Explore our guide to Georgia’s regions, cultural experiences, food, wine and practical travel planning.

Explore our guide to Georgia’s regions, cultural experiences, food, wine and practical travel planning.

Contents

1. Why Visit Georgia?

2. Your Dream Holidays in Georgia

3. Visa Requirements for Georgia

4. Is Georgia a Safe Country to Visit?

5. Georgia Transportation

6. Best Time to Visit Georgia

7. Georgia Travel Map and Route Planning

8. How Many Days Do You Need to Explore Georgia?

9. Holidays and Festivals in Georgia

10. Georgian Wine

11. Dos and Don’ts in Georgia

12. Georgian Food

13. Speak the Georgian Language

14. Georgian Gifts

15. Did You Know That...

16. Georgia Travel FAQ

Georgia invites you to explore historic cities, mountain villages, wine country and the Black Sea coast in one carefully planned journey. Its landscapes are varied, but the experiences that stay with many visitors are personal: meeting a winemaker, sharing a meal or hearing the story behind an old church.

At Phoenix Tours Georgia, we help you connect these experiences through private journeys, group programmes and transport arrangements tailored to your interests. Whether you have a few days or several weeks, this guide will help you choose where to go, what to try and how to plan your time.

01-Why Visit Georgia?

Georgia brings together UNESCO-listed heritage, a long winemaking tradition and landscapes ranging from mountain valleys to the Black Sea coast. A thoughtfully paced itinerary can connect several of these experiences without turning each day into a race between attractions.

Because of Tbilisi and Mtskheta

Tbilisi remains the starting point for most Georgia tours, with old quarters linking Abanotubani sulphur baths, Narikala Cable Car and panoramic views over the city. Nearby Mtskheta incorporates Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the 6th-century Jvari Monastery, two historic sites in Georgia tied to early Christianity.

Because of Wine and Food

Kakheti brings qvevri wine cellars and wine made from Saperavi (a red cépage) and Rkatsiteli (a white cépage) and family-hosted lunches and dinners around historic Telavi, Sighnaghi and Tsinandali. Food gives each region a distinctive character in the journey, from Kakhetian barbecue and mtsvadi to Megrelian kharcho and Adjarian khachapuri.

Because the mountains are varied and breathtaking

Georgia’s mountains vary from Kazbegi to Svaneti and Tusheti. Kazbegi has Gergeti Trinity Church above Stepantsminda. Svaneti brings Mestia, Ushguli Community and stone defensive towers below Mount Shkhara. Tusheti sits beyond the Abano Pass, while Truso Valley opens into a high basin with mineral springs and abandoned villages.

Because one trip can change everything quickly

Western Georgia brings charming Kutaisi, Gelati Monastery, Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon into Georgia’s sightseeing. Batumi brings seaside beaches along the Black Sea and subtropical gardens to culture tours and family vacations.

02-Your Dream Holidays in Georgia

Start with the experiences that matter to you. We can combine a Tbilisi stay with wine-country excursions, mountain overnights, cultural visits or a longer coastal journey.

Phoenix Tours Georgia can build a five-to-seven-day introduction around Mtskheta, Kakheti and Kazbegi. This gives travellers an overview of early Christian monuments, qvevri wine cellars and the Georgian Military Highway with time for sightseeing, food and local encounters.

Longer Georgia tours take in western and southern regions, including UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery, Prometheus Karst Cave and Martvili Canyon. The Samtskhe-Javakheti tour package features Rabati Castle and Vardzia’s cave monastery.

Wine-focused routes stay close to Kakheti’s towns and estates, from Telavi and Tsinandali to Kvareli and Sighnaghi. Mountain and hiking itineraries continue towards Kazbegi, Svaneti, Juta Valley, Truso Valley and Adjara’s highland villages.

Family vacations in Georgia work well when the route avoids long daily drives. Borjomi, Kakheti, Kutaisi and Batumi give easier pacing, green parks, caves, seaside walks and child-friendly hotels.

For travellers with more time, Georgia pairs naturally with Armenia and Azerbaijan, creating a wider South Caucasus itinerary.

