Kintrishi Protected Areas
Kintrishi Protected Areas are located 60 kilometers from Batumi in Kobuleti municipality, Autonomous Republic of Adjara.

Kintrishi Protected Areas are distinguished by relict forests and endemic plants. The territory can offer various complexity 2 marked and comfortable routes for visitors. There are 1 day route “Tamar arch bridge” and 2 days route “Yew and Lake Tbikeli”.

At Kintrishi Protected Areas you can explore oldest wine pitchers “Kvevri”, architectural sites, Khinotsminda Church ruins, Tamari arched stone bridge, Lake Tkibeli. Touris season lasts all year around.

Kobuleti Protected Areas
Kobuleti Protected Areas are located in Kobuleti municipality, Autonomous Republic of Adjara and include Kobuleti Strict Nature Reserve and Kobuleti Managed Reseerve. The territory is unique of its sphagnum swamps.

On the pedestrian tourist routes at 3 easy bird watching and eco educational tours visitors have opportunity to take photos of white and yellow water-lilies, 4m length domes of white moss, carnivorous drosera and swamp tortoise. It is also possible to rent skis and walk along sphagnum peat.

At Kobuleti Protected Areas you can explore unique Ispani wetlends of world importance, 4 meters long white moss domes, white and yellow water-lilies. Tourist season lasts from May to November.

Kolkheti National Park
Kolkheti National Park is located in the west Georgia and includes Samegrelo – Zemo Svaneti and Guria Regions. Paliastomi Lake, the Black Sea east border zone, unique swamps and Colchic forests are especially interesting there.

Kolkheti National Park offers a pontoon, kayak, powerboat and row boat tours, bird watching and eco educational tours.

At Kolkheti National Park you can explore Golden and Paliastomi lakes, Anaklia coast, unique marshlands and Colchic forest. Tourist season lasts all year around.

Lagodekhi Protected Areas
Lagodekhi Protected Areas are located 155 kilometers from Tbilisi in the extreme northeastern part of Georgia, in Lagodekhi municipality and include Lagodekhi Strict Nature Reserve and Lagodekhi Managed Reserve.

Lagodekhi Protected Areas can offer various complexity and different length routes for tourists. 5 marked and well-organized trails offer a wide variety of hiking, educational, horse riding, cultural, mashroom and deer tours on rich wild landscape of Lagodekhi Protected Areas. 600 meter nature interpretation path is arranged in the Administration yard especially for children.

At Lagodekhi Protected Areas you can explore Rocho and Ninoskhevi waterfalls, Machi fortress, Black Rock lake, blossoming Juliana primrose and Mlokosevich and Lagodekhi peony. Tourist season lasts all year around.

Machakhela National Park
Machakhela National Park is located 25 kilometers from Batumi in Khelvachauri municipality, Autonomous Respublic of Adjara.

In the National Park area there are historical and cultural monuments: Arch bridges of different epoch, fortresses, wine presses. There are 2 easy, driving road integrated with pedestrian trails. Tourist routes can offer visitors to see alder groves, beech and chestnut forests. From “Mtavarangelozi” mountain visitors can enjoy the spectacular view of Batumi, river Machakhela gorge and delta of river and Black sea.

At Machakhela National Park you can explore chestnut, hornbeam and alder forests, arch bridges, fortress, limestone wine presses and cellars, wonderful views over Batumi, Machakhela gorge and Chorokhi’s debouche into the sea from Mtavarangelozi (Archangel) mountain. High tourist season lasts from May to October.

Martvili Canyon
Martvili Canyon Natural Monument is located 45 kilometers from Kutaisi in the village Inchkhuri, near Martvili. Taking walking or boat tours at Martvili Canyon you 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.

Tourist season at Martvili Canyon lasts all year around, hot season is from April to October.

Mtirala National Park
Mtirala National Park is located 40 kilometers from Batumi in south western part of Georgia, in Autonomous Republic of Achara and includes Kobuleti, Khelvachauri and Keda municipalities.

There are 2 marked and comfortable trails in Mtirala national Park. The territory offers hiking, horse riding, bird watching and adventure tours. Visitors can use with extreme and entertaining service Zip-Line and can slide on 200m rope extended from one tree to another.

At Mtirala National Park you can explore beautiful valley of Chakvistskali river, beech intact stands, 15 meters long Tsablnari waterfall. Tourist season at Mtirala National Park lasts from May to October.

Okatse Canyon
Okatse Canyon Natural Monument is located 42 kilometers from Kutaisi in village Gordi, Khoni municipality, Imereti region.

