Tourist Destinations in Georgia
List of some best tourist attractions in GEORGIA:
Narikala Fortress in Tbilisi
Narikala Fortress is known as Mother Fortress of Tbilisi, Narikala is an ancient example of Tbilisi’s defense system.
Narikala was established in 4th century in the same period when city was founded. Narikala is known for some of the best panoramas of the city.
We’d also advise a tourist walk along the Narikala Tourist route of a 1500 metre trail that runs the top of the ridge near the Mother Georgia statue, around the fortress and down into Old Town to near the entrance to the Botanical Gardens.
It offers stunning views at every turn and is a particular delight at night when the city lights shine below.
Svetiskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta
Not far from Dzhvari there is another cult monument of Christian Georgia – one of the major Orthodox Georgian temples – Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
It was built in the 11th century (1010-1029) on the site of the Twelve Apostles Church, the first Christian Georgian church erected in the 4th century.The interior of the temple is simple and full of light.
The paintings fragments which still can be seen on the temple walls were mainly done in the 16th – 17th centuries. The fragments of frescos depict the scenes from the legend about the Tunic of God.
Under the big arch there is the legendary “Life-Giving Pillar”.In front of the altar there is the burial place of Georgian rulers including Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi; Irakli II, the king of Kahetia; the rulers of Bagrationi dynasty and others.
Vardzia Cave Town Monastery Complex in southern Georgia
Vardzia is a rock-carved fortress stretched over 500 meters. It is located in the historic region of Samtskhe-Javakheti and consists of 600 rooms. It can freely be called the Honor of Georgians.
This cave town is a monument of Georgian history, culture and religion. It should be mentioned that the site is included in the UNESCO world culture heritage list as one of the most unique rock-hewn towns.
David Gareji Monastery Complex in eastern Georgia
Georgia’s unique David Gareji monastery cave complex has been selected by the National Geographic magazine among its “most wild and beautiful” places from across the world. It is located in Kakheti, Sagarejo municipality, 60-70 km south-east of Tbilisi, on Gareji hill.
The complex was founded in the first half of the VI century by one of the Assyrian fathers called David. He came and settled in a small, natural cave in the Gareji Desert with his disciple Lukyan. That is how the monastery was founded, it was known in the later centuries by name David lavra.
Udabno - almost forgotten village in Georgian desert
Udabno in Georgian means – Desert. The village was built in middle 80s during Soviet times, for the eco-migrants settled there from mountainous Svaneti region. It’s separation from other settlements, the close location with Davit-Gareji monastery, and specific character of the proud Svan people creates a micro-world that definitely worth to explore
Wine Tunnel near Kvareli in eastern Georgia
Georgia’s largest wine cellar – 7.7 km of tunnels and galleries that maintain a constant temperature of 12-14 degrees C and 70% relative humidity all year round – perfect storage conditions for wine.
Originally built for military purposes during the Cold War, the tunnels (gvirabi) were purchased by the Winery Khareba who restored them and use them to store and age about 25,000 bottles of its wine.
In 2011 the Winery Khareba Tourist Complex was built at Kvareli Gvirabi and offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about wine and to taste the wines. The complex has an excellent restaurant, café and beautiful landscaped grounds.
Zurab Tsereteli Museum of Modern Art in Tbilisi
A modern and spacious private museum dedicated to the famous Georgian sculptor and artist Zurab Tsereteli. Spread over three floors with the ground floor given to his sketches, the first floor for his big, colourful paintings and the top floor for an exhibition depicting his life.
Motsameta Monastery near Kutaisi in western Georgia
Motsameta Monastery is located in the village of Motsameta in the Tskaltsitela Gorge, 6 km east of Kutaisi, in the Imereti region of Georgia. Motsameta Monastery is named after martyrs who fought against Arabs in the 8th century. It’s beautiful, with an impressive view to canyons of Tskaltsitela gorge. Especially recommended to be visited in Autumn colors.
Gelati Monastery in Kutaisi
Founded in 1106 in the west of Georgia, Gelati is a masterpiece of the Golden Age of medieval Georgia, a period of political strength and economic growth between the 11th and 13th centuries. It is characterized by the facades of smoothly large blocks, balanced proportions and blind arches for exterior decoration.
The Gelati monastery, one of the largest medieval Orthodox monasteries, was also a centre of science and education and the Academy it housed was one of the most important centres of culture in ancient Georgia.
Prometheus Cave near Kutaisi
Located in Imereti region, Prometheus Cave was discovered back in 1984. Other name for this cave is Kumistavi cave, but most of people use name Prometheus. It’s about 20km away from Kutaisi city in Kumistavi village. There are sections with really impressive stalactites, stalagmites, cave pearls, curtains, even rivers and lakes.