Top Historical Experiences in Georgia

Walk through UNESCO-listed MtskhetaVisit Vardzia Cave MonasterySee mediaeval monastery of Gelati under UNESCO Protection

Best Cultural Experiences in Georgia

Attend a Georgian Dance ShowTry Georgian Regional FoodJoin Traditional Georgian Grape Harvest, Rtveli

Top Outdoor Experiences

Ski Through the Caucasus MountainsHike in Picturesque Valleys and MountainsEnjoy Unique Georgian Festivals

03-Visa Requirements for Georgia

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Check entry requirements for your own nationality and travel documents using the official consular guidance below.

Entry requirements depend on your nationality, travel document, residence status and the purpose of your visit. Some travellers qualify for visa-free entry; others must obtain a visa before travelling. Do not assume that a rule applying to another traveller also applies to you.

Use the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official consular portal to check your circumstances. Where applicable, follow the official e-Visa process or contact the relevant Georgian diplomatic mission. Check the permitted length of stay and supporting-document requirements before booking.

As of October 2026, official guidance requires tourists entering Georgia to hold valid health and accident insurance for their stay, with at least GEL 30,000 in coverage, subject to specified exemptions. The policy must be available in Georgian or English. Recheck the current official requirements before departure.

Official information: https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/en/entering-georgia

Phoenix Tours Georgia can help coordinate your itinerary and travel arrangements; admission decisions remain with the relevant authorities.

04-Is Georgia a Safe Country to Visit?

TRAVEL WITH CARE

Keep 112 handy for emergencies. Review current official advice and confirm mountain access before departure.

Many visitors travel through Georgia comfortably, but no destination is risk-free. Take ordinary precautions with belongings, use appropriate transport and review current official travel advice before departure. Avoid demonstrations and follow local instructions if disruption affects your route.

Mountain travel requires particular attention to weather, road access and the demands of the activity. Tell us about mobility needs and experience levels so that the proposed programme is suitable. Check that insurance covers your planned activities.

Travel advice distinguishes ordinary visitor routes from higher-risk areas. The UK FCDO advises against travel to Abkhazia and South Ossetia and restricts its advice for nearby administrative-boundary areas. Consult your own government’s current guidance when planning.

Emergency number in Georgia: 112.

Current reference: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/georgia

05-Georgia Transportation

Your transport plan should follow your itinerary, group size and preferred pace. Phoenix Tours Georgia offers transport services and can coordinate airport transfers, sightseeing journeys and travel between overnight stops.

Private transport is useful when you want flexible departures, photo stops and a route designed around your interests. Confirm vehicle size, luggage capacity, child-seat needs and the daily programme before booking. Remote routes may require a suitable four-wheel-drive vehicle and a driver familiar with local conditions.

Rail services can be useful for selected intercity journeys. Check the operator’s current stations, departure times and ticket availability; a train route should not be treated as a direct connection to every attraction or airport.

Shared minibuses, commonly called marshrutkas, are another option on regional routes. Confirm the departure point, luggage arrangements and onward connections. For mountain travel, allow extra time and verify access shortly before departure.

Self-driving requires a realistic assessment of road conditions and experience. An apparently short distance on the map may involve a much longer journey. Build time for meals, rest stops and changing conditions into the schedule.

06-Best Time to Visit Georgia

01 / SPRING

Culture & countryside

City walks, heritage sites and lower-elevation escapes.

02 / SUMMER

Mountains & coast

Mountain stays, walking routes and Black Sea holidays.

03 / AUTUMN

Wine & harvest

Regional food, vineyards and arranged Rtveli experiences.

04 / WINTER

Cities & snow

City breaks and snow experiences when conditions allow.

Choose your season around the activities you want, rather than a single nationwide “best month.” Weather and access vary between coastal, lowland and mountain regions.

Spring — City walks, cultural visits and lower-elevation countryside excursions can work well. Higher trails and passes may still be affected by snow, so keep mountain plans flexible.

Summer — Consider mountain stays, walking programmes and coastal holidays. Plan city sightseeing around warmer daytime conditions, and check the suitability of individual trails and roads.

