How to travel to Georgia on your own and how much does it cost. Where to go in Georgia. Independent travel, a short guide How best to travel in Georgia

Do I need insurance to travel to Georgia?

If we talk about insurance for your personal health, I think it is definitely needed (although Georgian border guards are absolutely not interested in whether you have it or not). Still, it’s not like lying on the couch at home - you never know, what will happen in the mountains, or you won’t be able to stop eating khinkali in time ..)) Anything can happen - and not only in Georgia. For the past few years, I have been taking out insurance for my travels through an online service - here you can choose from a variety of products on the insurance market exactly what suits you in terms of price and insurance coverage:

Now, as for car insurance (if you do not plan to go to Georgia in your car, you can safely skip this item).

On March 1, 2018, the government of Georgia adopted a law on OSAGO for cars with foreign numbers. Simply put, if earlier this type of insurance was optional in Georgia, now it has become necessary. An insurance policy (not a green card!) can be issued online on the website https://www.tpl.ge/ or buy at the border. There are 4 types of policies - for 15, 30, 90 days and for 1 year. If you are traveling to Georgia for less than 15 days, you will still have to take out insurance for 15 days.

The fine for the absence of OSAGO for the summer of 2018 is 100 GEL (paid at any branch of any large Georgian bank, in no case try to “settle” this issue with the police on the spot!).

How to get to Georgia?

On the ground in a private car- if you are planning to go to Georgia by car, I suggest reading an article about the Moscow-Tbilisi road and the specifics of traveling in Georgia by car:.

If the purpose of your trip is not only Tbilisi, but also the "summer capital" of Batumi, I recommend reading.

An article about public transport in Tbilisi, as well as how to move within Georgia:.

Housing in Georgia - private sector, hostels, guesthouses, hotels, apartments

Before you start searching and booking accommodation for your independent vacation or traveling around Georgia, I recommend reading a separate large article - you will find all the necessary information in it: classification of types of accommodation, where and how best to look for it, how to book, recommendations and tips to minimize costs and the nuances of Georgian specifics.

If you are planning an independent trip to Georgia or just a vacation by the sea, I highly recommend that you look at my articles on the best value for money apartments and guesthouses in Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi:

Transfers in Georgia

If you are traveling to Georgia with a family or a large group, it may make sense for you to think about a transfer directly to the door of the booked hotel or to the desired attraction.

Comfortable transfers throughout Georgia can be ordered using the local online service go trip. During the booking process, you have the opportunity to choose a class, brand of car and a specific driver based on the reviews of previous passengers. Given the jigit driving style of Georgian street taxi drivers and their cars that are far from always serviceable, this is a very useful option. The price on the site is final, you don’t have to bargain with anyone.

Transfer examples:

Mobile communication and Internet in Georgia

With mobile communication and the Internet is doing well in Georgia. Of course, there are remote corners like Tusheti or Khevsureti, where civilization in the face of mobile operators has not yet reached, but this is more an exception than a rule. In large and medium-sized cities, as well as in all beach and ski resorts with a local SIM card, you will always be in touch. As for the signal quality, all operators have already switched to 4G, but so far only in Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi. In the outback, the connection is usually either H or 3G.

What to see in Georgia

Below is a map of all the interesting places in Georgia mentioned in the guide. The numbers of attractions on the map correspond to the numbers in the text of the guide (indicated in brackets after the name of the city, church, fortress, etc.). By clicking on the number on the map, you will find a photo and a link for a quick transition to an article about this attraction.

Tbilisi

Tbilisi(number 1 on the sights map) - the capital of Georgia and one of the most beautiful and interesting cities of the former USSR. Old Tbilisi is unique yards with linens always drying, lazy cats and sedate men playing backgammon. As well as the famous carved balconies, many of which are the size of a small Moscow apartment.

In addition to numerous antiquities, Tbilisi also has modern sights: for example, the Bridge of Peace, the Presidential Palace and the House of Justice.

And, of course, amazingly hospitable and hospitable residents and delicious food. In my opinion, a minimum of 2-3 days is needed to get acquainted with Tbilisi, for a thoughtful inspection - no less than a week.

If you have more time at your disposal than a couple of days, I recommend reading my guide articles on the most interesting areas of Tbilisi:

Be sure to take a walk along mine - there are only the best restaurants, cafes and khinkal cities.

And so that the waiter and bartender understand who they are dealing with, I first suggest studying two mega-valuable articles for any “culinary tourist”:

In order to better feel the unique atmosphere and energy of old Tbilisi, it is better not to stay in a hotel, but to rent an apartment for rent from local residents in a real Tbilisi house with carved balconies, high ceilings and creaking wooden stairs in echoing entrances. For this purpose, my article can be very useful - in it I, on the basis of personal experience I describe the best options in terms of price and quality.

If you are traveling alone or do not plan to stay in Tbilisi for more than one or two days, then I would recommend choosing a good guesthouse over apartments: .

And in order to fully experience the unique atmosphere of this city, I recommend that the most inquisitive and sociable travelers book author's excursions around Tbilisi from local residents. Your guides will be Tbilisi residents themselves - writers, artists, photographers, journalists, winemakers - who are in love with their city and know everything about it.

Below is a selection of the most interesting and popular excursions in Tbilisi according to traveler reviews. To view all available options, click View All. At the booking stage, you will need to pay online only 20% of the cost of the tour - the rest of the amount is given to the guide before it starts.

Georgian military road

Georgian military road- one of the most picturesque highways in the world and a continuous attraction with a length of 208 km. It was built immediately after the annexation of Georgia to the Russian Empire to supply the Russian army, which then fought in the Caucasus with the highlanders, Turks and Persians - and this explains its name, today there is nothing “military” in it for a long time.

Georgian military road near the Cross Pass

The main sights of the Georgian Military Highway, located between the Russian border and Tbilisi:

Ananuri fortress and Zhinvali reservoir- number 3 on the map of sights of Georgia
Ski resort Gudauri(number 4)
Trinity Church in Gergeti (5)
Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)- number 6
Cross Pass and Monument of Friendship of Peoples (7)

Mtskheta

Mtskheta(2) - the ancient capital of Georgia, located 18 km north of Tbilisi, on the Georgian Military Highway. It was from here, through the efforts of St. Nino, that the Christianization of Georgia began.

In addition to the Jvari Monastery, in Mtskheta you should definitely visit the huge Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Samtavro Monastery, where, according to legend, Saint Nino lived under a blackberry bush.

Jvari monastery coordinates: 41.83837, 44.73403.

Ananuri

Here, on the banks of the picturesque Zhinvali reservoir, one of the most famous sights of northern Georgia is located - Ananuri medieval castle(number 3 on the map of Georgia).

The castle was built by the rulers of these places - the Aragvi eristavis - presumably at the end of the 17th century, when there was no reservoir here yet. And it was, on the contrary, the narrowest place of the Aragvi gorge, and it was impossible to go from the north, from the Dariali gorge, to the south to Tbilisi, bypassing the Ananuri fortress.

Coordinates: 42.16403, 44.70319.

Gudauri

Gudauri(number 4 on the map) is relatively young, but, along with Bakuriani, one of the most famous ski resorts in Georgia (and the most popular, due to its proximity to Tbilisi and the Russian border). People come here for good skiing, Georgian hospitality and delicious food.

Coordinates: 42.4745, 44.48089.

Gergeti

A small village on the Georgian Military Highway, famous for the fact that on the mountain above it is located the oldest and one of the most revered churches of Georgia - Sameba Trinity Church (5).

Gergeti Trinity Church

The place is really just amazing and “atmospheric”, in addition, the church offers excellent views of Mount Kazbek (Kazbegi in Georgian) - however, the mountain is very “capricious” and even in summer very rarely looks out from behind clouds and clouds.

Coordinates: 42.66243, 44.62054.

Transfers along the Georgian Military Highway

Adjara

A fertile land of beaches, mountain resorts, national parks and hospitable people. The capital of Adjara, Batumi, is a "showcase" of modern tourist Georgia, as well as the third largest city in the country (after Tbilisi and Kutaisi) and the largest Georgian city on the Black Sea.

Excursions in Batumi and Adjara from local residents:

Beach resorts of Adjara (as well as Guria and Megrelia)

sandy beaches

Ureki (Magnetity)

The most unusual beach resort in Georgia, located 45 kilometers north of Batumi, on the very border Guria and Megrelia. Unofficially divided into two parts: the village itself is called By the river, and the coastal tourist area with a beach - Magnetity(number 9 on the map of Georgia).

Magnetity is 4 kilometers of black magnetic sand beach, which is considered very useful for the treatment of hypertension, joint diseases and for rehabilitation after a heart attack. Unlike the pebbly beaches of Adjara, Magnetiti has fine fine sand (albeit unusually black), which makes the resort comfortable for families with children.

Coordinates: 41.98689, 41.75924.

Shekvetili

Shekvetili(10) - a small sleepy village 10 km south of Ureki, famous for its huge sandy beach and wonderful pine forest.

Given the sparsely populated resort, even at the height of the beach season, rest here is suitable for notorious introverts and those who are deadly tired of the crowds of big cities. The beach is pretty good - black magnetic sand, the same as in Magnetiti.

Coordinates: 41.92025, 41.76718.

Pebble beaches

Beach resorts south of Batumi (the cleanest sea):

Kvariati

Kvariati(number 11 on the map) is a small seaside village, the main attraction of which is a wonderful pebble beach.

Kvariati beach is considered the best in Adjara - some, however, will not agree with this, considering the best beach in Sarpi. This is a seaside resort with a long tradition and a well-developed infrastructure - there is a restaurant and a cafe, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, ride a jet ski and a cheesecake.

Coordinates: 41.54584, 41.56179.

Gonio

Gonio(12) is a small Adjarian village, known not only for its beach (very good, by the way), but also for its ancient Gonio-Apsaros fortress located a couple of kilometers from the village and the beach.

As for the Gonio beach, it is typical for this part of Adjara: long, wide, pebbly, with clear water, a standard set of tourist attractions and a relatively wide choice of accommodation. Along the sea, not so long ago, they made a boulevard one and a half to two kilometers long - following the example of the famous Seaside Boulevard of Batumi.

Coordinates: 41.5675, 41.56591.

Sarpi (13)

Most south beach Adzharia and in general its southernmost seaside point. A village on the border with Turkey - on the other side it is called Sarp.

