Ideas on how to relax in Georgia during the winter months - where to go, what to see and what to do. Prices for the winter 2020-2021. Weather in December, January and February. Reviews of tourists about the country.
In winter, Georgia is quite warm: the coastal regions have a mild subtropical climate, the air temperature rarely drops below zero, and it is snowy and humid in the mountains. At this time, you cannot rest on the coast, but you can visit the ancient cave cities and numerous temples, parks and botanical gardens, museums and wineries. And if you want winter entertainment with skis and sledges, you can go to one of the popular ski resorts in Georgia, and in the evenings, treat yourself to delicious khinkali and other Georgian delicacies.
Currency exchange rate: 1 Georgian lari (GEL) ≈ 23 RUB.
Prices in Georgia in winter 2020-2021
Approximate prices for hotels, meals, excursions and tours in Georgia in winter:
- The cost of living in a 3 * hotel in Tbilisi costs from 2500 rubles. An apartment can be rented from 2000 rubles per day.
- A good lunch costs 10-15 GEL (230-350 rubles).
- Baking on the street 1.5-2 GEL (35-45 rubles).
- Excursions 25-50 lari (550-1100 rubles).
- Entrance fees to museums and caves from 6 to 15 lari (130-350 rubles).
- Tours to Georgia in winter can be bought from 40 thousand rubles for two for 7 nights. Look for them at Level.Travel.
See how much hotels cost in Georgia in summer 2020:
A 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 |
Are you planning to travel to Georgia by car? Perfect solution! Many tourists go on a trip in their own car. Read tips and reviews >>
Weather in Georgia in December, January and February
In winter, Georgia is, of course, warmer than in Russia. Snow is rare, mostly only in the mountains. Average temperature in Tbilisi: in December and February - +3, in January - + 2 ° C. Usually during the day the temperature is about +5 ... 7 ° C, and at night it can drop to zero. From time to time it may rain, a chilly wind may blow.
When going on a trip to Georgia in winter, you should definitely take a good jacket and hat with you. We also recommend that you check with the hotel when booking if it has heating.
Where to go in Georgia in winter
1. Tbilisi
Those who travel to Georgia for the first time should definitely visit its capital. Tbilisi is good at any time of the year - ancient temples look quite unusual in company with the latest futuristic structures. Usually tourists visit the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the church on the rock above Kura and the monument to King Vakhtang I Gorgasali in the Metekhi region.
If you're lucky with the weather, you can take a walk in Rike Park, admire the glass Bridge of Peace and the equally original State Theater of Music and Drama. Drive to the statue of Mother Kartli and see the Narikala fortress, or climb the observation deck.
Look for author's interesting excursions on the Sputnik and Tripster sites. Individual and group, no crowds of tourists and in Russian.
2. Mtskheta
For lovers of churches and monasteries, we recommend visiting the ancient town of Mtskheta, which is located not far from Tbilisi, on vacation in Georgia in winter. In terms of the number of religious churches, it has no equal in the country. The heart of the city is the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, built in the 11th century. In the vicinity of Mtskheta there is the Jari temple, the Nichbisi fortress, monasteries and the settlement of Armazi with an observation deck from where you can see the city and the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. The Chateau Mukhrani winery is located nearby.
3. Caves near Kutaisi
While vacationing in Georgia, be sure to go to the karst cave of Prometheus (Kumistavi) - you can get there from the city of Kutaisi. In winter, the cave is open from 10 am to 5 pm, except Mondays. From its territory you can see Mount Khvamli, where Prometheus was chained. 15 excursion zones with a total length of 1060 m are open for visitors. The original lighting makes the cave even more mysterious. 10 km from Kutaisi there is another group of caves - Sataplia. Here is a pavilion with prints of dinosaur footprints. Open from 10 am to 5 pm, except Tuesday.
4. Kakheti - wineries and the city of love
It is very convenient to visit Kakheti from Tbilisi, in one day you can see the main attractions of the region. Of particular interest is the small town of Sighnaghi, an example of Georgian-Italian architecture. Small neat houses, narrow streets, cobblestones on the roads, and beautiful views of the Alazani Valley. This place has become a favorite for all romantics and lovers, the town is especially good in the evening.
Wine lovers will be able to visit the famous wineries and wine cellars of Kakheti. The richest region of winemaking is the Alazani Valley. You can buy a special tasting tour or go on your own.
5. Medieval cave city of Vardzia
It is a cave town-monastery located 100 km from Borjomi. The main part of the complex was built during the time of George III and Queen Tamara - in the 12-13th centuries. On the territory of 600 objects - temples, baths, refectories - everything that survived the earthquake and the damage caused by the Turkish and Iranian conquerors.
