Georgia

Introduction

Athaltsikhe Castle

© Bob Brink

Georgia (Georgian: საქართველო, transliterated as Sakartvelo) is a land of considerable natural diversity, flanked by the Black Sea on its west and the Greater Caucasus Mountains on the north. Warm seaside towns like Batumi are complete with palms and cypresses, exuding a delightful exotic feel, while further inland, the lush Kakheti region and its many miles of vineyards is world-renowned for the quality of its wine.

It seems appropriate, then, that Georgian culture be as diverse and distinctive as the Georgian landscape. Long recognized by major civilizations as a strategic location, the region passed through Mongolian, Turkish, Greek, Arabian, Persian and Russian hands. The influences of these cultures have shaped modern-day Georgia into a perplexing land, where East and West meet and fuse.

Brief History

Evidence for the earliest occupation of the territory of present day Georgia goes back to about 1.8 million years ago, as evident from the excavations of Dmanisi in the south-eastern part of the country. Later prehistoric remains are known from numerous cave and open-air sites in Georgia.

The two early Georgian kingdoms of late antiquity, known to ancient Greeks and Romans as Iberia and Colchis were among the first nations in the region to adopt Christianity in the 4th century AD. In the last centuries of the pre-Christian era, the area, in the form of the kingdom of Kartli-Iberia, was strongly influenced by Greece to the west and Persia to the east. After the Roman Empire completed its conquest of the Caucasus region in 66 BC, the kingdom was a Roman client state and ally for nearly 400 years.

The Georgian Kingdom reached its zenith in the 12th to early 13th centuries. This period has been widely termed as Georgia's Golden Age or Georgian Renaissance. Georgia was subjected, between 1386 and 1404, to several disastrous invasions by Timur. Neighbouring kingdoms exploited the situation and from the 16th century, the Persian Empire and the Ottoman Empire subjugated the eastern and western regions of Georgia, respectively. As a result of wars the population of Georgia was reduced to 250,000 inhabitants at one point.

In 1783, Russia and the eastern Georgian Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti signed the Treaty of Georgievsk, according to which Kartli-Kakheti received protection by Russia. On December 22, 1800, Tsar Paul I of Russia, at the alleged request of the Georgian King George XII, signed the proclamation on the incorporation of Georgia within the Russian Empire, which was finalized by a decree on January 8, 1801, and confirmed by Tsar Alexander I on September 12, 1801.

After the Russian Revolution of 1917, Georgia declared independence on May 26, 1918 in the midst of the Russian Civil War. The country's independence did not last long, however. Georgia was under British protection from 1918-1920.

In February 1921 Georgia was attacked by the Red Army. The Georgian army was defeated and the Social-Democrat government fled the country. On February 25, 1921 the Red Army entered capital Tbilisi and installed a Moscow directed communist government. From 1941 to 1945, during World War II, almost 700,000 Georgians fought in the Red Army against Nazi Germany.

On April 9, 1991, shortly before the collapse of the USSR, Georgia declared independence. On May 26, 1991, Zviad Gamsakhurdia was elected as a first President of independent Georgia. Gamsakhurdia stoked Georgian nationalism and vowed to assert Tbilisi's authority over regions such as Abkhazia and South Ossetia that had been classified as autonomous oblasts under the Soviet Union. In 1995, Shevardnadze was officially elected as president of Georgia. At the same time, simmering disputes within two regions of Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, between local separatists and the majority Georgian populations, erupted into widespread inter-ethnic violence and wars. Supported by Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, with the exception of some "pockets" of territory, achieved de facto independence from Georgia.

In 2003, Shevardnadze (who won reelection in 2000) was deposed by the Rose Revolution, after Georgian opposition and international monitors asserted that the November 2 parliamentary elections were marred by fraud. Mikheil Saakashvili was elected as President of Georgia in 2004. The latest conflict was the August 2008 war between Russia and Georgia about South Ossetia.

