How to travel to Georgia on your own and how much does it cost. Travel to Georgia on your own! We eat on our own in Georgia

It's time to tell you about Georgia . My previous articles were the preface to this chapter.

Let me remind you, to get into it from, we had to drive through Adygea, Stavropol Territory, Kabardino-Balkaria and North Ossetia-Alania .

• Why was it impossible to drive along the Black Sea coast?
• What passports to pass the border in Georgia and do I need a visa?
• Should I go to Georgia by car?

If you are planning a trip to Georgia and you have these and other similar questions, this article is just for you.

Georgia: instructions for use

In this article, I want to talk about why tourists go to Georgia in general, how you can get to Georgia, what are the pros / cons of each method, whether a visa is needed, and also give general information: about prices, about what features this country in terms of food, accommodation, etc. So that in the following articles, when I will talk about the sights of Georgia, this will be less distracted.

So let's start with What is the best way to get to Georgia?

How to get to Georgia: three legal ways and one illegal

Let's start with legal methods. Option number one - by plane . The simplest and also the most expensive. Most flights are in Tbilisi, but there are still flight options to Batumi or Kutaisi. The cheapest way is to fly from Moscow, of course, and there are quite a lot of flights at any time of the year. A couple of airlines also fly from St. Petersburg.

Regions, as always, are less lucky: even if there is a direct flight, the prices are such that you will think 10 times. From the same Sochi, for example, there is a direct flight to Tbilisi, but the price is about 13,000 rubles round trip! And it's only an hour to fly!

Of the advantages of this option - only the speed of movement. But, in principle, if you just want to have a nice weekend in Tbilisi or Batumi, then this option is quite suitable for you. And then, perhaps, it is much easier for you to buy a ready-made package tour to Georgia. Did you know that sometimes a ticket costs less than a ticket for a regular flight? At the same time, the price of the tour includes flights, accommodation, transfers, insurance and meals of your choice. Choose one of the ready-made options >>here<<

But if you, like us, like to see the country thoroughly, with feeling, really, with the arrangement, then most likely you will choose option number two — travel to Georgia by car . About why more and more tourists choose to travel by car, I thought in this article -. We like this option more and more in recent years. That's how we explored the whole .

And now it's time Georgia. The choice fell on this country not by chance:

• Russians do not need a visa to visit, they only need a valid passport;
• the climate is excellent;
• the choice of ancient monuments is the richest;
• cuisine and wine delight travelers;
• sea, mountains, ancient culture and good infrastructure.

Why not the perfect vacation spot?

It would still be possible to get to Georgia from Sochi by sea: “comets” go from the port of Sochi to Batumi. And this option number three could be recommended, but ... The cost of a trip by sea is comparable to the price of air tickets, and hanging out at sea for about 10 hours on an old boat is not a pleasant prospect. Our friends tried all the delights of this option in August - what a treat! Instead of 5 declared hours, they sailed all 10 to Batumi! Stormy, they say...

So we chose the option to drive our own car. The arguments in his favor, in addition to the fact that the car gives freedom of movement throughout the country, were as follows:

• Unlike a number of other CIS countries, no additional car insurance is required to enter Georgia
• unrealistically beautiful views and Transajarian highway who won our hearts already in absentia
• although the territory of Georgia is small, but if you set yourself the goal of seeing as many places as possible in one trip, then without a car there is simply no way

The only unpleasant moment is the price of gasoline in Georgia. For some reason, he is so expensive here - from 50 to 70 rubles per liter!

Why can't you go to Georgia through Abkhazia? I was asked this question more than once or twice ... Yes, damn it, it would be ideal: leave Krasnaya Polyana in the morning, be at the border with Abkhazia in 40 minutes, another three or four hours through the territory of Abkhazia, and - voila! – in the afternoon we would already be in Georgia… But no, this option is still in the realm of fantasy. More precisely, you can get to Georgia this way, but only once. This is the one illegal way.

The thing is that by trying to get into Georgia through Abkhazia, you are violating the Law of Georgia on the occupied territories. After all, it is only for us, the citizens of Russia, that Abkhazia is a sovereign state. And from the point of view of Georgia, Abkhazia is a part of Georgia (by the way, under each of my videos about Abkhazia, radical citizens do not get tired of writing comments about this ...) In general, according to the laws of Georgia, as soon as your foot steps on the territory of Abkhazia, in Georgia stamp should appear in the passport. But, as you might guess, there are no Georgian border guards on the border of Russia and Abkhazia, and there is no one to put a Georgian stamp on you. Accordingly, your entry into the territory of Georgia will be considered illegal with all the consequences ... Do you need such problems on vacation? We don't.

Therefore, we undertook this whole intricate route: Sochi - Tuapse - Maykop - Lagonaki - Pyatigorsk - Vladikavkaz. We don’t regret anything at all, because we saw a bunch of different interesting places. You can read the following articles about it:

In this regard, our road from Sochi to Georgia stretched for almost a week. Although strictly speaking, the distance between Sochi and Tbilisi - and this is 960 km - can be traveled in one day. But that wouldn't be interesting, would it? ;-)

In general, regarding the section of the road that passes through Russia, I can say the following:

• the roads are quite good, and from Nalchik to Vladikavkaz they are simply gorgeous!
• on the stretch between Pyatigorsk and Nalchik there are several checkpoints where almost every car is checked, especially those with license plates from another region. The whole procedure comes down to opening the trunk and doors of the car and a separate check of documents in the guard booth. Here, the inspectors are only interested in your documents and documents for the car. Documents are punched through the database, we were not asked any questions. The purpose of these checks, as I believe, is to prevent illegal entry into Russia of foreign citizens and stateless persons from neighboring countries, as well as to identify the transport of weapons, etc. And how did you want - how long ago did the Caucasus cease to be a hot spot in our country?

Route in Georgia for 10-12 days

Initially, we planned to spend 2 weeks in Georgia. But at the end of our trip, the weather turned bad, the number of days was slightly reduced. Although, in general, they fulfilled their program.

So, we got this route: crossing the border in Upper Lars - Kazbegi (Stepanatsminda) - Gudauri - Tbilisi - Sighnaghi - Kvareli - Telavi - Mtskheta - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe - Batumi - Kobuleti - Ureki - Samtredia - Kutaisi - and departure back to Russia by.

This is if the main milestones. There were also small towns and villages along the route. But I’ll say right away - the schedule of movement was too dense, in fact it was not a rest, but a rather vigorous motor race. Not a single day of aimless wandering around the city. Not a single day of lying on the beach. It probably won't work for everyone.

border crossing

Russians do not need a visa to visit Georgia. But you need a valid passport.