Okatse Canyon 2-3 hour pedestrian route passes through Dadiani historical forest, 780 m length hanging trail and finishes with panoramic view, where visitors can take memorable photos by “Smart Selfie” Camera.

At Okatse canyon you can explore 3 cascade Okatse waterfall, the Dadiani forest and river Satsiskvilo valley. Tourist season lasts all year around. High Season is from April to November.

Prometheus Cave
Prometheus Cave Natural Monument is located in Tskaltubo municipality, Imereti region. The length is 1, 8 km and it is located 40 meters below sea level.

Promete cave 1 hour tourist route passes through Argonauts Hall, Kolkheti Hall, Medea Hall, Love Hall, Prometheus Hall and Iberia Hall. The trail finishes by pedestrian or boating tour on an underground flow of river Kumi. It takes 15 minutes.

Tourist season at Prometheus Cave lasts all year around.

Sataplia Cave
Sataplia Managed Reserve is located in Tskaltubo municipality, Imereti region, where the footprints of Herbivorous and Raptor dinosaurs of different epochs are found. Sataplia dinosaurs are called “Satapliazaurus” and are different from Europian dinosaurs.

Easy pedestrian tourist routes are convenient for family travel and provide an opportunity to visit the conservation building of dinosaur footprints, exhibition hall, unique karst caves, Colchic Forest and the wild bee habitat area. A beautiful view of Imereti region overlooks from the glass panoramic construction.

Tourist season at Sataplia Cave lasts all year around.

Tusheti Protected Areas
Tusheti Protected Areas are located 180 kilometers from Tbilisi in the Akhmeta municipality, Kakheti region and include Tusheti Strict Nature Reserve, Tusheti National Park and Tusheti Protected Landscape.

Tusheti Protected Areas combine 11 routes which include various complexity 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 day trails.Visitors have an opportunity to choose appropriate tours for them on rich historical-cultural and natural landscape territories, such as hiking, biking, horse riding, cultural tours, birdwatching and bezoars goat watching tours.

Tourist season at Tusheti Protected Areas lasts from June to the end of October.

Vashlovani Protected Areas
Vashlovani Protected Areas are located 150 kilometers from Tbilisi, in the extreme southeastern part of Georgia on the Iori upland in Kakheti region and includes Vashlovani Nature Reserve, National Park and 3 Natural Monuments – Artsivi Kheoba (Eagle Gorge), Alazani floodplain forest (Kaklis kure) and Takhti-Tepa Mud Volcanoes.

7 tourist routes include Vashlovani unique landscape, forest ecosystem, floodplain ecosystem, semi -arid territories, eroded mountains caused by wind, called “Areulebi”, canyons and gorges. Tourist route network offers a wide variety of one and two days driving, cycling and Safari tours.

At Vashlovani Protected Areas you can explore Takhti-Tepa mud volcanoes, Datvis Khevi fossil mollusks, wind eroded mountains, Khornabudji fortress, Kaklis Kure and Shavi Mta, blossoming Georgian Iris, Eichler tulip and fern leaf peony. Tourist season lasts all year around. The best time to visit Vashlovani Protected Areas is from May to end of November.

Wine
Many discoveries left the historians no doubt that Georgia was the birthplace of wine. Ancient wine vessels made of clay, bronze and silver; golden wine cups; wine barrels dated to the 2nd or even 3rd millennium BC, as well as vine seeds found in the ancient tombs of the Bronze age outline a continuous story of the history of Georgian wine. Today, over 500 varieties of grapes grow in our small country, and Georgian wines are well known for their unique properties and characteristics. Our warm climate and moist air from the Black Sea provides perfect conditions to produce superb wine. Our diverse landscape and climate zones enable us to produce far more varieties of grapes than virtually any other country in the world.

Main grape varieties in Georgia: White grapes: Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhuri, Khikhvi, Kisi, Kakhuri Mtsvivani, Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane, Tsolikouri, Tsitska, Krakhuna, Rachuli Tetra, Sakmiela, Avasirkhva. Red grapes: Saperavi, Tavkveri, Otskhanuri Sapere, Shavkapito, Alekhandrouli, Mujuretuli, Dzelshavi, Usakhelouri, Orbeluri Ojaleshi, Ojaleshi, Chkhaveri. The Rkatsiteli grape creates a robust white wine full of character, with many varieties and brands. The increasingly famous red Saperavi grapes provide powerful and fiery wines with aroma of plums, spices and almonds. In Kakheti region you will also discover the delicious naturally formed semi-sweet wines of Kindzmarauli and Akhasheni.

