Waves, Vines, Peaks, Open Hearts: Georgia Guide

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Igor Voinov
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Igor Voinov

  • International Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Nature Escapes

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel

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  • Multi-City

Advisor - Waves, Vines, Peaks, Open Hearts: Georgia Guide
Curator’s statement

Georgia is one of my favorite countries, where postcard-perfect mountains, ancient wine culture in clay jars (qvevri), and soulful hospitality meet. Think long “supras” (feasts), qvevri wines, sulfur baths, and cliff-top churches—all within easy weekend hops between Tbilisi, the vineyards of Kakheti, the Black Sea coast, and the high Caucasus. I will tell you how to stitch it together with VIP hotel perks, smooth transfers, and tables at the hardest-to-book restaurants.

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Where to stay in Georgia

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Things to do in Georgia

  • Tbilisi Old Town and Sulfur Baths (Abanotubani): Wander wooden balconies and cobbled lanes. Ride the cable car to Narikala, then book a private sulfur room for a traditional scrub.

  • Mtskheta (UNESCO): Jvari and Svetitskhoveli. Georgia’s spiritual heart, 30 minutes from Tbilisi. Come for hilltop views and a cathedral steeped in legend.

  • Kakheti wine road: Drift between Tsinandali, Sighnaghi and family cellars pouring qvevri wines. Plan tastings with slow, vineyard lunches. Enjoy the hospitality of locals.

  • Vardzia cave monastery: A 12th-century cliff city of tunnels and frescoed chapels. Allow time to wander its terraces and old wine cellars.

  • Batumi Boulevard and Botanical Garden: Walk the palm-lined promenade at sunset. Spend a morning in the subtropical garden above the sea. Swim and sunbathe the whole day.

  • Gudauri (winter): Ski long groomers in winter. In summer, paraglide over high-alpine switchbacks on the Georgian Military Highway.

  • Shekvetili Dendrological Park: Walk shaded paths among giant trees from all over the world near the Black Sea, a peaceful stop near Batumi.

Places to eat & drink in Georgia

Tbilisi

  • Barbarestan: 19th-century Duchess Barbare Jorjadze’s recipes reimagined. A modern Georgian landmark.

  • Shavi Lomi (Black Lion): Creative, produce-driven takes on classics in a bohemian townhouse.

  • Keto & Kote: Leafy-terrace favorite for soulful, home-style dishes.

Kakheti

  • Tsinandali Estate — Prince Alexander Restaurant (Tsinandali): Garden-set dining with estate wines and seasonal menus amid historic courtyards.

  • Vazisubani Estate Restaurant (Vazisubani): Estate-to-table cuisine with vineyard views. Pair lunch with a cellar tasting.

Batumi

  • Tavaduri: Lively, old-school spot for khinkali, grilled meats, and Georgian staples.

  • Heart of Batumi: Cozy Old Town staple for Adjarian specialties.

  • 360 Sky Bar (Sheraton Batumi): Sunset cocktails with wraparound sea views.

Need to know

  • Visa and entry: Many nationalities can visit visa-free (often up to 365 days). Rules change, so check official guidance for your passport.

  • Currency: Georgian lari (GEL). Cards widely accepted in cities, but have some cash in rural areas.

  • Getting around: In Tbilisi and Batumi, ride-hailing via Bolt and Yandex Go works well. For wine country and mountains, I’ll arrange a driver or local guide.

  • Connectivity: eSIMs work for most carriers. Physical SIMs are easy to buy on arrival (Magti, Geocell, Beeline counters at TBS).

  • Etiquette: At a supra (feast), expect many toasts—pace yourself and follow the tamada (toastmaster). And be ready for a lot of wine.

  • Seasonality: Spring/fall are ideal for Tbilisi & Kakheti. Summer shines on the Black Sea. Winter is for Gudauri and Bakuriani slopes.

Igor Voinov

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Igor Voinov

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