Georgia is a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it is bounded to the west by the Black Sea, to the north by Russia, to the south by Turkey and Armenia, and to the southeast by Azerbaijan. The capital and largest city is Tbilisi.
This was a family trip in January 2018. We had booked on our own through Beqatours. It was a wonderful trip.. first time experience in snow, paragliding, etc. Our driver Toko was awesome. Unforgetable trip for life!
Bodbe St. Nino Convent
The Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe is a Georgian Orthodox monastic complex and the seat of the Bishops of Bodbe located 2 km from the town of Sighnaghi, Kakheti, Georgia. Originally built in the 9th century, it has been significantly remodeled, especially in the 17th century. The St. George’s Monastery of St. Nino, sometimes also called the Bodbe Monastery, is one of the most important religious sites in Georgia. Today, there is a nunnery where the monastery used to be, and the St. George Cathedral, part of the monastery, holds the remains of St. Nino, Equal to the Apostles, who brought Christianity to Georgia. There is also a new cathedral being built, using much of the same construction methods used to make the most famous cathedrals in Georgia centuries ago.
Sighnaghi Great Wall
Due to its special and unique architecture and natural location Sighnaghi, pearl of Kakheti region (110km from Tbilisi), is one of the most beautiful small towns in Georgia. Built 790 meters above the sea level, it overlooks the most beautiful landscape of Alazani Valley and Caucasus Mountains. It was recently restored under government project but 200-year old view is still preserved.
The wall, houses built with Georgian bricks, wooden fretwork balconies, cobblestone pavements, wine cellars, basements and of course the inimitable views produce an unforgettable impression upon the visitors of the town.
The 4-kilometer-long wall integrated 28 towers, each named according to the village with which they connected the city. Each tower had a gateway with mobile mechanisms for fast opening and closing. Villagers participated in the construction of their respective towers.
What to see at the Sighnaghi Wall
Stephan’s Basilica – a unique example in Georgia of a church built into the walls of a fortress. This 18th-century basilica is built out of red brick with a significantly smaller portion of cobblestones.
Restored Parts of the Wall –located in the old parts of the city.
Walking around all of what is preserved is not possible, however, you can visit several gates. Under clear skies, the Alazani Valley with the Sighnaghi Wall in the foreground and Caucasus Mountains in the background create unique and incredible views.
Ujarma Fortress:
Ujarma is a medieval Georgian fortress at the Kakheti region, in the municipality of Sagaredscho. One of the first fortress-cities of Kingdom of Kartli is located 40 km away from Tbilisi. The road to Ujarma fortress lies through picturesque Gombori pass and is very enjoyable. It’s one of the most interesting sightseeing places on the road to Kakheti region. Due to its location the fortress is a historical and architectural monument of significant importance. Since 3rd century AD, the fortress had been residence of rulers of Kartli. The fortress flourished during the rule of King Vakhtang Gorgasali and his successor Dachi.
Ujarma was one of the main outposts of Georgia against the Arabs. It consisted of a citadel with tall walls, viewing and defensive towers, a residency of rulers, and a church. After Christianization of Kingdom of Kartli, Saint Nino decided to place 3 crosses on different altitudes, one of them was placed in Ujarma. Dzhavarpatiosani Church was built to commemorate this event.
In 12th century, ruling dynasty moved public treasury to Ujarma. Later, invasion of the Mongol horde, separation of Georgia, and strife resulted in Ujarma fortress losing its power and significance. Flourishing and powerful fortress-city turned into a little, abandoned settlement. The fortress remained remoted and one of the least popular destination in Georgia until 2010, when the road that connect Tbilisi and Tleavi was built.
Today everything what’s left from Ujarma fortress are grass-grown ruins and functioning St. Razhden Cathedral who was the first saint to be canonized by Georgian Orthodoz Church. Although, the fortress isn’t easily accessible, it’s considered a perfect place for enjoying picturesque landscapes of the Iori river and Gombori ridges. The fortress-city is located on the hill, so you’ll need a pair of good hiking shoes.
Chavchavadze Estate:
Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, the founder of the Georgian romanticism turned the estate in the village of Tsinandali, which he inherited from his father into cultural and intellectual center of the country, the status it preserves to this day. The place regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, literary events and master classes.
The complex in Tsinandali embraces the memorial house, a landscape garden, a historical winery, wine cellar, hotel and a café. The vineyards have been restored and wine production has resumed. We offer you a pleasurable and informative experience: you will look into the background of the noble Chavchavadze family, who played a significant part in the national history; enjoy the views of the garden, have a look at the winery and sample the “Tsinandali” (first produced by the Chavchavadzes) etc. Georgian wines and round off the visit at the historical hotel.