Rtveli
Traditional harvest festivities in family circle belong to those distinctive Georgian traditions that still live. Despite the fact that nowadays young people prefer to live and work in the cities, in the fall many of them come to their ancestors’ land and grandparents’ homes to meet the whole family and take part in a ritual, which is almost as old as Georgia itself.

You may wonder, what is special about harvest, while it’s a normal part of agricultural routine. However, considering how deep the roots of viticulture in Georgia are – 8000 years old tradition is a lot! – one can imagine the meaning of production and consumption of wine for all the Georgians. Taking care of vines requires a lot of effort – no wonder that there is a saying that one needs to shed one’s own sweat over the vineyard to get a good harvest. So rtveli, the harvest time in Georgia, is crowning the natural cycle and starts a new one.

Every guest to Georgia can take part in rtveli – any vineyard owner is pleased by offered help and interest in the process of birth of wine. If you want to be involved into the ancient tradition, you should learn some special words for traditional tools related to winemaking.

Godori – an oblong basket, to where one puts the picked grapes.

Satskneheli – a wooden tub, where the grapes are being pressed – people usually do it with their feet wearing special footwear. In satskheneli there is a hole, from which the juice flows into a special vessel.

Qvevri – a clay vessel, where the grapes undergo the fermentation process. These egg-shaped amphoras are the birthplace of natural flavourful wine!

Marani – a cellar, where qvevris are being buried, and the fermentation process goes on. Ready wine is also stored there because of the temperature level.

From the harvest products not only wine is being produced. Grape pomace is a base for chacha, strong Georgian brandy, which warms you up if you are cold in winter. Pelamushi and churchkhela, natural Georgian sweets, are made of grape juice and flour.

Of course, after hard work on the vineyard, all people gather at the traditional Georgian festive table to have rest and enjoy delicious meals. Lots of mouth watering Georgian dishes, flowing wine and songs – the voice of ancient Georgia can be heard in this eternal flow!

To learn more about the history of wine-making traditions of Georgia, check out our website section “Cradle of wine”, but better come to Georgia this fall and harvest pleasant emotions and memories!

Kazbegi
You may try delicious Georgian food and different Georgian drinks from lemonade to chacha in various cafes and restaurants. However, one of the best ways to experience and understand Georgian traditions of eating, drinking and enjoying life is Supra, the Georgian table. It shouldn’t always have a festive reason: every day can be festive in Georgia. Gathering with friends and family is very important here. If the guests are attending supra, it is even merrier.

So if you are invited, don’t be shy: try all the dishes (it’s a big pleasure for the hosts if their guests are full and happy), join the toast-master, take wine with the others and say some warm words too. The order of toasts is not always the same: it varies from region to region, but generally the first glass should be drained for God and peace, because both play very important role for every Georgian. If you learn the phrase “Gmerts dideba chven mshvidoba” (“May the God’s greatness bring you peace”), it would be really appreciated.

Spa & Wellness
More than 2000 springs are discovered in the territory of Georgia, which were used by local population for a long time. It is considered that mineral waters cure different diseases faster than the medicines. The influence of mineral waters is more increased if it is accompanied by air of mountains, sun rails and the greenery around.

The spa town of Borjomi, 150 km (93 miles) west of Tbilisi, developed by Tsar Nicholas in the 19th century as a spa town, produces much acclaimed mineral water. It is possible to hike in the surrounding hills.

Resort Tskhaltubo is located in the west of Georgia, in the ravine of the river “Tskhaltubo”, in 7km from Kutaisi, in 250 km from the capital city of Georgia – Tbilisi and in 70 km from the Black sea. The resort is located at 95-120 m above the sea level. Mineral water of Tskhaltubo has become a symbol of healthy life for a long time. That is why such unique gift of nature is called “Water of Immortality”. The healing properties of Tskhaltubo waters are famous from ancient times. Nowadays modern medical equipment gives us a possibility to improve treatment results.

Don’t miss a chance to visit Tbilisi sulphur baths which are located in a domed, oriental-style 19th-century bath places just north of the Metekhi Bridge. Currently very popular place, Georgian sulfur baths were also frequently visited by famous Russian writers such as Pushkin and Tolstoy.

Intrigued? Great! The names you should put on your map are as follow: Kvareli (for wine spa), Borjomi, Tskaltubo, Sairme and Likani (for various kinds of mineral water treatments). Don’t forget to visit Tbilisi sulfur baths, as you travel to the Georgian capital!

SHORT TBILISI GUIDE FOR FAMILIES
A lot of families come to Tbilisi for city breaks in the wintertime. Delighted by this, we prepared a little guide to Tbilisi and Georgia for our guests. Hope that you will enjoy your stay here!