Autumn — Food, wine and regional touring can be rewarding. Harvest experiences depend on the producer, grape variety and that year’s conditions; participation should be arranged in advance.

Winter — Combine city breaks with snow-focused experiences where conditions allow. Resort operations, snow cover and mountain-road access vary, so confirm arrangements for your dates.

For a mixed culture-and-wine itinerary, spring and autumn are useful starting points for planning. For a hiking-focused journey, choose the dates only after identifying the specific region and route.

07-Georgia Travel Map and Route Planning

Think of your itinerary in regional clusters. Tbilisi can anchor visits to Mtskheta and eastern Georgia; a western route can include Kutaisi and continue towards Samegrelo, Svaneti or the coast. Southern journeys can focus on Borjomi, Akhaltsikhe and the Vardzia area.

These are planning groupings, not promises of short travel times. Mountain roads, sightseeing stops and seasonal conditions all affect the day. Before confirming a route, ask for an overnight-by-overnight programme with realistic driving allowances.

The regional notes below help you choose priorities. They do not replace navigation or current access information.

08-How Many Days Do You Need to Explore Georgia?

As a planning suggestion, allow seven to ten days for an introduction combining several regions. A three-to-four-day break can focus on Tbilisi and one or two excursions, while a longer journey gives you time for western Georgia, mountain stays or the coast.

With two to three weeks, you can explore a broader route at a more relaxed pace; no single duration covers every interest. From sun-drenched vineyards of Kakheti and closely packed balconies of Tbilisi to glacier-crowned peaks of Kazbegi and the Caucasian Riviera of Batumi.

Tbilisi

Among the best places to visit in Georgia, Tbilisi is famous for its sulphur bath springs, the Persian bath domes, the Narikala Fortress and the Mtkvari River.

Suggested time: 2 to 3 daysPlaces to consider: Abanotubani Sulphur Baths, Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church, National Gallery, Bridge of PeaceExplore further: Walk through Sololaki District courtyards and visit the Dry Bridge Market. Explore the old streets of Avlabari District, see the Bank of Georgia headquarters and look at the Tbilisi Sea viewpoint.

Mtskheta

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Georgia’s old capital and one of the country’s main centres of Georgian Orthodox Christianity, just north of Tbilisi.

Suggested time: Half a day to 1 dayPlaces to consider: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Jvari Monastery, Samtavro MonasteryExplore further: Continue to Shio-Mgvime Monastery or walk quieter streets behind Svetitskhoveli towards the river – one of the best things to do in Georgia.

Kazbegi

Among the top tourist attractions in Georgia, this mountain destination on the Georgian Military Highway is known for Gergeti Trinity Church and Mount Kazbek.

Suggested time: 1 to 2 daysPlaces to consider: Gergeti Trinity Church, Dariali Gorge, Gveleti WaterfallExplore further: Hike through the verdant Truso Valley and continue to the hilltop Juta Village below the Chaukhi pass.

Kakheti

Georgia’s major wine region, with fortified churches, vineyard towns and qvevri cellars.

Suggested time: 2 to 3 daysPlaces to consider: Telavi, Sighnaghi, Tsinandali Estate, Alaverdi Monastery, Lagodekhi National ParkExplore further: Visit family wineries near Kvareli, Akhmeta or Ruispiri, especially during Rtveli (harvest). Ask about locally organised cultural events for your dates; participation depends on the host and confirmed programme.

Kutaisi and Imereti

Imereti, western Georgia’s base for mediaeval monasteries, old markets, karst caves, river canyons and regional food traditions.

Suggested time: 2 daysPlaces to consider: Gelati Monastery, Bagrati Cathedral, Prometheus Cave, Martvili CanyonExplore further: Visit Motsameta Monastery and Tskaltubo’s old sanatoriums. Hike through the Khvamli Mountain and follow the road to Chiatura and the Katskhi Pillar.

Svaneti

A towered highland region where Mestia and Ushguli sit below glaciers, stone villages and long mountain trails.