Throughout the cave there are colorful lights, ranging from orange, red to pink and blue. Very colorful. Prometheus Cave is also declared as a natural monument, and it’s one of top Georgian attractions!
Georgian Parliament Building in Kutaisi
The parliament building in Kutaisi was the initiative of former President Mikheil Saakashvili. Was constructed from 2011 to 2012 in Kutaisi, traditionally the second most important city of Georgia, 231 kilometres west of Tbilisi
Borjomi Mineral Water Park in south-central Georgia
Borjomi’s mineral water park occupies a narrow, wooded valley and is a lovely place to walk. This was where the original mineral spring was discovered, and named Yekaterinsky Spring after the governor’s daughter, who was cured here. The park itself dates from 1850.
Open Air Sulphur Water Swimming Pools in Borjomi
Sulfur Pools – the average temperature of which is 32-38 C° – have an analgesic effect, and are very beneficial for the skin, cardiovascular and endocrine systems, spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system, and more.
The semicircle-shaped open air pool has the warmest water, as it is the closest one to the well; the rectangular pool is larger and deeper; the smallest one is for children. The territory is equipped with free Wi-Fi, café-bar, changing rooms and showers.
DIRECTIONS: Sulfur Pools are located about 2 km from the Borjomi Park. There is no transportation system to the Pools. Enter the Park and walk across it, until the Park ends and the pathway up to the Pools begins.
Rike Park in Tbilisi
Rike park is considered to be the youngest recreational area in Tbilisi. It is situated on the left bank of the river Kura (Mtkvari) and already has become a popular place for both local and international visitors, especially families, and in summer. The Rike park is quite easy to find, as its main entrance is right from the beautiful pedestrian ‘Bridge of Peace’.
The park is a host to a numerous entertainment facilities like singing and dancing fountains, artificial climbing wall, children’s maze, mega-chess board, as well as footpaths and quiet corners. The start point of a newly opened cable car that takes visitors up to Narikala fortress is located in the Rike park, as well as a number of fancy bars and restaurants.
Château Mukhrani Winery
Château Mukhrani (founded in 2003) combining modern and traditional technologies of wine making & large variety of different wine flavors. The wine tour guides you to discover the history of Georgian royal family and breath-taking legends, walk through the vineyards from the 2007 year, and feel the flavor of antiquity and enchanting wines.
Anchiskhati Basilica in Tbilisi
The oldest church in Tbilisi, dating back to the sixth century. Its design differs from the typical later temples. There are magnificent frescoes inside, some dating back almost 400 years.
The Bridge Of Peace in Tbilisi
The Bridge of Peace is a stunning design as well as a convenient crossing between the newly constructed Rike Park and the Old Town. It also provides superb views of the city.
The wavy steel and glass canopy is fitted with thousands of LED lights that are switched on 90 minutes before sunset, illuminating the Mtkvari River and the buildings on both banks.
Jvari Monastery in Mstkheta
Located at the precipice of a vertical cliff, Jvari Monastery is a remarkable sacred landmark visible from the ancient city Mtskheta. The building techniques and high standards of engineering, as well as the diverse decorative program, of the landscaped monastery exemplify exceptional centuries-old Georgian building practices alongside a wide range of Eastern and Western aesthetic traditions. Although the tetraconch architectural type did not originate in Georgia, it underwent a unique and complex development in the country.
The Great Church represents the peak of this architectural typology and serves as a model for numerous other churches. Jvari has been an important pilgrimage site since its founding and is considered one of the most sacred places in all of Caucasus. The Great Church is still used today for major celebrations.
Algeti Reservoir
Algeti reservoir is a reservoir on the river of Algeti, located in the territory of Georgia in Tetri Ttskaro district, near the village of Tbeti. The total volume of the reservoir – 65 million m³, useful – 60 million cubic meters.
It is ideal place for family time in nature, as well as there plenty of cosy family hotels with good view and tasty food.
Hiking in Birtvisi Canyon (Hidden Trails of Georgia)
Birtvisi – one of the unique places in Georgia, located in Kvemo Kartli region, at the distance of 80 km form Tbilisi capital. Hundreds of rocks, some more than hundred meters high and crowned with remains of an old fortress peak through a forested Canyonland, that you’d never expect to find yourself in at the beginning of the walk. The walk options from the Canyon base are whether on the left side (following the dried out creek upstream) or on the right (just left from the big wall dominating the Canyon base) and then up.
