Tbilisi and its surroundings are an interesting place for a variety of tourism. Depending on preferences, guests of the Georgian capital can choose a route to their liking. Someone likes leisurely walks, natural or city landscapes. Others prefer intense travel and an abundance of historical references from a guide. Still others prefer to immerse themselves in the local flavor. Tbilisi will satisfy any of these requests.
An important point of tourist outings: man-made beauties almost always coexist with natural ones. In any even the most remote corner, guests are ready to meet with local wine and national cuisine. This combination does not let you forget about the importance of harmony. Tbilisi bears little resemblance to other cities of the post-Soviet space. A journey here is a half-open door to a colorful and unusual world.
Excursions in Tbilisi in Russian
What to see, where to go and what to do in and around the Georgian capital?
Kazbegi - lost in the mountains
Natural and man-made beauties merged together on this route. The path of tourists runs partly along the Georgian Military Highway. This is an opportunity to stop at the Ananuri architectural complex, admire the arches and churches, taste the local cuisine and much more. The Gudauri ski resort will allow you to take advantage of one of the most beautiful observation decks in Georgia. Here you can also take a breath and tune in to a further journey. The main attraction of the excursion is Kazbek and the nearby village of Kazbegi. It is lost between the mountains, and Gergeti - the church towering above it - is a real work of art.
Kakheti - wine and antiquities
Since ancient times, Kakheti is famous for its wines. "Corporation Kindzmarauli", production facilities in Tsinandali and Telavi are the business card of the region. Here you can not only visit museums and learn about the centuries-old history of winemaking, but also taste drinks. Nearby is the Ujarma fortress, built in the 5th century. It is inextricably linked with the Christianization of Georgia and has a cultural and historical value for the country. An hour's drive from the fortress is the monastery complex Old Shuamta, a little further - New Shuamta. And, of course, a tour of the Alazani Valley would not be complete without a visit to Alaverdi, the 11th century cathedral.
Mtskheta - the altar of Christian Georgia
The ancient capital of the country is a concentration of important historical sights. The Jvari Monastery, erected in the 7th century, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - the second largest temple in Georgia, the Samtavro Monastery, which has been repeatedly destroyed and restored - is an excellent illustration of the peculiarities of the origin of Georgian Christianity. Unhurried walks in these places will allow you to enjoy the natural beauty, for example, the confluence of two rivers. The route also allows you to stop in Gori and visit the Stalin memorial. The building itself and the exhibits collected in the museum are a tribute to a bygone era.
City tour
Nothing will help you to get to know the city like a walk through it. Tbilisi is no exception. The Georgian capital is diverse and can offer attractions and entertainment for every taste, depending on the interests of the tourist. The narrow streets of the Old City, Freedom Square, salons and house-museums of poets and writers of different eras, Metekhi temple, suspended cable car, Narikala fortress, Fig Gorge - all this and much more is the face of Tbilisi. To the above, it is imperative to add the local flavor and national cuisine with its sometimes unusual, but mesmerizing combinations.
Tiflis - the city of Art Nouveau
At the time when the city was the center of the Tiflis province, its style began to form. Old Tbilisi still preserves the architecture of that period. This allows you to compare eras with the naked eye, without leaving the borders of the capital. It is noteworthy that the right-bank and left-bank Art Nouveau are significantly different. In the first case, the buildings are more majestic and large-scale, richly decorated, expensive materials were used in their construction. In the second, the bias is made on creativity, new ideas, a wide selection of interior decoration. For the construction of mansions, architects from Europe were often invited. The surviving facades are a real open-air museum of architecture.
Wine tour in Old Tbilisi
Wine in the capital of Georgia is a part of culture and history. There are many restaurants, large and small, where you can taste this alcoholic drink. Some tourists like the noisy routes familiar to the guests of the city. For the rest, experienced guides are sure to find workarounds to enjoy a walk through the narrow streets and find a suitable institution for tasting. Such excursions are especially good in the evening. The romance of the old city, mesmerizing atmosphere, architectural ensembles combined with national cuisine and wine are a great opportunity to feel Tbilisi.
Photo walk in Tbilisi
Colorful memories of Tbilisi in the form of a variety of pictures - this is what any self-respecting tourist should take with him. To do this, it is worth taking a photo walk around the city. It will cover not only must-see sights, but also what is usually hidden from the eyes of guests of the capital. Ceremonial spiral staircases made in different styles, authentic courtyards, cozy little cafes and other amazing places are a wonderful backdrop for tourist photos. A competent guide will tell many urban legends and help you choose the right angles. Georgia will remain not only in the heart, but also in the photo album.