Geography

Although Georgia may seem as a relatively small country, it is big on geographical diversity. It has its own seashore, with the cities of Batumi in Adjara and Sokhumi in Abkhazia being hotspots in summer. The northern regions are as mountainous as could be, with eternal snow on the highest summits, like Mount Kazbeg, which rises over 5,000 metres above the central fertile valley of Georgia. This mountains are not always easily accesible though and some areas are better visited with a local guide who knows the people. Another typical part of Georgia is the wine region in the northeast and east of the country, in particular Kakheti, where different sort of grapes are grown, waiting to become wine eventually and join a good Georgian party. Georgia shares international borders with Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey.

Regions

Georgia is divided into nine regions, two autonomous republics, and one city.

The region of South Ossetia since 2008 is now also an autonomous republic and occupied by Russian forces. Entry into this area for travellers is now forbidden and controled by border check points.

• Abkhazia (autonomous republic)
• Rioni - The center of West Georgia and the ancient kingdom of Colchis, land of the Golden Fleece; today home to magnificent UNESCO sites, and fantastical mountainous scenery
• Guria
• Adjara (autonomous republic)
• Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti
• Imereti Kutaisi
• Samtskhe-Javakheti - Home to much of Georgia's Armenian population, Vardzia, and the enchanting Sapara Monastery
• Shida Kartli
• Mtskheta-Mtianeti
• Kartli - The Georgian heartland, center of East Georgian culture, and the national economic, cultural, and political center; home to the most visited destinations of Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Gori, and Stepantsminda
• Kakheti - Georgia's fertile wine region, full of beautiful churches, monasteries, and wineries
• Tbilisi (city)

Cities

• Tbilisi - The capital and largest city.
• Akhaltsikhe - the small capital of Samtskhe-Javakheti is near two fabulously beautiful tourist destinations: Vardzia and the Sapara Monastery
• Batumi - the palm tree lined capital city of Ajara on the Black Sea, near some good swimming
• Borjomi - a picturesque small city with famous mineral water, a national park, and a summer palace of the Russian Romanov dynasty
• Kutaisi - Georgia's second city and the historic capital of ancient Colchis, home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Gori - Stalin's hometown, located next to yet another cave city
• Mtskheta - the historic former capital of Eastern Georgia, the center of the Georgian Orthodox Church, and another UNESCO World Heritage site is an easy day trip from Tbilisi
• Poti
• Rustavi
• Telavi - the capital of Kakheti is a good jumping off point for nearby wineries, castles, and monasteries
• Zugdidi
• Mestia - the main town in the Svaneti region.

Sights and Activities

Military Highway and Kazbegi area

Tsminda Sameba Church, Kazbegi

© Utrecht

Travelling north from Tbilisi towards the border with Russia, the landscapes get more beautiful around every bend. After about two thirds of the three hour trip to Kazbegi, you can enjoy the Khada Valley and its ski resort of Gudauri. Kazbegi itself is a small town, not far from the border with Russia which is closed to foreigners. Its setting is as pretty as you can imagine, with snowcapped Mount Kazbeg (5,030 metres) towering above the town. Being here feels a bit strange as well, because you are actually very close to areas where, to say the least, safety matters are not what you would call very fine. North and northeast is Chechnya and (north)west are North and South Ossetia, the former in Russia, the latter in Georgia itself. Kazbegi remains safe though and you will feel very welcome in this place. A great day hike is the walk towards Tsminda Sameba, the hilltop Georgian church, with great views across the mountain ranges on either side of the valley that Kazbegi is in.

Svaneti

Ushguli is one of the oldest settlements in Europe and a visit to this area is a step back in time. Take a guide and don't wander around by yourself. The Upper Svaneti region of the Caucasus is on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its exceptional example of mountain scenery with medieval-type villages and tower-houses; the village of Chazhashi has more than 200 of these very unusual houses, which were used both as dwellings and as defence posts against the invaders of the region.

Kutaisi

Kutaisi is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the 11th century Bagrati Cathedral and the slightly younger Gelati Monastery with its mosaics and paintings. Both represent the highly developed society of the medieval location of today's Georgia.

Gori

It might not be a beautiful town, but Gori has historic significance. Josef Dzhugshvili, better known as Josef Stalin, was born here in 1878. Gori is one of the last places on earth where his statue can be found, lonely on the central square. Another major attraction is the Stalin museum, with Stalin's train carriage next to it. Apart from this, Gori has a very nice fortress overlooking the town and the mountains to the north.