WEATHER, TRANSPORT AND MONEY
Wintertime in Tbilisi is not cold, sub-zero temperatures is a rare phenomenon, but often it is quite windy, so a hat and a scarf are worth being packed in your bag. If you decide to continue your trip to Batumi or Imereti region, expect the air to be more humid – after all, it is a subtropical zone.

In every Georgian airport both official and unofficial taxis will not leave you standing alone with your luggage in the middle of the arrivals hall. In addition to taxi, from the Batumi airport there is a bus to the city; Kutaisi airport cooperates with Georgian Bus company, which makes regular trips to Tbilisi, Batumi and Mestia, and from Tbilisi airport there are regular daytime and night buses to the city center.

In all the shops, hotels and restaurants in Georgia you can only pay with the national currency. Of course, many hotels put prices in dollars on their websites, but they make it rather for convenience, as not the whole world keeps in mind the exchange rate of our small but proud lari. In short, when you arrive at the airport, look for a bank branch or an exchange to pay for a taxi.

PLACES TO SEE IN TBILISI
The historical sights of Tbilisi require a full day walk. Start with a cable car trip to Narikala fortress (VI century), walk down to the Abanotubani (Sulfur Bath District) and Leghvtakhevi Waterfall, continue to the streets of Old Tbilisi, including Shardeni area (a tip: your kids with love Luca Polare ice creams and frozen yogurts!).

Take a walk in Rike Park and get to see a magnificent Sameba (Trinity) Cathedral. Make a break with khachapuri and Laghidze lemonade in the yard of Sameba and walk down again.

After crossing the Dry Bridge with antique market near it, get to the pedestrian part of Aghmashenebeli Street that used to be a part of the German colony. Walk towards Marjanishvili Square, cross the bridge towards Rustaveli Avenue and continue there.

Climb upwards to the lower funicular station (it started operating in 1905!) and go to the top of Mtatsminda mountain. This is the best viewpoint! Your kids will love the amusement park and a ride on a Ferris Wheel.

Don’t forget to check the main museums:
– National Museum with its collection from Dmanisi, where the first European species of Homo were from, with its golden treasury and Museum of Soviet occupation too.
– National Gallery that houses permanent exhibitions of the Georgian painters of different centuries and hosts temporary exhibitions of Georgian and international artists every 2-3 months.
– The Ethnographic Museum and Kus Tba (Turtle Lake) are also a great place to be with kids.

Note down: all museums are closed on Monday.

After you are done with this, go to the famous sulfur baths in the historical Abanotubani district or at Lisi Lake. Your body will be grateful!

Best Retreats In The Mountains Of Georgia
Mountainous regions of Georgia are both challenging and relaxing place, where you can distract yourself from your daily routine and discover the new edge of self. It’s not just a nice sentence each media uses for description of a travel destination. It is real: even though our highlands are not that well groomed and broadly advertised as Alps or Himalayas, they offer you great authentic experiences of simplicity and hardship of local life.

Recently Georgians from rural regions and mountains started re-making their homes to guest houses, so the accommodation market is growing. Some rural areas like Kazbegi or Mestia can even offer a luxury stay in an incredibly pure environment. It depends on you, what kind of retreat you prefer: spa hotel with a view, a room in a little wooden house or a tent in the middle of nowhere.

Let’s talk about the destinations now. In Georgia, there are several main destinations for mountain tourism: Kazbegi, Svaneti, Tusheti, Racha, Borjomi-Bakuriani area, mountainous Ajara. For above mentioned classy holiday you might choose hotels like Rooms Kazbegi, Tetnuldi or Banguriani in Mestia, Svaneti. Those are the biggest ones in their respective locations. Bakuriani is a mountainous resort, so in winter it is full of skiers, and in summer families and those who want to improve their health come here to feel the influence of curative air and mineral waters. The other regions as Tusheti, Khevsureti and Racha are rather for seekers of authentic experiences. They are not chic, but extremely picturesque!

So what are the exact places to go for a retreat? Where the pristine nature takes you away from rush and stress? We list the most unknown ones, but keep in mind, that there are much more!

Bakhmaro
This small resort village can not offer you a stay in a big hotel, but the air, which is mixing the smell of pines with sea breeze, the dense forests and views of Lesser Caucasus are calming you down. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets, peaceful nature and lack of mass tourism will help you tranquil your mind, and fresh dairy products and local mineral waters rich with calcium will please your body.

The best time to travel there is from late July till mid-September. It is in 120 km from Kutaisi and 340 km from Tbilisi, so you can take a car or a minibus to reach the place.