Under Soviet rule, there was a border zone here (after all, Turkey was and remains a member of NATO), and now the border passes just a few meters from sunbathing and swimming tourists.

Coordinates: 41.5213, 41.5478.

Beach resorts north of Batumi:

Cape Verde Beach (Mtsvane Kontskhi - number 14 on the map)

An uncrowded pebble beach with clear water is relatively close to Batumi - you can get there in 20 minutes by minibus. Usually Cape Verde is visited along with the Batumi Botanical Garden - it is located exactly above the beach.

Cape Verde beach coordinates: 41.69181, 41.70474.

Chakvi

Chakvi(number 15) - once a fishing village and the center of Georgian tea growing, and now a cozy and calm beach resort on the Black Sea coast of Georgia, located 13 kilometers north of Batumi and 12 kilometers south of Kobuleti.

Coordinates: 41.72181, 41.72929.

Tsikhisdziri

Village Tsikhisdziri(16 on the map) is located 15 km north of Batumi, the easiest way to get there is by minibus, going from Batumi to Kobuleti.

Nowadays, Tsikhisdziri is rarely considered as a beach resort - the Byzantine temple located nearby is much more widely known. Petra fortress. But this was not always the case - thanks to its eucalyptus grove, in Soviet times, Tsikhisdziri was one of the generally recognized "favorites" for recreation and treatment of people with diseases of the respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Coordinates: 41.74682, 41.73785.

Kobuleti

Kobuleti(17) is the second largest city in Adjara, located 25 km north of Batumi.

In addition to its huge (about 10 km long!) Pebble beach, Kobuleti is known for its peat swamps of spain- a nature reserve located to the northeast of the town, as well as an amusement park "Tsitsinatela", which in Russian means "Firefly". This name is not accidental: at nightfall, the park lights up with many multi-colored iridescent lights - many young visitors like to tumble on the Tsitsinatela rides just after sunset. The park looks especially impressive from the Ferris wheel.

Coordinates: 41.83887, 41.77516.

Transfers to Adjara

Sights of Adjara

Adjara is a land of countless sights, and if you are interested in more than just relaxing on the beach, I recommend turning your attention to national parks, ancient arched bridges, picturesque mountain roads and much more, located “in the depths” of the region, in its mountainous part.

Transajar highway

Transajar highway(18) - this is a road through the Goderdzi pass, connecting Batumi with the capital of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, the city of Akhaltsikhe.

Almost throughout its entire length, the road is literally “stuffed” with interesting sights (waterfalls, ancient arched bridges, picturesque villages, wine cellars, etc.), so you can drive these 160 km for a very, very long time.

Bridge of Queen Tamara in Makhuntseti

Machakhela National Park (19)

Not so long ago, an excellent paved road was laid along the Machakhela River almost to the border with Turkey, thus turning the picturesque gorge into one of the most interesting and easily accessible places in Adjara.

Fairy forest in Mirveti

Mtirala National Park

Mtirala(number 20 on the map) is a picturesque national park spread over six thousand hectares, 25 kilometers east of the Adjarian village of Chakvi.

Public transport does not go to the national park, but taxi drivers in Chakvi will gladly take you there for 40-50 GEL (the price includes a round trip and 3 hours of waiting).

Kakheti

Kakheti is the land of stunning landscapes and the main region of Georgian winemaking. It is located to the east of Tbilisi and is known primarily for the "breadbasket of Georgia" - the Alazani Valley.

Alazani Valley

It is here that grapes are grown for most of the famous brands of wine in Eastern Georgia, such as Kindzmarauli, Saperavi, Kvareli. And here are several large wineries where you can come from. In addition, in autumn you can personally participate in the grape harvest.

To get to know Kakheti, you need at least 2-3 days with overnight stays in Sighnaghi and / or Telavi.

Author's excursions to Kakheti from Tbilisi

The most convenient and informative way to get to know Kakheti (IMHO) is an author's excursion from Tbilisi. In this case, you will be driven all day in a comfortable car to the most interesting places, telling stories, legends, and in some places even toasts (without this, you can’t get anywhere in Kakheti). By the way, about toasts - being a member of the tour, you can forget that you are driving and enjoy excellent wines in the tasting rooms of the best Kakhetian wineries.

Sighnaghi (Sighnaghi, 23)

The main tourist “magnet” of Kakheti, the “Georgian San Marino”, the “city of love” are all Sighnaghi (number 23 on the map of Georgia). The small town is located on the top of a ridge - and for this reason it has never been conquered and destroyed by anyone in its long history.

Monument to the doctor Benjamin from the movie "Don't Cry!" George Danelia

Due to its perfect preservation, during the years of Mikheil Saakashvili's presidency, Sighnaghi was chosen as the main tourist "brand" of Eastern Georgia. Something was restored, something was built from scratch - for example, the Wedding Palace, which works around the clock and "combines" everyone without an appointment - it is to him that Sighnaghi owes one of its unofficial names: "the city of love."

Coordinates: 41.61098, 45.92718.

Telavi (24)

The capital of Kakheti and at the same time a quiet and cozy town that became famous in the expanses of the former USSR after the release of the film "Mimino". Many tourists use the city only as a base for traveling to the mountainous Tusheti - but in vain, in Telavi itself there is also something to see.

Monument to King Erekle II in Telavi

Coordinates: 41.92092, 45.4791.

Monastery David Gareji (25)

One of the main Orthodox shrines of Georgia is a cave monastery founded by St. David of Gareji after he decided to leave the bustling Tbilisi and retire to the wilderness.

In addition to the complex of natural and man-made caves that make up the David Gareji Monastery, this place is notable for the fact that the monastery is located on the slopes of the ridge, along the ridge of which the state border of Georgia and Azerbaijan passes.

Coordinates: 41.4471, 45.37662.

Alaverdi Cathedral (26)

Alaverdi Cathedral is the first and most important temple of Kakheti, the second highest in Georgia (for a long time it was the first at all, but after the construction of the temple of Tsminda Sameba in Tbilisi, Alaverdi gave way to him primacy), and one of the four most revered Christian churches in the country - the so-called "Great Cathedrals ".

Coordinates: N42.03248, E45.3772.

Gremy Castle (27)

Gremi Medieval Castle- this is all that remains of the former capital of Kakhetia, the city of Gremi, destroyed by the Persian Shah Abbas. Along with the castle located on the Georgian Military Highway, Gremi is the most famous object of its kind in Georgia. Both castles are easily accessible from a logistical point of view - they rise literally above the highway passing at their foot.

Coordinates: 42.00161, 45.66099.

Nekresi Monastery (28)

Nekresi is an ancient and very “atmospheric” monastery located on a mountain above the Alazani Valley. Once at the foot of that mountain there was a whole city with the same name, but only the foundations of several buildings have survived from it to this day. And, if the ruins of the city are not of particular interest, then the Nekresi Monastery, floating high in the mountains, is rightfully considered one of the brightest sights of Kakheti.

Coordinates: 41.97249, 45.76027 (parking under the monastery).

Ikalto Monastery (29)

Ikalto- the oldest Orthodox monastery in Georgia. The monastery was founded by the Assyrian father Zenon of Ikaltoy in the 6th century. In the “golden” age of David the Builder for Georgia, the Academy appeared on the territory of the monastery, where Shota Rustaveli later studied.

Coordinates: 41.93707, 45.38026.

Monasteries Old and New Shuamta (30)

Despite its proximity to Telavi, Shuamta is not a popular attraction in Kakheti. Thanks to this, the unique atmosphere of the ancient monastery has been preserved here, where you may well find yourself alone with centuries of history and your thoughts.

New Shuamta monastery coordinates: 41.91253, 45.39015.
The coordinates of the monastery Old Shuamta: 41.90973, 45.40571.

Transfers to Kakheti

Imereti

Imereti- the largest and historically significant region of Georgia with a population of over half a million people. Imereti is located in the basin of the Rioni River, the largest in Georgia. Even against the background of very hospitable Tbilisi residents, the Imeretians stand out for their hospitality and goodwill. The capital of the region - the city of Kutaisi - during the reign of King David the Builder (Agmashenebeli) was the capital of all Georgia and at that time it was in its heyday.

Kutaisi

Kutaisi(number 31 on the map of Georgia) since ancient times "disputes superiority" from Tbilisi and today is unofficially considered the second capital of Georgia. In confirmation of this status, in 2012 the Parliament of Georgia moved to Kutaisi from Tbilisi. Since then, this bizarre configuration of power has been legally spelled out in the country's Constitution: the president and government are in Tbilisi, the parliament is in Kutaisi.

Bagrati Temple in Kutaisi

Gelati Monastery (32)

Located 5 km from Kutaisi towards Tkibuli on a hilltop above the valley of the Tskhalitsitela river. One of the most revered Orthodox monasteries in Georgia, Gelati was founded by King David the Builder and the king was later buried in it - according to the will of the great monarch, his remains rest under the slab at the entrance to the monastery complex, right under the feet of the parishioners.

Coordinates: 42.29489, 42.76848.

Motsameta Monastery (33)

Monastery Motsameta dedicated to the holy martyr princes David and Constantine, located not far from Gelati, closer to Kutaisi.

Coordinates: 42.28226, 42.75909.

Tskhaltubo (34)

Once a sanatorium and resort center of all-Union significance, which fell into decay in the 90s and is now gradually reviving. I recommend to combine its inspection with a visit. Prometheus caves and Sataplia park.

By the way, it was in Tskhaltubo that we came across the most delicious khinkali in Georgia.

Coordinates: 42.32834, 42.60124.

Prometheus Cave (35)

The largest of all known caves in Georgia is located near Tskaltubo. The cave is stunningly picturesque and very skillfully illuminated - you can see this by looking at the photos in the article about.

Coordinates: 42.37664, 42.60082.

Sataplia Reserve (36)

The reserve, located on a mountain above the Rioni River, is famous for dinosaur footprints found on its territory. The name "Sataplia" means "honey place", earlier wild bees were found in abundance in this area.

Coordinates: 42.31257, 42.67384.

Katskhi Pillar (37)

One of the relatively "new" religious sights of Georgia, but has already managed to become one of its symbols.

A stunningly picturesque rock-pillar, on top of which there is a house of a hermit monk.

Coordinates: 42.28759, 43.21569.

Okatse Canyon (38)

A natural landmark of Imereti, gradually becoming one of the most popular. The fact is that the picturesque canyon of the Okatse River (length 3 km, depth 50 m) is equipped with a suspension cantilever bridge, which is an amazing viewing platform.