Once upon a time, 20 thousand inhabitants lived in the city, all buildings are made inside the mountain, towering above the bank of the Kura River at the level of an 8-storey building. In the center of Vardzia there is the main temple of the city - the Church of the Assumption, painted with ancient frescoes. At the end of the 80s of the last century, the monastery became active again.
Please note: the complex is located in the mountains, therefore access roads may be difficult in winter. In addition, some facilities may be closed to the public for the safety of tourists. In winter, there are few visitors, so the walk will be very interesting.
Atmospheric video about Vardzia caves:
What to see and do in Georgia in winter
Holidays in Georgia in winter are diverse: you can spend time interestingly on excursions, skiing, drinking mineral water, taking sulfur baths, walking in gardens and parks, buying souvenirs at the markets, discovering new Georgian dishes. But, perhaps, it is worth starting from the capital.
1. Visit the famous sulfur baths in Tbilisi
It is a sin to visit Tbilisi and not visit the famous sulfur baths, the water in which comes from natural sources. There are similar sources in Italy and in some other European countries. In Tbilisi, procedures cost from 30 to 150 GEL per hour - separate rooms, shared bath - 3 GEL. Massages can be ordered.
2. Arrange a food tour
What is a vacation in Georgia without learning local cuisine? Khinkali, khachapuri, barbecue and other Georgian dishes will impress any gourmet. In winter, a high-calorie lunch will be very useful, not to mention the pleasure obtained from the taste and aromas of dishes.
You can order a special gourmet tour with tastings, a professional master class from the chef and a real Georgian feast. If the goal is to eat well and tasty, just go to one of the establishments. Inexpensive decent cafes can be found on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. Just don't order too much: Georgians are generous people, and their portions are very large.
3. Drink mineral water in Borjomi
The famous balneological Georgian resort of Borjomi, located in the Borjomi gorge on the banks of the Kura River, is a must see on vacation in Georgia not only in summer, but also in winter. Mineral water from local sources is the # 1 export commodity. In addition, it is convenient to visit historical monuments from here - the Romanov Palace, the Rabat fortress and the cave city of Vardzia. From Borjomi, you can conveniently and quickly get to the nearest ski resort Bakuriani.
4. Go skiing
One of the main entertainments among tourists on vacation in Georgia in winter is skiing.There are several ski resorts in the country, but the most popular resort is Bakuriani, near Borjomi, and Guaduri, 120 km from Tbilisi. Guaduri is a young resort, the prices are affordable, but the infrastructure is poorly developed, more suitable for unpretentious youth.
For families, it is better to go to the more comfortable Bakuriani - there are trails for beginners and professionals, the infrastructure is well developed, you can go skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledging. It is convenient to get from Borjomi by "cuckoo" - as the locals call the narrow-gauge railway.
5. Visit the best Georgian wineries
Here the choice of places to go is very rich - there are no less grape varieties in Georgia than in France. One of the best wineries in Georgia - Chateau Mukhrani - is located in the former estate of the Bagration-Mukhran princes in the Mtskheta region. There is also a 19th century mansion, you can visit the old wine cellars, as well as stroll through the modern factory and taste the products of the factory.
You can go on your own or buy a guided tour. Wine tasting at this factory from 30 GEL per person, with dinner - 65 GEL. You can buy any wine you like. It is convenient to combine the visit with a visit to the Mukhran fortress, which is 1.5 km from the factory or the Tsilkan temple, which is located a little further.
However, if you already have your own preferences, then it is better to visit the place whose products you like. In addition, there are wine houses in the tourist areas of Tbilisi, where you can taste drinks for free.
Reviews of tourists about winter holidays in Georgia - 2020-2021
Tourists who were vacationing in Georgia in the winter of 2020 expressed their admiration for the local landscapes and sights, were captivated by the excellent cuisine and hospitality of the residents, as well as the pleasant weather. Although in their reviews of Georgia, some shortcomings were nevertheless noted:
- The notorious overseas service has already spoiled our travelers, and the lack of regular cleaning in hotel rooms did not please them.
- Some were unpleasantly surprised by the prices. For some reason, there was an opinion that Georgia is an inexpensive country for tourists, in practice this is not entirely true.
- Too sensitive travelers admitted that a large number of beggars on the streets of cities caused them moral discomfort.
Otherwise, Georgia is a welcoming and colorful country, where in winter it is warm not only from the sun and wine, but also from hospitality. And even if the sea is cold, there are so many interesting things here that you will not be bored on vacation.