Georgia
About This Tour
Georgia is located on the crossroad of Europe and Asia. It lays at the eastern end of the Black Sea, with Turkey and Armenia to the south, Azerbaijan to the east, and Russia to the north, over the Caucasus Mountains. The capital and largest city is Tbilisi.
Climate of the country is extremely diverse, considering its small size. The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range influencing Georgia’s climate, it protects the country from cold air masses from North.
The Lesser Caucasus Mountains partially protect the region from the influence of dry and hot air masses from South as well. An average temperature in summer ranges from 32 °C to 35 °C, and in winter – from 1.5 °C to 3 °C.
Some Interesting Places in Georgia.
Tsminda Sameba Cathedral:- Although it looks ancient, the Sameba Cathedral in Tbilisi is a 21st century addition to the old city of Tbilisi. Construction of the Eastern Orthodox Cathedral started in 1995 and was completed in 2004. Consisting of a range of different architectural styles, the traditional look of the church was carefully chosen out of a contest of more than one hundred designs. The interior is impressive and has nine chapels with more than half of these located underground!Narikala Fortress:- One of Tbilisi’s important ancient sites is the Narikala Fortress. Situated on a hill overlooking the city and Mtkvari River, the fortress was constructed in the 4th century to protect the city from attack. Although some parts were demolished by an earthquake in 1827, walls and battlements from the 16th and 17th centuries still remain lending stunning views of the city.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral:- One of the architecturally significant buildings in Georgia, this medieval stone cathedral is located in Mtskheta, an historic town near Tbilisi. The present 11th century cathedral was rebuilt from its original 4th century version, and its inner walls contain fragments of icons and frescoes, as well as decorated stonework. During its long history Svetitskhoveli Cathedral has come under attack from Persians, Arabs and Russians, as well as earthquakes. Not only is it an important place of Christian worship, the cathedral is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vardzia:- Pack a picnic and head into the Georgian mountains to visit Vardzia. This is a 12th century monastery, or cave city, with a labyrinth of tunnels and rooms that extend for kilometres into Erusheli Mountain. The monastery is accessed by a 30 minute steep climb and there is a small entrance fee to pay the monks who manage it. Originally consisting of over six thousand rooms and 13 storeys, today there are still 300 remaining rooms and halls!
Batumi Boulevard:- Batumi is a coastal city on the Black Sea known for its good weather, contemporary architecture and beaches. The Boulevard is a park that runs along the seashore with formal lawns, gardens and palm trees. It is the focal point of the city’s night life during summer and a popular place for a scenic walk, cycle or to pick up some souvenirs.
Uplistsicke:- This cave fortress near Gori should be on your must-visit list for its fascinating ancient ruins. The name means ‘the lord’s fortress’ and the town was literally hewn out of the rock in the 6th century BC. It was an important trading centre on the Silk Road with around 5,000 people living there. The ‘Tamaris Darbasi’, a rock hall with gigantic stone pillars, is the largest building archaeologists have discovered but you’ll also be able to see a bakery, a prison, a pharmacy and designated spots where pagan sacrifices took place.
Aerial Tramway in Tbilisi:- A new and easier way of getting from A to B opened in Tbilisi in 2012. The steep hike up through the Old Town has now been replaced with an aerial tramway which whisks you from Rike Park up to Narikala Fortress in two minutes. From here you can also visit the Botanical Gardens and Kartlis Deda. The tramway makes the journey easier and quicker but also offers great views of the Mtkvari River and the Old Town.
Rustaveli Avenue:- There’s one place to be in Tbilisi its Rustaveli Avenue. Named after Shota Rustaveli, a 12th century Georgian poet, the street is a cultural hub of tourist attractions. The National Gallery, National Museum, Opera and Ballet State Theatre, Kashveti Church and Parliament are all located along here. It’s also a Rustaveli Avenue focus for entertainment venues, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops.