Coordinates: 42.45547, 42.52772.

Waterfall Kinchkha (39)

One of the most interesting sights of Imereti is a complex of picturesque waterfalls (among which the highest in the country).

Coordinates: 42.49489, 42.55054.

Martvili Canyon (40) and Martvili Monastery (41)

Strictly speaking, Martvili is located not in Imereti, but in Megrelia, but it is more convenient to get there from Kutaisi. A very picturesque canyon, which arose thanks to the waters of the Abasha River, which made its way into the rocks. I recommend to combine a visit to the canyon with a visit Martvili monastery Chkondidi- the main Christian monastery of Megrelia - and Salkhino (42), the summer palace of the Megrelian princes Dadiani.

Monastery coordinates: 42.40558, 42.37771, canyon: 42.45743, 42.37712.

Racha-Lechkhumi

"Georgian Switzerland", "Mountain Imereti" and one of the main wine-growing regions of the country - for example, the legendary "Khvanchkara" is made here, in the village of the same name not far from the town Ambrolauri (43).

Some call Racha mountainous Imeretia (by analogy with "mountainous Kakheti" - Tusheti, and "mountainous Megrelia" - Svanetia). Racha is famous for its landscapes and excellent wine - you can get to the center of Lower Racha, the town of Ambrolauri, from Kutaisi by an ordinary passenger car in 2-3 hours, the cities are connected by an excellent asphalt road. The main thing is to go back to Kutaisi along it, and not try to drive through the village of Khvanchkara - this path is only for off-road vehicles.

Ambrolauri coordinates: 42.51449, 43.14576.

Transfers to Imereti and Racha

Svaneti

Of the three highland regions of Georgia, Svaneti, located in the north-west of the country, is the most popular with tourists due to its stunning nature, well-preserved Svan towers and the original Svan culture, which has survived to this day with minimal distortion due to the isolation of this region from the rest of Georgia. A normal asphalt-concrete road from Zugdidi to the capital of Svaneti was built only recently - and before that, with the onset of winter, snow filled up the passes and tightly blocked Svaneti and the Svans.

Svaneti has everything that people go to the mountains for: stunning landscapes, clean air, picturesque villages bristling with Svan towers, mountain lakes, glaciers, amazing mountain honey and much, much more - there is even a modern ski resort! True, it is very difficult to get to it in winter.

Mestia (Mestia)

The capital of Upper Svaneti (Zemo Svaneti), a small town Mestia(44) is located in the mountains at an altitude of 1500 meters at the confluence of two mountain rivers.

Mestia is located extremely well in terms of landscapes: the town is surrounded by alpine meadows and forests, behind which majestic snow-capped mountains rise. You can get to Mestia from Zugdidi in 3-4 hours (there is a good asphalt-concrete road).

Historical center of Mestia

Coordinates: 43.03346, 42.68948.

To "feel" Svaneti to the fullest, you need to go from Mestia to remote mountain villages - such as Ushguli or Latali.

Transfers to Mestia

Ushguli (45)

A village that has preserved its traditional look much better than Mestia, which has undergone a merciless restoration. Ushguli is the second settlement in Europe after the Dagestan Kurush in terms of height and is famous for a large number of well-preserved Svan towers.

Hatsvali (46)

Ski resort on the Zuruldi ridge, located at an altitude of 2400 meters. The resort is new (was opened in 2011) and is currently being actively developed. From Mestia to Hatsvali, located 8 km to the south, you can take a taxi along the mountain serpentine. Hatsvali is also popular in summer: you can take the cable car to the top of the ridge and enjoy stunning views and breathe in rarefied mountain air - the main thing is to be lucky with the weather.

Coordinates: 43.01755, 42.73882.

Tusheti

Tusheti(47) - an isolated high-mountainous region in the north-eastern part of Georgia, which is administratively part of Kakheti. get to Omalo(this village is the "capital" of Tusheti) is possible only on a good SUV - the road is a dirt mountain serpentine.

Tushetia is a stern (but not very warlike) highlanders, stone sakli, ancient towers (vaguely similar to Svans), excellent products made from sheep wool, “guda” sheep cheese and special local khinkali with mountain herbs.

The views in the mountains of Tushetia are amazing - and for this reason, the main occupation of the Tushino people is gradually becoming the reception and service of tourists, however, not yet numerous.

Coordinates of the capital of Tusheti Omalo: 42.37085, 45.63346.

Khevsureti (48)

Another original mountainous region of Georgia - along with Svaneti and Tusheti. Administratively, it is part of the central region of Mtskheta-Mtianeti, but due to the inaccessibility to visit Khevsuretia, it is better to allocate at least a couple of days.

The main man-made attraction of this region is the defensive towers. But, unlike the Svan ones, they are not rectangular, but more like pyramids and in this way they look like the towers of Chechnya and Ingushetia.

Khevsurs are mentally very little like lowland Georgians, and there is a simple explanation for this. For a long time they were something like the Georgian Cossacks - the Khevsurs did not pay taxes, but they had to protect Georgia from the invasions of the highlanders from the other side of the Caucasus Range.

The coordinates of the capital of Khevsureti Shatili: 42.65813, 45.15457.

Georgia - from Tbilisi to Batumi

By train or bus, 300 km between the two cities can be covered in 5 hours, by minibus - in 6. But it is much more interesting to go on this journey by car - your own or rented.

There are two ways to get from Tbilisi to Batumi by car: the first one is longer and goes through Imereti, the second is geographically shorter, but is available only in summer, and even then only for SUVs - through Borjomi valley and region Samtskhe-Javakhetia, from where you can get to Batumi along an unpaved mountain Transajar highway.

Now let's take a closer look at the attractions of each of the two options.

The first route Tbilisi - Batumi

The first path is through hometown Stalin - Gori, "cave city" Uplistsikhe, past Katskhi pillar in Kutaisi. And from Kutaisi to Batumi you can drive along the Black Sea coast through Kobuleti, visiting some sights of Imereti along the way - for example, monasteries Gelati and Motsameta and cave of Prometheus.

Stalin Museum in Gori (49)

Gori is located 80 km west of Tbilisi and is known primarily as the place where the Father of All Nations was born and spent his childhood. And now the city has a large and very interesting museum dedicated to Stalin.

Coordinates: 41.98694, 44.11348.

Rock city Uplistsikhe (50)

Once the main pagan religious center of ancient Iberia and the main stronghold of resistance to the Christianization of the country, now Uplistsikhe is one of the most interesting sights located in the vicinity of Tbilisi.

Coordinates: 41.96737, 44.20724.

The second route Tbilisi - Batumi

It looks something like this: Tbilisi — Borjomi (Bakuriani) — Akhaltsikhe and Rabat Fortress- cave city Vardzia, fortress Khertvisi and further to Batumi along the mountainous Transajar highway.

Borjomi (51)

A tiny resort town with a population of 15 thousand people, which has gained worldwide fame thanks to the brand of mineral water produced here.

Bridge-"curl" in Borjomi

In addition to mineral water, Borjomi is famous for its sanatoriums, a huge park, a cable car, an outdoor pool with water from hot springs and a culinary “chip”: pine cone jam.

Coordinates: 41.84119, 43.38298.

Ski resort Bakuriani (52)

In the past - the center of skiing of all-Union significance, today - the best (IMHO) ski resort in Georgia, located 37 km from Borjomi at an altitude of 1700 meters.

Coordinates: 41.7509, 43.52839.

After Borjomi, the way from Tbilisi to Batumi lies through Akhaltsikhe, the capital of the region Samtskhe-Javakhetia. The city itself is not particularly interesting, but it houses the largest fortress in Georgia - Rabat.

Fort Rabat (53)

The former Turkish fortress of Rabat, being the largest in Georgia, was recently restored and became one of the tourist attractions of Samtskhe-Javakhetia.

According to popular belief, the restorers overdid it a bit: ancient fortress right now it shines with a brand new gloss. Like it or not, you can find out from the article about.

Coordinates: 41.64211, 42.97537.

Before driving further west to Batumi along the most picturesque Transajar highway, I highly recommend taking the time to stop by for half a day at cave city of Vardzia (Vardzia), located 60 km southeast of Akhaltsikhe (200 km southwest of Tbilisi). On the way there, about 45 km southeast of Akhaltsikhe, there will be another attraction of Samtskhe-Javakhetia - Khertvisi fortress.

Khertvisi (54)

Khertvisi (54) is an extremely photogenic fortress on a rock at the confluence of the Mtkvari (Kura) and Paravani rivers. The place is extremely historical - according to legend, the first Georgian city was here in the era of Alexander the Great.

Khertvisi coordinates: 41.47947, 43.28535.

Cave city of Vardzia (55)

A unique cave city, a symbol of the struggle of Georgians against foreign invaders and a monument to the will and fortitude of people who preferred life in caves to surrender to enemies.

Coordinates: 41.3812, 43.28416.

After visiting Vardzia and Khertvisi, we return to Akhaltsikhe, from which there are two options for the road to Batumi:

If it's summer, you have a solid SUV, and you are confident in yourself and in the car, you can go to Batumi along the shortest route - through the mountains along the Transajar highway. The road is dirt, sometimes very difficult - but the views are amazing.

The second option is for those who have an ordinary passenger car, or they just feel sorry for killing the suspension and tires of their SUV: we drive to Batumi along an excellent highway through Borjomi, Khashuri, Kutaisi and Samtredia.

Have a good holiday in Georgia!
Your Roman Mironenko

What you need to know when going on a trip to Georgia. When and where to go to Georgia, do I need visas, what to see and visit in Georgia. Food and prices etc.

Georgia has been beckoning me for a long time with its khachapuri and mountain expanses, but so far I still could not get to this dream country because of my Asia, Europe and Siberia .. Finally, it is getting closer and closer, and so far I decided to start with this Guest Post. My Georgia Specialist Victor is also a global traveler and photographer who we met in Phuket. He lived his childhood in Batumi and comes to Georgia every summer until now. Victor's site Georgiabest.ru turned out to be the most useful for me to prepare for the first trip, and in this article Victor briefly but succinctly tells all the most important things: this is information on how to get to Georgia, about visas, prices, interesting places in Georgia that are worth visit and so on.

