Georgia

Where Europe Meets Asia in a Toast to Culture, Mountains & Wine

Georgia is one of those destinations that feels like a well-kept secret—until you go and realize it’s been quietly blowing travelers’ minds for years. Tucked between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, this small but mighty country is bursting with charm, contradictions, and charisma. It’s Eastern European but proudly unique. It has centuries-old monasteries, ancient cave cities, wild mountain passes, and a food-and-wine scene that can easily rival anywhere in Western Europe.

For travelers looking to step off the beaten path without sacrificing beauty, flavor, or authenticity, Georgia delivers in spades. It's warm. It's quirky. It's staggeringly scenic. And it's a destination I love recommending to clients who want to feel like they’ve discovered something special.

Georgia at a Glance

  • Continent: Eurasia (at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia)

  • Best Time to Visit: May–June & September–October (spring and fall are ideal)

  • Main Language: Georgian (Kartuli)

  • Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)

  • Popular for: Mountains, wine, monasteries, hearty cuisine, warm hospitality

  • Ideal for: Culture lovers, history buffs, hikers, foodies, budget-friendly adventurers

A panoramic view of a city at dusk with a hilltop church, illuminated buildings, and a river running through the city.

Top Destinations in Georgia

Tbilisi

The heart of modern Georgia and the perfect place to begin your trip. Tbilisi is a city of contrasts: sulfur bathhouses and Art Nouveau buildings rub shoulders with hip cafes, street art, and ancient fortresses.

  • Wander the Old Town with its pastel balconies and winding lanes

  • Soak in a traditional sulfur bath in Abanotubani

  • Ride the funicular up to Mtatsminda Park for panoramic views

  • Stroll across the Bridge of Peace and along the Mtkvari River

Kazbegi / Stepantsminda

A must for mountain lovers. This northern region offers dramatic Caucasus peaks, alpine meadows, and the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on a hilltop with Mt. Kazbek in the background.

  • Perfect for: hikers, photographers, couples

  • Accessed via the scenic Georgian Military Highway

Kakheti Wine Region

The birthplace of winemaking—literally. Georgia’s wine tradition dates back over 8,000 years, and Kakheti is its epicenter.

  • Tour family-run wineries and sample qvevri (clay pot) wine

  • Visit Sighnaghi, a hilltop town known as the “City of Love”

  • Pair your tastings with homemade khachapuri and local cheeses

Mtskheta

One of Georgia’s oldest towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s just a short drive from Tbilisi but steeped in history and religious significance.

  • Visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where Christ’s robe is said to be buried

  • Walk through charming streets lined with traditional crafts and sweet churchkhela

Batumi

A beach resort town on the Black Sea with a flashy, modern twist. Think Las Vegas meets the coast, but with Georgian flair.

  • Great for summer relaxation, nightlife, and families

  • Walk the Batumi Boulevard, visit the Ali and Nino statue, or enjoy the botanical gardens

Food & Culture

Georgian cuisine is bold, comforting, and made for sharing—perfect for foodies and curious eaters.

Must-try dishes:

  • Khinkali: juicy meat dumplings eaten with your hands

  • Khachapuri: cheese-filled bread (especially the boat-shaped Adjarian version with egg and butter!)

  • Lobio: hearty bean stew served in a clay pot

  • Badrijani: eggplant rolls with walnut paste

  • Pkhali: vegetable spreads (beet, spinach, etc.) blended with herbs and walnuts

Drinks to sample:

  • Qvevri wine: amber-colored, unfiltered, and fermented in clay pots underground

  • Chacha: a powerful grape brandy (Georgia’s answer to grappa)

  • Tarkhuna: a bright green tarragon soda

Culture & Local Vibes

Georgian culture is a fascinating blend of ancient and new. While modern influences are present, tradition runs deep—especially in hospitality. The concept of the “supra” (feast) is central to Georgian life, with a tamada (toastmaster) leading the celebration and endless toasts over wine and laughter.

Georgians are proud, poetic, and fiercely loyal to their heritage. You’ll hear polyphonic singing, see hand-carved balconies, and be invited in for a meal more than once. Religion is also woven into daily life—Orthodox Christianity is dominant, and monasteries dot the landscape like timeless watchtowers.

Where to Stay?

Tbilisi

  • Boutique hotels and guesthouses in the Old Town

  • Design-forward stays in Vera or Vake neighborhoods

  • Family-friendly options near Rustaveli Avenue

Kakheti

  • Vineyard guesthouses for immersive food-and-wine experiences

  • Luxury lodges near Telavi or Sighnaghi

Kazbegi

  • Rooms Hotel Kazbegi is a fan-favorite for mountain views, fireplaces, and chic rustic design

  • Homestays and mountain lodges available for a more local experience

Batumi

  • High-rise beach resorts

  • Smaller seaside guesthouses with a more personal touch

Is it Safe to Travel to Georgia?

Yes—Georgia is considered one of the safest countries in its region, especially for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare. Petty theft can happen in busy areas (as in any tourist destination), but it’s uncommon.

Travelers should keep in mind:

  • Some rural roads (especially in the mountains) can be rough—drivers are adventurous!

  • Political tensions exist in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which are Russian-occupied regions—travel to these areas is not advised.

Most travelers report feeling incredibly welcome, especially in the countryside, where Georgian hospitality shines brightest.

Tips for Traveling to Georgia

  • Visas: U.S., Canadian, UK, EU, and Australian travelers can enter visa-free for up to one year.

  • Language: Georgian uses its own unique script; Russian is also widely spoken, especially by older generations. English is growing in cities and tourist areas.

  • Transportation: Marshrutkas (minibuses) are the most common local transport. Private drivers are affordable and recommended for exploring Kakheti or Kazbegi.

  • Currency: Use cash (Georgian Lari) for most local purchases. ATMs are common in cities.

  • Weather: Mountain weather is unpredictable—layers and good shoes are a must.

Why Visit Georgia?

Georgia is a destination that feels timeless, soulful, and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you can stand in a 6th-century monastery, drink wine made using techniques older than history books, and still be in a WiFi-connected boutique hotel by nightfall. For my clients looking for culture, nature, history, and seriously good food—all on a surprisingly affordable budget—Georgia is a dream come true.

Whether you’re toasting wine under the stars in Kakheti, hiking through Kazbegi, or soaking in a sulfur bath in Tbilisi, I’ll help you design a journey that shows you the very best of this beautiful country at your pace.