough.

It is better to stay for a couple of days in order to see the local mosques in all their glory, walk through the city parks and, without fail, walk along the plains. From them, and from the balconies of some hotels, a unique view of the mountain range, the heart of not only Svaneti, but the whole of Georgia!

You can stay in Mestia for a maximum of two days, because there really is nothing to see here for a long time. The main convenience is that the tourist infrastructure is well developed here - hotels, restaurants, cafes, points with free access to wireless Internet. There are also many souvenir shops and stalls. But no more.

At the foot of Mount Kazbek, tent camps are often set up, in which experienced tourists share their experience. Both climbers and just onlookers, lovers of the beauty of nature settle here. A great option is to settle down with them and explore the situation.

Next - the Chalaad glacier, which is located under the Ushba rock at an altitude of 1900 meters. Don't be afraid if you've never been to
mountains - there are only 6 kilometers to go along a fairly well-trodden path. But the landscape and the beauty around are definitely worth it.

The next day, in order to get to the Mulahi community, one should collect enough provisions for several days and cross the pass. The duration of the hike is approximately 6 hours, the prize of which is the unique beauty of the local mountains. It is better to set up a tent near the village of Cholashi, although you can try your luck and ask the locals.

The Caucasus Range is a test, both in the cool and in the warm period of the year. Here the area is strongly blown, and the nearest settlements(the villages of Zhabeshi and Adishi) were built at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters. But, again, nature fixes everything. If there is a desire, then you can go to the Lardaad glacier and agree with the locals on the crossing through Adishchala.

The village of Ushguli will be the perfect end to the path. It is beautiful and recognized literally by the whole world - many local ensembles are under the protection of UNESCO. And this place is the second high-mountain settlement in Europe (second only to the village of Kurush). Here you can see the Shkhara glacier, part of the Bezengi wall of Georgia. If you stay here for the night, you can literally forget yourself when you see a clear starry sky over the mountain ranges.

In the morning, after spending the night, you will be picked up by a minibus back to the capital of the region, the city of Mestia. Do not forget the number of the driver or operator to clarify and write down in advance.

Guide to Georgia - military road

If you want to see the maximum of interesting places, architectural masterpieces And natural beauties then head to impromptu. You don't have to pay a guide to see everything with your own eyes. It is enough to know where to go and what to look for.

There is such a thing as a Georgian military road in the country. No matter how strange it may sound, it was along this route that in ancient times they planned to transport troops and provisions. The idea itself somehow did not grow much, but the road remained. And it is on it that you can “walk”, getting acquainted with Georgia.

Duration: 5 to 7 days.

Your route: departure from Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Gudauri - Cross Pass - Truso Gorge - Kazbegi village.

The length of the route is approximately 160 kilometers.

Many of these points are already known to you from the above description. Let's just clarify a few details.

In the first city, Mtskheta, you should definitely stop by. After all, this is the ancient, ancient and respected capital of Georgia. Before giving way to Tbilisi, the city was majestic and gathered many famous figures under its wing. There are monuments, and graves, and temples. You will see exactly what.

In the 16th century, the Ananuri fortress was built, which today does not perform military functions. It is beautiful, equipped with souvenir shops and cafes. But you need to see it, it's a fact.

Not far from the Cross Pass, the Arch of Friendship of Peoples was erected, which is more relevant today than ever. Well, the surrounding natural landscape is incredible.

There are several abandoned villages in the Truso Gorge, which are a little scary with their appearance. At the end of the last century, the impoverished and decimated by the crisis residents of Georgia left here. Everyone dispersed in all directions, but the houses remained untouched - rickety, overgrown with moss, against the backdrop of gray mountain peaks. A unique and somewhat sad sight.

It is difficult to tell everything about Georgia for a tourist in one blog. This country is multifaceted and certainly unique in everything. And you have to open it again and again, on each new vacation, on each new visit. And do not be afraid to refuse guides and clear programs.

Georgians, as a freedom-loving and very hospitable people, are always ready to help guests. Just do not get carried away with chacha before traveling around Georgia on your own. Otherwise, you will not notice and stay there forever.

Georgia is a country where your day starts with a smile and ends with a glass of wine. One visit to Georgia is enough to leave your heart here forever. He will be kidnapped by the stunning mountain panoramas of Kazbegi, the sea waves of Adjara, the view of Tbilisi from the Narikala fortress, hot khinkali with a glass of Khvanchkara and, of course, the friendliness of the locals. This will be confirmed by each of the 6 million tourists who annually visit the homeland of winemaking. Why is it worth going to Georgia? What should you know before your first trip? All answers are in the material Traveling. by , prepared jointly with the specialists of the tour operator "Mouzenidis Travel".