Mtirala National Park
This protected area is the most humid point of the country! “Mtirala” means “the crying one”, and that’s all because of level of humidity and amount of rains. Jungle as it is! Can you imagine this in 1.5 – 2 hours drive from vibrant Batumi, the heart of seaside entertainment of Georgia? Told you: our nature can surprise anyone!

If you want to hide from civilization in a green place, which keeps a couple of impressive medieval arch-shaped bridges, meditate in the Georgian jungle and hike a bit, go to Mtirala. All protected areas of Georgia usually have some accommodation units – cottages and tents for rent. This is not an exception. You can stay there overnight and explore all the routes in 2-3 days.

Juta
A lot of people know Kazbegi mount and village Stepantsminda at its foot. How about exploring some other interesting places in the region? The village Juta is a cool place to start a hike to 5 sharp peaks Chaukhi range or to make a shorter trip to a lake and to picnic, do some yoga or just camp there.

There are guesthouses and a great camping facility called Zeta Camp. Getting information about the available routes, swinging in a hammock and enjoying a cup of Georgian tea never felt so pleasant!

Shatili
This is the place where the time stopped and keeps standing still and observing the newcomers. Shatili, a village in historical province Khevsureti, looks like a bunch of swallow nests between green mountains. It is inhabited just in summer that lasts from June till mid-September, that’s why we advise you to take your chance to explore it. Green mountains and valleys, mighty river streams, pristine nature and silence – that’s what will balance your soul and body pretty well.

In the area nearby there are abandoned fortresses, which have experienced dramatic fights from the far past.

Abastumani
Stargazing, radon springs, pines and calmness. This all is about Abastumani, the resort village in the mountains of Southern Georgia, which used to be one of the favorite resorts of the Russian royal family. Best air for those who suffer from respiratory diseases or have any problems with lungs, healing baths for those who want to improve the musculoskeletal system, and old Soviet observatory for those who are interested in spying the open space.

Getting to Abastumani from Tbilisi or Batumi takes about 3.5 – 4 hours. Guesthouses are the main type of accommodation there. On the way you will enjoy some very picturesque views, and we are sure that the nature will mesmerize you.

So if you decide to clean up your mind and practice any exercise and admire the nature, we will be happy to see you in our mountains!

Georgia becomes more and more attractive in terms of winter sports and adventure holidays. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels can have a great time at the winter resorts of our country.

Those who are just learning to ski, can go to Bakuriani, where the slopes are more gentle. This resort has well-developed infrastructure for a vacation with family and children: while you improve your skills or taste the whole variety of culinary delicacies and famous Georgian wine, your children can enjoy the attention of professional skiing instructors or experienced nurses.

Gudauri is a cool place for fans of steep slopes, freeride and heli-skiing. Those who look for thrilling experiences and want to enjoy the mountain views from the highest points can go paragliding and speedriding. On the other hand, in Gudauri there is also a place for those who just want to get out of town, get some fresh air, take a steam bath, drink mulled wine or taste Georgian brandies and chacha.

Svanetian resorts, Hatsvali and Tetnuldi, are relatively young compared to Bakuriani and Gudauri. It is better to reach both places from Mestia, the central village of Svaneti. New lifts, steep slopes and crazily beautiful views will make you enjoy every moment. These mountains are higher than the Alps! Totally worth going.

Ajara region, traditionally famous for sea, sun, nightlife and boat-like khachapuri, now also boasts with a new snow resort, Goderdzi. Well, khachapuri is always delicious, dancing in trendy places or trying your luck in casino is possible anytime, but skiing so close to the coast is possible only in the wintertime. So, whatever you would prefer for your winter holidays, can be found in Georgia. You are always welcome!

Skiing & Snowboarding
Speaking of classic winter vacation, the first thing that comes to our mind is skiing on the white mountain slopes, playing snowballs, drinking mulled wine and gathering around the bonfire after an active day outdoors. Where to get it all in Georgia? In the season 2017-2018 there will be five options: Gudauri, Bakuriani, Hatsvali, Tetnuldi and Goderdzi.

Georgian Mountain Resorts Development Company provides the most up-to-date information about them. We will also give you a short review.

Bakuriani
Bakuriani ski resort is situated 1700 m above sea level on the northern slope of Trialeti Range, at footsteps of the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains and 180 km to the north of the capital Tbilisi. Due to its long winters (3-4 months), the resort is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders alike. It is also a superb venue for children to engage in winter sports and activities.