The landscape garden in Tsinandali is the first European-type recreation zone in Georgia. It was laid out by the landscape architects Alexander Chavchavadze invited from Europe. The garden is unique for its exotic plants and layout. In it, there is “the love lane”. The legend says that if lovers can walk though it with their eyes shut, their life together will be happy. It was in this garden that Nino Chavchavadze and Alexander Griboedov first met to be married soon.
It was in the Tsinandali winery that the wine was first bottled in Georgia. Al. Chavchavadze’s collection of vintage wines consists of over 15 000 bottles, with the oldest dated with 1814.
Since 2008, the Tsinandali complex has been under the patronage of Silk Road Group that has invested over 12 mln USD. Over 100 exhibits have been restored and more than 500 have been acquired.
It is noted for the palace and historic winery-estate which once belonged to the 19th-century aristocratic poet Alexander Chavchavadze (1786–1846) and which, since 2019, is the venue for the Tsinandali Festival.
Zhinvali, also Jinvali, is an artificial water reservoir located on the river Aragvi in Georgia. The building of the hydroelectric dam formed the Zhinvali Reservoir. The dam has been built in 1986.
You have probably noticed this perfect blue surface lake, if traveled to Gudauri or mount Kazbegi (Gergeti church) via Georgian military road. If not, and you are still planing your trip to this area, the chances are you will make a stop at Ananuri castle complex (which is located near Zhinvali water reservoir), but there is a small watching platform when approaching from Tbilisi - a perfect place for a group photo or as I prefer - landscape photography
Ananuri castle complex :
Fortress in Great Caucasus
This fortress 66km north of Tbilisi is a classic example of Georgian architecture, enhanced by its superb location overlooking the Zhinvali Reservoir. The fortress historically belonged to the eristavis (dukes) of Aragvi, who ruled as far as the Tergi valley from the 13th to 18th centuries, and is today a (very) popular stop on the Georgian Military Hwy.
Within the fortress are two 17th-century churches, the larger of which, the Assumption Church, is covered with wonderful stone carvings on its exteriror walls, including a large cross on each and various ancient scripts from all over the region, some of which have now totally disappeared. Inside the Assumption Church are a few vivid 17th- and 18th-century frescoes, including a Last Judgement on the south wall, although much of the church is bare due to a 19th-century fire. You can climb the tallest of the fortress towers for fine views, as well as walk along the battlements: it was here that the last defenders were killed in 1739 when a rival duke set fire to Ananuri and murdered the Aragvi eristavi’s family.
The fortified complex consists of a typical Georgian Orthodox church with a cone-shaped dome, surrounded by crenellated walls. There are a few other towers as well, including one with a stepped pyramidal roof of Svanetian type, and a smaller church. These spires and domes are all adding to the spectacle.
Experience the incredible views of mountains of Georgia in a tandem paraglider where the pilot and passenger are seated in comfortable harnesses and suspended below the wing on a number of high strength lines.
Flights take off from the mountains near the Gudauri ski-resort. Before takeoff, listen to a short briefing by the pilot. No previous experience or training is required but the pilots are fully qualified and experienced to ensure a safe and joyful flight. Moments later you will be soaring through the air, seated comfortably and wondering why you were so nervous.
The actual flight time depends on the weather conditions on the day. Flights generally last anything from 20 to 25 minutes.
Legvtakhevi :
Legvtakhevi is one of the most historical places of Old Tbilisi. It is located in the southern part of the old town. Its name comes from the fig, as there were many fig trees on this area in the past. Legvtakhevi literally means “the gorge of figs.” It was first mentioned in 1429. This place was dividing the old town’s two districts from each other. Now this area is part of Abanotubani (the district of Sulfur Baths).
The river that flows there is called Tsavkisi-Tskali (water) gorge.
Apart from the baths, Legvtakhevi was also said to be the favorite place of women: they used to gather there, washing their clothes, and gossiping about everything. They were also processing leather in the sulfur water.
The history of Legvtakhevi
From the Middle Ages, there was a bridge on the river with a door on it. This place was pedestrian. However, in 1795 this bridge and the door were destroyed because of fights. It was reconstructed several times, but in 1959 due to frequent water flooding, they decided to build a concrete tunnel to block the river.
From that time, the river Tsavkisis-Tskali is connected with Mtkvari River by this tunnel. However, in the latest years, they decided to open this place and give this river a new life. This project started in 2012. During rehabilitation, the old pipes were discovered here: they were used to supply with water Abanotubani. Nowadays, they have left these founded fragments untouched so that every visitor can see it.
Furthermore, a lot of leisure places and touristic roads were constructed around this place to make it even more beautiful, comfortable and relaxing for visitors.
A beautiful waterfall and the bridge of lovers
At the end of this road, you will see a little waterfall, which is really appealing. Feel free to take as many photos as you want: believe me, you will want to keep this place in your memory forever.
Before you reach the waterfall, you will see the bridge of lovers. This romantic bridge is full of padlocks with the names of couples and quotes in many languages. People believe that if they lock a padlock on this bridge, their love will be forever. Legvtakhevi is beautiful at all seasons. Sometimes, the waterfall is frozen during wintertime, but you can escape hot summer days here, as the temperature is much cooler.
Mother of Georgia :
That monument you can see almost from any point in Tbilisi If you have ever wondered about the story behind it.? In 1958, the statue was erected on top of the Sololaki Mountains, when Tbilisi celebrated its 1500th anniversary.
Illustrious Georgian sculptor Elguja Amashukeli designed a woman in Georgian ethnic costume of twenty meters aluminum figure.
She symbolizes the ethnic character of Georgia: in her left-hand greets those who come as friends with a bowl of wine and in her right hand a sword for those who come as enemies.
Georgians call the statue of Mother of Georgia as Kartlis Deda.
It’s noteworthy that the statue is near Tbilisi Botanical Garden which has a collection of rare plants. In addition to magnificent landscapes and waterfall. Hiking in The Botanical Garden among the fresh air and pure nature is fun. Also, There is a zip line strung from the hilltop Narikala Fortress overlooking the city, the track is 30 meters above the park and runs 270 meters to its destination platform in the center of the Garden.
Narikala is an ancient fortress overlooking Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, and the Mtkvari River. The fortress consists of two walled sections on a steep hill between the sulfur baths and the botanical gardens of Tbilisi. On the lower court there is the recently restored St Nicholas church.
Holy Trinity Cathedral:
The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, commonly known as Sameba, is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church located in Tbilisi
Jvari Monastery :
Jvari Monastery is a sixth-century Georgian Orthodox monastery near Mtskheta, eastern Georgia. Along with other historic structures of Mtskheta, it is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Jvari is a rare case of the Early Medieval Georgian church that survived to the present day almost unchanged.
A fabulous panoramic site near the town of Mtskheta, just over 20 kilometres north of Tbilisi, hosts the monastery of Jvari. It was built in the 6th century on the site of a large wooden cross erected by the popular Saint Nino, who preached Christianity in Georgia.
"The monastery is an important destination for pilgrimages and since 1994 has been on UNESCO's World Heritage list," said 'Postcards' reporter Claudio Rosmino.
"Jvari was built on a spectacular site, on top of a mountain and at the confluence of two rivers"
The building techniques and high standards of engineering are a testament to ancient Georgian building practices. The remaining Great Church is the best exemple of this architectural type and has served as a model for many other churches in the country.
"Jvari Monastery is a special monument in Georgian history and there are several reasons for that," explained Buba Kudava, Professor of History at the Caucasus University of Tbilisi.
"The most important is that it is related to the declaration of Christianity as a state religion in the country. Then you can appreciate an amazing unity of architecture, landscape and spirituality."
The church is still used today for major celebrations.
Uplistsikhe Cave Town:
Uplistsikhe, literally ‘Fortress of God’, is an ancient rock-hewn town which played a significant role in Georgian history over a period of approximately 3,000 years. Archaeological excavations have revealed extraordinary artifacts dating from the late Bronze Age all the way up to the late Middle Ages.
Accoring to Unesco, Uplistsikhe is an ancient rock-hewn town in eastern Georgia, some 10-15 kilometers east of the town of Gori, Shida Kartli. The fortress is mentioned in chronicles from earliest times. Its history begins in the I-II millennium B.C.
Uplistsikhe was an important religious, political and cultural centre in the Hellenistic and the late Antique periods (IV c. B.C. - IV c. A.D.). The town was in its heyday as far back as the 9th - 11th centuries. In 13th century, it was ravaged by Mongols.
Living quarters and premises for communal purposes occupy a cliff territory of almost 8 hectares and are connected by footways.
The majority of the caves are devoid of any decorations. The central ensemble, a big hall with coffered tunnel-vaulted ceiling, and the palace complex, is the most interesting one architecturally. The natural rock easily lent itself to various kinds of treatment, making it possible to create complex decorative compositions. The ribbed ceiling with an aperture, a smoke outlet which also admitted light, was supported by two columns carved from the living rock; the hall had niches-loggias on three sides.