So, you can legally get into Georgia by land only through the Upper Lars checkpoint, which is located 30 km from Vladikavkaz. Somewhere about 100 meters before the checkpoint, we entered a queue of cars: cars separately, trucks in their own row. We stood in line for 15 minutes. Actually, it took us exactly an hour to cross the border: first, customs and inspection of the vehicle by the Russian side, then passport control by the Georgians.

In the summer, they say, the queues are much longer, people stand for 4-5 hours. And in winter, Vehniy Lars is often closed due to heavy snowfalls. So we went at the best time - in early autumn.

Already at the entrance to the checkpoint, the landscapes outside the window looked promising.

And after crossing the border, when we drove along, the roof began to slowly move out of the indescribable beauty that I wanted to shoot on everything that came to hand:

So in terms of impressions, the road justified itself by 100% and even more.

Only in Georgia itself, our navigator upset us: he either godlessly lied about how long the road from point A to point B would take, then he led us into the oncoming lane onto a one-way street, or even laid a route through pedestrian zones or such dead streets:

In Tbilisi, we just got tired of getting lost on his "tips" and just threw him out of the car, turned him off out of harm's way.

Myths and legends about Georgia, as well as facts

Before I talk about which of the common stereotypes about Georgia are true, and which are not true or skillful marketing, let's deal with this.

Why go to Georgia at all

In excellent Movie "Love with an Accent" director Rezo Gigineishvili, which was released on screens in 2012, in principle, shows all the top places in Georgia, for which it’s actually worth going there: stunning views of the mountains around, panoramas of beauty, charming streets, parks and skyscrapers of Batumi ...

In fact, this film has become the best advertisement for the tourist wealth of Georgia. And the touching love stories that are played against the backdrop of these landscapes seem to hint that EVERYTHING is possible in Georgia! So is it any wonder that already in 2013 Georgia quickly entered the top summer tourist destinations? And continues to be on the wave for the fifth year in a row! So there is there something like that don't you think?

So, usually tourists go to Georgia to:

• see countless architectural monuments of antiquity and modernity,
• to join the bright Georgian culture (music, dances),
• taste the famous Georgian wines,
• taste dishes of no less famous Georgian cuisine,
• admire the beautiful mountain scenery,
• swim in the gentle Black Sea,
• and of course fall in love: with each other, with a stranger / stranger, with this country)

Some of it they get, some they don't. Everything is individual here. In the next paragraph, I will tell you which moments came true in Georgia and which did not.

Our feelings from the trip to Georgia

In general, impressions about any country largely depend on the preparedness of tourists for the trip. We prepared for the trip morally and financially, read blogs, studied travel sites. There was a lot of information, perhaps even too much. Part of it was confirmed, with part we are not ready to agree.

From what has been confirmed:

• responsiveness and hospitality of the local population: the solution to your problem (if it has formed) is included in almost everyone who you turn to: the owners of guest houses and hotels, passers-by on the street, workers at a construction site;
• beauty of nature and architecture: Georgia can really claim the title of an open-air museum;
• a friendly attitude towards Russian tourists (and tourists in general) and a safe atmosphere (compared to the same Abkhazia, there was no unpleasant feeling that they look at you like a bag of money, while some people are not averse to shaking you if possible).

What turned out to be wrong or not exactly as travel bloggers and guidebooks wrote:

• Lots of affordable accommodation options. Lies! If you are ready to live in obscure hostels with 5 more roommates and one shared toilet with a combined shower, then yes, there are plenty of such options here. But even then - only in big cities like Tbilisi or Batumi. Hotels are insanely expensive - the most modest hotel room in the middle of nowhere will cost around 2000-2500 rubles per night. Closer to the center - already 5000-6000 rubles, and this is not some kind of Marriot Radisson Parkinn, but an ordinary old hotel, with modest rooms and furniture.

Therefore, the most popular accommodation option in Georgia is guest houses (guest houses). It is more comfortable than a hostel and cheaper than a hotel.

Here in this video I show what it is guest house in Georgia:

There are other options to look for renting private apartments. But we lived in each city for no more than 2 nights, and therefore it did not suit us in principle.

The following statement, which we often came across in relation to Georgia:

• in Georgia you can eat inexpensively and very tasty ;

That was our biggest disappointment. First, prices. For the most modest snack in a simple restaurant, prepare at least 1200-1500 rubles for two. It will be a salad or soup and the second, without wine. With wine to eat will come out from 1500-2000 rubles. If it's cheap, then who's yelling that it's expensive to have a rest in Sochi?

And okay, figs would be with them, with prices. But somehow we categorically did not like what we were offered all this time under the guise of Georgian cuisine. In almost every restaurant we were strongly recommended kebabs or khachapuri or khinkali. In short, meat, dough or dough with meat. Vegetables? Well, look at the vegetable salad then. And that's it! No, I can eat barbecue and even khinkali, but not 3 times a day, 7 days a week! Cheese? Excuse me, but for the money it costs in Georgia, I'd rather buy French "stinkers" ... Fish and seafood? Look on the menu, but there is no guarantee that it will be available.

In short, when on the third day I got tired of chewing cucumber and tomato salads, I ordered mushroom soup. And they brought me such a boiling fat “batch” with a ton of greens and three floating mushrooms that I just resigned myself to the fact that Georgian cuisine is not for me. Although, for the sake of justice, I note that khinkali in Georgia are cheaper than in Sochi. But for me it's still banal dumplings.

No, we tried to find those places where the locals themselves eat. But, firstly, there are very few such places in Georgia (apparently, all locals prefer to eat at home), and secondly, even there the choice was between kebab and shawarma.

So I had to simply go shopping and cook my own food. And the money is more reasonable. Unless you go grocery shopping to small shops. The most normal version of dinner we had was this: fresh pita bread, vegetables and fruits, dessert and ... a bottle of wine.

In short, there was no gastronomic holiday for us in Georgia.

About money

Yes, I almost forgot. Georgia has its own money, Georgian - lari. 1 lari = 25 rubles. You can travel with both dollars and euros.

Exchangers are often found in tourist places, in non-tourist places - much less often. The exchange rate at different points can be quite different, by 10-20%.

The first time we changed money was already in Tbilisi, in a large shopping center "Tbilisi Mall". The course there was normal. Then I came across a more profitable one, but then how lucky.

About shopping

Don't count on good shopping in Georgia. All branded clothes and shoes are more expensive than in Russia. We were pleased only with the Turkish WAIKIKI (often bought clothes in Turkey for myself and children in these stores) and the Turkish KOTON (also clothes and shoes).

