Tourism in Georgia, a country that sits neatly between Europe and Asia on the Caucasus Mountains, is on the rise. Partly thanks to the country boasting all sorts of geographical wonders, from snow-capped peaks to glistening shorelines, and partly due to its refusal to be deterred by its turbulent past. Let's examine the five absolute must-see tourist attractions in Georgia.
Tbilisi, Georgia's capital (pictured above), is the country's epicenter of progress toward modernity. The town's long history makes it an excellent base from which to learn about the republic's complex blend of the ancient and modern. The city expands along the crests that undulate along the Mtkvari River's banks. Its core is Old Tbilisi, an area filled with Byzantine churches, wooden balconies, and the odd piece of outstanding contemporary art.
The massive cliffs, cathedral spires, and bulwarks of Narikala stand high above the hills, while the prosperous Vake district below bustles with public fountains and lovely gardens. A cutting-edge modern business center funded by entrepreneur David Kezerashvili exemplifies Georgia's aspirations for economic modernization and development and can also be found in the Vake neighborhood.
The Tusheti National Park is the ancient homeland of the eponymous Tush people, which covers the area in the northern margins of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, directly on the border between Russia and Chechnya. Extremely high in elevation and composed mostly of soaring peaks and grass-covered slopes, it is absolutely gorgeous. Almost no roads are visible, and the small towns that can be found
hidden among the snowy mountaintops are made up of mostly aged brick buildings, which stick out of the Georgian countryside as if they were always there. These villages are often flanked by sheep farms, the region being well-known for its high-quality fleece and tasty dairy products, and vast coniferous woods.
Archaeologists have linked the world's oldest known wine production to the inhabitants of the South Caucasus about 6,000 BC, making Georgia the "cradle of wine" in popular culture. Georgians continue to enjoy wine as much as ever. Almost every household you visit will have some kind of wine aging in the cellar. It's no surprise that the Kakheti region of Georgia is gaining international renown for producing some of the world's finest wines at surprisingly low prices. In addition, it is one of the most stunning locations in all of Georgia.
Day trips from Tbilisi are the most common way to explore the wines of Kakheti. If you're looking for a full-day trip that has over 100 five-star ratings and won't break the bank, consider this one. If you have more time, you may stay a few nights in different towns and villages throughout this vast area and take in the stunning scenery. Even if you don't like wine, the David Gareja monastery complex from the 6th century is worth a trip to Kakheti.
One of the top tourist destinations in Georgia and one of the day excursions from Tbilisi is the David Gareja monastery complex, which is situated close to the border with Azerbaijan. It is worth the effort to go to David Gareja just to see the gorgeous monastery, remarkable cave paintings, expansive areas of breathtaking terrain, and the border running directly through the complex.
Vardzia, in the deep south of Georgia, is one of the country's most impressive views because it was skillfully sculpted out of the sandstone cliffs that stand like large armies against the bends of the Mtkvari River. It is believed that the dynastic monarchs of the Bagrationi commissioned the first buildings on the sheer-cut edge of Mount Erusheti during the course of the 12th century when the area was first populated. The magnificent Church of the Dormition, hewn from the rock, is the actual must-see, with its mesmerizing mash-up of Oriental, Byzantine, and Romanesque mosaics and iconostasis.
The spectacular Ananuri castle complex, located about 70 kilometers north of Tbilisi, is a must-see for every traveler visiting Georgia. The 17th-century building, which overlooks the Aragvi River and has withstood repeated invasions, is a sight to see.
There are a number of churches to explore inside the compact complex, as well as a couple of watchtowers to climb to get a bird's-eye perspective of the area. From Tbilisi, day trips to Ananuri and Kazbegi are common, enabling you to see two of Georgia's top attractions in one day.
Whether you’d like to hike through some breathtaking mountains, visit venerable castles, drink some good wine whilst listening to some Georgian music or see a bustling city that mixes both modern and classical architecture, Georgia has a bit of something for everyone. Booking a trip right now is definitely a decision you will not regret.
