Where Mountains Meet History: A Journey Through Georgia’s Enchanting Landscape!

Updated On: February 16, 2024 by   Esraa Mahmoud

Looking for a pristine destination with warm people and a fascinating culture? Georgia offers just that: vast mountain landscapes, cave monasteries, and even a semi-desert. Nestled between the towering peaks of the Greater Caucasus and the sun-kissed shores of the Black Sea, Georgia has become a really trendy country in recent years because of its numerous sights and breathtaking beauty are slowly getting around.

At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is Georgia unfolds like a tapestry woven with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This ancient land captivates the senses with its diverse beauty, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences for every traveller.

From snow-capped summits to fertile valleys bustling cities to serene villages, Georgia’s diverse terrain offers a sensory feast for everyone.

Best Places To Visit In Georgia!

The country is a mine of hidden gems, such as the superb troglodyte city of Vardzia or the monastery of David Gareja perched in a semi-desert setting. The trip to Georgia has something for everyone! So, what are the top places to do in Georgia? Let’s find out!

Tbilisi

Tbilisi is a surprising city that has both the charm of old Europe with a touch of influence from the east as well. Located on the banks of the Koura River and surrounded by mountains, Tbilisi is full of contrasts with architecture combining past and modernity. Between the medieval buildings and those dating from the Soviet Union, the city has some of the best buildings you will ever see!

The old town (Dzveli Tbilisi, or Old Tbilisi), clinging to the hill of Sololaki, has a unique atmosphere that will leave you in awe. The best way to discover the old town is on foot by walking through the maze of its paved streets lined with numerous churches.

There are also the ruins of the Narikala fortress that dominate the city and offer a superb view of Tbilisi and the surrounding nature. It is possible to get there by cable car or on foot for the most daring.

The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, located on the hill of Saint Elie, is one of the monuments not to be missed, as well as the Botanical Garden, a real masterpiece located in the city centre. The city is also fed by hot springs that arrive in the heart of Tbilisi. There are many thermal centres with their typical roofs in the shape of small domes, the ideal place to relax after a day of visit.

Finally, don’t miss the beautiful Puppet Theater Clock Tower, one of the most emblematic monuments of the city. Built in 2010 by Rezo Gabriadze, this leaning tower offers a small musical show every hour that should delight young and old.

Koutaïssi (Kutaisi)

Although it is the second-largest city in the country, Koutaïssi (Kutaisi) has the charm and quiet atmosphere of a small country village. Nestled around the Rioni River, Kutaisi is a somewhat bohemian town where you can still feel the charm of the old world.

Koutaïssi has a very serene atmosphere, and it is not rare for the inhabitants to leave the door of their houses open. Enjoy a stroll through the old districts to discover the charm of its picturesque houses and its omnipresent greenery.

To soak up the local atmosphere, head to the city’s covered market. The ideal place to taste the chacha, a local liqueur but also the churchkhela, a very appreciated dried fruit confectionery.

Also, make sure to take a cable car to reach the top of the hill overlooking the city and access the superb Bagrat cathedral. A true masterpiece of Georgian medieval architecture, it captivates the eye from afar and deserves a little time.

Don’t hesitate to go a few kilometres from Koutaïssi to the monastery of Ghélati, which was, for many years, one of the greatest intellectual and cultural centres of the country. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, it is a must-visit destination on any trip to Georgia.

Svaneti (Svanétie)

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, Svaneti or Svanetia is a mountainous region located in the south of the Great Caucasus. It is one of the most isolated regions of Georgia.

Between its high snowy peaks, its medieval villages, its wooded gorges, and its alpine valleys, it is a real paradise for amateurs hiking in the wildland. Many picturesque villages are to be discovered like Mestia or Ushguli, which is the highest locality in Europe and a real beauty in the region. Here, time seems to have stopped, and the ancestral traditions are still alive.

Perched at 2200 meters above sea level at the entrance to the Enguri Gorge in Upper Svanetia, at the top of this gorge is the Ushguli community, which includes five villages. Nestled amidst the soaring peaks of Europe, Ushguli clings to life, one of the continent‘s highest continuously inhabited settlements.

Ushguli is accessible by a road that is impassable most of the year because of the snow. Perhaps that’s why the community managed to maintain its medieval charm, which is clear in its famous medieval watchtower, the kosshki, located on the alpine meadows.

It is here that you can admire the highest peak of Georgia: the superb Mount Shkhara which culminates at 5068 meters of altitude. A welcoming and preserved region that would please all lovers of wild nature.

La Touchétie (Tusheti)

La Touchétie (Tusheti) is one of the hidden gems in the northeastern corner of Georgia that is reached by taking one of the most dangerous roads in the world. This remote land, which looks like the end of the world, is therefore difficult to reach even in summer.

In the heart of the Caucasus, this mountainous region is not like anything else you have seen before, and taking the road there is already a real adventure on its own. On arrival, you will be welcomed by a captivating landscape: a wildland of high mountains with picturesque villages scattered in wide-open spaces.

Tusheti is one of the least inhabited places in the Caucasus and one of those places where time seems to have stood still. Here, regional traditions and cultural heritage are carefully preserved.

You will discover many fortified hamlets and their defensive towers which were used as protection against enemy attacks from the other side of the Caucasus. The pastoral life remains very important and gives rhythm to the daily life of its inhabitants, very attached to their lands.

After feasting your eyes with the landscape, head to Omalo village by jeep and then head out to discover the wilderness areas on foot or on horseback. It is an extraordinary experience that you will never forget!