By the way, a little more about food: Georgian McDonald's turned out to be the most expensive of all where I had to visit.

About cellular communication

An unpleasant moment was the purchase of a local SIM card from the Beeline operator in Tbilisi. We basically needed only good Internet from her, and rarely - the telephone connection itself. There were no problems with communication, but the Internet worked very badly! Even in the city center, the Internet was slow, and we could not get directions, book a night in a hotel, etc.

Then they asked the locals why such troubles with the Internet. They recommended taking SIM cards from Georgian operators, not international ones.

Again about traveling by car in Georgia

So, looking ahead, I will say: you can and should go to Georgia by car. Even with expensive gas. Just download a normal navigator (not Russian). And don't break traffic rules. The locals themselves periodically violate them, but the Abkhaz reckless drivers are like walking to China.

The police in Georgia are simply the eighth wonder of the world. They always drive with the "chandelier" on (no sound). And if they see that someone is squinting on the road (parking in the wrong place or in the wrong way, not observing the row, etc.), then they will warn him first, and do not run joyfully to write out a violation report ...

There are no problems with parking in Georgia either. In any, even a very popular tourist place, you can always park normally, and absolutely free of charge. After the resorts of the Krasnodar Territory, such expanse is just a balm for the soul.

Well, here, it seems, all the main points on the trip to Georgia were told today. This is so to speak technical information. For practical people. And in the next posts I will give you “lyrics” - about beautiful Georgian cities and amazing places. So subscribe to our newsletter so you don't miss out.

When I tell someone that we spent a month in Georgia, everyone asks me all the time about money. I don’t know why, but in the minds of most of my acquaintances, the idea that travel is expensive was clearly established. I'm already at a loss as to where you even got this from? Although, of course, I can assume that all this is somehow connected with the activities of Belarusian travel agencies, which may well ask for 500-700 dollars for a three-day tour to Georgia and at the same time prove with foam at the mouth that this is some kind of super-mega -action ... Is it really all about this?

I have repeatedly written this phrase, but I am ready to repeat it again: any trip costs exactly as much as you are willing to pay for it. The main thing is not to adjust it for yourself, but try, on the contrary, to adjust yourself to current promotions, discounts and optimal dates. And one more thing: of course, it is best to plan travel in advance. This advice applies not only to Georgia, but absolutely to any other country. Personally, we bought tickets for September at the beginning of spring. But I'll go into more detail on all this a little later.

So… How to find cheap flights? What are the best websites to book cheap accommodation? How to invest in the existing budget and organize an independent trip to Georgia at no extra cost? Let's go through the points. And without that, the introduction turned out to be too long.

Buying tickets

Tip #1. Do not look for plane tickets on the websites of certain specific airlines. Instead, it is better to use the capabilities of the so-called ticket search engines, which allow you to immediately “see” the offers of different (!) Airlines and all the best connections (if any). Personally, I usually use the Aviasales website (I just love its interface). Although, if desired, you can use some of its analogues - for example, Buruki or Skyscanner. They also show good results. Look for flight options on all three of these sites. This will save you an additional 5-6 euros.

Tip #2. Use the special “chips” of ticket search engines, for example, the flexible search of the Buruki website (button - “I don’t know the exact dates, I want cheaper”) or the “Low Price Calendar” of the Aviasales website (see the table below). Departures on different days cost differently. Adjust to them, and do not beat your head against the wall shouting "I want tickets from 1st to 10th and nothing else." It is better to buy tickets first, and then go to the boss to beg for vacation on the dates you need. Or is there no way to agree with your boss at all?

Tip #3. As a rule, the cheapest tickets to Georgia are found on the route Minsk - Kutaisi. You can fly to the same city on the Wizz Air low-cost airline, which flies there from Vilnius. You can then get to Batumi or Tbilisi by train or minibus. Although in Imereti itself there is also something to see. Examples are Prometheus caves, Sataplia park with petrified dinosaur footprints, Martvili canyons and much more.

See the price calendar for this area below.

I wrote more about how you can cheaply get to Georgia from Belarus. All the best travel options are listed there. Be sure to read. It describes everything in more detail.

Important! If you don’t know the exact dates of your trip yet, it makes sense to keep track of various sales in this direction. You can do this by subscribing to the Aviasales newsletter or various VKontakte publics that collect messages on their pages about the start of promotions and sales. As an example - vandrouki.by, fly4free.pl, pirates.ru and others. Plus, you can also subscribe to our VK group (https://vk.com/mytraveldiaryby). It's only welcome ;)

How to rent cheap housing in Georgia?

The Caucasus is a special region of the planet, so not all modern housing reservation systems work well there. The only exception is Tbilisi. Everything is here, as always. There are many hotels, guesthouses, private apartments. You can rent a hotel in this city inexpensively through search engines (for example, on the RoomGuru website). Such services compare the cost of a particular room on dozens of booking sites (such as Booking, Agoda, HRV, etc.), and then redirect the user to where a particular room is the cheapest. This is a good savings option.

Another alternative is to look for private apartments on the AIRBNB website instead of hotels and hotels (discount when registering using the link provided). For example, in September 2016, we easily found a beautiful studio in the center of the old city of Tbilisi for only $25 per day. Although here it is necessary to make a reservation: in fact, in fact, I paid even less. The thing is that there are many different promo codes and discount bonuses on the AIRBNB website. Therefore, I will not go into details now.

As for other cities of Georgia, it really makes sense to rent housing right on the spot. Another option is to look for apartments through specialized Vkontakte groups. Most Georgians rent out housing the old-fashioned way, without bothering with taxes and bank transfers. Therefore, on the same AIRBNB website, even after placing a specific ad, many hosts say in plain text that they will not donate anything through this system. Here you can correspond with them, bargain, discuss details. But the money will have to be paid from hand to hand. There are exceptions (), but they are few.

VK groups where you can find suitable rental options:

https://vk.com/club37965380

https://vk.com/ihome

https://vk.com/rentapartmentsbatumi

https://vk.com/batumi_beach

https://vk.com/club62933149

https://vk.com/small_batumi

But I advise you to bypass the batumiphotos group. I don’t know why, but it is there that there are always a lot of frankly inadequate comrades who can correspond with you for a couple of weeks, and then rent out housing to someone else. I came across two of these right away.

Tip #1. Do not choose any one of the proposed options and try to look for housing on a variety of sites. Who knows which one will give the best result.

Council number 2. When renting a house in Batumi, be sure to bargain. Personally, I had several cases this summer when the owners of apartments asked for $ 1,000 per month, and then after the phrase “No, thanks,” they immediately dropped the price by almost half. Georgians usually first name the maximum price, but almost always agree to make a discount.

