The beautiful geography and history of Georgia are something that has no equivalent for travel enthusiasts, but for the tourists from other countries it is crucial to get the Georgia Visa first. Whether a history lover that wants to visit Tbilisi and Mtskheta or a person who is eager about hiking in the mountains of Kazbegi National Park, this visa will open you a door to a country with a warm-hearted people, beautiful nature, and rather interesting traditions. With a name that means ‘the crossroads of the two worlds,’ it’s no wonder that Georgian culture and attractions are a perfect blend of European and Asian that tourist can’t get enough of.
If you want to get a closer look at this gem of the Caucasus with medieval towers of Svaneti and beautiful vineyards of Kakheti, the birthplace of wine, you will need a Georgia visa to do this. The country’s top destinations offer a variety that should satisfy any traveler’s taste—whether you are a history lover or a nature lover or a wine lover. As with the use of modern visa options and easier procedures to get a visa, it has become so easy for people to visit Georgia. Therefore expect a trip that takes you right to the monasteries of the past, the buzzing cities and the raw natural landscapes.
Here are eight must-see destinations for an unforgettable Georgian adventure:
1. Tbilisi – The Wonder of Georgia
Tbilisi is the capital city of Georgia which has old world charm with all the new age feel. Exploring the city’s small, stone paved alleys one will come across historic churches, colorful bazaars, and modern coffee shops. Some of them are the panoramic view of the city from the Narikala Fortress and sulfur baths in the Abanotubani district. The most popular landmark, moreover known as the Peace Bridge is a glass construction with a unique futuristic design, which is even more beautiful at night. Wander around Rustaveli Avenue and one will find the artsy center of the city with many theatres, museums, and galleries.
2. Mtskheta – The Historical Religious Capital
The town of Mtskheta is the third largest in Georgia, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is an ancient city that is only 20 kilometers from Tbilisi and it has some of Georgia’s oldest churches; the most famous of which is the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral where tradition has it that the robe of Christ is buried. Standing on the hill the Jvari Monastery overlooks the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Mtskheta is free from noisy and crowded centers, but at the same time, it is historical, and that is why people who search for spiritual and historical experiences would love it.
3. Kazbegi National Park
Located in the Republic of Georgia in the northern part of the country It’s close to Russia, Kazbegi National Park is truly a nature lover’s haven. The park is famous for Gergeti Trinity Church located at an elevation of 2,170 meters and the Mount Kazbek in the backdrop. This area provides great opportunities for hiking focused on the trail to the glacier; on the way, tourists will meet stunning alpine views. The park has various terrains from valley to mountain top and as such is perfect for the extreme enthusiast and the nature lover.
4. Svaneti
Svaneti occupies the north western part of Georgia and it is well known for its mountain and its defensive tower structures which are from medieval period and surrounded by greenery. The main town of Mestia provides an opportunity to visit these peculiar towers and get acquainted with the rather different from other regions of Georgia Svanethy culture. It is also a centre for trekking and skiing with beautiful tracks leading to glaciers and other hard to reach villages. Ushguli is a village on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites, and it is considered one of the highest populated villages in Europe with terrible climate and stunning stony houses.
5. Batumi – The Black Sea Jewel
Batumi is a seacoast city of Georgia and it is the most popular summer resort in Georgia. Batumi is a modern city with vibrant nightlife and fresh architecture and has the feel of both a beach destination and art center. Batumi Boulevard is a 6 km long boardwalk with cafes, sculptures, and fountains built along the coast and are perfect for an evening walk. Guests can attend the Batumi Botanical Garden where at the moment there are thousands of plant species, as well as the Alphabet Tower – a symbol of Georgian script, which has an observation deck with a beautiful view of the coastline.
6. Historical Sites
Kutaisi is one of the oldest cities of Georgia and it possesses a great historical and cultural significance. The site of the present day city was once the capital of the ancient Georgian kingdom and it features the Bagrati Cathedral and the Gelati monastery both of which have amazing frescoes and mosaics. Visitors also have the opportunity to visit the Prometheus cave with stunning formation of stalactites and stalagmites. Kutaisi also plays an important role as a starting point for travelling through the Imereti region with its canyons, waterfalls, and nature reserves.
7. Vardzia – The Cave City
Vardzia is the medieval cave monastery complex which is located in the town of Aspindza, in the southern region of Georgia, in the Erusheti Mountain. Built in the 12th century by Queen Tamar, Vardzia used to accommodate thousands of monks and was serving as a protection against invaders. Now tourists can roam through connected caves, examine the remains of ancient paintings, and feel the quiet of this place. Vardzia is one of the most interesting places for history lovers as it has special architecture and rich history.
8. Kakheti – Georgia’s Wine Region
Kakheti is famous as the country that gave birth to wine and the region is a true Mecca for wine lovers. This part of Georgia is famous for wine makers, wine producing houses, vineyards and beautiful villages. Sights include the Alaverdi Monastery with the winery that has been functioning since the 6th century, the beautiful town of Sighnaghi that is considered the City of Love. Today several vineyards and wineries provide wine-tasting tours in which visitors get information about the indigenous qvevri buried wine-making process of Georgia.
Conclusion
Traveling in Georgia is a travel in time and space, and the amount of interesting and unforgettable to do list is endless for everyone. Tbilisi and Kazbegi as well as historical sights of Mtskheta and Vardzia are among the most fascinating destinations that are combining the spirit of Europe and Asia. Once you have a Georgia Visa, there is nothing to hold you back and explore the huge variety that the country offers – from ancient history, wine tasting to hiking some of the most beautiful terrains in the Caucasus region.
From its generosity of spirit to its history and tradition as a state and from the beauty of the mountains and valleys, there is so much one can see and experience in Georgia. What you accomplish in Georgia will stay with you long after you are gone, inviting you to come and do even more of what this overlooked gem has to offer. Take advantage of the chance and learn why this state is important for tourist all around the world and why Georgia is a country to visit.