Mtskheta

Mtskheta and its historic churches are on the UNESCO World Heritage List as well. The former capital of Georgia has outstanding examples of medieval religious architecture in the Caucasus.

Pankisi Gorge

The Georgian Pankisi Gorge is situated in the very heart of the High Caucasus and is one of the most northern regions of Georgia. There are lots of pedestrian and horse trails running through the region, making it a great destination for outdoor activities including hiking, treks and climbing. Ruins of old forifications, turrets and churches are visible throughout the valley. You can reach the gorge from Ortaczala bus station in Tbilisi by the marszrutka, a type of minibus, which runs on a regular basis. The travel time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Other Sights and Activities

• Kakheti - A beautiful region that is Georgia's main area for grape growing. Not to be missed, especially if you are a wine lover.
• Adjara - A bit different from the rest of Georgia, this Islamic, subtropical part of Georgia is very welcoming and beautiful with nice weather almost year round. The capital Batumi is worth a visit as well.
• Vardzia and David Gareja - Cave monasteries dating back to the 12th and 6th century respectively with great views overlooking a large river gorge and the desert respectively.

Events and Festivals

Tbilisoba

Tbilisoba is an annual October festival, celebrating the diversity and history of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. It was first held on October 28, 1979, and has since become an established tradition. The festival features open-air concerts of traditional music and dancing and various cultural events, centered on Old Tbilisi, the historical part of the city. Beyond celebrating the city's past and present, people from all over Georgia represent their region at the fair of the harvest.

Black Sea Jazz Festival

Traditionally in the mid July Batumi hosts the Black sea Jazz festival organized by Eastern Promotion. The six-day jazz event offers a tasteful music to the admirers of jazz all around the world. 4 stages, 21 bands, 37 shows and participants from 11 countries make Batumi the centre of summer vacation.

New Year’s Day

New Year's is the favorite holiday of almost all locals and is often an extension of the festivities of Christmas time. It is celebrated with lots of food, free-flowing drinks, Georgian dances, choir performances, and the lighting of the midnight sky with colorful, flashing fireworks.

International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day

Celebrated on March 8 and March 3 respectively, these holidays show the Georgian’s high regard for women. City streets are buried in flowers which locals purchase to honor their mothers, wives and grandmothers. There are plenty of festivities, shows, concerts, charity events, and folk festivals.

Victory Day

March 9 marks Georgia’s Victory Day, which celebrates the country’s freedom from fascism. In Tbilisi, Victory Day takes place in Vake Park, where exciting programs are held from dancing to brass band playing, plus the laying of flowers at the foot of the park’s eternal flame and memorial. It is also a day for remembering war veterans and heroes.

Love Day

In addition to St. Valentine’s Day, Georgians celebrate Love Day on April 15. This April observance is marked by gift-giving, romantic evenings and all things red.

Tamaroba

Held on May 14 each year, Tamaroba is the celebration of the reign of one of the greatest Georgian monarchs, Queen Tamar, who lead the country into its golden age. This day of remembrance is honored throughout the country, but the main festivities are held in Akhaltsikhe and Tbilisi.

Independence Day

While Georgia’s independence was really dated March 31, 1991, locals celebrate their freedom on May 26, which when the country became its own state. Traditionally, a military parade is followed by a huge gala concert and the festival of flowers in Vardobistve takes place. This event transforms the Bridge of the World into a big, colorful ark of flowers.

Ninooba

Ninooba means the Great Church Holiday, which is dedicated to the arrival of Saint Nino, who first converted Georgians to Christianity. The celebration is held on the first day of June, when believers go on a pilgrimage following in the footsteps of Saint Nino that passes through the Mtskheta-Bodbe route.

Mckhetoba-Svetickhovloba

This large spiritual feast is celebrated by Georgians every October 14. It is based on the miraculous acquisition of the country's greatest relic - Jesus Christ’s tunic - which was the reason for the establishment of the Mtskheta Cathedral. A festive service and a mass christening are held at this time.

