Exclusively for WoMo, he shares tips on which cities in Georgia are worth visiting with the whole family, what to see and where to stay.
In Georgia there is a cult of family, they value traditions and honor elders, families are large and strong, at least two or three children, and the elders help with the younger ones. And most importantly, in Georgia they adore children and wherever you go with your child, you will always be welcome and you will never hear the phrase: “take the child away.” Georgia is warm in every sense of the word - a lot of sunny days, delicious food and a lot of beautiful and amazing places that you can visit not only in summer, but also in the cold season. In general, it is a great pleasure to travel with the whole family.
Tbilisi
A warm city (“Tbili” in Georgian means “warm”) - you can’t call it anything else, because from the weather conditions to the character of the people living here, this city is imbued with hospitality, warmth and attention to others. Tbilisi is original, it is beautiful with its antiquity and its wrinkles, “unvarnished” facades, cracked pavements and Italian courtyards filled with children's laughter. It has its own history, its own life, its own heroes and its own traditions, its own achievements and its own victories. Old two-story houses with carved wooden balconies, the facades of which are often entwined with grapevines (fancy running along the cracks), real Georgian small courtyards with their own unique atmosphere - in all this you can feel the spirit of old Tbilisi. Here, in the courtyards, men play backgammon, clothes dry on lines, and children's laughter of boys playing football can be heard. It’s a pleasure to wander around the old city, along quiet streets, find unusual front doors, and notice seemingly inconspicuous, but very colorful details.
Where to live:
The VINOTEL hotel occupies a historic 19th-century building with stained glass windows and two terraces. Classic rooms with carved furniture, a wonderful library with books in Russian and English, a restaurant serving European and Georgian cuisine, a wine cellar with a rich selection of wines (a professional sommelier conducts wine tastings for guests) - all this is VINOTEL, which fully lives up to its name. To go with the European and Georgian dishes you order, you will be given exclusive Georgian wines, and then they will recommend Borjomi - so that after such rich dishes and wines there is still room for dessert. By the way, they serve the most delicious Georgian dessert called “Fantasy” (goat cheese, honey, nuts, churchkhela, 3 types of jam). Cost per room starts from $180 per night*.
Rooms Hotel Tbilisi
This hotel, which, by the way, is part of the association of designer hotels around the world, is said to have “Georgian flavor with European service.” Designer furniture (chairs with Georgian ornaments and lampshades), a luxurious fireplace, a library and a restaurant with incredible cuisine - all this is Rooms Hotel Tbilisi. Cost per room starts from $200 per night.
What to watch:
Take a walk around Botanical Garden, It's very quiet and peaceful there, there are a lot of interesting plants and a beautiful waterfall at the end of the garden. Be sure to take the cable car up to Narikala fortress(one of the most ancient monuments of Georgian architecture of the 4th century), go to Metekhi temple and then take a walk around area of the famous sulfur baths. Cross the new pedestrian bridge, which is the second most complex in the world in its design, to the left bank of the Kura River and enter the new park called Rike, having the outlines of a map of Georgia. There is plenty of space for children: a human-sized chess set, a huge piano, lots of flowers in the warm season and playgrounds.
Take a walk around Leselidze and Sharden streets(a very cozy European street where most of the secular cafes, bars, clubs, shops and galleries are located) and walk to Rustaveli Avenue- the central street of the city, which is named after the author of the world-famous poem “The Knight in the Tiger’s Skin”, a poet of 12th century Georgia. On Rustaveli there is the Parliament of Georgia, the Shota Rustaveli Theater, the Opera named after. Z. Paliashvili.
Be sure to go up to Holy Trinity Cathedral (Tsminda Sameba) - main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church. The cathedral was built several years ago and is considered the largest Orthodox cathedral in the world (the total area of the cathedral is about five kilometers). Right on the territory where the Holy Trinity Cathedral is located, there is a cafe called Lagidze Waters. This is a traditional Georgian lemonade, which was produced back in Soviet times, the most delicious is double chocolate with cream, rest assured, your children will be delighted.
You definitely need to take the cable car up to Mount Mtatsminda, take a walk in Bombora Park and have lunch at the Funicular restaurant, which offers an incredible view of the whole of Tbilisi. In Soviet times, this restaurant was the hallmark of the city, and today it is a whole restaurant complex, where on the ground floor they serve the best donuts in the city, next to a bakery with the famous Adjarian khachapuri, and on the top floor a restaurant serving Georgian-European cuisine. On Mount Mtatsinda there is a children's amusement park "Bombora" - wonderful fresh air and a lot of entertainment for children.
20 km from Tbilisi is located city of Mtskheta, the first capital of Georgia. This is a completely restored town, which is a pleasure to walk around with children. An incredible view of Mtskheta opens from the observation deck near Jvari Monastery(IV century), which rises on the mountain. According to legend, this temple was erected over a cedar stump that exuded fragrant oil (myrrh), under which St. Nino, the enlightener of Georgia, prayed. Lermontov’s Mtsyri once stood on the edge of an abyss and thoughtfully looked at the ancient city, which was built at the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers - “where the streams of the Aragvi and Kura merge, noisily, embracing as if two sisters, there was a monastery...” Next to the monastery there is a wishing tree, which is all hung with colorful rags. Tie a piece of cloth and make wishes, what if... And be sure to go to the best restaurant in Mtskheta “ Gujari"(156, Agmashenebeli). From there you have a stunning view of the mountain, on the top of which stands the Jvari Monastery. They serve excellent Georgian cuisine, and the restaurant has a large beautiful garden where rabbits and guinea fowl run in the summer.