Yes, Georgia is now on everyone's lips. And not in vain, oh not in vain. Come and see for yourself. So that later, too, closing your eyes, with a dreamy look, broadcast to your friends how good it is, fun and sincere. Of course, there are exceptions among the happy crowds of tourists, but they only prove the rule. And the rule is that this country will not leave anyone indifferent. And you have no reason to deny yourself the pleasure of getting to know Georgia and discovering its amazing people and the breathtaking beauty of nature. What can we say about the cultural, architectural and historical monuments that are literally at every step, and often right in the courtyards of people, such as, for example, towers in Svaneti or ancient qvevri in Kakheti ...

in winter people go to Georgia to have a fun and unforgettable meeting New Year: On New Year's Eve, the whole country explodes with hundreds of thousands of fireworks. Also in winter people come here to go skiing and snowboarding in Bakuriani and Gudauri. Well, given that the winter in Georgia is not so cold compared to Ukrainian or Russian, then it will be all the same to see the sights in different parts of the country, with the possible exception of the remote regions of Tusheti and Racha, and even more so, it will be all the same to walk around Tbilisi and Mtskheta comfortable and not cold.

Important about winter in Georgia:

• In winter, and especially in March, there is a possibility of strong gusty winds, which usually last 2-3 days.
• In apartments and hotels in Georgia, the heating is not at all as good as in Russia - it is cool.
• Due to snowfalls, they can block the Georgian Military Road - the only highway connecting the country with Russia, and it will not always be possible to get to Stepantsminda to see the legendary Kazbek and the Gergeti Church.
• There are a couple of excellent ski resorts in Georgia with good slopes and open spaces for freeriding: Gudauri, 80 km from Vladikavkaz (for beginners and advanced) and Bakuriani, 180 km from Tbilisi (more difficult slopes).

May June- a good period for those who do not like the heat. There are no such high temperatures yet, due to which Tbilisi is practically empty in summer: everyone is trying to leave, and even more so, to take the children somewhere in the forest or in the mountains. In general, in Georgia it is an almost unbreakable tradition to take children to 3 or at least 2 resorts in the summer to change the air and boost immunity. So in the period from May to early July, usually locals go to the mountains or to the coniferous forests. Pine trees bloom in May, and this pine air is very useful for both adults and children.

But even in Tbilisi at this time it is quite comfortable. As a rule, it rains from time to time, the sun shines, but does not yet burn everything around, plus local vegetables and fruits appear on the shelves. You can overeat heartily, because the prices are quite reasonable in comparison with the megacities of neighboring countries.

The end of the summer. Well, if you are a fan of the burning sun, the sea, the beach and watermelons, come to Georgia in July-September. You can fly straight to Batumi, go to Kobuleti, Kvariati, Shekvetili, Ureki, Sarpi or Zeleny Mys (Mtsvane Konkhi). During this period, you will also come across an incredible abundance of local fruits, berries, vegetables and herbs.

Late fall. It may seem that from October to December in Georgia it is gray, uninteresting, cold, and there is nothing to do. Actually, not really. It is still quite warm in October, and it is a pleasure to go on excursions, and the stalls are bursting with the gifts of the Georgian land: grapes, persimmons, figs are just a few examples. The famous Georgian tangerines will start in November. Also, in the fall they go to Georgia to get to such a colorful and unforgettable event as “rtveli” - grape harvest. A visit to rtveli is reason enough in itself to come here in the middle of autumn.

An important factor in favor of planning a trip at this time (and also from February to March) is the lower prices for accommodation and excursions than during the high season. So weigh all the pros and cons, and choose the perfect time for you.

Visa to Georgia (not required)

Good news, if you are traveling from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Moldova and 88 other countries, you do not need a visa, at the border they will simply put an entry stamp in your passport. Moreover, citizens of Russia, if you suddenly want to stay longer (and this is a very possible scenario, as practice shows) you can stay for a whole year, you will not need a visa.

Is it safe for Russian-speaking tourists in Georgia?

Very often you can hear the question: “How safe is it for Russians to go to Georgia?”. Given the strained relations between the two states, the question is quite understandable.

But among Georgians, it causes either laughter or bewilderment. “How could you even think that it’s dangerous for Russians here?” - here, something like this will sound the answer to your question from the lips of local residents.

Georgians, and indeed everyone who lives in this southern country, are for the most part peaceful and hospitable, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about. The older generation in Georgia speaks excellent Russian, and some of the younger generation too. Although young people usually know English better than Russian, but as such, you will not have a barrier in communicating with the local population. There will definitely be someone nearby who knows Russian.

And even more so in the field of tourist services: sellers, guides, drivers, hotel staff speak Russian.

How to get to Georgia on your own

On the this moment you can get to Georgia either by air, or by land, or, if you are coming from Ukraine, by sea - by ferry. Trains, unfortunately, do not go here yet.

• Planes fly to Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi. They fly to Kutaisi, so this is a good option, especially since there are also many interesting places in this part of Georgia, you can even stay there for a couple of days. A Moscow-Tbilisi air ticket costs around $ 80, you can find the most profitable tickets.
• You can come by car - this is even greater freedom of movement and unrealistically beautiful roads.
• Getting there by bus Moscow-Tbilisi is long, but budget-friendly (about $60). There is a bus from Kyiv.
• By ferry you can get to Georgia from Odessa. Although it is long and at a price close to air travel.

Prices in Georgia: for recreation and for life

Another topical issue is how much a vacation or life in Georgia will cost. This is understandable - I want to have an idea in advance, at least an approximate one, how much money to take with me and what to be prepared for.

As for housing prices- then here, how lucky, well, what conditions do you prefer. - from $ 4 per night per person, clean and in the city center - from $ 10. Apartments for daily rent in the season cost $30 and more. Usually a good renovated apartment with a good location costs $50-60.

→Rent a house for a long time the easiest way is already on the spot, or write an ad in advance in Facebook groups (a group for the city where you want to live). In the winter season, many not cheap hotels rent rooms for a long time very cheaply, you can find around $ 200 / month.

Taxi around the city— from 5-15 lari ($2-7). Guide services - from 100 GEL ($ 40) per day, car rental - from $ 50 per day. Gasoline costs 2.35 lari ($1).

Entrance to many historical places is free, or within 3-7 lari ($1.25-3).

Look at examples of food prices if you have the strength and desire to cook on your own in a country where delicious street food and fairly reasonable prices in restaurants:

• Sugar 1 kg - 2 lari ($ 0.75)
• Bread - 70 tetri ($0.25)
• Local apples - 1.5 GEL ($ 0.6)
• Potatoes - 80 tetri ($ 0.3)
• Georgian cheese - from 6 lari ($ 2.5)
• Grain coffee 100 g - from 1.5 GEL ($ 0.6)
• Milk - 2.50 lari (1$)
• Churchkhela - 3 lari ($ 1.15)

→Some restaurants in Tbilisi worth visiting:

• Art Cafe Gabriadze (13 Shovteli St.) is one of the most original establishments in Tbilisi, an author's cafe created by the artist and director Rezo Gabriadze, the author of Kin-dza-za, the sculptor of the famous Chizhik-Pyzhik monument in St. Petersburg .
• Restaurant "Dom Khinkali" (Rustaveli, 37, metro station Rustaveli). It works around the clock, the name speaks for itself :).
• Dukhan "Racha" (Lermontov st. 6). An institution for locals, most of the visitors are men. The place is very atmospheric, you can order Georgian national dishes here, but it is best to try dishes typical of the Racha region: apkhazuri, lobiani, etc.
• Shevardnadze Garden Art Cafe combines a shabby chic cafe, a garden and a flower shop. Location: Latkini microdistrict. at the end of st. Khudadova, (near the police station).
• “Machakhela” (Meydan, 26) is a chain restaurant, one of the best can be called a restaurant on Meydan Square, in the very center of the old city. It is easy to recognize by the three-dimensional inscription located in front of the entrance: I love Tbilisi. Sitting in the restaurant, you can admire the panorama of the city from the window, balcony or outdoor terrace.
• Restaurant Samikitno (25 Merab Kostava St).
• Mirzaani (delicious beer, address: 140 Akaki Tsereteli Ave).
• Salobio.
• Hinckles sahli.

Although, these are more eateries, but they are clean, some of them have an interesting Georgian-style interior, and the food there is almost like homemade.

In general, it is necessary to try to find an institution in Georgia where Georgian cuisine is poorly prepared. Barbecue prices - from 12 lari ($ 5), Khinkali - 70 tetri stuff. Five pieces - and out of habit, nothing more will fit into you. But you have to. Khachapuri - 7 lari ($ 3), kebab - from 6 lari ($ 2.5). Tea, coffee, lemonade - about 2 lari ($ 0.8) per cup / bottle.

Street food is also tasty and inexpensive: lobiani, kubdari, pichini, khachapuri cost an average of 2 lari.

Georgian cuisine. What is a must try

You can write endlessly about Georgian cuisine. But it's even better to come and taste everything yourself. We can only guide you so that you are not completely lost in novelty, diversity and unusual names for the ear.

Khinkali- the most famous dish of Georgian cuisine. They look like bags of dense dough, stuffed with minced meat and herbs, including cilantro. The correct khinkali should have at least 16 folds, according to knowledgeable people. It is important to eat them correctly: with your hands or a fork (a compromise for non-locals), take the leg, carefully bite, drink delicious juice, and then eat everything except the leg. You can pour satsebeli tomato sauce into the khinkali hole. For vegetarians, khinkali with mushrooms is prepared.

Khachapuri. There are many different types of them: imeruli, adjaruli, megruli, and, of course, adjaruli. Adjarian khachapuri in the form of a boat and with an egg broken into a cheese filling and butter is a real feast of taste. This is a must try. Some establishments serve a huge adjaruli, nicknamed the titanic - it is enough for a whole company or family. You need to pinch off pieces of dough on the sides of khachapuri, and dip them into the hot filling.

Lobio and mchadi. A simple, hearty and very tasty dish. Spiced red beans in a ketsi (clay pot) and unleavened corn flour flatbread. There are even establishments that are called "lobio" - for example, the Salobio cafe, which has already become a separate attraction of the city of Mtskheta, where Alexander Sergeevich himself once treated himself to the famous Mtskheta pies and lobio.

If you are not afraid of new tastes and unusual combinations, try the following very colorful dishes:

Chakapuli- young meat stewed with herbs and spices, as well as with sour green tkemals.