The stunning beauty of the mountains, the purity and warmth of the Black Sea, fragrant cuisine and even wine traditions cannot overshadow one thing in Georgia - the boundless hospitality and responsiveness of local residents. Here, anyone you ask about the right way to the church or fortress will personally take you and tell you everything he knows about it. And every driver in Georgia is a guide at the call of his heart, he will tell you from the bottom of his heart everything he knows about every house, street, temple on your route.

Georgians are a people with an open mind. You will not have time to look back, as they are already treating you to their chacha, wrapping homemade suluguni with you and inviting you to your daughter's wedding next year. And Georgians are like that in everything - they sing charmingly, dance incendiary, make the best wine in the world according to ancient technology, but they cook it in such a way that you will see the Georgian feast in your dreams long after returning home. In this country, hospitality seems to be elevated to a cult. If you are lucky enough to get to a family dinner, the hostess will prepare her best dishes to show what a skilled cook she is, and the host will do everything possible to show that he is the head of the family and you are the most honored guest in their house.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU TRIP

The country, stretched in the highlands between the Caspian and Black Seas, at the junction of West and East, has more than 11 centuries of history. Whoever has visited the fertile Georgian lands during this time - Greeks, Turks, Armenians, Arabs, Russians. Georgians not only took all the best from these cultures, but also organically inscribed this heritage into their carefully preserved traditions.

Georgia has also saved its religion - almost 90% of the population today professes Orthodox Christianity, without contesting the right to other religions: there are mosques, synagogues, Gregorian, Catholic churches in the country. Pilgrims from all over the world flock to Orthodox churches and monasteries.

In addition to shrines, Georgia prepares tourists walking tours of Tbilisi and gastronomic tours to any of the 12 regions of the country, wine cellars of Kakheti, the mountain slopes of Svaneti, Gudauri and Bakuriani, the beaches of Batumi and the surrounding resort villages.

HOW TO GET TO GEORGIA

Regular flights have been established between Minsk and Georgian airports - you can get directly to Tbilisi (belavia aircraft fly every day) or Batumi (every day in summer, on Wednesdays and Sundays in winter). There are also direct flights from nearby capitals - Moscow and Kyiv.

VISA TO GEORGIA

Belarusians do not need a visa to Georgia, as well as citizens of another 93 countries of the world. To visit Georgia without a visa, you must have a passport that will be valid for another six months after returning from a trip to Georgia. You can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days in half a year.

CUISINE OF GEORGIA

One of the most delicious cuisines in the world is Georgian. She absorbed all the best that the gastronomic cultures of other peoples who settled on the territory of Georgia at different times could give her. Many people call Georgian cuisine one of the main attractions of the country - and it's impossible to argue with that.

The cuisine is based on an abundance of herbs and vegetables, harmoniously balanced with meat. Because of this, it is almost impossible to get better from these dishes. For cooking, Georgian housewives always take only fresh products - nothing frozen or stored for a long time. They add cilantro to almost all of them - it is precisely its taste that will subsequently cause you persistent nostalgia for Georgia and an acute desire to return.

A feast in Georgia is a visiting card of the country. And if you got to the table in the house of a Georgian, then you are incredibly lucky - you will experience the full strength and depth of Georgian generosity. Dishes on the table for dear guests are put in several layers: lobio with mchadi corn tortilla, ajapsandali, khachapuri, khinkali, satsivi, shish kebab, elarji porridge, shish kebab with tkemali sauces, satsebeli or - for the strong in spirit - with Megrelian adjika. A bottle of chacha or wine will give any dish the right notes and mood. By the way, it is customary to order wine here in bottles or jugs right away, you are in Georgia!

There are no restaurants in Georgia where the food is tasteless - the cooking skill of local chefs knows no bounds. And if such places appeared, they simply would not have withstood the huge competition with all the abundance of cafes and restaurants that any Georgian city can boast of. You can learn about the best of them, as a rule, by chance - on the recommendation of locals. For example, about the Shavi Lomi (“Black Lion”) family restaurant on the ground floor of a house with a huge lion graffiti on 23 Amagleba Street in Tbilisi. Or about the bar in the Berlin spirit of Black Dog at 33 Asatiani, with posters of cult westerns and portraits of the heroes of the film The Big Lebowski. About the classic Maspindzelo restaurant next to the Sulfur baths or the Khachapur chain Machakhela.

A hearty dinner for two in Georgia will cost 15 USD, a bottle of wine to it - from 8 USD to 50 USD, depending on the variety. Tips in Georgia are included in the bill and amount to 10-18% of the value of the check.

SHOPPING AND EXCHANGE IN GEORGIA

The monetary unit of Georgia is lari (GEL), which consists of 100 tetri. Other currencies are not accepted for settlements. It is profitable to exchange money away from tourist areas.

What should be brought from Georgia?