Kazbegi
Where to live:
It's best to stay at a hotel Rooms Hotel Kazbegi. It takes your breath away when you look at the snow-capped peaks from the hotel veranda . Designer furniture, a luxurious fireplace, an indoor pool with mountain views, a Georgian restaurant and a casino with toy tables. Room rates start from $170 per night.
What to watch:
The Georgian Military Road leads to Russia and is considered one of the most beautiful roads in Georgia. Along the way you will see places of incredible beauty and energy. — Zhinvali Lake(Zhinvali reservoir with an area of 11.5 km) and Ananuri Castle(complex of the 16th-17th centuries, residence of the princes of Aragvii).
And then you will climb the dizzying narrow mountain roads to the Cross Pass (the height of which is 2395 meters) and see the legendary “celestial” ancient Church of the Holy Trinity. This temple was built in the 14th century on Mount Gergeti at an altitude of 2200 meters. In good weather, there is a beautiful view of Kazbegi Peak from here. If you wish, you can go up to the observation deck (height 2170 meters). A few kilometers away there is a mineral lake where you can get healing water.
Borjomi and Bakuriani
Where to live:
At the hotel Rixos Borjomi large protected area, children's center with animation, diagnostic center, SPA with swimming pool and 4 baths. And most importantly: incomparable mountain air and the legendary Borjomi mineral water. Great offer for the winter season (except dates from December 20 to January 20): deluxe room with breakfast $150 and $190 for half board.
What to watch:
Borjomi- the famous resort, home to the most famous mineral water, is distinguished by its wonderful nature, exceptional healing climate and clean mountain air. A wonderful place for a quiet and relaxing holiday, including a therapeutic one. You can take a walk in the famous Borjomi park, take the cable car up the mountain and drink warm mineral water that comes straight from the ground. The uniqueness of this mineral water lies in its volcanic origin and mineral composition, which has remained unchanged for 125 years.
Bakuriani- an urban-type settlement, a ski resort, located at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level and surrounded by coniferous forests. In winter, Bakuriani has a lot of sun and snow (average height is about 60 cm). The ski season itself begins in December and ends in March. Bakuriani is a special climatic zone, with wonderful mountain air and huge coniferous forests. This air is especially good for people who have a weak throat, asthmatics, those who have suffered from pneumonia, lymphadenitis, chronic tuberculous diseases of the respiratory tract, and those who have anemia. They say that if a child rests in Bakuriani for three years in a row, he stops getting sick altogether.
Batumi and Tskaltubo (Prometheus and Sataplia Caves)
Where to live:
If we talk about grids, then this Sheraton, Radisson and Hilton(from $120-150 per room), Kempinski and Crown Plaza are under construction. Highly recommend hotel "Divan"(from $80 per room) it is beyond praise, if from more budget, then this Piazza(from $60 per room).
What to watch:
It’s better to go to Batumi in the summer, here it’s worth walking along the boulevard, riding electric motorcycles, renting bicycles, swimming in the sea, jumping on a trampoline, going on rides, eating real Adjarian khachapuri, admiring the beauty of tropical botany in Botanical Garden and Reserve "Mtirala". If you have time, it’s worth going to the Tsitsinatela amusement park near Kabuleti. Be sure to go to the dolphinarium for a show: emotions are overflowing, the dolphins are incredible and so touching, you can sign up separately and swim with them (the pleasure is not cheap, but the emotions are worth it).
If you are traveling by car to Batumi, then along the road in the village of Tskhaltubo (near the city of Kutaisi) there is Prometheus caves and Sataplia cave complex. The caves are quite cool - the year-round temperature inside is +14 degrees. Once inside the cave, you walk up and down winding paths to the sounds of classical music and ever-changing colorful lighting that adorns the stalactites and stalagmites. Finally, after walking 1450 meters, you reach a small pier and board the boat. In the twilight, the boat glides through the water, you bend down to avoid getting hit and imagine yourself as a treasure hunter - the sensation is amazing.
The Sataplia cave complex is a unique reserve, which is famous for its cross caves and dinosaur tracks, located between the resort of Tskaltubo and the city of Kutaisi. The length of the cave is 500 meters, the height is up to 400 meters, and each calcite growth resembles either an animal or a person, and there is also a “stone heart” (a huge stalagmite resembling a human heart).
When planning a vacation for your children's holidays, take a closer look at Georgia; this country knows how to surprise, treat, entertain and impress - it will definitely appeal to both adults and children.
*Hotel prices are indicated at the time of publication.
“Or maybe I really should go on vacation with my husband,” I thought for the third day. Every summer, my husband takes the boys for a couple of weeks and goes with them to Ukraine or Crimea. And I rest at home, and they manage to unwind. But since these places had already been traveled far and wide, my husband was thinking about going to Abkhazia this year. I did research through word of mouth, and Abkhazia was decisively replaced with Georgia.
Idea
There were no problems with purchasing air tickets and choosing a hotel. A couple of clicks, and lukewarm itinerary receipts were already crawling out of the printer. Flip flops, swimming trunks and Panama hats flew into the suitcase, and I slowly began to catch myself thinking that I wanted to go with them, especially since Varya stayed with me, and it wouldn’t be bad for her to swim in the sea either. The friend who recommended this direction described the delights there too deliciously, and my mother and sister convinced me that a change of scenery would be beneficial.
A day later I finally matured, but, as it turned out, it was too late: there were no more plane tickets. And our men flew away without us.