Khashi- very amateur. If you are that amateur, you will be delighted. Khashi is so respected in Georgia that separate institutions have been created for them: khashi. And they open very early in the morning - at 4:00 approximately. Because this fatty, hearty, scalding hot soup made from offal and with lots of garlic is very beneficial for a hangover. It is usually eaten with chacha.

For vegetarians in Georgia is also complete expanse. There are all kinds of cheese, and kindzmari (fish in cilantro sauce) and pkhali - pasta from spinach, cabbage, beet tops or beets with spices, and mint nadugi, and various soups, and champignons fried in ketsi, and ajapsandal - stew from tomatoes, sweet peppers, eggplant and potatoes, and a variety of pickles.

All kinds of spices, herbs, herbs, nuts are generously used in Georgian cuisine. Even an ordinary salad of tomatoes and cucumbers here turns into a work of art, because they put fragrant regani (red basil) in it and add walnut sauce. Nuts are put in fried eggplant rolls, and in satsivi, and in bazhi, and in kharcho soup.

Wine in Georgia. Special wine and gastronomic tours are popular, Georgian cuisine is so delicious and original, but you don’t need to say anything about wines - come and taste.

What to see in Georgia, where to visit? Top 7 interesting places

Although Georgia is small in territory, it can compete with the largest and most ancient countries in terms of the number of sights and beautiful corners. It will probably take several months or years to see everything that Georgia has to offer! So you have to make a plan, choosing the most interesting thing for you. But there are places that every self-respecting traveler in Georgia visits without fail. We list them for your reference.

Why go far, there are many such places in Tbilisi itself:

• Narikala fortress,
• Sameba Temple,
• Meydan (one of the central squares of Tbilisi),
• sulfur baths...

Ancient city of Mtskheta(20 km from Tbilisi, coordinates: 41.840922, 44.707233) . Near Tbilisi is Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. In this renovated city and its environs, you will see many beautiful, important and holy places: the Jvari Monastery on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the Shiomgvime Monastery, and many others. Also, the city itself has been restored, there is a large selection of souvenirs, spices, churchkhelas, and it's just nice to stroll along its cozy streets.

Vardzia(240 km from Tbilisi, coordinates: 41.381223, 43.284173) - not the only ancient cave city, but perhaps the most spectacular. 8 "floors", about 600 caves. An incredible place where people lived for many centuries, hiding from numerous enemies.

Svaneti. Also a very original and unlike anything region in Georgia - Svaneti - a historical mountainous region in the North-West of Georgia (coordinates 42.904220, 42.503335). It attracts tourists from all over the world. Svaneti has never been conquered and conquered throughout its history. And special people live here - Svans, real harsh highlanders. Many of them still have ancient defensive towers in their yards, which once belonged to their ancestors and were built about 1000 years ago.

Prometheus cave near Kutaisi (42.376771, 42.600971), discovered in 1983, is located next to the Sataplia nature reserve, which also has a smaller cave and dinosaur footprints. A very spectacular place. Inside the cave with beautiful illumination, huge stalactites, and it will impress neither adults nor children. You can even go boating on the underground lake.

Definitely worth a look and incredibly beautiful Martvili Canyon (Northwest Georgia, coordinates: 42.457356, 42.377148). If you are in Georgia during the hot season, be sure to visit this picturesque place, sail from the upper to the lower canyon by boat and swim at the waterfall.

Rabat fortress in Meskheti (coordinates: 41.642829, 42.977166)– a restored medieval Turkish fortress with a territory of 7 hectares and modern infrastructure. Beautiful, majestic, convenient for visiting and family pastime.

Black sand of Ureki (41.987783, 41.760103). If you visit Georgia in summer or early autumn, be sure to take the opportunity to visit the Black Sea coast, on the unique beach with magnetic sand in Ureki. This black sand is famous for its healing properties for the joints and the vascular-cardiac system.

Georgian cities worth visiting

Tbilisi– a unique capital, the heart of Sakartvelo, where in the old town you will find narrow streets, antique carpets, openwork lattices on windows and balconies, the aroma of coffee and a special relaxed atmosphere, so unusual big cities. You can walk in Tbilisi for more than a day or two, discovering new interesting places and establishments every day. Historical and cultural monuments are presented here in abundance. It is unforgivable to come to Georgia and not get to know Tbilisi.

Tbilisi guide can be studied

Batumi is a lively and charming city on the Black Sea. Beaches, musical fountains, old and new houses, a moving monument to lovers, an alphabetical tower, bicycles for rent, a fish market where the fish of your choice will be cooked before your eyes, and much more awaits you to surprise and delight.

Sighnaghi- a restored, romantic, cozy city with red roofs and a view of the Alazani valley. There is a 24-hour wedding palace here, where couples from different countries can get married, after submitting Required documents.

Autotourism in Georgia

Gasoline cost in Georgia - a little less than a dollar per liter.

About movement. Be prepared for the fact that the traffic on the roads of Georgia is chaotic, everyone honks, cuts, breaks, so keep your eyes peeled. There are problems with parking in the center of Tbilisi - there are not enough places, there are paid parking lots near Rike Park and on Meydan, as well as underground parking lots at large supermarkets, be guided by them, because in the central areas of the city in most places you can park only if you buy from the city hall such a service.

There are several autobahns in Georgia - this is part of the Tbilisi-Batumi road, as well as the Rustavi and Gori autobahns. The government plans to build new roads and restore existing ones.

Now Georgia is actively discussing the introduction of a new system of fines. Under this bill, the driver will have 100 points per year, and a certain amount will be deducted for violations. If the limit of points is exhausted, you will have to retake the exam for obtaining rights. Special “smart” video cameras are installed around the city.

The road patrol is more loyal to tourists than to locals, moreover, it helps if you contact them.

The most beautiful roads- this is the road to Racha, Svaneti and Tusheti, although the latter can only be reached from June to September.

Georgian military road The road we drive to Georgia from Russia is incredibly beautiful, but the quality of the road is much less pleasing than the landscapes. However, this is not so important, let's see what sights you will pass immediately after entering Georgia along the Georgian Military Highway:

• Along the entire route there are Georgian monuments of antiquity: cathedrals, fortresses, watchtowers. Mtskheta, the temple-monastery of Jvari (late 6th - early 7th centuries), Zemo-Avchal hydroelectric station are located on the Georgian Military Highway.
• Chmi village, where there is a complex of archaeological monuments from the Bronze Age to the late Middle Ages and a large Alanian burial ground of the 6th-9th centuries, where a large number of weapons, implements, household items of the Alans were found.
• Mount Kazbek (5033 m).
• Darial fortification, built in 1804 in the Darial Gorge to protect the road.
• "Tamar's Castle" - the ruins of an old tower on the opposite bank of the Terek.
• The Zion Grove is a green oasis among the snowy peaks of the Caucasus.
• Cross Pass - highest point Georgian military road.
• Gudauri abyss and the highest mountain village of Gudauri on the Georgian Military Highway.

What tourists should know about Georgia

• Georgia is a patriarchal country with living traditions, respect for elders, and strong nepotism.
• The Orthodox Church has a great influence in the country. When visiting churches and monasteries, be prepared for the fact that women may need to cover their heads, wrap themselves in a scarf if they are not wearing a skirt. Not all places inside the temples can be photographed.
• Children here are treated with reverence, they are allowed a lot, they are bathed in love and attention. Strangers may try to kiss your baby by the arms and squeeze the cheeks, and in a restaurant they may well pick up and take them, for example, to the kitchen, or walk around the hall with them. To some parents, such increased attention seems tactless, while others rejoice and admire. Be that as it may, these are the nuances that you need to be prepared for in order to adequately respond.
• Georgia is a mixture of east and west, and this is its zest and charm. This is not a “sleek” tourist country.
• On the central streets and in the subway, you can meet harmless but annoying gypsies and beggars.
• In many public places people smoke, although the law on the ban has already been practically passed.
• The streets are not always perfectly clean and restored, although many visitors consider the latter to be just a plus.
• For the most part, people are friendly and hospitable, not because they expect monetary rewards from you, but because they are by nature like that, and have not yet forgotten those qualities that are considered the main ones for every worthy inhabitant of this amazing country.

Georgiabest.ru - Victor's website and the most complete guide to Georgia, I highly recommend bookmarking it to everyone who is going on a trip to this country. You can rate this article:

How to get to Georgia by car in 2020 from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and other cities? What do you need to cross the border? The nuances of travel, the necessary documents, as well as reviews and advice from tourists who traveled to Georgia in 2019-2020.

Trip to Georgia by car - unforgettable journey along the Georgian Military Highway, which has been repeatedly recognized as the most beautiful mountain route in the world. If you haven't ridden it yet, it's definitely time. Read the article and hit the road!

Note: the only legal crossing of the Russian-Georgian border by land is through the Upper Lars checkpoint.

Rent a car is the best way to travel! - reliable and convenient car rental service in Georgia. Choose a car to your taste and budget - the choice is large. The cost of renting a car is from $23 per day. Got questions? The Russian-speaking support service will help you in everything.

Look for copyright interesting excursions on the Sputnik and . Individual and group, without crowds of tourists and in Russian.

Route to Georgia from Russian cities

How to get to Georgia by car

Road to Georgia from Moscow

From Moscow to Georgia by car, the route runs along the M-4 Don highway through Voronezh to Rostov-on-Don. This segment of the journey of about 1100 km is not very memorable. The highway is four-lane, with high-quality coverage and a couple of paid sections (30 and 55 rubles). According to the reviews of tourists, leaving Moscow in the morning, you can drive this segment in a day and get up for the night.

Further, the path runs through Kushchevskaya, Oktyabrskaya to the intersection with the P-217 "Kavkaz" highway (former M-29), through Kropotkin, Armavir, Nevinnomyssk, Vladikavkaz. From there, follow the A-161 "Vladikavkaz-Georgia" highway (former P-301) to the border. Here begins the mountainous area, only two lanes for traffic, in some places four. There are dangerous sections, descents and ascents. The whole way is about 2000 km. From the border to Tbilisi is about 200 km along the mountain road. The infrastructure on the Russian side is well developed, there are roadside motels, cafes and gas stations.

From St. Petersburg

It is optimal to advance along the M-10 "St. Petersburg-Moscow" highway through Valdai, Tver to Moscow. Then go along the Moscow Ring Road to the M-4 "Don" highway and go to the republic along the route described above from Moscow. Most likely, you will have to make two stops for the night - drive 2500 km to the border, another 200 km to Tbilisi, and crossing the border may take time.