Evening Tbilisi
Walk (trip) in the evening Tbilisi - an opportunity to see the city from a different angle. It includes both a visit to the main sights of the capital, and the opportunity to observe the unhurried life of the locals and their flavor. It is especially interesting to climb the funicular to Mount David, from where you can see the whole city. Old Tbilisi is good with evening lighting. Its architecture looks different too. During the excursion, you can visit a couple of souvenir shops or galleries that are open until late. It is best to end this trip in an authentic cafe, enjoy wine and national cuisine.
Markets of Tbilisi
There are several food markets in Tbilisi, but the central "Deserter Market" is appreciated by locals and visitors more than others. Here you can buy natural products: from spices and dried fruits to churchkhela and cheese. The Dry Bridge sells paintings by Georgian artists, and there is also a flea market nearby. In this place, tourists buy the cheapest and most interesting souvenirs. The final chord of shopping is a wine cellar, which is more than four centuries old. After tasting it is difficult to leave here without one or even several bottles of good alcohol.
Borjomi - water and city
Borjomi mineral water got its name from the city, which is located near the springs. This small resort is located in a gorge. Everything is green around, and the climate is considered curative. There is also unique architecture here: there is no one specific style. For many decades, development has been chaotic. The owners of different sites chose the direction that is closer to their taste. Mansions, more modest houses, economic and administrative buildings stretch for five kilometers along the river bank. A walk in the park will allow you to taste mineral water directly from the spring and enjoy the local natural beauty.
Uplistsikhe - a city carved into the rock
Uplistsikhe was founded approximately in the II-I centuries BC. He experienced ups and downs, rebuilt again and regained its former splendor.The city is literally carved into the rock, which adds not only historical and cultural value to excursions, but also entertainment. Of the seven hundred caves, one hundred and fifty have survived to this day. In the 19th century, it finally ceased to be residential and turned into a monument. Often, together with Uplistsikhe, tourists visit Gori, which is only twelve kilometers away. Stalin was born and lived here as a child, so there is a museum of the leader of the peoples in the city.
Georgian military road
"Darial road" was mentioned in the 1st century BC. It was part of the trade area, although it was considered quite dangerous: in some areas, two people could not disperse. This important artery of the region has also become a popular tourist route. The picturesque Zhinvali reservoir, gorges that make your breath stop, and mountains - this is exactly the splendor that tourists will meet on the way. Nearby are: Ananuri - a 13th century fortress, Sioni temple and a ski resort. And the excursion ends traditionally in the city of Kazbegi, which has something to offer its guests in terms of history and local beauties.
Vardzia - cave residence of Queen Tamara
The way to Vardzia is a separate tourist route, since getting here from Tbilisi you can visit several interesting places on the way. The very same cave city complex was founded by the father of Queen Tamara. Having received the throne, she did not stop developing Vardzia and made one of her residences. The city rises to a height of eight floors, goes deep into the mountain for fifty meters and stretches along the left bank of the Kura River for almost a kilometer. Many premises for various purposes have been preserved here. A competent guide will tell you about the features of each of them and may even show you a couple of secret passages.
David-Gareja
The expression “another Georgia” is perfect for describing the landscapes of the Gareja Desert. There is no water here at all, rare pistachio trees and yellowing grass prevail from the vegetation. Dried salt lakes and stone dunes add a special touch to the local atmosphere. There are two main attractions in the desert - the Lavra of David and Tetri Udabno. The first monastery is still operating, but on its territory you can look around, the second has long been abandoned and is one of the largest cave complexes in Georgia. The road to these iconic places is a separate pleasure.
Alazani Valley
The way to the capital of Kakheti lies through picturesque corners. On the way, there are many places to stop: the Ujarma fortress, the preserved royal palace, the Alaverdi cathedral and others. Telavi Park offers a beautiful view of the entire Alazani Valley. This area and the concept of it are inextricably linked with wine. The road to Gurjaani passes through wine production. And in the city itself there are active mud volcanoes. Compared to its neighbors, Sighnaghi cannot boast of an ancient history. But from its fortress wall you can see the surroundings, and the streets of the town are romantic and cozy.
Pilgrimage to Kutaisi
The Colchis lowland, where Kutaisi is located - the capital of the Imereti region, is associated with many legends. The guests are welcomed by the Gelati Monastery - a cult place of pilgrimage and a monument of Georgian architecture. Another monastery, Motsameta, is important as a symbol: it was built on the site where princes who refused to convert to Islam were executed. Sataplia Nature Reserve is famous for its caves, where even the traces of prehistoric animals have been preserved. In one of the caves of the region, you can take an hour-long trip along the underground river by boat. The adventure is accompanied by music and neon lights.