St George’s Day

Annually on November 23, Georgians remember Saint George the Victorious, one of the most legendary characters in the history of Christianity. On this day, churches ring their bells and believers pray for peace, welfare and health. Locals prepare festive meals and families sing traditional songs.

Christmas Day

Christmas sees churches begin solemn liturgy as early as the night before Christmas Day (December 25) with services beginning in festive parades called alilo. Believers and priests walk down the street carrying icons, crosses and banners while singing about Christ’s birth. On Christmas Eve (December 24), candles are lit in Georgian houses and festive dinners are served.

Weather

Because of its geographical diversity, Georgia has both distinct season as huge differences between the different areas. In general though, it is best to avoid Georgia in the winter months of November through March and the hot summer months of July and August, when Tbilisi can become an oven. Visit Georgia in late spring (late May through to June) and early autumn (September to early October), when you will enjoy warm weather in the valley, along the Black Sea, and higher up in the mountains. It is usually dry in these months with some showers to cool things off now and then, and you can enjoy both the beach and hiking in the Caucasus Mountains.

If you do visit Georgia in winter or summer, bear in mind though that temperatures can be as low as -25 °C or as high as 42 °C, respectively. Batumi has a more temperate climate, but it is more humid as well. And of course, in winter you can enjoy some good skiing, especially in the area around Gudauri, north of Tbilisi on the Military Highway.

Getting There

By Plane

Tbilisi International Airport (IATA: TBS; ICAO: UGTB) is the main gateway of the country. There are connections to most neighbouring countries and the Middle East. Direct flights from Europe can be taken from London, Munich, Riga, Vienna, Amsterdam, Kiev and Athens. Comming from Asia is best to connect through Dubai or Istanbul. Direct flights via Moscow and Russia at the time of writing have been suspended.
Batumi International Airport (IATA: BUS) on the Back Sea Coast also has direct flights from Ukraine (Georgian Airways) and Turkey (Turkish Airlines).

With Georgia being more and more popular lately, more connections are being linked with Tbilisi.

By Train

There are train services from Yerevan, Armenia and Baku, Azerbaijan to the capital city Tbilisi. .

By Car

You can enter Georgia from Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey. Borders with Russia are closed to foreigners though. Be sure to have your visa, passport and car registration documents in order and have a international driving permit. Main roads in Georgia are quite good, though some border crossings can be pretty bad, such as the crossing through Georgia between Turkey and Armenia in the southwest.

By Bus

There are connections to Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey, either by bus or by marshrutka, the Georgian minibus. Buses travel as far as Istanbul and Athens which can take up to 2 full days to get there. Currently, the border with Russia is closed to foreigners and travelling across this border is not recommended anyway. Also, you can not enter from Russia to Georgia via Abkhazia, as this is considered illegial by Georgian authorities.

By Boat

There are ferries from the Black Sea ports of Poti and Batumi, mainly to Sochi in Russia and to Ukraine, although occasionally there are crossings further away to Bulgaria (Burgas) and to Trabzon in Turkey, mainly in summer. Sokhumi has a port with ferry crossings to Sochi only, not with other ports in Georgia.
A new ferry operates between Sochi, Russia to Batumi, Georgia. It is a high speed hydrofoil which operates three times a week, Wednesdays at 10:30am, Fridays at 9:30am, Sundays at 10:30am. Check the port of Sochi for more information about those crossings.

One of the main operators is UKR Ferry between Georgia and Ukraine.

Getting Around

By Plane

Airzena Georgian Airlines flies to and from Tbilisi, Butani, Kutaisi and Senaki.

By Train

There are several train connections in Georgia which are worth it. The main line runs from Batumi in the west to Tbilisi in the east and from there it runs further to Azerbaijan. It also stops in Kutaisi and Gori.

By Car

Renting a car is a possibility and you can even bring your own car if you are an EU citizen. Still, it is best to rent a car with a driver, either for smaller trips or extended multiple day trips to places like Svaneti in the central northwest. Some roads are in good condition but driving skills of locals and a lack of fuel can make things just a bit harder.