The best Georgian souvenirs for gourmets will be Suluguni cheese, better Megrelian. For it, go to a specialized store of the Aristaeus chain. Here, in addition to traditional cheeses, you can buy rare varieties with spices and additives - cheeses aged in beer or wine, with honey and mint, with garlic, with coriander, paprika and others.

And, of course, how can one return from Georgia without a bottle of good wine. One of the most famous is Khvanchkara, which Stalin loved for its sweetness and rich taste. A bottle of real Khvanchkara will cost about 70 lari (about 30 USD). To choose your favorite Georgian wine, do not miss the opportunity to try the red wines Saperavi, Tsinandali and Mukuzani, among the whites - Tvishi, Rkatsiteli and the pink Aladasturi. This is only a small part of the wine variety, in Georgia wines are also produced from rarer grape varieties, including the most ancient technology - in kvevri clay amphorae.

Spices are brought from Georgia (the most popular is Svan salt, a mixture of herbs and salt from the Svaneti region), sauces, jams and the famous Georgian tea (connoisseurs should look at the Tea Museum in Tbilisi at the intersection of Tabidze and Lermontov), ​​and as a more expensive For a souvenir, you should look at jewelry made from the famous Georgian cloisonné enamel using the minankari technique and clothes of Georgian designers.

TRANSPORT (TBILISI)

Getting around Tbilisi is easy - there is a well-developed public transport network. It is necessary to purchase a card in the metro for 2 GEL and replenish it. The metromani pass is valid for travel on the metro (50 tetri / 0.17 USD), buses (50 tetri / 0.17 USD), minibuses (80 tetri / 0.27 USD), as well as for lifting the cable car to the Narikala fortress and on the funicular to Mount Mtatsminda. It is necessary to keep a receipt for its purchase and return it at any metro ticket office at the end of the trip.

Taxis in Georgia are best booked at the hotel. If you stop a taxi on the street, agree on the cost of the trip in advance.

REST IN GEORGIA WITH CHILDREN

Georgians are family people, they appreciate everything that is connected with the family and love children very much. You will feel it immediately upon arrival in the country. You will meet groups of Georgian schoolchildren during each excursion - in castles, in the stalactite Prometheus Cave, in the rocky cave city Vardzia and on the Martian-looking slopes of Uplistsikhe. What child didn't imagine being a knight or a conqueror? It is these excursions that help develop imagination and capture little travelers.

In Tbilisi, be sure to check out the Botanical Garden or the water park, which is open all year round. A special place is occupied by the amusement park "Mtatsminda" on the mountain of the same name - climbing it on the funicular will already become an adventure for the baby. And when your cabin of the Ferris Wheel is at the very height, remember that you are at the highest possible height above Tbilisi and observe the entire panorama of the million-plus city.

ENTERTAINMENT IN GEORGIA

Georgia is a country not only of wine and gastronomic tours, but also exciting excursions into the history that small mountain towns. The city of love Singaga, the village of Kazbegi with a view of the majestic Kazbek, the restored fortress of Rabat, the complex of David Gareji of the VI century in the mountains, Kutaisi in Imereti, the ancient Caucasian fortress of Ananuri, the Alazani Valley ... Little hospitable Georgia is ready to give you everything it has: lovers of skis and trekking - the stunning beauty of the mountain, connoisseurs of knowledge - 11 centuries of its history and valuable artifacts, pilgrims - the oldest monasteries and churches with relics, gastronomic fans - qvevri wine and full tables of dishes, lovers nightlife- clubs of Batumi and bars of Tbilisi, for those who yearn for the sea - the entire coast of beaches, and for those who yearn for human warmth - the Georgian soul, open and pure, like Georgia itself.

Choose your level of saturation of the excursion program:

Light: Holiday program “Eureka! Tbilisoba. Gifts of autumn»

• Only two days - from 6 to 7 October 2018, the most popular Georgian festival will be held in the capital of Georgia. As part of the program, you will not only spend several unforgettable days in the world capital of winemaking, take part in wine and Georgian cuisine tastings, but also get a boat trip along the Kura River as a gift!
• Meals: breakfast
• Cost: $484 for 5 nights

Standard: "All Colors of Georgia" 1 / "All Colors of Georgia" 2

• Route: No. 1 Tbilisi - Uplistsikhe - Mtskheta - Gori - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Kakheti - Wine Land
• Meals: breakfast + 1 lunch
• Route: No. 2 Mtskheta - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Batumi - Martvili - Okatse - Prometheus Cave - Kutaisi - Sataplia
• Meals: breakfast
• Cost: #1 - $672 for 5 nights; #2 - $730 for 5 nights

In-depth: "Georgian Odyssey"

• Route: Mtskheta - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Batumi - Martvili - Okatse - Prometheus Cave - Kutaisi - Sataplia - Tbilisi - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe - Rabat - Kakheti - Wine Land (Bodbe - Signagi - Telavi) - Annanuri - Kazbegi
• Meals: breakfast + 1 lunch
• Cost: $1040 for 9 nights

Advanced: Wine and gastronomic tour "Gamarjoba, Georgia!"