The Monastery of David Gareja

Towering over the arid plains of eastern Georgia, the David Gareja Monastery Complex isn’t just a religious site; it’s a breathtaking fusion of history, nature, and spirituality. Hewn into the chalky cliffsides, these ancient monasteries, stretching 25km along the Gareja ridge, whisper tales of resilience and artistic mastery.

Dating back to the 6th century, David Gareja was founded by Saint David, one of Georgia’s most revered figures. Over centuries, ascetic monks carved numerous cave monasteries into the cliffs, each with its own unique frescoes, architectural style, and legends. Explore the austere Lavra Monastery, the largest and most well-preserved, or venture deeper to discover hidden gems like Natlismtsemeli, adorned with vibrant 12th-century murals.

The complex isn’t just a museum of the past. Climb to the top of the cliffs for panoramic views of the vast plains stretching towards Azerbaijan. Hike through the rugged landscape, dotted with wildflowers and grazing sheep, and soak in the tranquillity of this remote location.

Fortuna Bay

This often snow-covered enclave is one of South Georgia’s wildlife viewing spots. Fortuna Bay is known for its beautiful king penguin colonies, as well as its large number of elephant seals.

The bay is named after an Argentine-Norwegian whaling ship that was instrumental in establishing the first whaling station on the island of South Georgia. Visit Shackleton’s grave in the morning and spend the afternoon watching the colonies of fluffy penguins swimming off the coast.

Vardzia

In the south of Georgia hides a real architectural treasure: the magnificent troglodyte city of Vardzia. Witness the Georgian cultural heritage of the 12th century as you explore this real architectural masterpiece.

It is at the bottom of a splendid canyon, nested on a cliff overhanging the river Kura, that stands this incredible city. From the road, it is unmistakable with its look like a giant anthill. This city, carved on the slopes of the Erusheti mountain, was built for defensive purposes to protect the territory in case of an attack from the south.

The caves of Vardzia stretch for more than 500 meters along the cliff. They were a real multi-story complex with streets, churches, and shops accessible through tunnels near the river. Much of the city was destroyed a century after its construction in an earthquake in 1283, and only a third of the original site remains today.

Ernest Shackleton’s Grave

Sir Ernest Shackleton, the legendary explorer, isn’t buried in grand mausoleums or bustling cityscapes. His final resting place is as unique as his life: a quiet grave on South Georgia Island, a windswept, volcanic speck in the tempestuous South Atlantic.

Shackleton, forever linked to his failed yet heroic Endurance expedition, died of a heart attack in 1922 during a subsequent attempt to cross Antarctica. He requested to be buried in Grytviken, the island’s whaling station, near the graves of whalers lost at sea. His weathered wooden cross, inscribed with his name and dates, stands amidst rusting whalebone relics, a stark reminder of the harsh beauty and dangers of the polar regions.

Some see Shackleton’s grave as a lonely, forgotten corner. But its simplicity speaks volumes. It’s a monument not to material grandeur but to a life consumed by exploration and a final resting place chosen amidst the wilderness he loved. Shackleton’s Antarctic grave isn’t just a location; it’s a testament to the enduring power of human ambition and the allure of the polar landscapes that forever captivated him.

Batumi

Batumi is a popular port and seaside resort on the shores of the Black Sea. It is the third-largest city in Georgia and the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. Close to the border with Turkey, Batumi is especially famous for its beaches and its festive atmosphere during the summer season.

Over the years, the city has metamorphosed into the capital of entertainment and attracts many tourists from the border countries. Its waterfront, Batumi Boulevard, runs along the main beach and the coast for eight kilometres.

In addition to being very lively, the city reveals an architecture combining past and modernity with buildings of classical style and others much more futuristic. The historic centre of Batumi is also worth a visit for its charming 19th-century buildings and relaxed atmosphere.

Outside the centre, head to its beautiful Botanical Garden, which features a huge number of subtropical plants. For a bird’s eye view of the city, head to the top of the Alphabet Tower or take the Batumi cable car.

Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)

Kazbegi, located a few kilometres from the Russian border, is one of the most popular destinations in Georgia. In 2006, the city was renamed Stepantsminda, but it is still known under its former name of Kazbegi.

Located in the northern part of the North Caucasus, this village is at the foot of the majestic Mount Kazbegi. This dormant volcano in there is the second-highest peak in Georgia, reaching 5047 meters above sea level. It is by taking the Georgian Road, which connects Georgia to Russia, that you will arrive in this wilderness.

On the way to Kazbegi, you will pass the famous Cross Pass, which is the natural border between the South Caucasus and the North Caucasus. Kazbegi is a real paradise for lovers of wilderness. From the village, you can take many hiking routes.

For example, you can take a short walk to the Trinity Church of Guerguetia, which is located 2200 meters above sea level, and admire the beautiful view of Mount Kazbegi and the surrounding mountains. The discovery of the Caucasus mountains is undoubtedly one of the highlights of an organized trip to Georgia.

The Sno Valley, not far from Kazbegi, also offers many hiking opportunities. To reach it you will have to take a minibus to the village of Juta, thirty minutes from Kazbegi.

Georgia is a tapestry woven with natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. It’s a place where ancient myths echo in the mountains, where history whispers through stone walls, and where laughter fills the air during traditional feasts. It’s a place that will capture your heart, tantalize your senses, and leave you yearning to return. So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and prepare to be enchanted by the beauty of Georgia.