The place is quite popular with locals (a chance for unforgettable evenings!) but if you want your tranquility it is easy to find a nice camp spot a few hundred meters up the Canyon. The Canyonland of Birtvisi is definitely one of the most spectacular hikes in the vicinity of Tbilisi.
Sameba – Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi
Tsminda Sameba, unmissable by night and day, was consecrated in 2004 after a decade of building. A massive and lavish expression of traditional Georgian architectural forms in concrete, brick, granite and marble, it rises a staggering 84m to the top of the gold-covered cross above its gold-covered central dome. While largely bare inside, it does, however, contain many of Georgia’s most important icons.Gudauri – Georgian Winter Capital for skiing, snowboarding, paragliding and heli-skiing
Camping in Racha
Racha region is one of the most beautiful regions of Georgia, with 3 parts: lower, upper and mountain Racha. Lower Racha — is famous with its wonderful and hospitable people, great wine, forested & water abundant nature, place to live and enjoy life. Upper Racha —- (beyond Tsesi/Uravi villages, mainly Oni district) could be quite interesting for foreign tourists with higher villages – but main Caucasus range is still not as near, while Shoda-Kedela (summits of 3300-3600m) range is seen perfectly from everywhere. Mountainous Racha—- is just between the main range (higher than 4,000) and Shoda-Kedela range so its must see if you have more than one day in Racha. Mountain Racha is the best for trekking and hiking, mainly 2 gorges and villages : the one of resort Shovi from where you can do most impressive hike of Georgia and also Village Ghebi in the district of Oni.
Rabati Fortress Complex in Akhaltsikhe, southern Georgia
The old stone Rabati fortress, the main sight of the Akhaltsikhe town, is standing on the small hill on the very shores of the Potskhovi river. Its name comes from Arabic meaning “fortified place”. It is located on the western suburbs and can be seen practically from anywhere in the city. This military building erected in the 13th century had witnessed a lot over the centuries. n 2012 there was held a large reconstruction after which Rabati fortress in Akhaltsikhe turned into a town within the town. It has become not only a historical monument, but a real cultural city centre. There is a church, mosque, synagogue, small park, History Museum, various shops, hotels and even civil registry office inside the fortress walls.
Rabati Fortress Complex in Akhaltsikhe, southern Georgia
The author is a Georgian painter and the sculptor is Zurab Tsereteli. The chronicle of Georgia is a huge monument made of columns.. It is divided in two parts. The top part is decorated with the historical scenes and we can recognize there Georgian kings and queens there. The bottom part, instead, has religious characters and shows us the life of Jesus. Everything is made by stone and you can’t imagine how huge it is before you reach the top.
Rafting in Georgia Martvili Canyon- Khertvisi – Aspindza – Borjomi
Rafting in Georgia Martvili Canyon- Khertvisi – Aspindza – Borjomi
Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi
Bagrati Cathedral is an ancient Georgian architectural monument in Kutaisi, towering over the city on the hill of Ukimerioni. It was built in the 10th-11th centuries under the rule of Bagrat III (975-1014), the first king of the united Georgia. According to the inscription on the north wall, the cathedral was consecrated in honor of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Possessing architectural and artistic merit, the cathedral occupies a special place in the history of Georgia. Historically, it is a symbol of united Georgia. In 1692 the cathedral was captured and destroyed by the Ottomans. Bagrati was once richly decorated with murals and mosaics representing the masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture. Since 1994, Bagrati Cathedral is on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Gelati Monastery
Georgian Fishing tours
Black Sea Resort Batumi
Adjara is home of the picturesque Black Sea resorts – Batumi, Kvariati, Sarpi, Gonio, Tsikhisdziri, the Green Cape and Kobuleti. In the summertime, the beaches are filled with tourists enjoying their holidays. Adjara’s beach towns offer well developed infrastructure and fresh, healthy air.
Incredible Svaneti
This region is absolutely so stunning you may not want to leave – ever. Its natural gifts, which include Europe’s highest mountains and incredible glaciers, are well complemented by the presence of medieval villages, old houses and towers. Svaneti is home to the Svans, known for their chivalry and bravery. The whole mountain region covers an incredible amount of land. So much so, it is divided into two regions: Upper Svaneti and Lower Svaneti.
From its green valleys spread with vineyards to its old churches and watchtowers perched in fantastic mountain scenery, Georgia (Saqartvelo, საქართველო) never disappoints. In recent years Tbilisi has emerged as one of the coolest cities in Europe, with a burgeoning club scene, world-class restaurants and a selection of natural wine bars that easily make it the hippest spot in the region. Equally special are its proud, high-spirited people: Georgia claims to be the birthplace of wine, and this is a place where guests are considered blessings and hospitality is the very stuff of life. Gaumarjos!