Resort offers:
8 Ski lifts
27 km of ski runs 15% with artificial snow
Levels of ski pistes – Intermediate, Advanced & Expert
Night Skiing

Goderdzi
Goderdzi Ski resort situated on a north-facing plateau at a top elevation of 2290 m from sea level, 120 km from Batumi capital of Ajara is ideal four-season mountain resort by its location and infrastructure. Here, mountains are snow-covered (6-7 m of snow) from November till April, while the gently rolling topography of the valley floor offers plentiful zones.

Resort offers:
2 Ski lifts
8 km of ski runs
Levels of ski pistes – intermediate, advanced, expert
Ski Tours

Gudauri
Alpine resort Gudauri with skiable area enjoying maximum exposure to the sun is situated 2200 m above sea level on a south-facing plateau of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range and 120 km to the north of the capital Tbilisi. It is a perfect mountain ski resort certificated by FIS, for all levels of skiers and snowboarders to discover new passion and share perfect moments with friends or family members. Gudauri has high altitude powder, offering virtually unrestricted access to an altitude of 4,200 meters. Season usually lasts for 4 months and snow on the slopes gets up to 3-4 m. Valleys and untouched foothills offer exceptional cross-country skiing and freeriding opportunities.

Resort offers:
11 Ski lifts & 3 Moving carpets
70 km of ski runs 15% with artificial snow
Levels of ski pistes – Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Expert
Unlimited off-piste
Night Skiing
Heli-ski
Snow Park
Ski tours

Mestia/Svaneti
Mestia is a highland townlet in northwest Georgia situated at an elevation of 1,500 meters in Caucasus Mountains. It is a perfect start of a way to two ski resorts, Hatsvali and Tetnuldi, for freeriding and off-piste lovers, as mountains are snow-covered for early December till early April.

Hatsvali
1 ski lifts
7 km of ski runs
3 levels of ski pistes – intermediate, advanced, expert
Night Skiing
Heli-ski
Freeriding
Ski tours
Off-Piste

Tetnuldi
4 ski lifts
30 km of ski runs
8 ski run
3 levels of ski pistes – intermediate, advanced, expert
Heli-ski
Freeriding
Ski tours
Off-Piste

New Year In Georgia
Sometimes it doesn’t matter to which tradition or confession we belong: as the whole world counts the seconds to the New Year, each of us also hopes for the best and makes wishes. Smooth sliding into the new year in a new country with its own traditions is always interesting. Georgia can offer you recreation on its winter resorts, various events in the bars and restaurants of Tbilisi, impressive fireworks at the seaside in Batumi, interesting cultural discoveries and the most beautiful landscapes. Read more about reasons to celebrate New Year in Georgia here! Discover more about winter activities in Tbilisi, Batumi or around our winter resorts. Make your holidays special!

Top 10 Winter Experiences Of Georgia
Georgians are the most welcoming people in the world! And we know how confusing it can be for you to plan your winter vacation in our country that has always been famous for its sea, sun, wine and mountains. That’s why we picked these ten experiences for you, so that you would make the most out of your holidays.

1. Learning to ski (if you still couldn’t)
There are really good ski instructors and ski camps for adults and kids at our ski resorts. The biggest amount of them is in Gudauri and Bakuriani.

2. Trying heli-ski (if you tried everything possible before)
If you are experienced enough, and your seek for adrenaline, heli-ski is something you would really enjoy! Untouched snow, fabulous altitude and crazy landscapes are waiting for you in Gudauri, Kazbegi and Mestia.

3. Visiting sulfur baths in Tbilisi
Everyone has heard about them, but not everybody knows that it’s not your average touristic thing. We go there too, when we are tired and want to recover. Strong massage with immense amounts of soap and hot sulfuric water do their thing pretty well!

4. Raving in Bassiani
The most famous Georgian club is not a place where you can easily walk it, which makes it more appealing to the fans of high class electronic music. Only top DJs, only right people!

5. Treating yourself with healing waters
Book spa treatment in one of the hotels in Borjomi, Sairme or Likani, or simply jump into the natural steaming water in the Mineral Waters Park in the center of Borjomi. The pools are located in its very end.

6. Having a wine tour
Even if the harvest season (Rtveli) is over, the wineries are always happy to welcome the guests. Encounter with 8000-years-old tradition of winemaking and sample the most interesting Georgian wines, so rich on tannins, so flavourful, so unique!

7. Visiting mysterious caves
Not far from Kutaisi, there are two caves that are accessible for the travelers – Sataplia and Prometheus are the names. Both of them are very impressive! The first one preserves the fossilized footprints of the dinosaurs, the second one is a bit bigger and offers a boat trip along the underground river in the end. Be aware of the fact that both are closed on Mondays!