• Route: sightseeing tour of Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplikhtsikhe - Chateau Mukhrani - Kakheti - Wine Land - Alaverdi - Tbilisi
• Meals: breakfasts + 4 lunches with drinks + 4 dinners with drinks, cooking classes
• Cost: $732 for 5 nights

GEORGIA CITIES AND RESORTS GUIDE

Tbilisi

Georgians say: if you haven't been to Tbilisi, you haven't seen Georgia. This city is worth choosing for the first acquaintance with the country. It captivates with colorful houses scattered on the slopes of Mount Mtatsminda with carved balconies and garlands of colored linen on them, churches reflected in the Kura River, cats in the narrow streets of the old city, the ancient Narikala fortress, which offers the best panorama of the capital of Georgia. Tbilisi streets keep the love story of Alexander Griboyedov and Nina Chavchavadze, the echoes of the steps of Tchaikovsky, Lermontov and Mayakovsky.

Be sure to check out the performance on the clock tower of the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre. Right here you can have a cup of coffee in the cafe "Don't Cry!" - the interior of the cafe was completely created by Rezo Gabriadze himself, the creator of the films “Do not Cry!”, “Mimino”, “Eccentrics”, “Kin-dza-dza!”, “Unusual Exhibition”.

Where to dine in Tbilisi:

• Georgian house with an interesting interior,
• Mravaljamieri, where you can see incendiary Georgian dances,
• Cafe Funicular on Mount Mtatsminda,
• Tabla high class restaurant,
• restaurant Tavadouri on the banks of the Kura.

Must visit ancient capital- Mtskheta. It is located just 20 km from Tbilisi - here the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers creates an unusual panorama, the Jvari monastery of the 7th century flaunts on the mountain, and the tunic of Christ is buried in the grandiose Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

The pilgrimage program "Holy Places of Orthodox Georgia" includes visiting the main holy places of the country, temples of the most important spiritual and historical significance, places associated with the enlightener of Georgia, St. Nina. The cost of the tour is from 784 USD, 7 nights / 8 days, breakfasts + dinners, flight included.

8 things you must do in Georgia:

• climb the cable car: in Tbilisi - to the ancient fortress of Narikala, in Batumi - to Mount Anuria, from where you can enjoy the stunning panorama of the city;
• visit the sulfur baths in Tbilisi (the most beautiful bath is Orbelianovskaya, which Alexander Pushkin himself visited) and check for themselves their magical effect on the skin. By the way, next to them is a monument to the heroes of the beloved film "Mimino";
• listen to how Georgian men sing - Georgian polyphonic singing is included in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List;
• take a funicular ride to Mount Mtatsminda in Tbilisi and try donuts with cream in the cafe upstairs. Order traditional Logidze Water lemonade with tarragon, cream soda, lemon or pear flavors;
• decide on your favorite sort of Georgian wine by going on a wine tour;
• learn how to eat khinkali correctly - hold the tail, carefully biting off so as not to spill the hot fragrant broth;
• choose your favorite type of khachapuri with cheese - Adjarian, Imeritian, Megrelian or other;
• visit the local market and bargain for homemade suluguni, churchkhela (a sweet made from nuts strung on a string and grape or pomegranate juice) and walnut jam.

Batumi

Over the past few years, Batumi has changed a lot and is not inferior to others European cities- The resort is declared a national project. Modern buildings and hotels of world chains Sheraton, Hilton, Radisson and others have appeared here. The Batumi embankment is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in Batumi. Both tourists and locals love to walk here past palm trees against the backdrop of sunset. You can rent a bike and ride along the promenade to see all the sculptures set against the backdrop of the sea. The most touching of them is the monument to Ali and Nino, the heroes of the book of the same name about eternal love. Giant figures slowly move, either converging and merging into a single whole, then parting again, as if forever. Some episodes of the famous Soviet film "Love and Doves" were filmed on the Batumi embankment.

Recently, the fame of the “Georgian Las Vegas” has been entrenched in Batumi - at night the city is lit with the lights of casinos, expensive hotels, the Alphabet Tower and the Ferris Wheel. It is good to enjoy the view of this spectacle from the terrace of one of the restaurants on the shore - to the sound of the waves and the cries of seagulls. Local restaurants seafood have the reputation of being the best in Georgia.

IN summer time the same coast will give you sea baths, a bronze tan and water activities. In winter, holidays in Batumi can be combined with ski holidays in the new Goderdzi resort, which is just an hour's drive from the city.

