Georgia is famous for the diversity of nature and climate due to its unique geographical location. Tours to Georgia offer everything that a traveler may dream of: snow glaciers on the peaks of the mystic Caucasus Mountains, crater lakes, alpine meadows of colorful wildflowers, deep canyons and ancient caves, mineral waters, pools of sulfur waters, coastal towns with palm trees and gorgeous horizons of the Black Sea.
Georgia is home to more than 40 natural protected areas, preserving the country’s untouched, pristine nature. These stunning landscapes host cultural monuments, which represent the ancient history of this complex region. Georgia has been surrounded by great empires throughout the history and adopted many influences from neighboring cultures, however it was able to create and maintain its own cultural image, unique traditions and customs that still impress with their vital and joyful spirit. Cultural tours to Georgia introduce you to the various expressions of local culture: enjoy the stunning polyphonic singing of Georgian choirs and the cheerful local dance moves, learn about the medieval arts and architecture, explore the changing traditions and the modern life of the Georgians. During the wine tours, you will get to know the ancient wine making traditions, for which Georgia is famous in the whole region. For adventure lovers, hiking tours in Georgia will become a unique experience, uncovering this hidden country’s beauty along one of the many trails through the lush green forests and mountain slopes. Georgia has much to offer to its guests, and no matter what type of traveler you are or what expectations you have, this little mountainous country will brighten up your journey with positive emotions and memorable experiences.
Georgia is known for its breathtaking nature, hospitable people, lively culture, rich cuisine and good wine. Moreover, it is one of the most easily accessible countries in the South Caucasus with many airports receiving numerous international flights. Our travel guide offers various amazing experiences and routes for the travelers. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you plan your trip to Georgia.
If you are an individual traveler wishing to explore the country on your own, then you might think of several options to get around. Though Georgia has a railway connection between its bigger cities, these are mainly Soviet era trains that are usually slow, however, it is itself a unique experience as you travel back in time and find yourself in a Soviet movie. The most common intercity transports are the mini-buses or the so-called marshrutkas (2-5 USD), which you can find at Didube Bus station if you travel to the west, while mini-buses to Kakheti go from Samgori (Navtlugi) station. To travel within Tbilisi you can get a Metromoney card, a universal payment card for the subway and buses. You can get the card at any subway stop (costs 2 Lari) and use it for free for the first 90 minutes.
In comparison with European countries, taxi service in Georgia is very cheap (1-2 USD to get around the city center), so it is a common transportation all around the country. You can even take a shared taxi ride to the nearby cultural sites. Install one of many taxi apps that are quite reliable and affordable, or catch a ride on the road, however negotiate the price before getting in.
Georgian language with its exceptional alphabet is an interesting cultural phenomenon. This melodic language is spoken only in Georgia and it does not sound anything like other languages in the region. Though the script may seem to look very complicated, many basic words that you may need as a traveler are easy to learn. If you are curious about languages, take a brief glossary for Georgian basic conversation and practice on the spot. English is widely spoken in big cities and especially in Tbilisi, but you can also use some Russian expressions to explain yourself to the elder generation living in the regions.
Georgia has its local currency that is called Lari (GEL) and has the cents called tetri. A US dollar today is equal to 3.1 Lari (as of Aug 30, 2021). You can exchange your money at any local bank or currency exchange office, but avoid exchanging small amounts like a dollar or two, as it will be exchanged at a lower rate than usual. In Tbilisi and in bigger cities you can pay with credit cards, however it is better for you to keep cash as you travel around the regions, because not every business accepts cards.
Georgia is a heaven for digital nomads, as you will find free Wi-Fi in almost all the cafes and restaurants in Tbilisi. Even in some parts of the city, you can connect to Tbilisi city Wi-Fi as you stroll around. In case you are on a business trip or you need strong connection throughout the day, you can get a sim card from one of the local mobile operators. Out of three main operators (Beeline, Magti and Geocell) Magti has the best coverage and performance in most of the parts of the country, though all three have affordable packages and provide 4G internet.
As the tourism sector has been growing fast in Georgia in the last several years, the government was also introducing changes to the visa regulations, making it easier for travelers to visit the country. Though Georgia is a non-EU country, you can still enter with your Schengen visa. Moreover, 90+ countries do not even need visas for entering Georgia. In general, it is allowed to stay in Georgia for 90 days, but citizens of some countries can also stay for a whole year (see the details here: www.geoconsul.gov.ge).
The well-developed tourism infrastructure in Georgia has created a variety of options for people traveling on different budgets. You may find luxury hotels next to more affordable and cozy hostels and guesthouses, where you can find a dorm bed for 5 USD or a cozy private room for 15-20 USD. Small hotels with better facilities may cost 30-40 USD. Georgia is a perfect destination for backpackers and digital nomads, who like to be on their own and often look for reasonable prices for accommodation and food. Food is very cheap in Georgia, in case you do not plan to have your meal at one of the high-end restaurants. You will find Georgian traditional dishes with fair prices in many local cafes and restaurants, let alone the small grocery stores where you can buy the local produce at a very low price.
Different tours to Georgia cover various budget options. The many affordable hostels and guesthouses, non-expensive food, cheap taxis and minibus rides, make Georgia a great destination for a budget trip. You can spend 10 days in Georgia for 300 USD and still enjoy a great time, exploring the nation’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Georgia is a Christian country full of cultural and religious sites. Many monasteries still maintain their spiritual lifestyle, therefore you can visit most of these monuments free of charge. As you hike up the scenic mountains or take a ride through the green valleys of Georgia, you will find yourself in one of the many stunning monasteries that have unique architecture and location. These famous or hidden monuments are also included in many popular tours to Georgia. Museum tickets are extremely cheap (2-3 USD), and it’s worth a visit if you’re interested to learn more about Georgia’s history, arts and culture. You can spend days just wandering around the beautiful streets of Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Signagi and other cities, exploring the old and new architecture.
The climate of Georgia varies in different areas due to its geography. Summer is sunny, temperatures range from 29 C to 33 C., in winter from -2 C to 4 C. In general, the best time to visit Georgia are the months from May to October, but if you want to skip the hot summer days, it is better to plan your trip for April-June, or September-October, when the famous Georgian harvest holiday called Rtveli takes place. Months from May to September are great for those intending to rest at one of the resorts on the Black Sea coast of Georgia, though keep in mind that the beaches are most crowded in July and August. Summer’s a great time to hike and trek in Georgia to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Caucasus mountains. However, consider visiting Georgia during winter, too, especially if you are into winter sports, as Georgia is famous for its awesome ski resorts, such as Gudauri, Bakuriani, etc. In all, as Georgia offers a wide range of activities, the best time to visit Georgia depends on how you plan to spend your holiday and in which areas of the country.
Phone: +37410 532366
Email: info@dmcarmenia.com
Phone: +37410 532366
Email: info@dmcarmenia.com
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