Of course, it would be possible to arrive later, but my daughter is not included in my foreign passport. I had a faint hope that this could be fixed quickly. And as soon as our men got into the taxi, we went with her to the passport office.
Much to my disappointment, the secretary on site said that they could not register the child for me. They offered to give my daughter a separate passport. “Especially since now it’s fast. Only 2 weeks!” the passport officer said cheerfully. “If you have all the documents with you, the registration will take 15 minutes,” the girl added, still smiling. I don’t know why I agreed (in 2 weeks mine will be back), but we submitted the documents. It was Tuesday August 13th.
Then everything was like a movie miracle. On Friday morning, while I was rummaging through my laptop, a website with air tickets accidentally fell out of my bookmarks. Just out of curiosity, I clicked on the right direction - and tickets for Sunday happily fell out to me. “Yes, now they are there when there are no documents,” I thought sadly, and my hand was already reaching for the phone: “Tell me, can I find out if my passport is ready?” — I asked the operator at the other end of the line with a breath. “Just a second,” the girl answered, and a cheerful clicking of keys was heard in the receiver. “Yes, you can take it,” it sounded as if I had been handed a jackpot in a casino.
“Varyunya, we’re going to see dad and brothers!” — I laughed, grabbing the baby in my arms. Just to make it before closing. If only there were still tickets...
After 1.5 hours we were already stuffing swimsuits, dresses and beach bags into our suitcase. "Missed you?" — I wrote an SMS to my husband. Having received an affirmative answer, she reported the flight number with the team to meet the girls’ landing. I can imagine my husband’s surprised face at that moment.
Reunion
Sunday. Metro. Paveletsky railway station. Aeroexpress. Domodedovo. Reseption. Passport control. Boarding gate. By the way, I didn’t need any additional documents at all, except for two passports, including route receipts. It turned out that it’s not at all difficult to fly away on vacation on your own, even with a small child. Another 2 hours in the sky, and Gamarjoba, Georgia!
Batumi airport was just a toy compared to Moscow. Smiling passport officers - I noticed that I’m lucky with them. One conveyor belt, 10 minutes, and I caught my suitcase.
At the exit to the waiting room, a guy and a girl in national costumes are treated to delicious baklava. "Mom mom!" - joyful cries of those greeting. We haven’t seen each other for less than five days, and mine are already so tanned. “Well, let’s go, girls,” said the beaming husband.
Actually rest
The sea was magnificent! Across the road, 2 minutes walk. The beach is pebble, but there are places with a soft entrance made of volcanic dark sand. There were great waves for several days. After 3 meters the depth begins, but these meters are enough for children to splash in the warm water. The majority of vacationers sunbathe on towels, right on the pebbles, but, of course, there are also sun loungers with umbrellas for a fee. And yes, they also carry churchkhela, corn and other beach snacks. There are a lot of people, but there is always somewhere to sit without tripping over other people’s sandals.
Various inflatable swimming devices are especially popular among vacationers. Everyone, young and old, rides on colorful donuts along the waves in the surf line, but for some reason only a few swim further. Honestly, I don’t know what this is connected with. It seemed to me that few people knew how to swim.
The town of Kobuleti itself is a typical resort settlement: an embankment with souvenirs, cafes and tattoo shops. The main street with the same home-style restaurants, mini-markets, private hotels and expensive hotels. Several banks, a market, hairdressers, pastry shops, internet cafes, billiards. And that’s it, absolutely everything is buried in grapes. This is simply amazing. In the morning, the delicate aroma of coffee and freshly baked khachapuri wafts through the open window...
Oh, what delicious food there! There are several types of these same khachapuri! And the sauces! Satsebeli, tkemali - this is actually a song! Rich kharcho, rich ojakhuri, delicious chkmeruli, tender mchadi and wine... Mmmm, real Georgian wine. To top it all off, August is the fruitiest time: peaches, figs, melons, nectarines, watermelons, grapes - a real abundance! And everything is significantly cheaper than in Moscow. On one excursion I even came across a ripe persimmon on a tree, although, of course, it was not yet the season.
In general, as you understand, we did not go hungry, we swam into the sea behind the buoys, sunbathed and felt at home. In fact. We were welcomed everywhere, and sincerely. The feeling of openness of people and hospitality did not leave the entire holiday. Absolute feeling of security. All my cockroaches and fears dissolved after the first day of my stay in this wonderful Georgian town. In addition, we arrived just before Varenka’s birthday, and they gladly helped us organize a real family feast with national toasts and a gorgeous cake for the birthday girl. And they also gave me a doll, which made my beauty happy. Little things, but incredibly nice.
A few minutes walk from our house there was a large recreation park with playgrounds, fountains, hammocks and summer verandas, where entire concerts with singers and dancers performed in the evenings. Music flows from all sides - national melodies and foreign pop rhythms. There is a place for everything, everything is aimed at relaxing with friends. And the fiery dances don’t let you just sit on a bench, you’re tempted to join.
Attractions
We went to Batumi a couple of times. I don’t know what was there before, but now it is a very beautiful resort town. All old houses have been restored and preserved as much as possible. Lots of beautiful new buildings, cobbled streets, intricate monuments and well-kept parks. There is definitely something to see here; it is not without reason that they say that a large amount of money is now being invested in this resort. An intricate tower, decorated with the letters of the Georgian alphabet with an observation deck and restaurants, an observatory tower, a chic embankment, a funicular, a dolphinarium, a water park and much more appeared. So you definitely can’t explore the entire resort at one time.