Mount Kazbek:- Part of Georgia’s natural charm is its beautiful mountainous scenery. Located in the extreme north of the country near the Georgia/Russia border are the Caucasus Mountains. Mount Kazbek is part of the range and its name means ‘mountain of ice’. The mountain is popular with trekkers and climbers for being one of the highest in the region and for its magnificent summit views.
Lake Ritsa:- Beautiful Lake Ritsa, surrounded by mountains and with its green-blue waters full of trout, is a popular visitor attraction in Abkhazia, north Georgia. The Crater Lake is part of the Ritsa Nature Reserve and at 116 metres in depth, one of the deepest in Georgia. The best time to visit is the summers which never get too hot, the lake shores are perfect for a picnic, a stroll and there are boat tours available too.
Some awesome adventurous and other experience in Georgia.
White Resorts of Georgia:- Bakuriani, where the slopes are more gentle. This resort has well-developed infrastructure for a vacation with family and children: while you improve your skills or taste the whole variety of culinary delicacies and famous Georgian wine, your children can enjoy the attention of professional skiing instructors or experienced nurses.
Gudauri is a cool place for fans of steep slopes, freeride and heli-skiing. Those who look for thrilling experiences and want to enjoy the mountain views from the highest points can go paragliding and speedriding. On the other hand, in Gudauri there is also a place for those who just want to get out of town, get some fresh air, take a steam bath, drink mulled wine or taste Georgian brandies and chacha.
Svanetian resorts, Hatsvali and Tetnuldi, are relatively young compared to Bakuriani and Gudauri. It is better to reach both places from Mestia, the central village of Svaneti. New lifts, steep slopes and crazily beautiful views will make you enjoy every moment. These mountains are higher than the Alps!
Ajara region, traditionally famous for sea, sun, nightlife and boat-like khachapuri, now also boasts with a new snow resort, Goderdzi. Well, khachapuri is always delicious, dancing in trendy places or trying your luck in casino is possible anytime, but skiing so close to the coast is possible only in the wintertime.
Family Holidays:- Family excursions can be fascinating, if you go to Imereti, where you can find two interesting caves. In one of them, Sataplia, there are preserved dinosaur footprints!
The Black Sea coast is also attractive in its own way this season. Mild climate, winter sea, fresh fish, flavourful coffee Batumi style, evergreen Botanical Garden, trips to mountainous Ajara, cycling, sunsets on the coast…
Spa and Entertainment:- Tbilisi and Batumi become more and more famous not just for good food or ancient sites. Winter cold vanishes and night becomes brighter, as you and your friends go to check out wine cellars, pubs, bars, lounges, clubs, or try your luck in casino!
You get high class spa care based on natural Georgian wines and well known healing water of Borjomi. Beside this, you can try bathing in thermal water, balneotherapy, classic spa treatment, and visit the famous Sulphur baths of Tbilisi. Kvareli (for wine spa), Borjomi, Tskaltubo, Sairme and Likani (for various kinds of mineral water treatment). Don’t forget to visit Tbilisi sulfur baths, as you travel to the Georgian capital!
Skiing & Snowboarding
BAKURIANI
Located at an altitude of 1,700 m. in the Borjomi region of Georgia, Bakuriani is nestled in the shadows of the breath-taking Caucasus Mountains, which is only a three-hour drive from Tbilisi. Bakuriani perched high on a sunny plateau in the centre of Caucasus Mountains, promises to deliver a unique charm and essential skiing experience for both professionals and amateurs as well.
Home to dozens of alpine slopes and cross-country trails, Bakuriani offers some of the most spectacular skiing and snowboarding in Europe. Originally developed as an Olympic training facility, unsurprisingly, Bakuriani is Georgia’s most popular and prominent winter sports and recreation destination. Enjoy the downhill ski runs, cross-country trails, horseback tours, sledding or simply take long walks through beautiful snowy forests.
Kokhtagora
Kokhtagora is located at an altitude of 2,155 m. and is served by a two-seat chair lift and two drag lifts- the so called Bugels. Red and black runs are located here and descend from the top of the peak down to the mid-level cable car, where blue runs and beginners nursery slopes can be found.
Kokhta 2 (Tatra)
The mountain of Kokhta 2 (2,255 meters high) is known in Bakuriani as Tatra. The red and blue pistes here run for 1.8 km.
25 meter
Twenty-five is an area of easy skiing located on the Circular, near the old 25-meter ski-jump which gives the area its name. Here beginners and children can learn to ski in a safe and pleasant environment, surrounded by the mighty Caucasus Mountains. You can also toboggan and sledge here, or take a horse drawn sleigh-ride through the ancient forests.
Didveli
Didveli, at one of Europe’s highest mountains, Mount Sakvelo, holds one on the most picturesque views. From here you can catch a gondola to the slopes of Mount Sakvelo, and ski down on a range of blue and red routes. The longest piste here stretches to around 4 km. Advanced skiers can continue further up the mountain by catching a chairlift at the top of the gondola to almost the very top of Mt Sakvelo itself. Here, you can enjoy stretching your ski-legs on very steep and difficult red and black runs.
GUDAURI
Located in the very heart of the Caucasus Mountains, Gudauri is surrounded by some of the Europe’s most dramatic peaks. While Gudauri is unrivaled in the diversity and challenges of its terrain, it is a top destination to unravel your skiing hidden talents. Gudauri is a resort for all seasons. Only a short drive from the Capital city of Tbilisi – and even a shorter helicopter flight will eventually let you discover the magic of Georgian picturesque mountains. Gudauri is Georgia’s year-round playground. During the ski season, which usually starts from mid-December lasting up to mid-April, it offers a full scope of services for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. So feel the sun on your face and the powder under your feet for the region can lay claim to 19 kms of ski pistes. True professionals will want to sample some of the most challenging off-peak slopes in Europe.
Skiing
With dozens of slopes, Gudauri has pistes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Besides that, the surrounding mountains are a haven for cross-country and off-piste skiers. Moreover, the highly modern three and four-seat chairlifts ensure a minimum of waiting time with a maximum of efficiency in order to transport skiers up to the Kudebi Mountain, which is located at an altitude of 3,000m. As for some of the experienced skiers Gudauri provides four FIS approved types of run: slalom, giant slalom, super slalom and speed skiing. So carve your way up to the heart of Caucasus mountain region, and indulge yourself in an unforgettable experience.
Cross Country skiing
The remote valleys and untouched foothills around Gudauri offer an exceptional cross-country skiing, just a short distance from Gudauri’s groomed trails and ski lifts. Hiring a guide lets you get the most out of the area and to explore the thrill of fresh virgin snow. Heli-skiing Gudauri has some of the finest high altitude powder in Europe, offering virtually unrestricted access up to 4,200 meters. Our fleets of helicopters transport skiers and their guides to remote peaks for some of the most challenging skiing found anywhere in the world. So depending on your cross country skiing ability and desire, there’s a cross-country experience waiting for you here in Gudauri!
Ski School
The Gudauri Ski School offers lessons and courses to beginners of all ages. But even advanced skiers can improve their skiing techniques with a fresh lesson every now and then.
Ski Rental
The rental of new, modern ski equipment is available in Gudauri through ski schools, local intermediaries and hotels.
Rescue and First Aid
All of Gudauri’s ski areas are patrolled by experienced ski rescue and first-aid teams. Emergency helicopter evacuation to Tbilisi is also available.
MESTIA
Mestia, the main regional centre of Zemo Svaneti, is situated 456 km from Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi and is 1.500 metres above sea level.
It is the starting point for most trips to Svaneti, with a range of hotels, guesthouses and local travel services, and a very convenient base for exploring the area. From the centre of Mestia it is possible to hike up to the glaciers at the foot of mount Ushba, or take horses up to the pristine alpine meadows. Plus, a new ski resort makes it possible to ski or snowboard even in the height of summer.
Adventure
• Hiking and Trekking
• 4×4 Adventure.
• Mountaineering
• Biking
• Rafting & Kayaking
• Caving
• Paragliding
• Bird Watching
• Hunting and Fishing
• Eco- National Parks
• Horse Riding.