Next to this hall, a three-nave basilica was hewn from rock in the second half of the 6th century, and to the east of it, a three-church basilica of brick was built in the 9th - 10th centuries. The cave complexes dating to high medieval times usually included a number of small hall-churches beside the dwellings.
Archaeological excavations have revealed extraordinary artefacts of different epochs: beautiful golden, silver and bronze jewellery, magnificent samples of ceramics and sculptures.
The cave town can be divided into a lower, a central and an upper area, covering an area of almost 40,000 square meters. The central area, which contains most of the rock-cut structures, is connected to the lower area by narrow tunnel. Most of the rock-cut structures are without any decorative elements, aside from some of the larger structures, which contain some stone carvings.
At the top of the complex is a Christian stone basilica, dating from the 10th century. The rock-cut structures include a large hall, called Tamaris Darbazi, pagan places of sacrifice, dwellings, as well as functional buildings, like a pharmacy, a bakery, a prison, and even an amphitheater. The rock-cut structures are connected by tunnels, while other tunnels had the purpose of an emergency escape route.
Uplistsikhe is remarkable for the unique combination of styles from rock-cut cultures of the region, most notably from Cappadocia (in modern Turkey) and Northern Iran. Most of the unearthed artifacts can be seen at the National Museum in Tbilisi.
Borjomi–Bakuriani railway "Kukushka" :
The Kukushka (Russian for "little cuckoo") is a 37.2-kilometre narrow-gauge railway line linking the town of Borjomi (820 m asl) to the village and ski resort of Bakuriani (1,700 m asl) in Georgia.
The construction of this 900 mm (2 ft 11 7⁄16 in) line began in 1897, when Georgia was still part of the Russian Empire. The difficult terrain caused construction to take four years, and the first train ran in January 1902.
Bakuriani Borjomi train leaves at 10:00 am and 2:15 pm. We had taken the 10 am train. A relaxed journey watching the beauty of nature.
Prometheus Cave Natural Monument:
Prometheus Cave Natural Monument also known as Kumistavi Cave and Tsqaltubo Cave is a karst cave located in Tsqaltubo Municipality in Imereti region of Georgia. The magic cave is full with stunning curtains of stalactites and stalagmites.
There are 22 halls found, where just 6 halls are open for tourists. It is possible to walk through the length of 1420 meters in the cave's territory visit the halls and enjoy boat tour by walking the river. Discover real masterpieces of nature - stalactites and stalagmites at Prometheus Cave, which are the most beautiful forms created by nature.
THE CITY OF KUTAISI IS the second largest city in Georgia and well worth stopping through on its own, but more so for a trip to Prometheus Cave, located about 12 miles away.
Prometheus the Titan, who, along with Epimetheus, was given the task of creating man, managed to annoy the god Zeus by stealing fire from the gods for man and for refusing to tell Zeus which of his children would dethrone him. As a result of this, Zeus ordered his servants to seize Prometheus, take him to the Caucasus Mountains and chain him to a rock with unbreakable bonds, where he would be subjected to a giant bird pecking at his liver.
Legend has it that the rock Prometheus was chained to lies in this cave outside Kutaisi (although it is certainly not the only cave which claims the legend for its own).
Discovered in 1984, the cave boasts a wonderful array of stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, cave pearls, underground rivers, and lakes. There is also the option of a boat tour on one of the underground rivers.
The cave offers a rather pleasant walk, and is spectacularly neon-lit, although the Mozart playing in certain parts might seem to be going a bit far in terms of attempting to create ambience.
Martvili is located in Samegrelo region of Western Georgia, 280km from Tbilisi. The Martvili Canyon is a natural wonder. The canyon is beautiful and has a lot of waterfalls. Its highlight is a raft trip on the crystal clear turqoise waters of the canyon. Taking a walk or boat tours at Martvili Canyon tourists can explore the Dadianis’ Path, mountain river gorge, limestone natural bridges, overview platforms, waterfalls, XIX century water mill, fossil shells of nautiluses and sea urchins
Mestia:
Mestia is a highland townlet in northwest Georgia, at an elevation of 1,500 metres in the Caucasus Mountains. The 'capital' of Upper Svaneti, Mestia is a sprawling conglomeration of at least 10 hamlets, dotted with picturesque Svan towers. The oldest of the hamlets, with most of the towers, are above the river on the northern side of town: Lekhtagi in the northwest, and Lanchvali and Lagami to the northeast. Government-sponsored tourism development has seen Mestia's central square Setis moedani rebuilt, a rush of new hotels, and the construction of ski resorts and a small airport. While you'll no longer really feel you're exploring the remote Svaneti of legend here, it's a great base for hiking and other activities that do take you into the rest of the region, where in so many places time really has stood still.
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