By Bus

Although there are larger buses that might of use when you travelling between the bigger cities, getting around Georgia is best done by marshrutkas (minvans), which ply most routes on a more frequent basis than buses. They leave when full and are a great way of meeting the friendly locals.

By Boat

Probably the only option to travel around by boat is when you want to go out on the Black Sea, but services between Batumi and Poti (the two main ports) are erratic to say the least. Your best bet will be with the Ukrainian company UKR Ferry which provides the international services as well.

Red Tape

Nationals of the following countries and territories may visit Georgia without a visa for a year (unless otherwise noted): All citizens of the European Union (may also enter using ID card), Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bermuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile (90 days), Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Honduras, Iceland, Iran (45 days), Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Qatar, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey (may also enter using ID card), Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United States, Uruguay (90 days), Uzbekistan, Vatican City

Visa exemption also applies to:

• Georgian diaspora members who are citizens of countries that otherwise require a visa – for stays not exceeding 30 days
• United Nations laissez-passer holders for one year
• Persons with refugee status in Georgia
• Holders of diplomatic or official/service passports of China, Egypt, Guyana, Indonesia, Iran and Peru.
• Holders of visas or residence permits of EU/EFTA/Gulf Cooperation Council countries, territories of EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea or Israel. Do not require a visa for max 90 days in a 180-day period, though apparently only when arriving by air. The visa/residence permit must be valid on arrival to Georgia.

Online Visa

If you are not from one of the above countries, you can obtain a visa using the e-Visa portal online without a visit to the Georgian diplomatic mission or consulate. The standard fee for a 90-day, single-entry "ordinary" visa, which covers tourism, is 60 lari or its equivalent. Double-entry 90-day visas (only available at consulates) are 90 lari.

Hong Kong and Macau SAR passport holders are also eligible to apply for an eVisa. They should choose “China” in Citizenship/Country section of the e-visa application.

Visas are also issued at the official road and air (but not rail or sea) entry points into Georgia. Issuing procedures are pretty straightforward and can normally be completed in a matter of minutes at entry points to Georgia, although consulates require a few days for processing.

Nationals of Nauru, Nicaragua, Syria and Venezuela are not eligible for an online visa, and should visit a Georgian embassy or consulate instead. However if holding a visa or residence permit of certain countries (see above), they do not need a visa for a stay of max 90 days in a 180-day period, provided showing their visa/residence permit at the border.

Money

See also: Money Matters

The official currency is the Georgian Lari (ISO code: GEL). One lari is divided into 100 tetri.
Banknotes come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 lari.

Coins in circulation are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 tetri, 1 and 2 lari.

Work

Foreigners from most countries, including all major English-speaking countries and EU members, are allowed to live visa-free in Georgia for 360 days (and can renew their stay by leaving and re-entering), and to work and engage in business without a visa. Despite this, work for foreigners is generally very limited due to the local salaries being below a living wage by most standards, even for people from other parts of Eastern Europe and the more "well off" former USSR countries like Estonia and Lithuania. A local wage will typically be around 300–400 GEL a month, with only a small section of professional managers making in the range of 2000–2500 GEL a month. Having said that, most Georgian families have one or more apartments and houses out in the countryside, and when one does not have to pay full private sector rent and can share utilities, the local wages will be sufficient for food and drink.

Foreigners working in Georgia are either employed by the main NGOs like the UNHCR, Save the Children, Danish Refugee Council, etc. Some large Georgian companies may employ foreign managers and consultants. These workers are generally salaried according to Western norms. One great way for travelers to experience Georgia is to participate in the Teach & Learn with Georgia program. This program places English-speakers in Georgian schools all over the country to assist local teachers in public schools. The Georgian government has set ambitious goals to make English the second language of the country (replacing Russian) by 2020. Participants in the program will have their airfare paid for, will be housed with a local family and will receive 400–500 GEL stipend a month. The program has recently been scaled back, and will not be placing new teachers until August 2013. However, there are a handful of language schools, especially in Tbilisi that pay roughly the same, though without providing airfare, room, or board.

Study

There are a handful of universities in Georgia which offer degrees or exchange programs taught in English.