It is written in great detail about all the nuances of finding housing in Batumi !!!

Georgia travel insurance

I liked Georgia and I liked Georgian food, but, believe me, sanitation rules are not always strictly observed in this country. On the streets you can often meet people who sell homemade adjika and cheese directly from their cars. And in the market, I once saw with my own eyes how a woman stroked a cat, and then, without a twinge of conscience, without washing her hands, she simply went to sell churchkhela.

Why am I leading all this? And besides, insurance when traveling to Georgia is a mandatory thing. Don't risk your health. And remember that a paid visit to the doctor is not cheap. For example, in the Paracelsus clinic, with whose doctors we (unfortunately) somehow had a chance to talk personally, an appointment with a doctor cost from 13 to 17 dollars. At the same time, insurance prices can start as early as $8. In general, do not neglect the purchase of a policy. The probability that it can be useful to you in Georgia is very high.

Transport in Georgia

The transport system of Georgia is very poorly developed. Attempts to change something were made during the time of Saakashvili. However, the Georgian authorities still have a lot of work in this direction. Therefore, be mentally prepared for the fact that many of the sights of Georgia can only be reached by car. Local taxi drivers know this, so they ruthlessly raise prices for their services. Here's a simple example for you: in the center of Tbilisi, some taxi drivers ask for 70-100 GEL for a trip to Mtskheta (the ancient capital of Georgia). On a minibus, the same trip can be done for 1 lari. As they say: I have everything.

In general, do not be fooled, and if you suddenly really need a taxi, it is better to use those services that set the price by the meter. Next, I will lay out brief information regarding transport in Georgia.

Taxi Maxim(transportation in Tbilisi, Batumi + some neighborhoods of Batumi). Immediately even when ordering a car on the site shows the cost of the desired trip. But in rainy weather and late at night, cars arrive very slowly.

Tbilisi bus stations located at Didube and Samgori metro stations. From Didube you can go to Kazbegi, Mtskheta, Akhaltsikhe, Kutaisi, Borjomi, Batumi and many other cities. Minibuses go from Samgori station to Sighnaghi, Telavi and other regions of Kakheti.

Bus stations in Batumi located on Mayakovskogo and Gogol street. There are always a lot of minibuses going in the direction of Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Borjomi, Zugdidi and other cities. Come and ask for the right flight. The transport system in Georgia is very bad and confusing. There is practically no clear flight schedule. But, as they say, we have what we have.

Private bus companies, working in Georgia, for the most part represent Turkish business. Luks karadeniz travels from Batumi to the cities of Turkey. And the Metro company (http://geometro.ge/ru/home) also operates flights within the country. There are flights to Tbilisi, Batumi, Gori (Stalin's birthplace), Kutaisi and other cities. No matter how surprising it may be for Georgia, but all buses have a clear schedule, route and price. These are not minibuses that can stand for half an hour, because the driver is waiting for some grandmother he knows with a bag of peaches.

Railway station Batumi. Located outside the city. You can get there by bus number 8 and number 10.

Rail transport in Georgia- in fact, the only thing to which there can be no serious claims. The trains are all new. The carriages have Wi-Fi, sockets, snack machines, good toilets. The only thing worth noting is that all trains, in fact, run along one single line - Batumi - Tbilisi. There is no serious network of railways in Georgia. You can get there in this way only to Kutaisi, Gori, Zestafoni, Ureki and some other cities. A complete route map can be viewed at http://www.railway.ge/

How to get to the city from Batumi and Tbilisi airports

To Batumi: by bus number 10. It runs from 7 am and follows through the whole city (to the railway station). Travel time is 20-30 minutes. The fare is 40 tetri (0.4 lari).

In Tbilisi: by bus number 37, which runs around the clock with an interval of 15-20 minutes. Fare: 50 tetri. Also near the Tbilisi airport is a railway station. With its help, you can easily get to the central station of the city. The price is the same 50 tetri. But there are relatively few trains.

In Kutaisi: Still easier. A special company Georgian bus operates at this airport, which provides transportation to all major cities of Georgia (including Batumi, Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Mestia, etc.). The bus schedule is tied to the flight schedule. You can see prices and buy a ticket online on the carrier's website (http://georgianbus.com/).

How to navigate in an unfamiliar city?

Personally, I use the MAPS.ME mobile application for these purposes. This program, created by Belarusian developers, is a collection of offline maps with a GPS navigation system. Just set the required point on the city map - and follow the arrows. Everything is very simple. The main thing before the trip, do not forget to separately download a map of Georgia. All this is done for free.

How much money to take with you to Georgia

To tell the truth, Georgia is not the cheapest country. Most prices in shops and restaurants are higher here than in Belarus. The only thing that is cheaper than ours is Georgian wine and Georgian mineral water. It's very convenient. Drink wine in the evening. In the morning - mineral water.

Big story about prices in Georgia. Everything is very, very detailed. In the meantime, I will present here only a small estimate of costs.

The cost of rooms in Batumi hotels ranges from 20 to 30 euros (per day). But you should not be strongly attached to these prices, if only because the cost can change at different times of the year and from season to season. Specific prices can be viewed on the websites Hotellook and RoomGuru. I wrote about all this in more detail above. On average, for a trip for 10 days, get ready to pay 200-300 euros (for 2 people). In Tbilisi, it makes sense to look for accommodation on the AIRBNB website. Using their discount coupons, you can reduce the total amount by $20, $40, or even $100. More about this.

Food in a restaurant: average bill 15-20 GEL ($1 = 2.3 GEL). But here, of course, everything largely depends on your personal preferences. If you are smart and completely turn off the excitement, you can eat in Batumi for 1 lari. I already wrote about this life hack in one of.

Food in the store in Tbilisi and Batumi is more expensive than in Minsk supermarkets. Two liters of juice - 5 lari, milk - 3 lari, a pack of khinkali - another 7. Cigarettes 2.40 - 3.60 per pack. Personally, we spent 400 dollars for a month of living in Georgia for two. Although I tried to buy everything as thoughtfully as possible. The best stores in Georgia are Yalcin and Willmart supermarket chains. Although it is cheaper to buy products in the Batumi market (Mayakovsky street). The place is unsightly, and the sellers here don't really like to wash their hands, but the prices here are lower than in stores. Therefore, it is worth visiting. Just wash all your purchases thoroughly afterwards at home.

You can get to the market by buses No. 1, No. 1a, No. 4, No. 8.

Excursions in Georgia (fare in a fixed-route taxi). Prices are for one way travel per person.

Renting a taxi or a trip with a tour company will cost much more. See photo below. The picture was taken in the capital of Georgia.