From Yekaterinburg

The same long journey will have to be done by car from Yekaterinburg - to the border of 2600 km. Usually travelers start their journey along the federal highway M-5 "Ural". The route runs through Kyshtym, Zlatoust, Ufa, Oktyabrsky to Tolyatti. Here you can make the first break and stay for the night, then continue your journey along the P-228 "Syzran-Saratov-Volgograd" highway to Volgograd, and along the P-221 "Volgograd-Elista" through Kamyshin to Elista. The third day of the trip will pass through the Stavropol Territory (Budennovsk, Novopavlovsk), Kabardino-Balkaria and North Ossetia (Maisky, Terek, Ardon) to Vladikavkaz, from there to the border along the A-161 highway.

From Samara

Drive 1700 km to the border. First, along the R-228 "Syzran-Saratov-Volgograd" highway. Overnight accommodation can be made in the Volgograd region. Then the path lies to Elista, Vladikavkaz to Upper Lars.

From Rostov

From Rostov to the border to go about 700 km. Theoretically, if you do not stand in traffic jams, then you can keep within two days, with 1 stop for the night. You can get from Rostov to Vladikavkaz and Georgia along the described "Moscow" route (second part) through Kushchevskaya, Armavir, Mineralnye Vody, Nalchik.

From Perm

To the border to go 2500 km, the journey will take 3 days. From Perm, you need to go to the Krasnokamsk bypass road and keep going in the direction of Izhevsk, then the route passes through Naberezhnye Chelny, Cheremshan, Sukhodol, Tolyatti. Here you can stay overnight. Then continue the way through Kamyshin, Sadovoe, Elista, here you can stop a second time. The third day of the trip will pass through Budennovsk, Novopavlovsk, Maisky, Terek, Ardon, Vladikavkaz and to the border.

Mountain serpentine, Georgia (Photo: unsplash.com / @dominik_jirovsky)

Passing the border

In 2020, to cross the border with Georgia by car, you must have the following documents with you: a passport (for all passengers), a registration certificate and a driver's license (for a driver). International car insurance is not required to enter Georgia. Visas for Russians since 2012.

The procedure for crossing the border is quite simple and usually short - within an hour. There are delays on the Russian side. Tourists write that some especially hasty drivers with region 15 number tend to skip the line, which inevitably causes skirmishes with other drivers. Inspection of a car, as a rule, is fast and impartial.

Roads in Georgia

The country is developing tourism, and this can be seen on the roads. Almost everywhere they are repaired, at least the main ones. tourist destinations. There are areas of outright off-road. There are such sections on the Georgian Military Highway due to mudflows that completely block traffic. And although the authorities eliminate the problem promptly, the quality of the road suffers greatly.

According to reviews of car trips to Georgia for 2019-2020, some travelers were frankly shocked by the section of the road through the Cross Pass: there is practically no asphalt from Kobi to Gudauri. This is a section with a high accident rate, it is easy to break through the bottom of a car with a low clearance, so you have to drive at a speed of a turtle, and preferably in a car with a high seating position. However, the skill of the driver has not yet been canceled.

Travel route in Georgia by car

The beginning of the journey in Georgia begins with the Georgian Military Highway, where the beauty of the surrounding landscapes simply delights. Kazbek, Terek, Darial gorge, Friendship of peoples arch, temples.

Usually all travelers start sightseeing from the capital -. Further, the route in Georgia by car can be as follows: from Tbilisi to Mtskheta and Ananuri, from Ananuri to Telavi, from there to Gremi and Tusheti or to David Gareji.

You can go from Tbilisi to Gori with a visit to Uplistsikhe, from there to Kutaisi, then to Mestia and Batumi. Some go to Borjomi - 160 kilometers from the capital - to drink mineral water and visit nearby the cave city of Vadzia, Khervisi and the fortress in Akkhaltsikhe. In summer, the Black Sea resorts are very popular: Sarpi, Gonio, Kvariati,.

A selection of popular excursions in Georgia:

Hotels and apartments in Georgia

See how much hotels in Georgia cost in the summer of 2020:

Prices for rooms, apartments and houses in Georgia in the summer of 2020:

Background. Two tourists from Kazakhstan, who once went on vacation abroad through a travel agency, very quickly wanted independence. Decided! This year is the first solo trip.

The country was chosen immediately - Russia. It was the perfect start to start: no language barrier, an incredible amount of attractions, the greatest cities - Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan. Preparations for the trip lasted almost half a year: maps, routes, transport, housing. The last days of waiting and we are finally ... in Georgia!

How is this possible? And everything is very simple, a month before the trip we looked at photos of Georgia and mentally were already there, and a month later - not mentally anymore. Yes, what a trifle

Express retraining for a trip around Georgia took less than a month. Again maps, routes, transport, housing.

Housing

They didn’t book in advance, they looked for it on the spot, or rather, it itself was always there. There are a lot of guest houses in Georgia, you still don’t have time to get out of the minibus, and there is already “housing” nearby! Kidding! It is worth the one who offers it: the owners, brokers. We looked at the hotels in advance on booking, chose the ones that were suitable for the price and location, read the reviews, marked them on the map and with 100% certainty that there would be free rooms, just drove to the address. In all cases, settled without problems.

Tickets

They didn’t bother with air tickets - they bought them at the ticket office (Astana-Baku flight, Air Astana airline, 3 hours on the way, ticket 118,000 tenge, this is $ 336, purchased 5 days before departure). From Baku to Georgia, they traveled by night train to Tbilisi (the price of a ticket for a Baku-Tbilisi reserved seat is 32 manats, to Baku from Tbilisi - 40.27 lari reserved seats).

Cards

We used a printed Openstreetmaps map with additions from Google maps and the MAPS.ME application. There are no fully panoramic maps of Georgia, where all the streets are visible, on the Internet, so I had to be content with point panoramas on Google maps.

Route

Born in pain. He did not intend in any way, did not fit in, did not ring. During the trip, due to their own stupidity, Racha, Zugdidi, Svaneti fell out of the route: Mestia, Ushguli (later they regretted it many times), because they were afraid of the road - mountain serpentine is very poorly tolerated. And here is our plan for the greatest conquest of Georgia standard route for 19 days (the actual, planned one looked more beautiful and more logical), the numbers in the first column are the dates of September:

6 Tbilisi (by train from Baku)

7 Tbilisi – Sighnaghi – Tbilisi

8 Tbilisi – Batumi (night train)

9-12 Batumi + surroundings

13 Batumi - Kutaisi

14-16 Kutaisi + surroundings

17 Kutaisi – Borjomi

18 Borjomi - Bakuriani - Borjomi

19 Borjomi – Tbilisi

20 Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Tbilisi

21 Tbilisi – Kazbegi

22 Kazbegi – Tbilisi

23 Tbilisi - Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Akhaltsikhe - Tbilisi

24 Tbilisi - Baku (night train)

17.01.19 214 134 103

In August 2018, my girlfriend and I went on vacation to Georgia.

Vadim Muratov

vacation in Georgia

I wanted to see the mountains, and she - the sea. Georgia has both - the country fits our criteria perfectly.

We liked Georgia. It's warm, tasty and kind people. When we left, we realized that we would come back here again. I’ll tell you how to organize such a trip, how much it cost and how the main prices have changed in 2020.

87,800 R was spent in Georgia in 10 days

flights

42 700 R

15 900 R

12 200 R

Entertainment

10 400 R

Intercity transfers

3330 R

Urban transport

2250 R

Souvenirs

745 R

cellular

275 R

Route

We had 10 days to travel. At first we wanted to travel around the country: to see the capital, to go to Mayakovsky's homeland in Kutaisi, to drink mineral water directly from the source in Borjomi. Then we realized that dividing 10 days into all cities means wasting time on the road.

$2.7 billion

Georgia earned on tourism in 2017

As a result, we decided to stop at Tbilisi and Batumi. We went to the capital for the sake of national color and Mount Kazbek, which is located 165 km from the city. In Batumi, we planned to swim in the Black Sea.

At first glance, we did not like Tbilisi. Around were unkempt buildings, stray dogs and beggars. But the first impression was wrong. The capital charmed us with the beautiful architecture of the old town and panoramic views. There are also delicious local fruits and friendly people.

Batumi did not sink into the soul. The sea was wonderful, warm and calm, but the city itself seemed to me an ordinary resort like Tuapse. There is a bright embankment and houses hung with tourist towels. The old center is beautiful, but there are too many people and narrow streets. If we knew in advance, it would be better to go to Borjomi for a couple of days.

We spent seven days in Tbilisi, three in Batumi. This time was enough to see the main sights. But in general, 10 days in Georgia was not enough for us: 12 days would be better, and 20 would be ideal. Then we could visit Kutaisi, Borjomi, walk along the beaches along the Black Sea and climb other picturesque mountains.

Of the popular sights of Georgia, we looked ancient city Mtskheta and Mount Kazbek.

When is the best time to go

From the west, Georgia is washed by the Black Sea, it is humid and hot here. In the east of the country, summers are hot and dry, in July +29 °C.

July, August and September are suitable for relaxing on the sea. The water temperature of the Black Sea in August is 27 °C. There are fewer tourists in September, but the water is still warm - 25 °C. We went at the end of August, and the weather was good: there was no heat, and light rain fell only once.

Winter is mild everywhere. In January, in Tbilisi and Batumi, the temperature rarely drops below zero. Ski lovers go to the resorts: Gudauri, Bakuriani, Mestia or Goderdzi.

Flight

We flew to Tbilisi from Yekaterinburg. Tickets were bought three months before the trip. For a one-way flight, they spent 17,190 R for two. They flew back through Moscow for 25,510 R. On average, the cost of a flight Moscow - Tbilisi ranges from 5 to 15 thousand rubles one way. There are also direct flights from Russia to Batumi and Kutaisi.

Since July 8, 2019, direct flights between Russia and Georgia have been closed. Therefore, now you can get into the country only with transfers. They fly from Moscow with transfers in Yerevan, Baku, Riga and Minsk. A ticket for one costs from 7500 R. From Yekaterinburg, the price of a flight starts from 15,000 R - this is with a 12-hour transfer.

You can also get there by bus. There are direct flights directly from Moscow to Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi. A ticket to Tbilisi costs 3500 R, it will take almost 30 hours to travel. If you go from Vladikavkaz, the ticket will cost 2000 R, travel time is about 4 hours. Direct flight "Victory" from Moscow to Vladikavkaz - another 3500 R.