Language

Georgian, together with a few other languages spoken in Georgia and Northeastern Turkey, belongs to a unique language family, one out of about a dozen in the whole world. It is one of the oldest languages in the world as well, and the alphabet, containing 33 letters, is not related to any other. Like the cyrillic alphabet, it is not that difficult to learn the letters, so try it to get the best out of your travellers. Also try some basic Georgian words, which can cause wonders and at least a smile on the faces of the local people.

Eat

Each part of Georgia has its unique cuisine with its special flavor. Cafes and restaurants mostly serve two types of food - Georgian and European. Also there are few Chinese and other exotic restaurants in Tbilisi. Fast-food restaurants offer local dishes - Khinkali, Kababi, Georgian Barbecue, Mtsvadi, Khachapuri etc, besides the regular international fast-food menu, like hot-dogs, hamburgers, fried potatoes and etc. Although Coke and Fanta are available almost everywhere, traditional Georgian mineral waters and fruit drinks (lemonades) are worth of tasting as well. They are mostly sold in special shops (e.g. “Lagidze Waters”) along Rustaveli Ave in Tbilisi.

Georgian national cuisine is remarkable for an abundance of various kinds of meat, fish and vegetables, various sorts of cheese, pickles and pungent/hot seasonings. There is less emphasis on lamb or mutton compared to other kinds of meat than in other parts of the Caucasus . Very often served dishes are: roast suckling pig, beef and chicken grilled or casseroled in various sauces, chakhokhbili - a stew involving herbs, tomatoes and paprika. Meals usually start with an array of hot and cold dishes which may include spicy grilled liver and other insides, lobio (beans and walnut salad), marinated aubergines, pkhali (young spinach leaves, pounded together with spices), khachapuri (consisting of layers of flat bread alternated with melting cheese), not to mention assorted fresh and pickled vegetables and cured meat (basturma). Cafés, restaurants and streetfood traditions are very well established in Georgia and the markets are full of locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Georgian cuisine uses very common products but due to varying proportions of its obligatory ingredients such as walnut, aromatic herbs, garlic, vinegar, red pepper, pomegranate grains, barberries and other spices combined with the traditional secrets of the chef ‘s art these familiar products acquire a special taste and aroma, which make Georgian cuisine very popular and unique.
The cuisine makes extensive use of walnuts, which are used to thicken soups and sauces (anything including the word satsivi will be served in a walnut rich sauce flavored with herbs, garlic, and egg). Walnuts also features in desserts, coated in caramelized sugar (gozinaki), or in churchkhela, when its pieces are threaded on a string, dipped in thickened, sweetened grape juice which is subsequently dried into chewy, flavorsome candles.

Sleep

Tourism infrastructure is rapidly developing in Georgia. Today the country offers hotels and accommodation to different sized groups, small families and luxurious tourists. There are plenty of hotels in Tbilisi and Batumi for business people and official visitors. Some are in fact quite luxurious, and most are amazingly pricey. Such as Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, Tbilisi Marriot Hotel, Courtyard by Marriot, Sheraton Metekhi Palace in Tbilisi, Radisson Blu Hotel Batumi, Sheraton Batumi Hotel etc.

There are also lots of small family hotels in Georgia. Here are many comfortable boutique hotels and guesthouses in regions. Some of them are very nice for travelers, who like to sleep and dine in Georgian national environment and enjoy traditional Georgian hospitality. These hotels are also located near the tourist attractions.

Drink

Georgia has one of the oldest wine-making traditions in the world and has been called the birthplace of wine (also as "Cradle of Wine"), due to archaeological findings which indicate wine production back to 5000 BC. Due to this fact, Georgians have some of the best wines in the world. Thanks to the ancient tradition of wine production and amazing climate, Georgian wine holds its strong competition with French and Italian. Definitely try out Georgian wine. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to export home-bottled wine, which is often the best kind. Georgian wines are actually quite famous. It may be true that they are little known in the West, but this definitely does not include some 280 million people in the former Soviet Union where Georgian wines remain a welcomed drink at any dining table.