Again, I wrote more about the cost of excursions in an article about. Read it for sure. There are many interesting things there.

General impression of Georgia

Georgia is a bright and interesting country. But like any other state, it has its drawbacks. For example, I was personally unpleasantly surprised by the fact that many attractions here can only be reached by car. And the fact that from one city to another, at times, you need to go with a transfer also somehow does not add optimism. Another disadvantage, I would include a rather high level of prices for rental housing near the sea. Here's a simple example for you, last year we rented an apartment for $24 a day. In Batumi in September, for renting a small apartment, sometimes they asked for $30 and $35. Although normal proposals are also found here.

Of the pluses, I would note the fact that there are very nice people in Georgia (especially those who are not connected with the tourism industry). Plus, delicious wine, beautiful nature and many interesting historical sights - all this is also the indisputable advantage of this Caucasian state.

More about my impressions of the trip to Batumi and Tbilisi. And I will slowly finish this review. Happy travels and all the best.

Georgia is a country where your day starts with a smile and ends with a glass of wine. One visit to Georgia is enough to leave your heart here forever. He will be kidnapped by the stunning mountain panoramas of Kazbegi, the sea waves of Adjara, the view of Tbilisi from the Narikala fortress, hot khinkali with a glass of Khvanchkara and, of course, the friendliness of the locals. This will be confirmed by each of the 6 million tourists who annually visit the homeland of winemaking. Why is it worth going to Georgia? What should you know before your first trip? All answers are in the material Traveling. by , prepared jointly with the specialists of the tour operator "Mouzenidis Travel".

The stunning beauty of the mountains, the purity and warmth of the Black Sea, fragrant cuisine and even wine traditions cannot overshadow one thing in Georgia - the boundless hospitality and responsiveness of local residents. Here, anyone you ask about the right way to the church or fortress will personally take you and tell you everything he knows about it. And every driver in Georgia is a guide at the call of his heart, he will tell you from the bottom of his heart everything he knows about every house, street, temple on your route.

Georgians are a people with an open mind. You will not have time to look back, as they are already treating you to their chacha, wrapping homemade suluguni with you and inviting you to your daughter's wedding next year. And Georgians are like that in everything - they sing charmingly, dance incendiary, make the best wine in the world using the most ancient technology, and cook in such a way that the Georgian feast will be in your dreams long after returning home. In this country, hospitality seems to be elevated to a cult. If you are lucky enough to get to a family dinner, the hostess will cook her best dishes to show what a skilled cook she is, and the host will do everything possible to show that he is the head of the family and you are the most honored guest in their house.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU TRIP

The country, stretched in the highlands between the Caspian and Black Seas, at the junction of West and East, has more than 11 centuries of history. Whoever has visited the fertile Georgian lands during this time - Greeks, Turks, Armenians, Arabs, Russians. Georgians not only took all the best from these cultures, but also organically inscribed this heritage into their carefully preserved traditions.

Georgia has also saved its religion – almost 90% of the population today professes Orthodox Christianity, without contesting the right to other religions: there are mosques, synagogues, Gregorian, Catholic churches in the country. Pilgrims from all over the world flock to Orthodox churches and monasteries.

In addition to shrines, Georgia prepares tourists walking tours of Tbilisi and gastronomic tours to any of the 12 regions of the country, wine cellars of Kakheti, the mountain slopes of Svaneti, Gudauri and Bakuriani, the beaches of Batumi and the surrounding resort villages.

HOW TO GET TO GEORGIA

Regular flights have been established between Minsk and Georgian airports - you can get directly to Tbilisi (Belavia aircraft fly every day) or Batumi (every day in summer, on Wednesdays and Sundays in winter). There are also direct flights from nearby capitals - Moscow and Kiev.

VISA TO GEORGIA

Belarusians do not need a visa to Georgia, as well as citizens of another 93 countries of the world. To visit Georgia without a visa, you must have a passport that will be valid for another six months after returning from a trip to Georgia. You can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days in half a year.

CUISINE OF GEORGIA

One of the most delicious cuisines in the world is Georgian. She absorbed all the best that the gastronomic cultures of other peoples who settled on the territory of Georgia at different times could give her. Many people call Georgian cuisine one of the main attractions of the country - and it's impossible to argue with that.

The cuisine is based on an abundance of herbs and vegetables, harmoniously balanced with meat. Because of this, it is almost impossible to get better from these dishes. For cooking, Georgian housewives always take only fresh products - nothing frozen or stored for a long time. They add cilantro to almost all of them - it is precisely its taste that will subsequently cause you persistent nostalgia for Georgia and an acute desire to return.

A feast in Georgia is a visiting card of the country. And if you got to the table in the house of a Georgian, then you are incredibly lucky - you will experience the full strength and depth of Georgian generosity. Dishes on the table for dear guests are put in several layers: lobio with mchadi corn tortilla, ajapsandali, khachapuri, khinkali, satsivi, shish kebab, elarji porridge, shish kebab with tkemali sauces, satsebeli or - for the strong in spirit - with Megrelian adjika. A bottle of chacha or wine will give any dish the right notes and mood. By the way, it is customary to order wine here in bottles or jugs right away, you are in Georgia!

There are no restaurants in Georgia where the food is tasteless - the cooking skill of local chefs knows no bounds. And if such places appeared, they simply would not have withstood the huge competition with all the abundance of cafes and restaurants that any Georgian city can boast of. You can learn about the best of them, as a rule, by chance - on the recommendation of locals. For example, about the Shavi Lomi (“Black Lion”) family restaurant on the ground floor of a house with a huge lion graffiti on 23 Amagleba Street in Tbilisi. Or about the bar in the Berlin spirit of Black Dog at 33 Asatiani, with posters of cult westerns and portraits of the heroes of the film The Big Lebowski. About the classic Maspindzelo restaurant next to the Sulfur baths or the Khachapur chain Machakhela.

A hearty dinner for two in Georgia will cost 15 USD, a bottle of wine to it - from 8 USD to 50 USD, depending on the variety. Tips in Georgia are included in the bill and amount to 10-18% of the value of the check.

SHOPPING AND EXCHANGE IN GEORGIA

The monetary unit of Georgia is lari (GEL), which consists of 100 tetri. Other currencies are not accepted for settlements. It is profitable to exchange money away from tourist areas.

What should be brought from Georgia?

The best Georgian souvenirs for gourmets will be Suluguni cheese, better Megrelian. For it, go to a specialized store of the Aristaeus chain. Here, in addition to traditional cheeses, you can buy rare varieties with spices and additives - cheeses aged in beer or wine, with honey and mint, with garlic, with coriander, paprika and others.