Borjomi

This medical resort in the mountains at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level is famous for its mineral water. It is worth going to Borjomi for a relaxing holiday in the bosom of nature, walks in the local park, the same amazing Georgian cuisine and health improvement - local sanatoriums and hotels are considered the best in the country, and Georgians themselves love to relax here.

Gudauri

Gudauri confidently takes the palm from other Georgian ski resorts - Bakuriani, Svaneti, Mestia. This young resort, 120 km from Tbilisi, was built by Austrian specialists using the most modern technologies. To the delight of skiers, 57 kilometers of excellent slopes. Best time for a trip to Gudauri - from December to April, when the slopes are covered with the best snow cover, and in small cozy hotels they burn a fireplace in the evenings.

Why Georgia with Mouzenidis Travel?

Find out everything you need to know about organizing an independent trip to Georgia! How to go? What documents are needed? What to see in Georgia? Tips, prices in 2020, ways to get there, vacation reviews for 2019.

Until recently, Georgia was considered almost exotic destination- very few people went there and generally intended to. Now the Internet is full of reviews of tourists, guides around the country and beautiful photos. Georgia has become one of the most visited countries among Russian tourists! This is both good and bad: on the one hand, infrastructure is developing, there are many flights, on the other hand, you will have to put up with a huge number of other tourists, especially in summer.

Our experience. We've been planning for a long time independent trip to Georgia, but from year to year our attention was pulled by a handsome man, then, then. In February 2019, we finally got to Georgia - we flew to Tbilisi for a few days. We liked! Now we're making plans great trip in Georgia on your own car. In this review, we will share our experience, tips and plans with you.

Exchange rate: 1 Georgian lari (GEL) ≈ 27 RUB.

Documents for traveling to Georgia

What documents are needed to travel to Georgia? Everything is very simple here: Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians do not need a visa if the period of stay in the country does not exceed 1 year. A foreign passport, of course, is needed for a trip to Georgia, it must be valid for the entire duration of the trip and it must not contain stamps of Abkhazia (otherwise there will be problems, so enter with an internal passport).

Insurance- not a mandatory item at all, but for your peace of mind, we advise you to issue it on sites or. They compare the prices of all major insurance companies. You can choose a policy according to the parameters you need and the best price. We always take out insurance.

A trip to Georgia: how to get there on your own

By plane

Airplane is the easiest way to come to rest in Georgia. Tickets are very cheap - many airlines fly to Georgia, the competition is good, so the prices are low. Flying and "Victory" - usually, she has the best prices. Flights to Tbilisi from Moscow, as well as from many other Russian cities are direct. Tickets from Moscow, Perm, Yekaterinburg, Rostov-on-Don cost 5-10 thousand rubles in both directions without luggage.

An idea for fans of interesting independent travel and difficult routes: fly to Georgia on the flights of the classy Azal airline with a long transfer in Baku and look at the beautiful Old city Baku.

Azal is the largest airline in Azerbaijan. Carries out air transportation to the countries of Europe, the CIS, North America, the Middle East and Asia. (Photo: wikimedia.org / Dmitry Terekhov)

By car

An independent trip to Georgia by car is a completely different travel format. In some cases, it is not as comfortable as a flight, and, no doubt, longer and more tiring, but how many impressions you get, how many nooks and crannies you can visit! One Georgian Military Highway is worth something. We want to go there by car. In general, we love to travel by our car, especially in the Caucasus.

Can't come with your own car? Rent a car! It's simple and inexpensive. - reliable and convenient service. Choose a car to your taste and budget - the choice is large. The cost of renting a car is from $23 per day. Got questions? The Russian-speaking support service will help you in everything.

A trip by car in Tusheti. Photo: © etnobofin / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
As an avid car travel lover, I guarantee you that you will get a lot of pleasure from a trip around Georgia by car!

Housing prices in Georgia

Finding accommodation for every taste and budget in Georgia is very easy! There are a lot of options. We advise you to choose not just an ordinary hotel, but accommodation in a national style - believe me, you will especially enjoy your trip to Georgia. We did just that for our vacation.

Type	Price per day (rub.)	Example
Budget guesthouse in the center of Tbilisi	from 1200 ₽	Guest House Kato
3* hotel with breakfast in Old Tbilisi	from 3000 ₽	7 Baits Hotel
Hotel 3* by the sea in Batumi	from 1700 ₽	Cozy Corner Hotel
Apartment with a courtyard in the center of Tbilisi (2 bedrooms)	from 3000 ₽	Central Tbilisi - Patio Appartment
Apartment in Batumi by the sea	from 2600 ₽	IOANE HOME

Our cozy apartment in Tbilisi in the national style and with high ceilings!