The charm of Sighnaghi
Sighnaghi is a small town in the Alazani Valley. It can be the target of the excursion, as well as part of the route. The streets are narrow, the houses are tiled, and the balconies are small and always decorated. They come here, among other things, to visit the tomb of St. Nina and the holy places of Bodbe. The national cuisine from Sighnaghi is well developed. Yes, and without a decanter of wine, a rare guest leaves here. Since there are wine museums and industries nearby, tourists often visit tastings on the way from here to Tbilisi. Also, do not miss the opportunity to explore the rest of Kakheti.
Homeland of modern man - Dmanisi
This direction will be of interest to lovers of archeology. The remains of ancient people were discovered in Dmanisi at the end of the last century. Since then, the territory of Georgia has been ranked as one of three places where the formation of a person took place in the form in which we now exist. As for the settlement of Dmanisi, these are well-preserved ruins, including a number of diverse buildings and elements of everyday life. Nearby is the Bolnisi Sioni - a temple built around the 5th century. The inscriptions in Georgian on its facade are of particular value.
House-Museum of Stalin in Gori
When it comes to Gori, a city that does not know too much about Georgia is associated with Stalin. There is a large museum in his honor, where many valuable exhibits have been collected. But the history of these places is much richer and is not limited to memories of one historical person. The heart of the city is the Goristsikhe Citadel. Presumably it was built in XII, although there is anecdotal evidence of its earlier appearance. In the nearby village there is the Samtavisi temple, which can be included in the World Heritage List. The okrug is generally rich in antiquities and architectural monuments.
Chiatura - Katskhi
The route begins with a visit to Chiatura, the city of cable cars. There are fifteen toll-free lines operating here, serving as public transport. From here you can see the natural beauty. The city is the birthplace of Archil Gomiashvili, the performer of the role of Ostap Bender. If you can walk around Chiatura, then the entrance to Katskhi is closed for religious reasons. This monastery is still functioning and is located on a rock, at an elevation of forty meters. A guide or locals will be happy to tell tourists the story of a hermit monk; you can appreciate the beauty of Katskhi even from a distance.
Abandoned towers of Truso gorge
Before entering the gorge, tourists usually visit waterfalls and carbonated springs. Here you can replenish water supplies. They will also get acquainted with the castle of the Machabeli princes, abandoned villages, deserted arable lands, abandoned prayer places and mountain ranges surrounded by local beauty. In the Truso Gorge there are gurgling lakes and mineral springs. In ancient times, fires were lit on the local towers every evening. Slopes and other scenic spots are great picnic spots. On holidays, residents brew beer according to special recipes and treat guests.
Tbilisi - Mleta
Getting to Mljeta, it is worth making a few stops and seeing the Ananuri fortress, a couple of monasteries, whole complexes of monuments and other sights. In the village, transport will have to be left: in front of a mountain trail with a length of three kilometers. Travelers will find themselves at a distance of more than two thousand kilometers above sea level, they will be able to look at the natural beauty from a bird's eye view. At the top is the monastery of Lomisa. Pilgrims flock here, and earlier the mountaineers came with their sacrifices. Many legends are associated with the monastery, and they are also part of the peculiarity of the region.
Ski tour to Gudauri
The versatility of the modern ski resort Gudauri is its hallmark. There are tracks for both beginners and professionals. Deep snow cover will facilitate off-piste descents. There are several lines of lifts. The highest point from which you can descend is at a distance of more than three thousand kilometers. An amazing panorama opens up from here, so you don't have to ride to want to climb here. The resort is also good for freeride lovers.Average season: early December to March. If desired, guests rent skis and also hire an instructor.
Svaneti: Lower and Upper
Svaneti is divided into two valleys: lower and upper. If the first, located in the upper reaches of the Tskhenistskali River, is worth talking about as a natural attraction, then the second is capable of surprising with its diversity. In Upper Svaneti, stone Orthodox churches of the middle or earlier centuries have survived. The residential towers built in the 9th-12th centuries are of particular value. Man-made beauty and natural beauty are intertwined. For this and much more, Upper Svaneti was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Georgian feast visiting a Kakhetian family
Acquaintance with the history of Kakheti winemaking, tasting and a visit to the romantic city of Signagi - excursions to whet your appetite. The main events of the route take place in the house of a peasant family. The villagers carefully collect traditional recipes and are ready to share their tricks with their guests. They organize master classes and treat guests with pickles. In addition to cooking, the program includes dances, toasts, and a story about traditions. The real flavor of Georgia is manifested precisely in such feasts.