And, of course, how can one return from Georgia without a bottle of good wine. One of the most famous is Khvanchkara, which Stalin loved for its sweetness and rich taste. A bottle of real Khvanchkara will cost about 70 lari (about 30 USD). To choose your favorite Georgian wine, do not miss the opportunity to try the red wines Saperavi, Tsinandali and Mukuzani, among the whites - Tvishi, Rkatsiteli and the pink Aladasturi. This is only a small part of the wine variety, in Georgia wines are also produced from rarer grape varieties, including the most ancient technology - in kvevri clay amphoras.

Spices are brought from Georgia (the most popular is Svan salt, a mixture of herbs and salt from the Svaneti region), sauces, jams and the famous Georgian tea (connoisseurs should look at the Tea Museum in Tbilisi at the intersection of Tabidze and Lermontov), ​​and as a more expensive For a souvenir, you should look at jewelry made from the famous Georgian cloisonné enamel using the minankari technique and clothes of Georgian designers.

TRANSPORT (TBILISI)

Getting around Tbilisi is easy - there is a well-developed public transport network. It is necessary to purchase a card in the metro for 2 GEL and replenish it. The metromani pass is valid for travel on the metro (50 tetri / 0.17 USD), buses (50 tetri / 0.17 USD), minibuses (80 tetri / 0.27 USD), as well as for climbing the cable car to the Narikala fortress and on the funicular to Mount Mtatsminda. It is necessary to keep a receipt for its purchase and return it at any metro ticket office at the end of the trip.

Taxis in Georgia are best booked at the hotel. If you stop a taxi on the street, agree on the cost of the trip in advance.

REST IN GEORGIA WITH CHILDREN

Georgians are family people, they appreciate everything that is connected with the family and love children very much. You will feel it immediately upon arrival in the country. You will meet groups of Georgian schoolchildren during each excursion - in castles, the stalactite Prometheus Cave, in the rocky cave city of Vardzia and on the Martian-looking slopes of Uplistsikhe. What child didn't imagine being a knight or a conqueror? It is these excursions that help develop imagination and capture little travelers.

In Tbilisi, be sure to check out the Botanical Garden or the water park, which is open all year round. A special place is occupied by the amusement park "Mtatsminda" on the mountain of the same name - climbing it on the funicular will already become an adventure for the baby. And when your cabin of the Ferris Wheel is at its highest point, remember that you are at the highest possible height above Tbilisi and observe the entire panorama of the million-plus city.

ENTERTAINMENT IN GEORGIA

Georgia is a country not only of wine and gastronomic tours, but also of exciting excursions into the history that small mountain towns keep. The city of love Singaghi, the village of Kazbegi overlooking the majestic Kazbek, the restored fortress of Rabat, the complex of David Gareji of the 6th century in the mountains, Kutaisi in Imereti, the ancient Caucasian fortress of Ananuri, the Alazani Valley ... Little hospitable Georgia is ready to give you everything it has: lovers of skis and trekking - the stunning beauty of the mountain, connoisseurs of knowledge - 11 centuries of its history and valuable artifacts, pilgrims - the oldest monasteries and churches with relics, gastronomic fans - Qvevri wine and full tables of dishes, lovers of nightlife - Batumi clubs and Tbilisi bars, those who yearns for the sea - the entire coast of beaches, and those who yearn for human warmth - the Georgian soul, open and pure, like Georgia itself.

Choose your level of saturation of the excursion program:

Light: Holiday program “Eureka! Tbilisoba. Gifts of autumn»

• Only two days - from 6 to 7 October 2018, the most popular Georgian festival will be held in the capital of Georgia. As part of the program, you will not only spend several unforgettable days in the world capital of winemaking, take part in wine and Georgian cuisine tastings, but also get a boat trip along the Kura River as a gift!
• Meals: breakfast
• Cost: $484 for 5 nights

Standard: "All Colors of Georgia" 1 / "All Colors of Georgia" 2

• Route: No. 1 Tbilisi - Uplistsikhe - Mtskheta - Gori - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Kakheti - Wine Land
• Meals: breakfast + 1 lunch
• Route: No. 2 Mtskheta - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Batumi - Martvili - Okatse - Prometheus Cave - Kutaisi - Sataplia
• Meals: breakfast
• Cost: #1 - $672 for 5 nights; #2 - $730 for 5 nights

In-depth: "Georgian Odyssey"

• Route: Mtskheta - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Batumi - Martvili - Okatse - Prometheus Cave - Kutaisi - Sataplia - Tbilisi - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe - Rabat - Kakheti - Wine Land (Bodbe - Signagi - Telavi) - Annanuri - Kazbegi
• Meals: breakfast + 1 lunch
• Cost: $1040 for 9 nights

Advanced: Wine and gastronomic tour "Gamarjoba, Georgia!"

• Itinerary: sightseeing tour of Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplikhtsikhe - Chateau Mukhrani - Kakheti - Wine Land - Alaverdi - Tbilisi
• Meals: breakfasts + 4 lunches with drinks + 4 dinners with drinks, cooking classes
• Cost: $732 for 5 nights

GEORGIA CITIES AND RESORTS GUIDE

Tbilisi

Georgians say: if you haven't been to Tbilisi, you haven't seen Georgia. This city is worth choosing for the first acquaintance with the country. It captivates with multi-colored houses scattered on the slopes of Mount Mtatsminda with carved balconies and garlands of colored linen on them, churches reflected in the Kura River, cats in the narrow streets of the old city, the ancient fortress of Narikala, which offers the best panorama of the capital of Georgia. Tbilisi streets keep the love story of Alexander Griboyedov and Nina Chavchavadze, the echoes of the steps of Tchaikovsky, Lermontov and Mayakovsky.

Be sure to check out the performance on the clock tower of the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre. Right here you can have a cup of coffee in the cafe "Don't Cry!" - the interior of the cafe was completely created by Rezo Gabriadze himself, the creator of the films “Do not Cry!”, “Mimino”, “Eccentrics”, “Kin-dza-dza!”, “Unusual Exhibition”.

Where to dine in Tbilisi:

• Georgian house with an interesting interior,
• Mravaljamieri, where you can see incendiary Georgian dances,
• Cafe Funicular on Mount Mtatsminda,
• Tabla high class restaurant,
• restaurant Tavadouri on the banks of the Kura.