In Tbilisi, you can get from the airport to the center by taxi for 15-20 ₾ (375-500 R) or by bus number 37 for 0.5 GEL (12 R). During the day, he walks every 15 minutes, at night - once every half an hour.

We went by taxi so as not to stray around an unfamiliar city. It cost 19.1 GEL (480 R) to get from the airport to the apartment in the center. A driver named Mamuka drove us with a breeze to Russian rap.

Money

The national currency of Georgia is lari (₾). During our trip, 1 lari cost 25 R. In March 2020 - 26 R.

Cards are accepted in cafes, restaurants and large chain stores. We had no problems with currency exchange. In the center, at train stations and tourist streets there are many exchange offices and bank branches. Most often we met Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank. It was more profitable to exchange rubles for lari at the Bank of Georgia than at TBC. Lari in TBC cost 32 R, in the "Bank of Georgia" - 27 R.

We took 30,000 R with us. The money was divided into three parts: one was exchanged for dollars, the second was put on cards, the third was left in cash. After the trip, we analyzed the expenses and came to the conclusion that it was more profitable to exchange rubles for dollars, and then for lari. So we would have saved 30 GEL (750 R). For this money you can have dinner together in a restaurant.

Housing

We chose accommodation three months before the trip. To save money, we compared prices on Airbnb.com and Booking.com. At the end of August 2018, a hotel room through Booking cost at least 4000-5000 R per day. In 2020, a room in a three-star hotel within 1 km from the center of Tbilisi through Booking costs from 2500 R per day. An apartment through Airbnb in the center can be found for 2 thousand, so we booked through it.

It is convenient to live in Tbilisi in the historical center: the Old City, Avlabari, Mtatsminda, Sololaki. There are old buildings of the 19th century, narrow streets and main attractions. The main street of the city, Rustaveli Avenue, is located in the Mtatsminda district. There are many cafes, shops and several museums.

We lived in the Sololaki area. We walked all the sights in three days - we didn't even use the metro or buses. An apartment in the center on Tabidze Street near Freedom Square cost 11,830 R for six nights. It had everything you need: two beds, a bathroom, a kitchen with a refrigerator, a gas stove and even a washing machine. In 2020, the same apartment for the same dates costs 14,930 R.

14 930 R

stay for six nights in an apartment on Tabidze street

It was unusual how everyone dried their clothes: on clotheslines outside. I haven't used clothespins since the late nineties, but I had to. The clothes are hung on a rope and the block is scrolled. Pants slowly move away from the window, and there is a place for a T-shirt.

In the Chugureti region, we stayed for one night before the flight, because we found a cheap apartment there for 770 R per day. In 2020, the apartment has risen in price to 1029 R per day, but appliances have appeared there, furniture has changed.

Batumi has a historical center and young districts. The center lies between Chavchavadze, Baratashvili, Gogebashvili and Rustaveli streets. There are beautiful buildings from the late 19th century with an average Airbnb rental price of 2000 R per day. In new areas, housing within a 15-minute walk from the coast costs 1100 R per day. The line along the sea is being actively built up, here you can find an option from 800 R per day. The city is growing due to the influx of tourists from Turkey, Russia and Armenia. In shops and exchange offices, inscriptions in Turkish are often found.

In Batumi, we first encountered a paid elevator. You can enter it using a key fob that looks like an intercom key. It is applied to the display in the elevator. For each trip, points are deducted from the key fob. On what basis is not clear. Sometimes a point was written off, other times two or three. We were lucky: the hostess gave us a keychain with 30 trips on it. We spent half in two days. If there was no key fob, I would have to climb the stairs to the seventh floor.

Our apartment in Batumi was somewhat reminiscent of a room in a three-star hotel with a kitchen. It was not very comfortable and there were few dishes: two cutlery, two mugs, three plates and one frying pan. There was simply nowhere to spread the food - I had to cut the salads directly into the pan. We were upset, but we did not conflict with the hostess, because we arrived for two nights. Just gave four stars in an Airbnb review.

An ambulance hospital was also built near the house. During the day it was noisy and dirty because of the construction: if the windows were opened, the floor was covered with white dust. The work did not begin until ten in the morning, and by the time we returned at about nine in the evening it was already quiet. Saved from the heat by air conditioning.

Transport

Public transport in Georgia, these are buses and minibuses. Tbilisi still has a metro. Travel everywhere costs 0.5 GEL (12 R).

12 R

cost of public transport in Tbilisi

Routers are paid at the end of the trip. For other types of transport in Tbilisi, you can buy a single Metromani pass. It works on the principle of the Troika or Plantain cards. They can be used to pay on the metro, buses and on the cable car.

"Metromoney" is issued at any metro station. They take 2 GEL per card (50 R). The fare on it costs 0.5 GEL (12 R), there are no discounts. You can top up at terminals at metro stations, streets or stops. If there is money left on the card, you can present a check, return the card and receive the balance.

We got a travel card from the owner of the apartment. We replenished it with 10 GEL (250 R), and then returned it to the owner. Spent only 5 GEL (125 R) on the cable car. The rest of the time we walked.

Taxi inexpensive: a trip within the center costs 4 GEL (100 R). Taxi drivers do not comply with traffic rules, like other drivers in Georgia.

We ordered a taxi through the Taxify and Maxim applications. The car arrived within 5-10 minutes. In the Maxim application, you can enter an address in Russian, but maps are in Georgian.

We liked taxi drivers in Batumi less than in Tbilisi. The capital's drivers knew Russian better, were more polite, helped with the suitcases, gave the change themselves.

In Batumi, we changed the cost of the trip after we got into the car. The price of the trip in the application did not take into account that the exit from the station parking lot costs 2 GEL (50 R). I refused to pay more than the price. The driver called the taxi service manager, spoke long and loudly, and the price went up by 2 ₾. No one helped us with our luggage. Even in Batumi, you need to ask for change, otherwise the driver will politely say goodbye, wish you good luck and leave.

Cars with drivers. We went to Mtskheta and Mount Kazbek through the Goutrip service, which provides drivers with a personal car. On the site, you can choose a tour, if you wish, adjust it a little, choose a driver and book a trip.

5750 R

cost a trip to Mount Kazbek in a car with a driver

We chose a driver with no reviews because it was cheaper, and we did not regret it: the driver was friendly and accurate. We booked the day before the desired date and paid in cash to the driver. A trip to Mount Kazbek cost 230 GEL (5750 R).

In 2020, prices have dropped slightly: the same trip can be booked for 131 GEL (3406 R). The price we paid also includes a minivan ride up the mountain. It doesn't count on the Goutrip.

On the Goutrip, you can ask the driver to stop to take a photo. The rules of the service are strict: if the driver refuses, he will be banned forever. We used the service twice, the site is clear, there is a Russian language. We liked that you can choose the route yourself, and it’s more convenient to ride together in the back seat of a sedan than in a sightseeing bus.

Car rent will cost 20-40 $ (1450 -2900 R) per day. The main attractions are located in the mountains, where there are dirt and rocky roads, so it is better to take an off-road vehicle. We decided not to take the car because we used the Goutrip.

Trains. We traveled from Tbilisi to Batumi by high-speed train. For one ticket they paid 25 GEL (625 R). The level of comfort unexpectedly pleased: it is not second-class carriages Soviet times, and modern comfortable trains with Wi-Fi, sockets and dry closets. We were in second class on the second floor. In the carriage on one side there were three seats in a row, on the other side - two.

Tickets are sold on the website of the Georgian Railways. They are available 40 days before the departure date. You can also buy tickets through the Georgian Railway Tickets app. After payment, you will receive a letter with the details of the trip. I did not figure out whether it is necessary to print tickets or can be shown from a smartphone, so I played it safe and printed a letter from the post office. There were no landing problems.

Bus. We traveled back from Batumi to Tbilisi by bus. The bus ticket is sold on the Metro Georgia website, registration is not needed. We paid 35 GEL (875 R) per person. After payment, you will receive an email with a code. It must be printed and presented on the bus. From March to May 2020, such a trip costs 25 GEL (650 R). Whether it will be more expensive in the summer is not clear.

Service in the bus - at the level of air travel. Several times during the trip, the steward passes with a cart with drinks, offers water, tea, coffee, distributes headphones. There is free wifi, but slow.

There is no toilet on the bus, only paid at the bus stop. The entrance costs 0.5 GEL (12 R). Our bus left a little late, but on the way it was delayed for an hour. The reasons are not clear, because there were no traffic jams.

The final station in Tbilisi is Ortachala bus station. This is the outskirts - half an hour to the center by public transport.

In our opinion, it is better to travel between cities by train. It's not as comfortable as taking a bus, but it's faster and cheaper. Another train arrives on schedule, and the train stations are located close to the center.

Restaurants

Streets adjoin Freedom Square in Tbilisi, where there are many cafes, eateries and restaurants. I am a vegetarian, but in any institution I could eat to satiety. Most often I ordered lobiani - a closed pie made of thin dough stuffed with beans and spices. This is the perfect meal for vegans: egg-free, dairy-free, satisfying, and inexpensive. Georgian cheeses are not suitable for vegetarians: they contain rennet. On average, lobiani cost 10 GEL (250 R).

The cafe has big portions. Often we asked to wrap up something that we didn’t finish at lunch, and ate it for breakfast. The girl was delighted with the local cuisine. And I am ready to return to Georgia, if only for the sake of lemonade, which is served here in all establishments. A liter of lemon-peach lemonade cost 10 GEL (250 R).

Wine in Georgia is sold in supermarkets and specialized wine shops. A glass costs from 6 GEL (150 R), a bottle of inexpensive wine will cost 17-20 ₾ (425-500 R). Some restaurants sell their own wine. At the liquor store, I ordered freshly squeezed juice from local oranges, and it was the most delicious juice in my life.

On average, lunch cost 25-35 ₾ (625-875 R) for two. The most expensive trip to the cafe cost us 45 GEL (1125 R). With this money, they ordered fried potatoes with spices for 6 GEL (150 R), lobiani for 10 GEL (250 R), kupaty with polenta for 15 GEL (375 R), a liter of homemade lemonade with mint for 10 ₾. Kupaty with polenta are Georgian spiced sausages filled with porridge made from cornmeal.

Tipping in Georgia is immediately included in the bill. Usually it is 10%. Service is different, but everywhere - without haste. No one will rush headlong with the order. It will be cooked and slowly brought in 15-25 minutes.