Book in advance. If your trip to Georgia is planned for the summer or for holidays (New Year, May), be sure to book your accommodation in advance, preferably a couple of months in advance. First of all, this concerns the Black Sea resorts and Tbilisi itself. So you can get the best option in terms of price / quality, and not be content with what is left free. We remind you that there are A LOT of tourists coming to Georgia.

Look for hotels with discounts on the Rumguru service. So you will not wander around the city with luggage in search of the best option, save time and money. However, if you are willing to bargain and like to take risks, you can try to find options the old fashioned way - on the spot. But, to be honest, I don’t understand who else is doing this and why.

Live in an apartment. The best way to make your trip to Georgia enjoyable and memorable is to rent a cozy apartment in national style. We highly recommend! By the way, for a family or a group of friends it will be both cheaper and more convenient than staying at a hotel. Look for cool apartments and rooms on Airbnb.ru - there is a huge selection of accommodation for every taste and budget.

Do you want to know the famous Caucasian hospitality? Stay in guest houses - as a rule, this name hides either rooms in the master's house, or in a separate one in the neighborhood. The bathroom is often shared. A warm welcome, house wine and lots of communication are guaranteed.

Want to save? It is better to refrain from vacationing in Georgia during the high season (July and August), as prices rise greatly. We flew to Georgia at the end of February: the prices are the lowest, there are few tourists, and the weather is already spring.

overlooking Tbilisi (Photo: Airbnb.ru)

Food prices in Georgia - 2020

Delicious Georgian cuisine is one of the main reasons tourists love this country. Many people come here just for the sake of all these khinkali, khachapuri and kebabs! According to the reviews of all tourists who have vacationed in Georgia, food prices are quite reasonable, and cooking on vacation on your own is not always cheaper than eating in a cafe.

Portions are often very large.(with a few exceptions), you can order half portions - check this if you are not ready for a hearty meal. Sometimes the waiters even warned us that the portion would be large, and asked if we would like to order a smaller one.

Our average check in a cafe in Tbilisi - 25-35 GEL for two. These are two or three main courses, tea or lemonade, dessert. In most cafes and restaurants, a service fee of 10-15% is added to the order amount.

Huge Adjarian khachapuri.

Prices in cafes in Georgia in 2020:

• Adjarian khachapuri - from 6 GEL;
• khinkali, 1 pc. - 0.5-0.7 GEL;
• eggplant with nuts - 5-7 GEL;
• lobiani and kubdari - 4-7 GEL;
• barbecue, skewer - 6-10 GEL;
• coffee and hot chocolate - 2-3.5 GEL;
• tea - 1.5 GEL;
• water "Borjomi" - 1 GEL.

Portions in Georgia are big! In the photo: rich Georgian soup khashi.
Delicious Georgian khinkali. There are different fillings: meat, cheese, mushrooms and others. Pieces 5-8 are enough to eat.

Selection of goods in supermarkets large cities are about the same as in Russia, you can find anything (which cannot be said about small villages). Vegetables and fruits are usually cheaper to buy either in markets or supermarkets. Prices in single stalls on the streets are usually overpriced. Many products are brought to Georgia from Russia, even labels with information in Russian, so in the store you will feel like in your own Pyaterochka.

Approximate product prices in stores in 2020:

• milk (1 l) - up to $ 1.5;
• bread (500 g) - from $ 0.2 to $ 0.4;
• local cheese (kg) - $2-4;
• eggs (12 pcs) - $ 1.2-1.6;
• a bottle of wine - $3-6;
• water (1.5 l) - $ 0.3-0.5;
• bananas (kg) - $ 1.2-2;
• apples (kg) - $ 0.6-1.2;
• figs (kg) - from $ 0.8;
• grapes (kg) - about $3;
• oranges (kg) - $ 0.6-1.7.

If you are not afraid baking, then one meal, for example, when sightseeing, can be replaced by eating khachapuri (or something else tasty) on the go - tasty, cheap, fast, satisfying. Georgians themselves willingly buy pastries from local bakeries.

Wine shelves in a store in Tbilisi (Photo: unsplash.com / @anastsiia_voiten)

What to see on your own in Georgia

Georgia only on the map seems like a small country. In fact, there are a lot of interesting places here. In addition, the country is mountainous, so it takes a lot of time to move around it.

It is difficult to advise what to see in Georgia on your own, especially in just a few days or a week. We will list those places that we have taken note of for ourselves, and you, based on the list, make up routes for your interests and timing.

Mestia, Svaneti (Photo: Unsplash / pixabay.com)

Places worth seeing on an independent trip to Georgia:

1. First of all, this Georgian military road- they say it is one of the most picturesque in the world. We are big fans of mountain roads, so for us this is the most interesting attraction. If you go on a trip to Georgia in your car, then your path will run just along this road.
2. Tbilisi. We have already been here. We advise you to look not only, but to visit cozy courtyards and magnificent front cities - for us this was a real discovery, it was for them that we fell in love with Tbilisi.
3. Batumi- main Black Sea resort Georgia. Read more about.
4. Kutaisi and Imereti in general.
5. Monastery Vardzia.
6. Kakheti- wine region. Sighnaghi and Telavi cities, Gremi castle, numerous monasteries.
7. - it is better to go here by SUV for a few days (only in summer).
8. Svaneti.
9. And much more.

Do not try to see all of Georgia at once in one trip - you still won’t succeed, and constant trips will simply exhaust you. It is better to carefully work out several routes and come to the country several times.

Temple in Racha, Georgia. Photo: © vampa_ / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Our budget: how much does a trip to Georgia cost

We spent three full days in the Georgian capital. Lived in the Old City. The program for our first visit to Georgia was simple and uncomplicated - we spent all day walking around the city, looking for and studying its wonderful front doors and courtyards, ate plenty of national food, went out of town only once - to Mtskheta for half a day.

In Tbilisi, you can pay by card almost everywhere, so you will hardly need cash. I exchanged only $15 to pay for transport. In general, exchangers are at every step.

The budget of our trip for two for three days:

• Air tickets Perm-Tbilisi for a direct flight "Victory" with luggage one way - 9400 rubles.
• Apartment - 5150 rubles.
• Bus from the airport and back - 2 lari (50 rubles).
• Metro - 2 lari (50 rubles).
• Minibus to Mtskheta and back - 4 lari (100 rubles).
• Food in a cafe - 4400 rubles.
• Products in supermarkets - 450 rubles.
• A bottle of Kindzmarauli wine - 900 rubles.

In total, we spent three days in Tbilisi 11000 rubles excluding tickets. The budget for one day for two is 3700 rubles.

We study the amazing front doors of Tbilisi. Pictured is the London Hotel.

Georgia is good because it is great for the first independent trip. Georgian realities are similar to ours, the locals know Russian, and everything will be extremely simple with planning a trip.

This is an incredibly beautiful country that greets travelers with breathtaking views, ancient architecture and original cuisine. I remember her for her soulful gatherings in the restaurants of Old Tbilisi, and also for the amazing Batumi embankment.

Visa is not needed. Citizens of the Russian Federation are allowed to stay in Georgia for up to 90 days without a visa. A passport is a must.

What to see

Tbilisi

Tbilisi is located on the banks of the Kura River. This ancient city with lots of attractions. Getting around them all is a good idea, only if you have come for at least a month. Let's see the most interesting.

Narikala fortress

The main asset of Tbilisi is an ancient building on Mount Mtsatminda. Now most of the fortress is destroyed, but even in the form of ruins, the Narikala fortress is one of the most visited places. You can get to the fortress both on foot and by cable car. Free admission.

Abanotubani or sulfur baths

More than one traveler froze with a camera in front of low neat domes in the center of the Old Town. Under these domes are the famous baths. Water comes there from natural sulphurous sources, so taking a bath in Tbilisi is not only interesting, but also very healthy.

cable car

Thanks to the cable car, the path of which runs from Europe Square to the Sololak Temple near the Narikala Fortress, for 2.5 GEL you will have a stunning view of the Old City. At the top there is an observation deck.

Anchiskhati

This is an ancient church in Old Tbilisi. A small church of a modest appearance is fraught with a long and distant history. The quiet, peaceful atmosphere inside the temple and the spirit of antiquity give you goosebumps.

Tsminda Sameba

In my opinion, the most atmospheric place in Tbilisi. Blown by all winds, this church is under the sky, as in the palm of your hand. From above, you can also see the Old City, only from the other side.

Peace Bridge and Houses of Parliament

Modern architectural sophistication of Saakashvili's times. At night, the bridge glows beautifully, so I recommend coming after sunset. In front of the Parliament building is located picturesque park with lavender bushes.

Metekhi Temple

It is located on a rock above the Kura River. Most travelers prefer to admire it from afar, because from the outside it really looks more beautiful.

Batumi

Resort town on the Black Sea coast. Batumi will appeal to those who love beach holiday. Although there are not so many sights in this city, I will still highlight some of them.

View of the beach along the promenade in Batumi

Batumi Botanical Garden

One of the best gardens where a traveler can be lucky enough to visit. The territory of the garden is huge, it consists of 21 natural zones and about 5,000 species of living plants. You can spend at least the whole day there, walking along the trails, watching rare beauty, relaxing in the shade of giant trees and drinking real Georgian lemonade. The Botanical Garden is not located in Batumi itself, but a few kilometers from it.

Embankment of Batumi

Very long - 10 km, with equipped bike paths. In the evening, you can rent a bike and ride to the very end. And on the way back, go to one of the restaurants on the Black Sea coast. Personally, I really like Grand Grill Restaurants view of the Singing Fountains.

Argo cable car

Driving along it, you will see Batumi from a bird's eye view. The whole journey will take approximately 10 minutes.

One way ticket price - 7.5 lari.

alphabet tower

This is a modern building, but this building is worth seeing. This tower is located in "Park of Wonders". The height of the building is 130 meters. Inside there is an elevator, climbing which opens a beautiful panoramic view to Batumi. There is also a restaurant in the tower. It is best to come an hour before sunset to admire the leaving rays.

Prices in Georgia

The national currency of Georgia is lari, but many people willingly accept euros and dollars. Almost everywhere on the Georgian Military Highway you can pay in rubles.

Prices in local spontaneous markets are lower than in supermarkets, and there is always fresh food. The most popular market in Tbilisi - "Deserter". It is located near the railway station.

Lunch in a cafe in Tbilisi will cost from 250 rubles per person. Dinner with meat delicacies in the restaurant starts from 500 rubles. It is noteworthy that prices in Tbilisi are 10-15% lower than in Batumi.

Georgian food

One of the most famous Georgian dishes is khinkali. They eat khinkali exclusively with their hands, holding it by the top, fashioned from dough.

Georgia is famous for its unusual and delicious dishes. The cuisine is rich in meat dishes with a great abundance of spices, seasonings and sauces. The most popular Georgian dishes include:

• puri- traditional Georgian bread. Puris are cooked in stone ovens and the shape of the finished bread resembles a boat. There are many varieties of puri. The most famous are khachapuri - cheese cake, Adjarian khachapuri - bread with egg, butter and cheese.
• Khinkali- balls of chopped meat or minced meat with the addition of various seasonings, spices and herbs, wrapped in dough.
• Lobio- a dish of beans, onions and herbs. The method of preparation may differ depending on the institution. Lobio is served in clay pots. Many lovers of this dish add a piece of hot pepper to it.
• Soup kharcho- thick spicy soup with beef, rice and tkemali sauce. There are also many varieties of kharcho soup. There are meatless options for vegetarians.
• Mtsvadi or Georgian barbecue. The peculiarity of this dish is that the meat is not pickled at all before cooking. Shashlik is served with herbs, vegetables, satsebeli or tkemali sauces. Ready meat is generously poured with pomegranate juice.

Be careful in choosing, eat little by little, and even better, check with the waiter how spicy the dish is.

A lot of spices are added to most Georgian dishes, due to which the food can be very spicy.

Restaurants in Tbilisi

The choice of establishments with national Georgian cuisine is very diverse in the capital. There is a small cozy wine bar-restaurant Shukhman.

The prices here are moderate, a large selection of dishes and wines, a very atmospheric environment. The restaurant is also distinguished by the preparation of author's molecular cuisine.

Excellent restaurant Samikitno on Freedom Square in Tbilisi, they serve the best khinkali and many types. One of my favorite places, overlooking the river and Metekhi temple.

Sakhli 11- restaurant on Galaktion Tabidze street 11 in the city center. A small establishment with very talented chefs and friendly waiters. In "Sakhli 11" affordable prices, good wine list, large selection of traditional Georgian dishes.

The Tsiskvili restaurant at 75 Beliashvili Street differs from other establishments in its unusually beautiful interior. The restaurant has 4 large halls, one of them with access to the veranda. "Tsiskvili" is very popular, so it is advisable to book places in advance.

Restaurants in Batumi

To really taste how Georgian dishes are prepared in Batumi, you need to visit "Heart of Batumi". A small cafe on General Mazniashvili Street 11 is a very popular establishment in Batumi. Since the hall can only accommodate a small number of people, it is better to book a seat in advance.

Lovers of hearty food should visit the institution "Sazandari" Gorgiladze street 78. The portions here are very generous, the prices are low, perfect place to go out with the whole family. The restaurant is close to the beach, so it is often crowded, but despite this, the waiters serve quickly.

Georgian wine

Kakheti winemaking technology is recognized worldwide as one of the better ways making wine.

The essence of the technology: the wines are infused in large clay jugs at a certain temperature. Thanks to this preparation, the wines of Kakheti are rich and tasty.

One of the most famous varieties is the red semi-sweet wine Akhasheni. A drink is made from Saperavi grapes.

Dry white wine lovers will love Rkatsiteli which is produced from the grape variety of the same name. This aromatic wine with a rich taste is perfect for salty snacks, fish, and just as an aperitif.

You can taste Georgian wines in the wine shop " Winery Khareba» along Vakhtang Gorgasal 1 street. You can also go to cellar Karalashvili wine cellar, which is on Vertskhli street 19, where you will be told about the history of varieties.