Be sure to visit the ancient capital - Mtskheta. It is located just 20 km from Tbilisi - here the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers creates an unusual panorama, the Jvari monastery of the 7th century flaunts on the mountain, and the tunic of Christ is buried in the grandiose Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

The pilgrimage program "Shrines of Orthodox Georgia" includes visiting the main holy places of the country, temples of the most important spiritual and historical significance, places associated with the enlightener of Georgia, St. Nina. The cost of the tour is from 784 USD, 7 nights / 8 days, breakfasts + dinners, flight included.

8 things you must do in Georgia:

• climb the cable car: in Tbilisi - to the ancient fortress of Narikala, in Batumi - to Mount Anuria, from where you can enjoy the stunning panorama of the city;
• visit the sulfur baths in Tbilisi (the most beautiful bath is Orbelianovskaya, which Alexander Pushkin himself visited) and check for themselves their magical effect on the skin. By the way, next to them is a monument to the heroes of the beloved film "Mimino";
• listen to how Georgian men sing - Georgian polyphonic singing is included in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List;
• take a funicular ride to Mount Mtatsminda in Tbilisi and try donuts with cream in the cafe upstairs. Order traditional Logidze Water lemonade with tarragon, cream soda, lemon or pear flavors;
• decide on your favorite sort of Georgian wine by going on a wine tour;
• learn how to eat khinkali correctly - hold the tail, carefully biting off so as not to spill the hot fragrant broth;
• choose your favorite type of khachapuri with cheese - Adjarian, Imeritian, Megrelian or other;
• visit the local market and bargain for homemade suluguni, churchkhela (a sweet made from nuts strung on a string and grape or pomegranate juice) and walnut jam.

Batumi

Over the past few years, Batumi has changed a lot and is not inferior to other European cities - the resort has been declared a national project. Modern buildings and hotels of world chains Sheraton, Hilton, Radisson and others have appeared here. The Batumi embankment is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in Batumi. Both tourists and locals love to walk here past palm trees against the backdrop of sunset. You can rent a bike and ride along the promenade to see all the sculptures set against the backdrop of the sea. The most touching of them is the monument to Ali and Nino, the heroes of the book of the same name about eternal love. Giant figures slowly move, either converging and merging into a single whole, then parting again, as if forever. Some episodes of the famous Soviet film "Love and Doves" were filmed on the Batumi embankment.

Recently, the fame of the “Georgian Las Vegas” has been entrenched in Batumi - at night the city is lit with the lights of casinos, expensive hotels, the Alphabet Tower and the Ferris Wheel. It is good to enjoy the view of this spectacle from the terrace of one of the restaurants on the shore - to the sound of the waves and the cries of seagulls. Local seafood restaurants are renowned as the best in Georgia.

In summer, the same coast will give you sea baths, a bronze tan and water activities. In winter, a holiday in Batumi can be combined with a ski holiday in the new Goderdzi resort, which is located just an hour's drive from the city.

Borjomi

This healing resort in the mountains at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level is famous for its mineral water. It is worth going to Borjomi for a relaxing holiday in the bosom of nature, walks in the local park, the same amazing Georgian cuisine and health improvement - local sanatoriums and hotels are considered the best in the country, and Georgians themselves love to relax here.

Gudauri

Gudauri confidently takes the palm from other Georgian ski resorts - Bakuriani, Svaneti, Mestia. This young resort, 120 km from Tbilisi, was built by Austrian specialists using the most modern technologies. To the delight of skiers, 57 kilometers of excellent slopes. The best time to travel to Gudauri is from December to April, when the slopes are covered with the best snow cover, and in the evenings they burn a fireplace in small cozy hotels.

Why Georgia with Mouzenidis Travel?

Tbilisi hospitably welcomes tourists all year round. It is a city full of contrasts, emotions and colors that captivate at first sight. To make the trip as rich and interesting as possible, you should carefully study the features of the capital of Georgia and outline an approximate travel plan.

It is the largest city of the state, its economic, cultural and industrial center.

Monument "Mimino" in Tbilisi

The history of the capital of Georgia began in the 5th century, and the reflection of each era can be observed in the architecture of Tbilisi. According to 2016 data, almost 1,100,000 people live here.

Interestingly, in 2015 the city entered the top ten cheapest megacities in the world according to Mercer.

River and mountains in Tbilisi

The city is enclosed in the Tbilisi Basin, which stretches for three dozen kilometers along the valley of the Kura River, which, meandering, literally divides the capital of Georgia into two halves.

The Kura River in Tbilisi and the famous Glass Bridge across it

The height of Tbilisi relative to the sea varies from 380 to 770 m depending on the area. In the city center, in its old quarter, is located (770 m), where many attractions are located.

View of the Church of Tsminda Sameba (from Mount Mtatsminda

View of two chimneys from Mount Mtatsminda

Another mountain - Mahata (about 700 m), rises near Vazisuban and the Iberian Monastery. From different sides, rocks of several more ridges approach Tbilisi - Trialeti, Soganlug and Saguram.

Visa to Georgia for Russians

Since 2015, Russians do not need a visa to visit Georgia for a stay of up to 1 year. All that a tourist needs is a valid foreign passport, where stamps with the corresponding dates are affixed upon entry and exit from the country.

Usually, when crossing the border, the border guards ask about the purpose of the trip and the expected duration of stay on the territory of Georgia.

Important! The passport should not contain marks about visiting Abkhazia and South Ossetia due to the difficult political situation. Otherwise, the traveler will receive a fine for illegally crossing the border or even be taken into custody.

How to get to Tbilisi on your own?

By plane

This is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Georgia. The following airlines fly to Tbilisi: S7 Airlines from Domodedovo, Aeroflot from Sheremetyevo, Georgian Airways from Vnukovo. These flights are direct their number depends on the season - from 3 to 6 per week. The ticket price is also determined by the travel time and fluctuates from 7 to 15 thousand rubles. The duration of a direct flight is approx. 3 hours.

The cheapest tickets from Moscow to Tbilisi and back

It is worth paying attention to the fact that flights with transfers are offered by carriers Pegasus Airlines (), AirBaltic(change in Riga), Belavia(change in Minsk), Ellinair(change in Thessaloniki), S7 Airlines and Azerbaijan Airlines offer a transfer in Baku. The ticket price when choosing such flights is slightly lower, but the travel time is minimum 6 hours.

The plane of the Turkish low-cost airline Pegasus is a cheap way to get to Georgia from Moscow with a transfer in Istanbul

By car

To travel by car driver you will need the following paperwork:

• Driver's license (suitable for both Russian and international standards);
• Vehicle passport;
• International OSAGO insurance.

The way to Tbilisi passes via Vladikavkaz. The distance from Moscow to the capital of North Ossetia is 1760 km. You can drive on both free roads and toll roads.

