Georgia

This new seventh edition of Bradt's Georgia remains the only dedicated guide to this fascinating, budget-friendly Caucasian country, where tourism continues to grow and domestic travel is increasingly straightforward. Thoroughly updated to reflect recent developments, this guidebook includes revised and new listings for hotels, homestays, restaurants, what to see and do, and how to get around by public transport. At the intersection of Europe and Asia, nestled between Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey, Georgia is the hub of the Caucasus – a country known for its mountains and Black Sea coast, and its wonderful food, wine and all-round hospitality. With Bradt’s Georgia, you can experience the new alongside the old in a country where most cultural and historical sights are free of charge or very cheap. The capital, Tbilisi, boasts a charming, cobbled old town, the centuries-old tiled baths of Orbeliani and numerous cultural highlights, but has also seen major developments recently, including conspicuous new projects such as the Panorama complex. Already famous for the cave monastery of Vardzia and the ancient wine-growing region of Kakheti, Georgia’s more remote areas are becoming more accessible. Networks of rural guesthouses and hiking trails (including the increasingly popular Transcaucasian Trail, a volunteer-led project to create two long-distance hiking routes) are being developed alongside a push towards more sustainable and responsible tourism. On the Black Sea, the city of Batumi has developed into a glitzy playground for regional tourism. Appropriately, given that the country is considered to be the birthplace of wine, the Georgian wine industry features prominently, with particular emphasis on the UNESCO-listed natural qvevri wines (made in clay amphorae set in the ground). Also covered are: skiing at Gudauri, Bakuriani and Mestia; cycling; the World Heritage sites of Mtskheta, Svaneti and Gelati; Georgian fusion cuisine (now celebrated in Tbilisi’s stylish new restaurants); 5th-century churches and other Christian architecture; cave cities; and Georgian polyphonic singing. Bradt’s unique guide to Georgia is the ideal companion for travelers, from serious hikers to wine buffs, high-end culture lovers to winter-sports enthusiasts, and city-break aficionados to backpackers of all ages.

By Tim Burford - With Nancy Chuang

Contents Introduction PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background Information Geography, Climate 6, Natural history and conservation, History, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Culture, Sport Chapter 2 Practical Information When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Shopping, Media and communications, Other practicalities, Business, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively PART TWO THE GUIDE Chapter 3 Tbilisi History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment, bars and nightlife, Shopping, Sports and activities, Other practicalities, A day’s tour of Tbilisi, What to see and do Chapter 4 Shida (Inner) Kartli and Mtskheta Mtskheta and around, The roads west from Mtskheta, Gori and around, West of Gori Chapter 5 The Georgian Military Highway North of Mtskheta, Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) and around, Khevsureti Chapter 6 Samtskhe-Javakheti Borjomi and around, Bakuriani, Akhaltsikhe and around, Vardzia and around Chapter 7 Imereti, Racha, Mingrelia, Guria and Abkhazia Imereti, Kutaisi and around, Racha, Mingrelia, Guria, Abkhazia Chapter 8 Svaneti Culture and history, Getting there and away, The western route to Mestia, Mestia and around, Ushguli Chapter 9 Adjara Kobuleti, Batumi, To Gonio and the Turkish border, Mountainous Adjara Chapter 10 Kvemo (Lower) Kartli Marneuli and Bolnisi, Betania and Manglisi Chapter 11 Kakheti The road from Tbilisi to Telavi, Telavi, Telavi to Pankisi, Tusheti, Heading east, Sighnaghi and beyond, Davit-Gareja Appendix 1 Language Appendix 2 Further Information Index