8. Tracing different civilizations and cultures
Georgia was always in the middle of regional events, that’s why many cultures have influenced us. Visit the cave town Uplistsikhe to see how humans made the whole town out of rock several thousands years ago. A visit to the archaeological sites Dmanisi and Samshvilde will showcase the life of ancient people, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, David Gareji cave monastery, Nekresi Monastery hidden in the forest on the mount will show you the different aspects of early Christianity in Georgia.

9. Enjoy subtropical nature
Going to the West gives you a refreshing experience of seeing green plants in winter. For example, Batumi Botanical Garden is simply fantastic!

10. Shop Georgian!
Clothes made by the Georgian designers as well as food and spices made in Georgia are always on the shopping list of a person who wants to bring home something special. We are sure that you will find the best and most interesting accessories, clothes and jewelry for you and your friends and family!

Summer at the Georgian sea coast starts already at the end of May or beginning of June. The weather is usually hot, so you can breathe fresh sea air and swim, if the water is warm enough.

Actually the best time for swimming in the sea is from middle of June till end of September. The water is really enjoyable, and the beautiful landscapes just make your vacation as good as it can be.

Each Georgian sea resort has its own peculiarities.

Batumi is a center of nightlife and entertainment, famous for its discos, clubs, cafes and long beautiful promenade, where you can cycle or have a pleasant walk before giving in to dancing. Also make sure to taste local Adjarian food, it is a bit different from the other regional cuisines of Georgia! Finish your meal with coffee brewed on sand, Batumi style.

Batumi Botanical Garden is an attraction for those who love nature: you can spend the whole day walking there! Kobuleti, Chakvi, Gonio and Kvariati are good places for a peaceful vacation with family. If you spend your vacation in Kobuleti, you can visit Kintrishi Protected Area, see beautiful waterfalls, typical Adjarian arch bridges, walk in the forest, learn more about Georgian flora and fauna.

Another little nook for swimming in clear waters is Tsikhisdzriri village. Its paradisal corner has a little public beach, camping and also a posh spa resort nearby.

Ureki and Grigoleti in Guria with their magnetic sand is a really good place for improving your health. Many locals tale their kids there for summertime.

Little settlement Shekvetili in Guria, where smell fo pines and sea is in the air, there is a Musical Park, where bronze stars from the past sing. The stars from the present come to perform at brand new Black Sea Arena.

Another unexpected musical hub is Anaklia – a small climatic resort which has a lot of space, interesting architectural objects – from ancient fortress to ultra modern bridge. Recently it started hosting electronic festivals.

Heritage Sites
Cave Towns Among the few notable cave towns in the world, the Georgian ones are of very special interest. Uplistsikhe, David Gareji monastery, and the world-famous cave town of Vardzia are nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage list. Uplistsikhe, ‘the fortress of the Lord’, can be dated back to the early Iron Age, and is located on a high rocky escarpment overlooking the bank of the Mtkvari River. Cut from natural sandy stone, the 8 hectares of cave-town have survived millions of people, erosion, aging and even earthquakes, but it still remains a good example of the mixture of pagan & Christian architecture.

David Gareji monastery was founded in the 6th century on the slopes of the Gareji hills by one of the thirteen Syrian Fathers, Father David (Garejeli). Those fathers were missionaries from Mesopotamia promoting and spreading Christianity, the respected founders of many monasteries and holy places around Georgia. The frescoes here are superb. Some of them date as far back as the 9th and 10th centuries. The Golden Age of Georgia is directly reflected in the incredible 11th – 13th century frescoes. The incredible cave town of Vardzia dates back to Queen Tamar’s reign, nearly a thousand years ago. Her father, King George III started the foundation of the complex, while Queen Tamar continued its construction. Many frescoes date back to the beginning of the XII century.

The complex itself consists of small chapels, bell towers, secret tunnels, monks’ caves as well as a fully functioning monastery to this day. Set in the most serene and stunning countryside, its beautiful location captures your imagination and brings you back to the era of Queen Tamar’s reign.

Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery(UNESCO WEB) The construction of Bagrati Cathedral, named after Bagrat III, the first king of united Georgia, started at the end of the 10th century and was completed in the early years of the 11th century. Although partly destroyed by the Turks in 1691, its ruins still lie in the centre of Kutaisi. The Gelati Monastery, whose main buildings were erected between the 12th and 17th centuries, is a well-preserved complex, with wonderful mosaics and wall paintings. The cathedral and monastery represent the flowering of medieval architecture in Georgia.