The distance from Vladikavkaz to Tbilisi is 198 km. You have to cross the border Checkpoint "Upper Lars".

Important! In the high season, a rather large queue forms here, where you can spend several hours. Thus, the total travel time by car from Moscow to Tbilisi will be approximately 35 hours.

By train

It is impossible to get directly from Russia to Georgia by train. There are two options for traveling to Tbilisi by train:

• Through Baku (Azerbaijan). The Baku-Tbilisi train runs about 16 hours and runs daily;
• Through Yerevan (Armenia). The Yerevan-Tbilisi train runs for about 10 hours and departs on even days of the month.

The Moscow-Baku train departs from the Kursk railway station on Saturdays (travel time - 2 days 8 hours). There are no direct trains from Moscow to Yerevan. In this article, we tell.

Border point between Armenia and Georgia

By bus

There are direct buses from Moscow to Tbilisi. Transport departs from the bus stations "Central", "South Gate", "Novoyasenevskaya" and "Teply Stan".

Approximate travel time - 37 hours, ticket price - from 3000 rub. up to 4500 rub.

You can also get to the capital of Georgia on a passing Moscow-Yerevan bus.

Shota Rustaveli Airport

Georgia's main airport is located 17 km from Tbilisi. Its code designation is TBS. The air harbor serves regular, charter, domestic, international flights. Its terminal is located in a modern 2-storey building.

On the first tier there are baggage claim areas, arrivals, a police station, a medical facility, an information center, a souvenir shop. On the second - the departure zone, "Duty Free", toilets, a room for mothers with children. Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport.

Is it safe in Georgia now?

Georgia is a very hospitable and safe country, where you can walk the streets without fear even after sunset. Even the difficult political situation does not spoil the attitude of local residents towards tourists. Naturally, you should follow the basic rules: do not take large sums of money with you, keep an eye on bags, wallets and leave especially valuable things in a safe. Interestingly, the country is recognized by the GALLUP World organization as one of the safest in the world.

Will Georgians understand Russian?

The main part of the inhabitants of Georgia (especially the older generation) understands Russian perfectly. The language barrier is not a problem for this country. In popular tourist cities, on most plates and signs, the inscriptions are duplicated not only in English, but also in Russian.

Metro in Tbilisi

Tbilisi Metro opened in 1966. Today, the city has 2 branches, where there are 22 stations. We wrote in more detail about the Georgian metro in.

Avlabari metro station in Tbilisi

The fare is worth 0.50 lari, oh You can pay with Metromoney cards, which, by the way, will be needed for travel on all public transport in the city.

The subway scheme is very simple, it will definitely not be difficult to figure it out. The trains themselves are new, comfortable and beautiful. The metro is located far from under all the city, but it can be used to get to almost all the main attractions.

What to try from Georgian cuisine?

Georgian cuisine is a successful symbiosis of all kinds of meat, vegetables, cereals, spices, sauces, a variety of dairy dishes, cheeses, sweets and, of course, wine. Once in Tbilisi, it is worth tasting the following dishes:

• Lobio- appetizer of beans and spices;
• Kharcho- a thick soup of beef and rice;
• Ojakhuri- potatoes with spices and meat;
• Khinkali- a dish similar to huge Russian dumplings;
• Satsivi- chicken stew, walnuts and spices;
• Khachapuri- round cakes with cheese;
• Sluguni- pickled salty cheese;
• Baklava- a dessert made from thin layers of dough, nuts and syrup.

Of course, various sauces occupy a special place in Georgian cuisine:

Homemade sauces in bottles from Borjomi at the Deserter market: green and red tkemali, satsabeli and many other delicious

And wine:

What to buy as a souvenir in Tbilisi?

From Tbilisi you can bring not only traditional souvenirs in the form of magnets, postcards and mugs, but also really practical gifts:

• Food and drinks. Wines: Saperavi, Kindzmarauli, Tsinandali. Cheeses (the most suitable for transportation): Suluguni, Imeretinsky. Sauces: tkemali, adjika. Spices: Svan salt with herbs. Sweets: churchkhela, marshmallow, baklava;
• Decorations. An excellent reminder of Georgia is minankari, elegant silverware made using the technique of cloisonné enamel;
• Tableware. In everyday life, a painted jug for wine is useful, and a convenient, versatile ketsi frying pan;
• antiques. Unusual and truly rare things can be found in the market near the Dry Bridge. There is everything from national clothes to carpets.

The market on the Dry Bridge in Tbilisi: Soviet hats with earflaps with a red star, belts, leather bags from 30 years ago - everything is here!

Read our special article.

What to see on your own in Tbilisi in 2-3 days?

There are a lot of sights in Tbilisi: it will definitely take more than one day to see them. However, if the time spent in the Georgian capital is limited, first of all it is worth visiting the following places:

• . The ancient citadel is the hallmark of the city. Here you can see the majestic ancient ruins and admire the gorgeous panorama of the area;

  

  Ancient fortress Narikala

• . There are a lot of interesting things on the "Holy Mountain": a park, attractions, viewing platforms, the "Pantheon" cemetery and several temples;

  

  View of Tbilisi from Mount Mtatsminda

• Abanotubani. The famous sulfur baths are not only a full-fledged SPA center, but also a wonderful architectural monument with a rich and very curious history;

  

  View of Abanotubani from above, from Narikala fortress

• . The ascetic and austere ancient cathedral is located on a rocky cliff of the Kura River. Next to it is a monument to the founder of Tbilisi Vakhtang Gorgasali;

  

  Metekhi Church

• Sameba Church. This is the main cathedral of the Orthodox Church of Georgia. Differs in impressive size and elegant appearance;

  

  Church of Tsminda Sameba (Cathedral of the Holy Trinity)

• Shavteni street. On a small pedestrian street, you can see many old buildings, as well as the original building of the Puppet Theater;

  

• Shota Rustaveli Avenue. The main street in Tbilisi, along the entire length of which bright architectural sights are scattered. Its small courtyards are also of interest, where you can observe the real life of the local population.

  

  Sculpture bicycle on Shota Rustaveli Avenue

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 celebrate the new year in a fun and unforgettable way: 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 local residents go to the mountains or to 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.

End of 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

At the 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 Kiev.
• 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 cooked. 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 tasty 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

Georgia, although small in territory, 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 is a unique capital, the heart of Sakartvelo, where narrow streets, ancient carpets, openwork lattices on windows and balconies, the aroma of coffee and a special relaxed atmosphere, so unusual for big cities, await you in the old city. 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 alphabet 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, where couples from different countries can get married, after submitting the necessary 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 route 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.
• The Cross Pass is the highest point of the Georgian Military Highway.
• 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: