10 Things To Do In Georgia
What is Georgia Most Famous For?
To experience the best things to do in Georgia, discover the plethora activities showcase this under-the-radar gem. Known for its mountainous landscape and underground caves, Georgia’s natural beauty is reason alone to start packing your bags. If adventure tours appeal to you, we recommend exploring the canyoning, paragliding, and whitewater rafting tours which combine thrills with geographical features.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing holiday, don’t miss the Georgian wine tours where you can discover the birthplace of wine and sample the goods. Georgia is also known for its sulfur baths, designed to help you unwind. There’s also plenty of history and culture to explore.
What are the best things to do in Georgia?
1. Tbilisi and the Old Town
Get lost in the gorgeous labyrinth of the capital’s Old Town
Ideal para: História, Compras, Alimentação
Tbilisi is a gorgeous mishmash of charming buildings and cobbled lanes, looking like it belongs in a fairytale. Get your bearings by taking the Narikala Cable Car to the top of Narikala Fortress, a central part of the Old Town which offers stunning views of the capital. In contrast to the fortress’ crumbling walls is the modern Bridge of Peace.
One of the world’s oldest cities, Tbilisi has often found itself as a gateway between worlds and historical and geographical crossroads. Marjanishvili highlights this with its Middle Eastern culture where you can find Turkish coffee, shisha, and Lebanese restaurants. Make sure you take time to unwind at the Chreli Abano Baths where you’ll find luxurious spa treatments and relaxing baths.
Tbilisi and the Old Town
2. Mtskheta
Georgia’s ancient capital and a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ideal para: História, Foto
Nicknamed “Little Jerusalem” because of the town’s huge cultural and religious significance, Mtskheta is part city and part living museum. The city’s most iconic landmark is Jvari Monastery, established in the 6th century and illustrating the huge influence Christianity has had on Georgian culture. You can learn about another important figure in shaping Georgia, Ilia Chavchavadze, at his museum complex.
Just a 40-minute drive from Tbilisi, Mtskheta is also known for its natural beauty. You can take one of the many hiking trails in the nearby mountains or take on white water rafting on the Aragvi River. For a more sedate day, make sure you visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Georgia’s second largest church which is home to several precious relics.
Mtskheta
3. Hiking in the Caucasus Mountains
Breathtaking views from some of Europe’s highest peaks
Ideal para: Aventura, Viagens alternativas
The Caucasus Mountains are the tallest mountain range in Europe and Georgia is the perfect base for hikers to explore them from. One of the most popular trails starts in Mestia, in the Svaneti region, to Ushguli. Across the 4 days, you’ll see charming villages, gorgeous views, undulating rivers, and a peaceful escape from the bustle of society.
For nature and wildlife lovers, head to Lagodekhi National Park. A hub of biodiversity, you’ll find golden eagles, wild boars, brown bears, and wolves. You’ll also see some of Georgia’s most iconic landmarks such as the Gergeti Trinity Church and the Anauri Fortress Complex. Remember, trails aren’t as well signposted as in other parts of the world so make sure you are well prepared.
Hiking in the Caucasus Mountains
4. Taking a tour
How to see the best of Georgia effortlessly
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto
Taking a tour is a great way to explore the best of Georgia without the hassle. Adventurers can try a canyoning tour where you can explore the rugged, natural beauty firsthand, uncovering hidden waterfalls and incredible views. You can also take in the sights from the Caucasus Mountains without the effort, by taking a driven tour. Add in paragliding from the Gudauri Viewpoint if you’re feeling brave.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, go on one of Georgia’s best wine tours. Seen as the birthplace of wine, you can learn about its traditional Qvervri winemaking technique. Alternatively, you can take one of the history tours where you’ll explore monasteries, taste local cuisine, and see the sites which have shaped Georgian history.
Taking a tour
5. Gelati Monastery
A masterpiece of the Golden Age of medieval Georgia
Ideal para: História, Viagens alternativas
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gelati Monastery symbolizes a period of political strength and economic growth for the country. Built in the 11th century, the monastery is marked by its richly decorated murals and incredible design which blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape. It was also a center of science and education and one of Georgia’s most important centers of culture.