Suggested time: 3 to 4 daysPlaces to consider: Mestia, Ushguli, Chalaadi Glacier, Svan TowersExplore further: Stay in smaller villages between Mestia and Ushguli, or hike towards Adishi and Iprari. Attend the Lamproba Festival, Svaneti’s torch-lit winter ritual with handmade wooden torches in snowy villages.

Batumi and the Black Sea Coast

Add waterfront walks, botanical gardens and time by the sea to a broader itinerary.

Suggested time: 2 to 3 daysPlaces to consider: Batumi Boulevard, Botanical Garden, Gonio Fortress, Ali and Nino statueExplore further: Stop by Anaklia, Ureki or Poti, or take a boat through Kolkheti National Park.

Upper Adjara

A forested mountain region behind Batumi, known for painted wooden mosques, dairy dishes, summer pastures and unique misty views.

Suggested time: 1 to 2 daysPlaces to consider: Khulo, Merisi, Goderdzi Pass, Makhuntseti WaterfallExplore further: Stay in a highland village, visit local wooden mosques or continue towards Goderdzi outside peak season.

Samtskhe-Javakheti

Southern Georgia’s borderland region, with fortresses, cave monasteries, volcanic lakes and Meskhetian food traditions.

Suggested time: 2 to 3 daysPlaces to consider: Rabati Castle, Vardzia, Khertvisi Fortress, Paravani LakeExplore further: Visit Saro village, Poka Monastery, Abastumani Observatory and the Doukhobor village of Gorelovka.

Racha-Lechkhumi

A quieter mountain region between Kutaisi and Svaneti, with forested valleys, stone churches and Khvanchkara wine.

Suggested time: 2 to 3 daysPlaces to consider: Ambrolauri, Shaori Lake, Nikortsminda Cathedral, Barakoni ChurchExplore further: Explore Oni, Utsera or the landscapes of Lechkhumi, subject to current road and site access.

Samegrelo

Western Georgia’s humid lowland, shaped by royal history, canyons, hot springs and flavour-rich Megrelian food.

Suggested time: 1 to 2 daysPlaces to consider: Zugdidi, Dadiani Palace, Nokalakevi, Martvili CanyonExplore further: Eat kharcho and elarji in Zugdidi, visit the Rukhi Fortress or continue to Anaklia.

Tusheti

Georgia’s remote summer highland, reached over the Abano Pass and built around stone villages, towers and horse routes.

Suggested time: 3 to 4 daysPlaces to consider: Omalo, Dartlo, Shenako, Keselo TowersExplore further: Consider village walks or horse riding with an appropriate local provider. Confirm seasonal access, activity suitability and insurance coverage.

Khevsureti

A northern mountain region of defensive villages, narrow passes and stone architecture around the fortified villages of Shatili and Mutso.

Suggested time: 2 to 3 daysPlaces to consider: Shatili, Mutso, Datvisjvari PassExplore further: Consider an overnight stay and allow time to explore at a slower pace. Confirm seasonal road access before departure.

Pankisi Valley

A culturally distinct valley in north-east Kakheti, home to Kist villages, family guesthouses and Sufi traditions.

Suggested time: 1 to 2 daysPlaces to consider: Jokolo, Duisi, Pankisi Gorge, local hiking trailsExplore further: Stay in a family guesthouse, join a guided cultural walk or learn about local traditions through a visit arranged with community hosts. Religious practices are not automatically open to visitor participation.

Vashlovani Protected Areas

Georgia’s semi-desert corner, where badlands, mud volcanoes and dry canyons replace the usual mountain image.

Suggested time: 1 to 2 daysPlaces to consider: Eagle Gorge, Elia Monastery, Big Shiraki, mud volcanoesExplore further: Start from Dedoplistskaro with a 4WD driver and arrange the required visitor/entry permissions and border-zone permit paperwork before entering the trails.

09-Holidays and Festivals in

Georgia

Georgian holidays grew from the same culture that shaped the country’s idea of hospitality. The old belief that “a guest is from God” still appears at supra tables, church gatherings, harvest feasts and city festivals. For travellers, these dates are moments when Georgian food, wine, faith and public life come together in public and family life.