By the way, a piece of advice: ask a taxi driver you know to take you to the most beautiful places in Batumi - I assure you, the city will open up to you from a completely different side. For lovers of eco-transport, there are bicycle rental terminals throughout the city. But just walking along it is a great pleasure. Minibus taxis constantly run between Kobuleti and Batumi, so getting there is not a problem at all. The trip will take about 25 minutes and cost 30 rubles.
At the exit from Kobuletti there is another nice place - Petra, the ruins of an ancient city. The remains of the city themselves may not represent anything extraordinary, but the view from the mountain on which they are located is simply breathtaking. The embankments of Kobuleti on the left side and the visible towers of Batumi on the right seem to embrace the endless expanse of the sea. By the way, the locals are very proud of their gorgeous sunset: the sun sets right in the middle, creating an unforgettable landscape.
If you love antiquities, you can spend half a day traveling to Gonio. True, unfortunately, only the walls of the ancient fortress have been preserved there. But for my boys, climbing them was great fun.
We set aside one day for a trip to the mountains. The air is simply intoxicating with its purity. Along the way, we rejoiced with the children at the tangerine groves and fields of corn. And when they drank water from a mountain spring, complete peace and bliss came. Yes, it’s just a miracle that I ended up here. How the stars aligned favorably that I could collect the best eucalyptus branches for my mother myself, or that I could stand on the bridge built during the reign of Queen Tamara and watch the boys below trying to cross the rocks over the seething stream.
The road winds and rises higher and higher. How was it possible to lay it here in the mountains... Stop, continue on foot. 250 meters up, and in front of us is an Orthodox monastery and a view that creates the feeling of a wonderful natural theater. The mountains are like scenery, like painted silk carpets, and there is no end to them. Here we are sitting on the edge of the world, our legs dangling down, chewing still warm khachapuri, and there is no greater happiness in the world...
10 days for Georgia is insanely short. There is so much more I would like to see, go somewhere, or just bask in the sea more. This country has become a discovery for me. We rarely go anywhere twice, but I really want Georgia to become a happy exception. And we will tell her again gamarjoba, genatsvali! Moreover, there is a cozy house, entwined with vines, where guests are always welcome!
When you hear the word “Georgia,” wine, cheeses, mountains and smiling bearded men come to mind. At a minimum, because of these points (especially if you are a woman), you should visit this beautiful country. Usually people go there in the summer or early September - during the high season. Meanwhile, Georgia in winter is an equally wonderful place to relax.
Climate of Georgia
A characteristic feature of this amazing country is that there are several weather zones on its territory. In the mountains, of course, it is colder and, as a rule, there is snow there. In the foothills there are frequent rains and fogs, high humidity, and the Black Sea coast is saturated with sun. At the same time, winter in Georgia is much warmer than in Russia, and, of course, there are no frosts of thirty degrees. The lowest temperature in this country is minus two degrees, and all because Georgia is located close to the equator. The average temperature in winter is about plus two to three degrees.
Features of holidays in Georgia in winter
In this country, all ski resorts are at your service. You may not be able to lie on the beach, but the snow-capped Georgian mountains are not inferior to the beauty of the sea. In addition, winter is not the season in this country, and accordingly, prices for housing and tours are reduced. Tourist reviews about Georgia in winter confirm that it is pleasant to be there not only in summer. People celebrate the hospitality of the locals, delicious food, and magnificent scenery. And what is the air like there! There are mountains everywhere, but it is known that it is easier to breathe there.
It's no secret how Georgians love holidays. Therefore, it is difficult to even imagine how large and colorful they celebrate the New Year. This is another reason for a winter trip: to see everything with your own eyes.
There are three options for where to go in winter in Georgia. The first is for amateur athletes: there are many ski resorts in the country and they are amazing. The second is for tourist activists: the architecture in Georgia is impressive, both in the summer and in the winter, you can see the sights of Tbilisi and other cities. Well, the third one is for those who care about their health: there are many sanatoriums in Georgia, where people from all over the world come for treatment. Or you can combine all three options!
Ski resorts
For fans of active sports recreation and lovers of alpine skiing and snowboarding, Georgia has several wonderful places - with picturesque views and reasonable prices. These are Gudauri, Bakuriani, Mestia and Goderdzi - the most popular resorts. Each of them is easily accessible from all major Georgian cities.
Gudauri
This resort is located closest to the capital - it is only a little more than a hundred kilometers away. Gudauri is a relatively young resort, but is in no way inferior to the Swiss Alps, and prices here are much lower: the cost of housing and food per day is approximately twenty dollars. Travel time from Tbilisi takes about two hours.
The length of the Gudauri ski slopes is eighteen kilometers, and the maximum height from which you can descend is more than three thousand meters. In addition to skiing in Gudauri, you can go snowboarding or freeride (free descent off the piste). Those who wish also have the opportunity to ride a helicopter and hang glider. The only minus of Gudauri is the small number of cafes and the almost complete absence of shops.
Bakuriani
They are divided into categories here - for experienced athletes and for beginners. Bakuriani is considered an ideal resort for family holidays - it has very clean air and also has mineral springs.
Mestia
This is a very young ski resort in northwestern Georgia, one hundred and thirty kilometers from Zugdidi. Planes fly there from Tbilisi.
Despite the fact that the resort is new (it has only been open for seven years), it is developing very quickly and can already boast of good infrastructure. The trails here are not difficult, which should please only beginners and inexperienced athletes. There is generally a three-hundred-meter short path for them. The largest peak in Mestia is more than two thousand meters.