Chacha (ჭაჭა) is a home-made fruit-based distilled clear spirit (liquor), analogous to Italian grappa. Chacha is made of grape pomace (grape residue left after making wine). It can also be produced from non-ripe or non-cultured grapes and in some cases fig, tangerine, orange, or mulberry. It is usually bottled "manually". It can be purchased in Mom and Pop corner markets, Farmers Markets, back alleys and basements throughout Georgia. There is also commercially-made chacha that can be found in some shops and supermarkets. The term "Chacha" is used in Georgia to refer to any type of "moonshine" made of fruits.

Georgia produces a growing number of local beers. A beer tradition has existed in Georgia since ancient times in the mountainous regions of Khevsureti and Tusheti. After independence from the Soviet Union, Georgia revived its beer production and introduced its high quality beers to the market. The first and most popular Georgian beer was Kazbegi. Today, beer production in Georgia is still growing, offering high quality beers (thanks to the high quality mountain spring waters in Georgia and to German designed beer factories).

Health

See also: Travel Health

There are no vaccinations legally required to travel to Georgia. It's a good thing to get your vaccinations in order before travelling to Georgia. The general vaccination against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) is recommended. Also a hepatitis A vaccination is recommended and when travelling longer than 2 weeks a vaccination against typhoid.

If you are staying longer than 3 months or have a particular risk (travelling by bike, handling of animals, visits to caves) you might consider a rabies vaccination. Vaccination against Tuberculosis as well as hepatitis B are also sometimes recommended for stays longer than 3 months.

Malaria only occurs in a few remote regions in the southeast during the summer months, but taking malaria pills is not necessary. Just use mosquito reppelant and wear long sleeves when it is dark.

Finally, other possible health issues include diarrhea and other general travellers' diseases like motion sickness. Watch what you eat and drink and in case you get it, drink plenty of fluids (to prevent dehydration) and bring ORS.

Safety

See also: Travel Safety

Although the country and the Caucasus region has been in the news quite often, Georgia itself (that is, apart from Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which are still considered part of the country) is a very safe and welcoming country. Chances of being victim of serious crimes are even less than in much of Western European countries. You can walk safely around the streets of cities like Tblisi, Gori or Batumi without the risk of being robbed. Petty crime though is still possible, especially in crowded places like markets and busy bus stations.

This and the incredibly friendly and helpful people means that a trip to this beautiful country is definately worth a try without the worrying relatives and friends at home!

Keep Connected

Internet

Internet cafés, locally called "internet clubs", are common and cheap in Tbilisi and Batumi but scarce in Kutaisi. Some places offer free WLAN to their customers. At least in Tbilisi, all hostels have free fast WLAN.

There is free Wi-Fi network all over the Tbilisi. Other places might have some hotels, restaurants etc. with (free) wifi.

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

International calling code for Georgia is 995. The emergency number is 112.

Many Georgians have now have access to a mobile phone and as such public payphones are becomming obsolete in the bigger cities, although there are many places offering phone services, usually attached to an internet cafe of 'Xerox' shop.

Georgia uses GSM (900 MHz and 1800 MHz) for mobile phones and has three mobile operators. Magti, Bee Line and GeoCell. The best coverage is offered by GeoCell which covers most of the country and a fair bit of the mountains. SIM cards can be purchased from all the networks and topped up with scratch cards purchesed from shops or various touch screen 'kiosks' in the bigger cities. It usually works out a lof cheaper compared to roaming with your own cell phone, especially regarding internet costs.

Post

Georgian Post offers a range of services, but don't count on it being very reliable or quick. On top of that they are relatively expensive. It is advisable to post letters in central post offices rather than using the post boxes in the street. Opening hours are usually from 10:00am to 6:00pm from Monday to Friday, some larger ones at Saturday and most are closed on Sunday.
"Georgian International Express Mail Service" is a member of the World Network of "Express Mail Services". It sends letters and parcels to 200 countries and delivers inbound items received by EMS network to all Georgian regions. EMS has branches in Kutaisi, Batumi, Poti, Gori, Marneuli. All items are insured by insurance company "IC Group". Nevertheless, you might use international courier companies lik TNT, UPS, DHL or FedEx, as they are reliable, fast and comptitively priced as well.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website
• Official Tourism Website