Georgia tours & holidays

Spring and autumn are the best times to head to Georgia. Summers (especially July and August) can be very hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 40ºC. This is a great time to escape to the Black Sea or the mountains to cool off.

Winters can be very cold, although the country rarely freezes over. However, power supplies are frequently interrupted, so don’t rely on heating. This is a beautiful, fertile region so bring an umbrella and expect rain at any time of year!

Learn more about the best time to visit Georgia.

Georgia’s spiky topography makes for stunning scenery. The Greater Caucasus Mountains crisscross the country, divvying it up into pockets of forests, valleys and glaciers. Its only coastline runs 330 km along the stunning Black Sea. Georgia’s neighbours include the Russian Federation, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Georgia is one of those countries with a truly unique geographical position, sitting on the border of two continents, Europe and Asia. Over time, the land known as Georgia has been invaded, conquered, fought over and divided by several of history’s greatest empires, including the Ottoman, Russian and Soviet Empires. But despite all this, the cultural identity of Georgia has held strong, with traditional language, dance, cuisine and stories still passionately celebrated across the nation.

Today, Georgia’s culture is more linked to Europe than Asia. The popularity of Christianity is thought to have been the largest factor for the more Western influence and this is especially noticeable when observing the architecture.

Today, Georgians still make up the majority of the population and hold true to their traditional language. Much research has been conducted about the Georgian alphabet. It is now thought that this unique alphabet and writing system was created as early as the 3^rd century BC before going through multiple variations, leading to the modern writing system in use today.

There are several great ways to understand and appreciate Georgian history. One is to attend a Georgian supra, an ancient ritual that brings people together over a large meal to celebrate or commemorate important moments in life. Another great option is to watch a traditional folk dance. Performed in national dress, these dances communicate unique stories through fast-paced movements and various instrumental accompaniments.

What do you get when a country sits on the border of two mega continents and was once an important part of the Silk Road trade route? Only a cuisine abundant in tastes, unique ingredients and cooking techniques originating from all parts of the world.

And that’s not even mentioning the fact that Georgia has been producing wine since 6000 BC or that it's thought to be one of the first to use wheat and honey.

Things to try in Georgia:

Khinkali

Not only is this dish a delicious dumpling filled with minced meat, spices and vegetables, but it’s also an old Georgian offering to the sun with the 28 folds symbolising the solar cycles. Found throughout the many regions of Georgia, you’ll likely hear the slurping of this tasty dumpling wherever you go.

Khachapuri

Cheese and bread take on a whole new life in Georgia with one of their favourite dishes, khachapuri, found in every part of the country. There are many versions of the dish to try, from the three cheese varieties to those made with potato or an egg cracked on top. You'll also see a wide array of shapes and cooking techniques, depending on where you are in the country.

Nigvziani badrijani

Nigvziani badrijani is an eggplant and walnut dish that makes for a great light snack or appetiser, especially for vegetarians and vegans. Eggplants are a prominent vegetable in Georgia and are grown in every region of the country. Nigvziani badrijani can be prepared in different ways, with some frying, grilling or baking the eggplant and combining it with the flavoured walnut spread.

Churchkhela

Churchkhela may look like candlewax, but in actuality, it’s a sweet treat of nuts and dried fruit threaded on a string and dipped in a mixture of grape juice, sugar and flour. After a good build-up of the grape mixture, the dish is left to air-dry. This gives the treat a lengthy shelf life, which came in handy when it was used for sustenance by Georgian soldiers of old.

Georgian wine

Evidence suggests wine has long been produced in and around Georgia since as early as 6000 BC. With such a lengthy amount of time winemaking, the Georgians can definitley create an aromatic glass of vino. Georgia also has around 500 varieties of indigenously grown grapes. When in town, you may be able to see how wine was made in a qvevri during ancient times.

1. Tbilisi

Set along a backdrop of hills and the Mtkvari River, Tbilisi is simply lovely. It’s been Georgia’s capital since the 5th century and the architecture tells the story of the city through the ages. There’s a fascinating mix of European, Byzantine, Middle Eastern and Soviet styles. Explore churches, winding alleys, parks and fortresses of Tbilisi on all our trips to Georgia.

2. Kutaisi

One of the cradles of Georgian civilisation, Kutaisi is home to the immense Bagrati Cathedral. It may be in ruins but this 11th-century building still impresses from its hilltop.

3. Gori

Once an important strategic post in the Middle Ages, Gori is now better known as the birthplace of Stalin. Learn about his early years and how they shaped the man as you're guided through this history-rich town.

4. Uplistsikhe

Not far from Gori is one of the Caucasus’s oldest settlements. Dating back to the 5th century and the days of the Silk Road, Uplistsikhe has a 9th-century church, an ancient monastery and a 2nd-century Roman theatre to explore.

5. Chalato Glacier/Chaladi glacier - Georgia's Shkhara glacier.

Take the opportunity to hike to Chalato Glacier. Your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views of snow-covered peaks.

6. Homestay Hospitality/ Refugee settlement meal

The Georgians are renowned for their hospitality. Be welcomed into a family home and get a taste of what it is to be Georgian. The houses may be simple but Georgian family life is rich.

7. Kazbegi

This nugget of a town may be distinctly Soviet in flavour but its setting is anything but dismal. Enjoy views out to Mt Kazbek and the hilltop Tsminda Sameba Church.

8. Telavi Wine Region

Whatever your favourite drop of wine, you’re sure to find a tipple to tickle your fancy here. Hundreds of varieties are grown and each village in the region has its own.

9. Batumi

Enjoy a beach break Georgian-style along the beautiful shores of the Black Sea. Take in views of rolling hills and holidaying locals as you sip on a Turkish coffee with a visit to Batumi.

10. Borjomi

Wind down and relax in the beautiful spa town of Borjomi. Known for its fizzy mineral water, this resort town is well worth a visit for its valley views, magnificent buildings and natural sulphur pools, said to have healing properties.