Mixing Orthodox traditions, public ceremonies, family feasts and regional festivals, Georgian holidays are an essential part of daily life. Here, modern customs meet ancient rituals, from nationwide public holidays to regional festivals kept alive by local communities.

Consider these celebrations when planning. Event dates, visitor access and local programmes must be confirmed before travel:

New Year & Orthodox Christmas (late December–January) – Georgia’s winter holiday mood runs from New Year preparations to Orthodox Christmas on 7 January and Old New Year on 14 January. Offices may reopen earlier, but social visits, supra tables, city lights and family gatherings often continue into mid-January.Places to consider: Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kakheti, Batumi, Kutaisi

Orthodox Easter (March–May) – Georgia’s most important religious holiday, with Holy Week services, red eggs, paska bread and family visits to cemeteries.Places to consider: Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kakheti

New Wine Festival (date varies; confirm the annual programme) – At the festival, Georgian and international visitors gather in Tbilisi to sample young wines fermented throughout the winter. The New Wine Festival comes replete with traditional Georgian dishes and a variety of artistic performances.Places to consider: Tbilisi

Independence Day (May 26) – Georgia marks the 1918 proclamation of independence with concerts, exhibitions, military displays and public events.Places to consider: Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi

Rtveli (harvest season; dates vary by region and producer) – Kakheti’s grape harvest brings vineyard work, qvevri cellars, supra tables and village celebrations into Georgia’s wine season.Places to consider: Kakheti

Tbilisoba (usually an autumn event; confirm the annual dates) – Tbilisi’s city festival fills the old districts with food stalls, folk music, crafts, wine and regional produce.Places to consider: Tbilisi

Svetitskhovloba / Mtskhetoba (October 14) – Mtskheta celebrates Svetitskhoveli Cathedral with church services, markets and cultural events in Georgia’s old capital.Places to consider: Mtskheta

10-Georgian Wine

TASTE THE TRADITION

Make time for a marani visit: discover qvevri, local grape varieties and the stories behind the wine.

Georgia has a winemaking history reaching back around 8,000 years. Today, wine remains part of both professional production and family hospitality.

The most Georgian method is qvevri winemaking, where wine ferments in large clay vessels buried underground. This technique is still used in family maranis and professional wineries, especially in Kakheti, Georgia’s main wine region.

Georgia has hundreds of native grape varieties, with Saperavi and Rkatsiteli among the best known. You will find bottled wines in restaurants and shops, but homemade wine is just as important. It often appears at supra-feasts, guesthouse dinners and family celebrations.

Some Georgian wines and grapes to know include the following:

Saperavi – One of Georgia’s best-known red grape varieties and one of the country’s most recognisable wines. It has a deep colour, firm body and dark fruit notes and is used in rosé, dry, semi-sweet, sweet and fortified wines.

Mukuzani – A dry red PDO (Protected Designations of Origin) wine from Kakheti, made from Saperavi grapes and often associated with oak maturation; styles and production details vary. It is fuller and more structured than many everyday Georgian reds, with dark berry notes and a slightly smoky finish.

Rkatsiteli – One of Georgia’s oldest and most widely grown white grapes. It is used for fresh white wines as well as qvevri amber wines, where they become fuller, more textured and slightly tannic.

Kisi – A Kakhetian white grape known for aromatic wines with notes of dried fruit, tea, honey and flowers. Kisi works especially well in qvevri, where it often becomes richer and more complex.

Mtsvane – A fragrant white grape often linked with softer fruit and floral aromas. It is sometimes blended with Rkatsiteli but also makes fresh, balanced wines on its own.

Khvanchkara – A semi-sweet red wine from Racha region, made from Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes. It is one of Georgia’s most renowned regional wines, with red berry notes and a naturally soft sweetness.

11-Do and Don’ts in Georgia

A LITTLE RESPECT GOES A LONG WAY

Learn a greeting, follow your host’s lead and dress appropriately at religious sites.