Goderdzi
Goderdzi is located not far from Batumi - one hundred and ten kilometers away. The length of the trails here is small - only eight kilometers, but there is unlimited space for freeriders. The height of Goderdzi is almost two and a half thousand meters.
The resort has a two-level hotel and restaurant with stunning views. There are no shops, as in Gudauri.
Sanatoriums
How beautiful Georgia is in winter! This is clearly visible in the photo, although it cannot fully convey the beauty of these places. You can truly enjoy it in the sanatoriums of this amazing country, where they combine business with pleasure: they receive treatment, breathe indescribably clean air, and admire stunning views of the mountains. Of all the similar Georgian resorts, we can perhaps mention Kiketi and Tsagveri - both are located at an altitude of one to one and a half thousand meters. They are ideal for treating asthma, tuberculosis and other breathing problems because the air is thin. In addition, patients with anemia and vascular diseases also come to these sanatoriums. The standard procedure here is balneotherapy.
The high mountain resorts of Georgia (located at an altitude of two thousand meters) are Bakuriani and Bakhmaro. People suffering from diseases of the skin, lymph nodes, digestive system, as well as those susceptible to neurasthenia come here. By the way, near Bakuriani there is a well-known source of mineral water - Borjomi, the use of which is also included in the course of treatment.
Active tourism
For those who don’t like skiing, there’s nothing to do in Georgia in winter? No matter how it is! The architecture of this country is beautiful at any time of the year. So if you like sightseeing, a great solution would be to visit Tbilisi, as well as a number of other wonderful places.
The capital of Georgia is warm in winter - the temperature stays around zero. Quite a lot of sun, unlike, again, cold Russia. All entertainment and entertainment establishments in Tbilisi are open as in the summer. You should definitely visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the monument to King Vakhtang the First, admire the views from the observation deck, and take a walk along Old Tbilisi and Rustaveli Avenue. You should definitely see the capital at night! And on New Year’s Day the city becomes incredibly beautiful! You can’t ignore the local cuisine: in Tbilisi you simply must try churchkhela, khinkali and khachapuri.
Not far from the capital is Mtskheta, an ancient small city with many temples. Even the cathedral, built in the eleventh century, has been preserved! And not far from the town there is the Chateau Mukhrani winery, where they conduct wine tasting. You can and should also visit Kutaisi, as well as the karst cave of Prometheus, which is located next to it. From there there is a view of the mountain to which the hero was chained. And in the Satalliya caves you can see traces of real dinosaurs!
Near Tbilisi is located Kakheti - the territory of wines. There are many wineries there where tourists are allowed, as well as the most famous wine-growing region - the Alazani Valley.
On the Black Sea coast lies another Georgian town that deserves a visit. This is Batumi. It is considered a resort city, but in fact there are plenty of attractions there: a cable car, a seaport, a lighthouse, Batumi Boulevard, several historical squares - you can list and list.
Visa to Georgia
A question that interests many is whether it is possible to break away and go to Georgia spontaneously in winter, or is an entry permit still required? A visa is indeed required, but compared to many other countries, it is much easier for Russian residents to get into Georgia. You can receive a document right at the border for a period of three months. The main thing to remember is that entry from South Ossetia and Abkhazia is prohibited, in which case a visa will be denied.
Housing prices
From June to September is the season in Georgia, so the cost of housing soars. From October to May they fall, which is another advantage of visiting Georgia in winter. The approximate cost of living for two people in a three-star Tbilisi hotel per day will be about 2,300 rubles, an apartment will cost a little cheaper - around two thousand.
However, when preparing to travel to Georgia in winter, here's what you should remember: there is no central heating. “Every man for himself,” that is, you will have to heat your home yourself. Therefore, when planning to rent an apartment or room, you need to find out if it is warm there, otherwise there is a risk that you will have to freeze.
Cost of treatment and tours in cold weather
Staying in a sanatorium in winter will also be cheaper than in summer. Accommodation ranges from fifty to one hundred and ten euros per day, depending on the sanatorium (in any case, three meals a day are included in the price). A set of treatment procedures costs around four hundred euros. One specific procedure costs ten to twenty euros.
Tours to Georgia in winter are also cheaper than in the season - you can fly together for a week for forty thousand. To go to a ski resort, you will need from thirty-five to eighty thousand per person.
Thus, everyone can find something to their liking in Georgia, even in winter. This unique country will not leave anyone indifferent. And therefore - there will be a winter holiday!
When God created the earth, he distributed a piece to all nations. And he kept the sweetest one for himself. And then the Georgians came and said that they did not have enough land. And I had to give the sweetest piece to Georgia. (that's what the Georgians told me)
I have long dreamed of flying to Georgia, I love Georgian cuisine and have heard a lot about this country. But what stopped me was the fact that there is no Russian embassy in Georgia, and in general the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not recommend it. But one day I finally decided and went there for 10 whole days, together with a friend, at an atypical time of year for Georgia, in February...
In general, according to the weather, the ideal time to travel to this country is April, May, September, October. In summer it is too hot, in winter the weather fluctuates around zero in Tbilisi. It’s colder in the mountains, warmer in Batumi.
Pros of traveling in February:
- The price of an air ticket is much cheaper (in May ~40 thousand rubles. From Moscow, in February ~14 thousand rubles, this is not a “victory”, which can fly away in 5, but you have to catch flights.)
- The price of hotels, food and guides is also cheaper, we had very cool guides for whom there is a huge queue in the summer
- In the low season, a lot of interesting people come there to live; we met a Russian immigrant who works as a director in America, and Norwegian businessmen who speak good Russian, who were opening a new tourist destination and came to see Georgia for themselves. We had a good time hanging out with both the first and the second; Georgian wine brings us closer together and erases subordination. We met while visiting a winemaker who supplies wine to the best restaurants in Europe. He himself is also a very interesting person, who obviously had time for us precisely because of the low season
- Some places are the best to get to in cold weather, for example in Borjomi, there are hot springs and you can swim even in cold weather
There are not many disadvantages:
- Cold
- There is frankly nothing to do in Batumi in winter
- Since our trip included the mountains and Tbilisi and Batumi, we had to take clothes for summer, winter and spring. I thought my suitcase was going to burst. He weighed 20 kg.
Tbilisi ( translated from Georgian - warm )
We arrived at night and were met by a friend. But later the guides told us that it is better to order a taxi through a guide or bargain. The trip costs no more than 30 GEL, and not 30 dollars, as they sometimes try to charge Muscovites (and sometimes 100 :)))
We stayed in a nice hotel Old Key Hotel. It was in the middle price category, not expensive and not cheap (1000 lari per day) of the hotel's disadvantages: it is on the 2nd floor and there is no elevator, we carried the suitcase ourselves, although we probably could have asked to be met, but we didn’t guess. The hotel with only 6 rooms is very homely and cozy. We met the hotel administrators and chatted a lot over breakfast. In general, Georgians are very kind and sociable.
The hotel is located in new Tbilisi in the very center, the rooms are warm, quiet and very cozy.
With funny pictures on the walls:
Breakfast is provided and free throughout the day (tea, coffee, snacks). All strategically important places are close...
I think when I return there I will stay in the same hotel. In general, Georgians know how to make everything so that you simply love the place you find yourself in, because I want to go to the same hotel, to the same cafes, to the same guides, etc. I, in principle, , I really want to go back, or better yet live there... and now I’m writing a review and I’m so nostalgic, it seems like I was truly happy in Tbilisi.
In Tbilisi, we booked a city tour with a guide on the very first day, where we were shown wonderful painted entrances that the Soviet authorities did not have time to cover up. You can’t even call them entrances, well, at least in St. Petersburg... front doors, so beautiful that you can’t even believe that this is just the entrance of an ordinary house. I have only seen this in Tbilisi.
We ate a lot, firstly, everything was incredibly tasty, and secondly, everything was very cheap. You can overeat for 200 rubles. I ordered for 300 and was ready to die from gluttony, it would have been a happy death)
A glass of wine costs one lari (check the price, but it’s about 25 rubles). On the second day we went to Mtskheta to visit a winemaker to celebrate a friend’s birthday, there we drank from a horn, I forgot to say a toast and so they made me drink a second horn. Then we tasted chacha. And there we met Norwegian businessmen and went with them to a sushi restaurant in Tbilisi (yes, if you get tired of Georgian cuisine, the sushi there is also excellent) and drank sake there. Everything was decent, but in the morning our guides woke us up at 9 am and took us on excursions to wineries (!) with tastings, it was so hard for me. I couldn’t taste anything and didn’t drink at all for the rest of my vacation. So this is my next piece of advice: don’t drink chacha at the beginning of your vacation, especially with Norwegians, especially with Georgians, you won’t outdrink them))
In general, Georgians are very gallant, they will always give a compliment; not a single trip to a cafe or a walk was complete without compliments. But unobtrusively, they didn’t ask to sit at the table, they didn’t grab our hands, at most they raised a toast to us. All the gallantry of Georgians disappears somewhere when they get behind the wheel, it’s scary to cross the road even on a pedestrian, they’ll run over you, they never give in, they always quarrel with someone behind the wheel. And they smoke everywhere. Even on minibuses! Georgians are very loud people, they constantly shout at each other, but never fight.
Some more photos of Tbilisi
Sameba - Temple of the Holy Trinity. The most important church in Tbilisi. It contains an icon, set with precious stones, worth as much as the budget of a small state.
In general, it is simply impossible to talk about Tbilisi on the page of one article. We need a whole book. Old City. Great story. There are a lot of churches, incredibly religious people, and the Faith of Georgians is so strong that God does not leave them, miracles still happen to this day. For example, we came to the church to see an elder who lived under the Soviet Union, performed his miracles under his contemporaries, and now everyone can venerate his incorruptible Relics. The strength of the Christian Faith in Georgia is enormous.
The sulfur baths also deserve special attention. Of course, they don’t smell very good, but they are very good for health. They stand on natural hot springs. Nothing is artificially heated. You simply breathe vapors from the bowels of the earth and it is very useful.
We went to Batumi by train. Seating, 5 hours drive. Ticket is about 700 rubles.
A small life hack: a plane to Batumi costs 30,000 rubles (approximately), a plane to Tbilisi 14 thousand, and a train to Batumi 700 rubles. In general, consider for yourself.
While you're on the train, the view is stunning. You can say that you drive across the whole of Georgia.
But in Batumi itself there is nothing special to do in February. All closed. Even many restaurants. We had dinner at a chain cafe, which was also in Tbilisi, and there were only men there. It was uncomfortable. In Batumi, people are already less European in character (as in Tbilisi) and more Caucasian in character. I think this is the case in winter. It was constantly drizzling, the weather was St. Petersburg. Among the interesting things there is the famous moving statue. Where a guy and a girl meet, kiss and go their separate ways. Beautiful Ode to Love..
A few Batumi photos (I think in the summer everything comes to life here and is much more interesting).