1125 R

we spent on the most expensive lunch in a cafe

We recommend the Sakhli No. 11 restaurant on Tabidze Street, the Lagidze Waters cafe on the territory of the cathedral and the Iveron Khinkal on Rustaveli Avenue.

The shops

We had breakfast and dinner at the apartment. Georgia has a network of hypermarkets "Carrefour", "Spar" and small shops. The cheapest is to buy in Carrefour. This is a typical large store like Auchan with groceries, household chemicals and pastries. It is visited by the locals. In "Spar" almost all cereals and canned food are Russian. It was inconvenient for me that the composition of local products is entirely in Georgian: neither Russian nor English translation, what it is made of is not clear.

On average, prices in Georgia are at the level of Russian or lower. A package of Pringles in Tbilisi costs the same 160 R as in the Chelyabinsk Pyaterochka. Only fruits and Borjomi are cheaper. A bottle of 0.5 liters costs 0.8 GEL (20 R), in Russia - 60 R.

We bought fruits and vegetables in Carrefour and in shops near the house. There are fewer spoiled vegetables in the shops than in the supermarket. Prices were not compared: they took where they liked, it was always delicious.

Figs and grapes grow right on the streets, but we did not dare to pick them. Grandmothers sit near Carrefour and sell them in whole baskets for 3-4 ₾ (75-100 R) per kilo.

The cost of groceries in Georgia

Figs, 1 kg

4 GEL (100 R)

Bananas, 1 kg

3-6 ₾ (75-150 R)

Cucumbers and tomatoes, 1 kg

2-5 ₾ (50-125 R)

Apples, grapes, pears, 1 kg

2-4 ₾ (50-100 R)

Lemonade "Iberia", 1 l

0.9 GEL (22 R)

Borjomi, 0.5 L

0.8 GEL (20 R)

Watermelon, 1 kg

0.3-0.5 ₾ (7-12 R)

Attractions and entertainment

Sulfur baths in Tbilisi they are called Abanotubani. This is beautiful place where you should go at least once. Botanicheskaya Street leads to the baths, where there are many souvenir shops, and prices are 0.5-1 ₾ lower than in other places.

Going to the bathhouse costs from 15 GEL (375 R) to 150 GEL (3750 R) per hour. We didn’t go there, but our friends gave 90 GEL (2250 R) and said that it was not worth it: too expensive for washing.

cable car located in the center of Rike Park. It is open from 10:00 to 22:00. The line is long: we stood for half an hour. Six people are placed in the booth, the rise lasts a minute and 42 seconds.

The fare can only be paid with a Metromoney card. Price - 2.5 GEL (62 R) per person. We put money on the travel card in advance so as not to replenish it at the entrance to the booths.

Funicular. The highest place in Tbilisi is Mount Mtatsminda. At the top is an amusement park with a Ferris wheel. Finding the mountain is easy - there is a television tower on it, which can be seen from any open space. You can go upstairs on foot or by funicular.

The metromani pass does not work on the funicular - at the entrance you will have to buy a separate card for 2 GEL (50 R) and put money on it. The rise costs 3 GEL (75 R) per person. It is impossible to return the card and return the money from the account.

The funicular has one cabin that runs every 15 minutes. We rode on Thursday morning, there were not many people. The view from the cab is good, but there are tall trees along the rails, so it's hard to take good photos. It’s easier to wait until the end of the ascent: there will be a large observation deck.

width="495" height="742" class="" style="max-width: 495px; height: auto"> Tickets for the Ferris wheel are sold at the small box office inside the park. A ride on a wheel costs 5 ₾ (125 R) per person

botanical gardens. In Tbilisi, the botanical garden is located next to Abanotubani. Entrance costs 2 GEL (50 R). Inside - waterfalls, river, bridges, paths. It's pretty, but the garden is more like a big park.

The trees are not labeled and the map booklet is hard to navigate. We looked at the signs in Maps-me too. The park map that comes with the ticket is useless. With navigation in the park, everything is so bad that a Russian girl came up to us and asked where the exit was. We were only able to answer roughly.

375 R

there is a ticket to the Botanical Garden for an adult

Entrance to the botanical garden in Batumi costs 15 GEL (375 R) per adult. It takes 3-4 hours to go all the way. The garden has many trees from different climatic zones - from South America to Japan.

We liked the garden in Batumi more than in Tbilisi: navigation is easier there, there are picnic areas with Wi-Fi, free toilets. There is also access to the sea from the botanical garden. We did not know about him and were upset that we arrived without bathing accessories: there are small pebbles on the beach and few people.

Bus number 31 runs to the botanical garden, the fare costs 0.5 GEL (12 R). Usually transport stops at the main entrance to the park - southwest. The driver offered to take us to the southern entrance for 3 GEL (75 R) each: according to him, it is easier to walk through the park from there. We agreed - and in vain: we went uphill in the same way, as if we had entered from the main entrance. We'll be smarter next time.

Mtskheta- a city near Tbilisi, in which there are many churches. I advise you to go there on an excursion only to those who are interested in religion or temple architecture. Spending 50-60 ₾ (1250-1500 R) on temples is a pleasure for an amateur. The trip will take four hours.

Among the natural attractions of Mtskheta is the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. We read that the rivers are of different colors: one is green, the other is brown. We should have seen their borders, but I couldn't make sense of those 50 shades of brown.

Kazbek and Gergeti temple. The tour operator "City-Sightseeing-Tbilisi" organizes bus excursions to Mount Kazbek. The tour costs 81 GEL (2106 R) per person. View of Mount Kazbek opens at the Gergeti temple. The road to it is rocky and steep - a bus or SUV will not get there. Therefore, you will have to pay an additional 20 GEL (500 R) for renting a minivan that will take you to the temple.

We decided to overpay and ordered a car with a driver on the Goutrip. It is more comfortable to ride together, and the driver answered my questions about life in Georgia with pleasure. A trip for two cost 230 GEL (5750 R). 155 ₾ cost the services of a driver, 75 - climbing the mountain in a minivan. The journey from Tbilisi to the temple took three and a half hours.

Security

When we left the first apartment in Tbilisi, the owner went on vacation, could not pick up the keys and asked to leave them under the rug. We did not see the owner of the second apartment in Tbilisi at all, the key was also handed over under the rug. People also leave their cars on the street with their windows open.

There are practically no traffic rules in Georgia. Drivers drive through narrow streets. When we were driving along the highway, the driver drove into the oncoming lane before a blind turn on a serpentine road, overtook a truck, although another one was driving towards him. At first we were amazed, then we got used to it.

There are few crossings and traffic lights for pedestrians in Tbilisi. If the zebra is still drawn, it's just a drawing on the pavement. There is still no guarantee that the pedestrian will give way. There are underground passages on Rustaveli Avenue, but there are not many of them. Therefore, locals run across even streets with heavy traffic. The streets in the old town are narrow, so it is easier to cross them.

In the center of Tbilisi, near the temples, there are many beggars, and in general in the cities there are homeless dogs and cats. Animals are sterilized, vaccinated and released into the streets with tags on their ears. People are not afraid to play with street dogs and pet cats.

People

In Georgia, sympathetic people. Sellers, waiters, employees of railway stations and airports - all treated us friendly. There was no language barrier: nine out of ten Georgians with whom we spoke spoke Russian. The rest spoke English, especially the youth. Russians are treated without prejudice, we have not encountered nationalism.

Georgians are also close-knit: all residents of high-rise buildings know each other. AT free time they visit each other. When we complained that we didn’t know where to put the rest of the watermelon that we didn’t have time to eat before leaving, our driver Davit said: “Give it to the neighbors.” From his lips it sounded like something ordinary: everyone does it.

cellular

In Tbilisi, we immediately bought a SIM card. We chose from the local Magtikom and Beeline: there were no other operators at the airport. There was a queue to Magtikom, no booklets with prices were found, so we went to Beeline and took a tariff with 4G Internet without calls. For 9 GEL (225 R) we got 4 GB of internet.

The cashier did not have change, so he threw 10 GEL (250 R) into the account. As it turned out, not in vain: you still had to call. They called up the owners of the accommodation to clarify the address or to inform that they had arrived. Once I had to hire a taxi driver: he didn’t know Russian well and didn’t understand where to go the first time, but I didn’t figure out where the car was in the application.

In 10 days, I spent less than a gigabyte on social networks, Instagram and Google search. The apartments had Wi-Fi - it saved traffic. Now I understand that I had to take 1 GB for 4 GEL (100 R) and pay 2 GEL (50 R) for telephone calls. One lari would be enough for 10 minutes.

In March 2020, the Georgian "Beeline" had special tariffs with the Internet: for 6 GEL (156 R) they gave 4 GB for two weeks. Minutes and SMS are not included in the tariff.

I have a Xiaomi smartphone. In Russia, mobile Internet is connected automatically after changing the SIM card, and in Georgia, the settings must be entered manually. The seller at the Georgian Beeline branch said that only iPhones, Huaweis and some Samsungs are automatically configured.

In Tbilisi and Batumi, 4G catches stably, coverage is worse on the tracks. All cafes and restaurants had free wifi. There is also a free access point "Tbilisi-loves-u" on Freedom Square.

Souvenirs

There are souvenir shops on all tourist streets. You can buy magnets, key chains, toys made of felted wool, national clothes, bookmarks.

Compared to Moscow, prices for souvenirs are low. Magnets cost 1-3 ₾ (25-75 R), key rings - 8 GEL (200 R), figurines - 10 GEL (250 R). According to observations, in shops on Botanicheskaya Street near the sulfur baths of Abanotubani, magnets are 0.5-1 ₾ cheaper.

3375 R

we spent on souvenirs in Georgia

We bought a figurine for 20 GEL (500 R) and were satisfied. In total, 135 GEL (3375 R) was spent on souvenirs.

As a gift, you can bring churchkhela, that is, nuts in grape syrup. On the streets, it is sold for 2-8 ₾ (50-200 R). The thicker and longer, the more expensive. Carrefour has small churchkhelas for 1 ₾ each and Georgian spices in foil bags. Price - 1.5-2.5 ₾ (38-63 R).

RememberWe worked on the material

Author - Vadim Muratov, editor - Anastasia Osyan, photo editor - Maxim Koposov, information designer - Zhenya Sofronov, responsible officer - Anna Lesnykh, production editor - Marina Safonova, proofreader - Alexander Salita, layout designer - Evgenia Izotova

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