DO

Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries. Men and women should cover their knees, while women are usually expected to cover their hair and shoulders.Express respect for older people in public spaces. Give up your seat on buses and metro trains, and allow extra patience in queues and markets.Learn a few basic Georgian words. A simple “gamarjoba” for “hello” and “madloba” for “thank you” can soften almost any exchange.Agree on taxi prices before the ride if you are not using an app. This is one of the most useful Georgia travel tips for avoiding confusion.Bring a small gift if you are invited to someone’s home. Wine, sweets, fruit or flowers are all common choices.Watch your step in old districts. Pavements, stairs and cobbled streets can be uneven, especially in Old Tbilisi and older regional towns.

DON’T

Speak loudly, joke around or take intrusive photos inside churches and monasteries.Enter religious sites in shorts, sleeveless tops or revealing clothing.Drink wine at a supra without waiting for the toast. In Georgia, wine is usually tied to words, memory and respect.Give an even number of flowers as a gift. Even-numbered bouquets are traditionally associated with funerals.Smoke indoors unless it is clearly permitted.Hesitate to ask for help. Georgians are often direct, but travellers are usually met with warmth, curiosity and practical assistance.

12-Georgian Food

COME HUNGRY

Let your route shape your menu: each region brings a different flavour to the table.

Rapidly gaining global popularity and often ranked among the world’s best cuisines, Georgian food changes from region to region. Kakheti is known for mtsvadi and wine, while Imereti is known for khachapuri. Samegrelo brings elarji and kharcho, Adjara has Adjarian khachapuri, and Svaneti is known for kubdari. Mountain regions are also the best place to try khinkali close to its roots.

Some of the most popular and tasty meals include:

Khinkali

Boiled dumplings with savoury fillings, often meat-based. Nowadays, you can also savor vegetarian options stuffed with mushrooms, cheese or potatoes, depending on the menu.

Khachapuri

Georgia’s signature food, this delicious cheese-filled bread comes in many regional variations.

Lobio

Delicious stew made of mashed beans with spices.

Pkhali

Pkhali combines vegetables such as spinach or beetroot with ground walnuts, herbs and seasoning; presentation varies.

Puri

Georgians bake their bread in clay or metal cylindrical ovens called tone. The most popular variations of puri are the large, rounded tonis puri and long, narrow shotis puri.

Kitri Pomidvris Salati

Fresh cucumber and tomato salad served with local herbs and often eaten with walnuts or walnut sauce.

Chikhirtma

A Georgian poultry soup thickened with eggs, with recipes varying between cooks.

Ajapsandali

A vegetable dish based on ingredients such as aubergine, peppers, tomatoes, onions and herbs; recipes vary.

Churchkhela

Delightfully sweet walnuts threaded onto a string, dipped in thickened grape juice and dried in the shape of a long candle.

13-Speak the Georgian Language

Learn these Georgian phrases for your upcoming trip:

English	Georgian
Hello	გამარჯობა (Gamarjoba.)
How are you?	როგორ ხარ? (Rogor khar?)
Goodbye	ნახვამდის (Nakhvamdis.)
Thank You!	მადლობა! (Madloba!)
You are welcome	არაფრის (Arapris.)
Yes/No	კი/არა (Ki/Ara.)
Where is the... (airport)?	სად არის აეროპორტი? (Sad aris aerop’orti?)
How much is it?	რა ღირს? (Ra ghirs?)
My name is…	მე ვარ/მე მქვია... (Me var.../Me mqvia...)
I don’t understand	ვერ გავიგე (Ver gavige.)
Excuse me	უკაცრავად (Ukatsravad.)
Please	გთხოვთ (Gtkhovt); თუ შეიძლება (Tu sheidzleba)
Nice to meet you	სასიამოვნოა თქვენი გაცნობა (Sasiamovnoa tqveni gatsnoba.)
Cheers!	გაუმარჯოს! (Gaumarjos!)

14-Georgian Gifts

A trip to Georgia often continues at home through wine, spices, sweets and handmade objects. Some of the best Georgian gifts are easy to pack and closely tied to local food, craft and table culture.

Georgian wine: ask for a style you enjoyed during your trip. Qvevri wines may be made from different grape varieties; Saperavi reds and Rkatsiteli-based amber wines are examples to explore.