The Black Sea embankment is very picturesque
In Batumi in winter you can ride a cable car, visit the dolphinarium (on certain days), the food is also very tasty and cheap. Most likely we were just unlucky with the weather; it could have been warm and good for walking.
Gergeti Church
This was the most memorable thing about my vacation for me. It seems to me that in the summer I would not have received so many emotions. The fact is that in winter it is not easy to get to the Gergeti Church; the usual passage is covered with snow and therefore you have to walk. Our guides took us up a very steep road. 6 km along a steep slope
We climbed quite quickly and were up in almost an hour. This is the same as jogging, only you still have a lot of warm clothes on and jogging is like going up stairs. ALMOST AN HOUR! When I got up, I kept thinking how they built it if it was so hard to get up. The church itself is very old, I thought it was abandoned. But when we got up there was a service going on. This is a monastery.
We've risen so high
Almost there...
We had hot mulled wine and khachapuri flatbreads with us, which we bought in the village, fresh and hot. This was the most delicious food, and the most vivid impressions of the trip. There is unforgettable air at the top, and after such a physical shock, the food seems 1000 times tastier.
When we went downstairs, a dog accompanied us. We wanted to treat her to khachapuri. But she disappeared somewhere below.
There are legends that there are special dogs that accompany travelers who go to the temple and lead them along the best road. Yes! The dogs led us along a beautiful gentle road. The guides knew her too, but that was not the point of the ascent.
Sighnaghi is the city of love. The city in which the events from Alla Pugacheva’s song “A Million Scarlet Roses” took place, the city in which there is a registry office in which registration is made on the day of application. Considered the patron saint of all lovers.
There is a wonderful observation deck from which you can see the Caucasus Range. We didn't succeed because of the fog. Well! I still wanted to go back.
I couldn’t tell even half of my impressions about this wonderful trip, because I can talk for a very, very long time, and you will get tired of reading. Better go there yourself and see that it’s true - Heaven on earth)
Ideas on how to relax in Georgia during the winter months - where to go, what to see and what to do. Prices for winter 2019-2020. Weather in December, January and February. Reviews of tourists about the country.
In winter, Georgia is quite warm: the coastal areas have a mild subtropical climate, the air temperature rarely drops below zero, and the mountains are snowy and humid. At this time, you won’t be able to relax on the coast, but you can visit ancient cave cities and numerous temples, parks and botanical gardens, museums and wineries. And if you want winter entertainment with skiing and sledding, you can go to one of the popular ski resorts in Georgia, and in the evenings treat yourself to delicious khinkali and other Georgian delicacies.
Exchange rate: 1 Georgian lari (GEL) ≈ 23 RUB.
Prices in Georgia in winter 2019-2020
Approximate prices for hotels, meals, excursions and tours in Georgia in winter:
- The cost of living in a 3* hotel in Tbilisi starts from 2,500 rubles. The apartment can be rented from 2000 rubles per day.
- A good lunch costs 10-15 lari (230-350 rubles).
- Baking on the street 1.5-2 lari (35-45 rubles).
- Excursions 25-50 lari (550-1100 rubles).
- Entrance tickets to museums and caves from 6 to 15 lari (130-350 rubles).
- Tours to Georgia in winter can be bought from 40 thousand rubles for two for 7 nights. Look for them on.
See how much hotels cost in Georgia in the summer of 2019:
| Type | Price per day (RUB) | Example |
| Budget guesthouse in the center of Tbilisi | from 1200 ₽ | Guest House Kato |
| 3* hotel with breakfast in Old Tbilisi | from 3000 ₽ | 7 Baits Hotel |
| 3* hotel by the sea in Batumi | from 1700 ₽ | Cozy Corner Hotel |
| Apartment with a courtyard in the center of Tbilisi (2 bedrooms) | from 3000 ₽ | Central Tbilisi - Patio Apartment |
| Apartment in Batumi by the sea | from 2600 ₽ | IOANE HOME |
(Photo © Stefano Bolognini / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-SA 2.0)
Weather in Georgia in December, January and February
In winter in Georgia, of course, it is warmer than in Russia. Snow does not happen often, mostly only in the mountains. Average temperature in Tbilisi: in December and February - +3, in January - +2°C. Usually during the day the temperature is around +5...7°C, and at night it can drop to zero. From time to time it may rain and a chilly wind may blow.
When going on a trip to Georgia in winter, you should definitely take a good jacket and hat with you. We also recommend that you check when booking a hotel whether it has heating.
(Photo © sergi2190 / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC 2.0)
Where to go in Georgia in winter
1. Tbilisi
Those who are traveling to Georgia for the first time should definitely visit its capital. Tbilisi is good at any time of the year - ancient temples look quite unusual in company with the latest futuristic buildings. Tourists usually visit the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the church on the rock above the Kura River and the monument to King Vakhtang I Gorgasali in the Metekhi area.
If you're lucky with the weather, you can take a walk in Rike Park, admire the glass Peace Bridge and the equally original State Theater of Music and Drama. Drive to the Mother of Kartli statue and see the Narikala fortress, or go up to the observation deck.
Zion Cathedral in Tbilisi. Photo © Diego_Delso / flickr.com.
For lovers of churches and monasteries, we recommend visiting the ancient town of Mtskheta, which is located near Tbilisi, on vacation in Georgia in winter. In terms of the number of religious temples, it has no equal in the country. The heart of the city is the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, built in the 11th century. In the vicinity of Mtskheta there is the Dzhari Temple, the Nichbisi fortress, monasteries and the Armazi settlement with an observation deck from where you can see the city and the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. The Chateau Mukhrani winery is located nearby.