Just a couple of miles northeast of Kutaisi, the frescoes in the main Cathedral of the Virgin are particularly stunning. If you visit during the Sunday morning service which starts at 10 am, you’ll be able to hear the beautiful Georgian chants for yourself.
Localização: Gelati Monastery, Motsameta, Georgia
Abre: Saturday–Thursday from 9 am to 8 pm, Friday from 9 am to 7 pm
Telefone: +995 59 867 80 76
Gelati Monastery
6. Prometheus Cave
Nature’s gift to adventurous travelers
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Viagens alternativas
Georgia’s natural landscape is unusual and unique, as illustrated by the remarkable Prometheus underground cave. Lit with colorful lights, you’ll discover stunning waterfalls, lakes, stone curtains, and stalagmites. 6 of the 22 caves are open to the public and visits include a short boat ride which will conjure up images of crossing the river Styx.
Home to 19 species of aquatic plants and up to 40 different types of insects, invertebrates, and mollusks, it is also home to fossils dating back to the Cretaceous Period. Legend has it that is where Prometheus was chained for stealing fire from the gods. Whatever the case, these caves are unforgettable.
Localização: Prometheus Cave, Kumistavi, Georgia
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Telefone: +995 57 710 14 17
Prometheus Cave
7. Tasting Georgian wines
Discover the birthplace of wine
Ideal para: Casais, Alimentação
Georgia’s climate seems uniquely designed for optimum wine-producing conditions, so tasting Georgian wines should be on your itinerary. Sunny summers, mild winters, and rich natural springs come together to create some of the most delicious wines. Kakheti is one of the major wine regions and Shilda Winery includes a tour of the factory, tasting, and on-site restaurant. Khareba Winery also offers tasting and master classes where you can learn to make local bread.
With an 8000-year winemaking tradition, wine has become an important part of Georgia’s national identity. Closer to Tbilisi, we recommend the Chateau Mukhrani, the first royal chateau in Georgia that now allows you to taste the local wines. If you love sparkling wine, don’t miss Bagrationi.
Tasting Georgian wines
8. Mtatsminda Park
Views meet thrills
Ideal para: Famílias, Aventura
If you’re looking for views and something for all the family, you’ll love Mtastsminda Park, a theme park at the highest point in Tbilisi overlooking the capital. There are over 60 rides and 3 different park sections: extreme, kids and family. The Ferris wheel is particularly stunning as you combine excitement with breathtaking views.
Mtatsminda Park is best reached by the city’s funicular railway which takes just 3 minutes. A Video Games and Shooting Gallery have also been added to the park recently. There are restaurants, cafes, shops, and relaxations on site, catering for all your needs.
Localização: Funicular Upper Plateau, Georgia, Tbilisi, 0105
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Telefone: +995 32 249 23 23
Mtatsminda Park
9. Georgian National Museum
Georgia’s history from the 3rd century BC
Ideal para: História
The largest museum complex in Georgia, the Georgian National Museum is home to artifacts that have shaped Georgia’s culture and history. Some of the earliest treasures include pre-Christian gold, silver, and precious stonework which adorned Georgian graves. There’s also a 1.8-million-year-old hominid skull which is contributing to a deeper understanding of early European history.
With 16 separate buildings, the museum also covers more recent history. The section on Soviet history and occupation is particularly eye opening. A 2-minute walk from Freedom Square, the museum also offers guides in Georgian, English, German, and Russian.
Localização: 3 Shota Rustaveli Ave, Tbilisi 0105, Georgia
Abre: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Telefone: +995 32 299 71 76
Georgian National Museum
10. The Chronicles of Georgia
Georgia’s Stonehenge
Ideal para: História, Foto
Designed by Zurab Tsereteli and still unfinished, the carved monument of The Chronicles of Georgia marks 3,000 years of Georgian statehood and 2,000 years of Christianity in the country. Recently finding fame as a great Instagram spot, make sure you pay attention to the detail of the carving. You’ll find biblical references, important characters from Georgian history and allusions to Georgian traditions.
Easy to reach by public transport or taxi from Tbilisi Old Town, the Chronicles of Georgia also offer an incredible view of the Tbilisi Sea and surrounding countryside. A symbol of national pride, this monument is a must visit and displays the country’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Localização: Chronicles of Georgia Temqa, Tbilisi, Georgia
Abre: 24/7
The Chronicles of Georgia
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