Chacha: Georgia’s grape-pomace spirit is usually bought from wine shops, wineries or local producers.

Churchkhela: walnuts or hazelnuts dipped in thickened grape juice, often called Georgian natural candy.

Svan salt and Megrelian adjika: spice mixes from mountain and western Georgian kitchens, useful for meat, potatoes, beans and vegetables.

Georgian tea: black and green teas from Guria, Samegrelo and Adjara are light, local and easy to carry

Minankari jewellery: Georgian enamel jewellery with colourful patterns, often sold as earrings, pendants and small brooches.

Blue tablecloths: traditional Georgian tablecloths with blue-and-white designs, linked to supra tables and old textile patterns.

Ceramics: small ketsi clay pans, cups, plates and miniature qvevris make practical souvenirs from local workshops.

Felt and wool items: handmade slippers, hats, scarves and small decorations are common in mountain and craft markets.

Georgian books and prints: alphabet posters, city illustrations and art books are good gifts for design and culture lovers.

15-Did You Know That...

Georgia’s winemaking heritage reaches back around 8,000 years. Its traditional qvevri method was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.

Georgian is part of the Kartvelian language family and has its own distinctive writing system. It is related to other Kartvelian languages, including Mingrelian, Laz and Svan.

Georgia’s polyphonic singing is internationally recognised cultural heritage. Listening to a live performance can be a rewarding addition to a cultural itinerary when a suitable programme is available.

The medieval stone towers of Svaneti are part of a lived landscape of villages, family histories and religious sites—not simply isolated monuments.

The “Khachapuri Index,” developed by ISET, uses the cost of ingredients and energy needed to prepare khachapuri as a way to illustrate changes in household costs.

Georgia’s regional variety extends to its food: trying different local versions of familiar dishes can become a journey in itself.

16-Georgia Travel FAQ

Is Georgia part of Europe?

Georgia lies in the South Caucasus, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. How the continental boundary is defined varies; its geographic setting and cultural connections are best understood with that context.

What language is spoken in Georgia?

Georgian is the country’s principal official language. It has its own alphabet and belongs to the Kartvelian language family. Abkhaz also has official status in the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia.

How do you say hello in Georgian?

You say gamarjoba. It is the standard Georgian greeting and works in almost every situation.

What does “ara” mean in Georgian?

Ara means “no” in Georgian. “Ara, ara” means “no, no” or “no, no, thank you”, depending on context.

Can I speak English in Georgia?

English is available in many visitor-facing businesses, but proficiency varies. For a guided tour, confirm the guiding language when booking. A few Georgian greetings are useful wherever you travel.

How do you say please in Georgian?

You can use gtkhovt (გთხოვთ) for “please,” or tu sheidzleba (თუ შეიძლება), meaning “if possible,” depending on the sentence.

Why is Georgia famous?

Georgia is famous for qvevri wine, the Caucasus mountains, ancient churches, khinkali, khachapuri, polyphonic singing and warm hospitality.

What is a must-do in Georgia?

In Georgia, the must-dos are a mix of cultural experiences we can tailor to your preferences: the old town of Tbilisi, heritage sites in Mtskheta, wine tastings in Kakheti, mountain landscapes for hiking and skiing in Kazbegi, and modern seaside life in Batumi, on the Black Sea.

17-

Plan Your Journey with Phoenix Tours Georgia

Tell us your travel dates, group size, interests and preferred level of activity. We can prepare a personalised programme with clearly identified accommodation, transport, sightseeing and optional experiences.

For a first visit, a family holiday or a longer journey across the Caucasus, we will help you choose a route that leaves time to enjoy the places you visit.

WhatsApp: +995 579 222 441

Email: hello@phoenixtoursgeo.com

Website: https://www.phoenixtoursgeo.com/

Your Georgia journey starts with a conversation.

Useful official references

Georgian consular information: https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/en/entering-georgia

Official tourism information: https://georgia.travel/

UNESCO qvevri heritage: https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/00870

Current UK travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/georgia

Practical-information review: 30 October 2026. Recheck entry rules, events and route access for your travel dates.