(Photo © Panegyrics of Granovetter / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-SA 2.0)
3. Caves near Kutaisi
While vacationing in Georgia, be sure to go to the karst cave of Prometheus (Kumistavi) - you can get there from the city of Kutaisi. In winter, the cave is open from 10 to 17, except Mondays. From its territory you can see Mount Khvamli, where Prometheus was chained. 15 excursion zones with a total length of 1060 m are open to visitors. The original lighting makes the cave even more mysterious. 10 km from Kutaisi there is another group of caves - Sataplia. There is a pavilion with dinosaur footprints here. Open from 10 to 17, except Tuesday.
4. Kakheti - wineries and the city of love
Kakheti is very convenient to visit from Tbilisi; in one day you can see the main attractions of the region. Of particular interest is the small town of Sighnaghi, an example of Georgian-Italian architecture. Small neat houses, narrow streets, paving stones on the roads, and beautiful views of the Alazani Valley. This place has become a favorite for all romantics and lovers; the town is especially beautiful in the evening.
Wine lovers will be able to visit the famous wineries and wine cellars of Kakheti. The richest wine-growing region is the Alazani Valley. You can buy a special tasting tour or go on your own.
(Photo © unsplash.com / @anastsiia_voiten)
5. Medieval cave city of Vardzia
This is a cave monastery city located 100 km from Borjomi. The main part of the complex was built during the time of George III and Queen Tamara - in the 12-13 centuries. On the territory there are 600 objects - temples, baths, refectories - everything that survived the earthquake and the damage caused by the Turkish and Iranian conquerors.
Once upon a time, the city was home to 20 thousand inhabitants; all the buildings were built inside a mountain rising above the banks of the Kura River at the level of an 8-story building. In the center of Vardzia is the main temple of the city - the Church of the Assumption, painted with ancient frescoes. At the end of the 80s of the last century, the monastery became operational again.
Attention: the complex is located in the mountains, so access roads may be difficult in winter. In addition, some sites may be closed to the public for the safety of tourists. In winter there are few visitors, so the walk will be very interesting.
Atmospheric video about Vardzia caves:
What to see and do in Georgia in winter
Holidays in Georgia in winter are varied: you can have fun on excursions, skiing, drinking mineral water, taking sulfur baths, walking through gardens and parks, buying souvenirs in markets, discovering new Georgian dishes. But it’s probably worth starting with the capital.
1. Visit the famous sulfur baths in Tbilisi
It would be a sin to visit Tbilisi and not visit the famous sulfur baths, the water of which comes from natural sources. There are similar sources in Italy and some other European countries. In Tbilisi, procedures cost from 30 to 150 GEL per hour - private rooms, shared bath - 3 GEL. You can order a massage.
Sulfur baths in Tbilisi. Photo © Andrea Kirkby / flickr.com. 2. Take a food tour
What would a vacation in Georgia be without exploring the local cuisine? Khinkali, khachapuri, shish kebab and other Georgian dishes will not leave any gourmet indifferent. In winter, a high-calorie lunch will come in handy, not to mention the pleasure derived from the taste and aromas of the dishes.
You can book a special gourmet tour with tastings, a professional master class from the chef and a real Georgian feast. If the goal is to eat well and tasty, you just need to go to one of the establishments. Inexpensive decent cafes can be found on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. Just don't order too much: Georgians are generous people, and their portions are very large.
(Photo © maxlethal2010 / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)
3. Drink mineral water in Borjomi
The famous Georgian balneological resort Borjomi, located in the Borjomi Gorge on the banks of the Kura River, is a must see on vacation in Georgia not only in summer, but also in winter. Mineral water from local sources is the No. 1 export product. In addition, it is convenient to visit historical monuments from here - the Romanov Palace, the Rabat Fortress and the cave city of Vardzia. From Borjomi you can conveniently and quickly get to the nearest ski resort of Bakuriani.
4. Go skiing
One of the main entertainments among tourists on holiday in Georgia in winter is skiing. There are several ski resorts in the country, but the most popular are the Bakuriani resort, near Borjomi, and Guaduri, 120 km from Tbilisi. Guaduri is a young resort, prices here are affordable, but the infrastructure is poorly developed and is more suitable for unpretentious youth.
For families, it is better to go to the more comfortable Bakuriani - there are trails for beginners and professionals, the infrastructure is well developed, you can go skiing, snowboarding, skating, and sledding. It is convenient to get from Borjomi by “cuckoo” - that’s what locals call the narrow-gauge railway.
Ski resort Gudauri. Photo © Georgia Made by Characters / flickr.com. 5. Visit the best Georgian wineries
Here the choice of places where you can go is very rich - there are no fewer grape varieties in Georgia than in France. One of the best wineries in Georgia - Chateau Mukhrani - is located in the former estate of the Bagration-Mukhrani princes in the Mtskheta region. There is also a 19th century mansion there; you can visit ancient wine cellars, as well as walk through a modern plant and taste the plant’s products.
You can go on your own or buy a guided tour. Wine tasting at this factory starts from 30 GEL per person, with dinner - 65 GEL. You can purchase any wine you like. It is convenient to combine the visit with a visit to the Mukhrani fortress, which is 1.5 km from the plant, or the Tsilkan temple, which is located a little further.
However, if you have already developed your own preferences, then it is better to visit the place whose products you like. In addition, in the tourist areas of Tbilisi there are wine houses where you can taste drinks completely free of charge.
(Photo © DDohler / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY 2.0)