Historical Monuments of Mtskheta(UNESCO WEB) The historic churches of Mtskheta, former capital of Georgia, are outstanding examples of medieval religious architecture in the Caucasus. They show the high artistic and cultural level attained by this ancient kingdom.

Upper Svaneti(UNESCO WEB) Preserved by its long isolation, the Upper Svaneti region of the Caucasus is an exceptional example of mountain scenery with medieval-type villages and tower-houses. The village of Chazhashi still has more than 200 of these very unusual houses, which were used both as dwellings and as defence posts against the invaders who plagued the region.

Pilgrimage
As one of the first countries in the world to convert to Christianity, in just the 4th century AD, today Georgia is proud to provide for full religious freedom. While the majority of the country is Christian, Georgia has always been a home for people who belong to different religions… It is one of the few countries where churches, mosques, synagogues and chapels co-exist peacefully side by side. Wandering through Tbilisi one can lose count of the religious buildings and memorials, but you never feel like it is too much.

Bagrati Cathedral The construction of Bagrati Cathedral, named after Bagrat III – the first king of united Georgia, started at the end of the 10th century and was completed in the early years of the 11th century. The Cathedral holds special importance in the history of Georgia as an architectural and cultural monument.

Gelati Monastery The cathedral is situated 11 km westwards from Kutaisi. The Gelati Monastery, with its main buildings erected between the 12th and 17th centuries, was an important religious, cultural and educational center of Georgia. The monastery complex is included in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list and its architecture is well known for wonderful mosaics and frescos. King David the Builder, the most celebrated King of Georgia, is buried in the yard of the monastery.

Motsameta Monastery Motsameta Monastery is located 6 kilometers from Kutaisi. The present day church dates back to the 11th century, however there are historic records stating that a church was constructed here as far back as the 8th century. Motsameta attracts crowds of tourists with an ancient superstition: if one crawls three times under the ark and makes a wish while touching the hallows, the wish will come true.

Archeology
Many countries have ancient beginnings. But very few can, like Georgia, trace their history back nearly two million years. The discovery of 1.8 million year old remains in the hills just south of Tbilisi provides the missing link in human expansion between Africa and Europe. There are many reasons to come to Georgia, and gold is just one of them. Our museums and even stories are encased with gold: gold statues and figurines, belts and crowns from ancient tribes and peoples, like the Colchis. It was the Colchis, Georgia’s ancient people, who are widely believed to have inspired some of our most famous visitors: Jason and the Argonauts.

According to legend, the Colchis owned a famous, superb Golden Fleece and Jason and the Argonauts were sent to claim it and bring it back to Greece. The fleece itself was probably inspired by the practice of sifting for gold in the high, fast flowing mountain rivers of Georgia by leaving a sheep’s fleece in the river overnight. When taken out of the river, hung from a tree and dried out, the gold can literally be brushed out. The whole story of Jason’s quest for the fleece and his meeting with the Georgian princess Medea, the famous sorceress daughter of Aeetes, King of Colchis, can still be enjoyed today in Homer’s The Odyssey.

Georgian Folklore
Georgian Music
Georgian polyphonic music tradition is world-renowned and calls upon an enchanting combination of ancient and modern harmonies. In 2001 UNESCO acknowledged this music as “a masterpiece of the world’s intangible cultural heritage”. Its unique, slightly dissonant style has not changed for centuries. The Greek historian Strabo recorded the multi-voiced chants of Georgians riding into battle as early as in the 1. century BC. The songs, made up of three-part harmonies, are still in the blood of modern society. They can be heard in churches and monasteries across the country; down Tbilisi’s back-streets of an early evening; or across the village fields in summer. They are also very much a part of the Georgian feast (supra).

Georgian Dance
Georgian dance, like the national polyphonic songs, remain a major cultural export. The Georgian State Dance Ensemble tours the world for most of the year. The vigorous, vibrant men leap high in the air; clash swords amidst flying sparks and razor sharp daggers are thrown into the floor in a frenetic, breathtaking choreography. All this is contrasting with the women’s graceful, elegant and beautiful dances. Fabulous multi-colored costumes from the many mountain regions, wild drumming, accompanied by sound of pipes and accordions… The impression is mesmeric and truly unforgettable!

Ballet
The Tbilisi Ballet has recently undergone a major refurbishment inspired by the returning of Nino Ananiashvili, former Principal Ballerina at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The performances are now of the highest quality, and they follow the tradition of dance forged by the former great Georgian dancers like George Balanchine.

The European Route Of Historic Theatres
Z. Paliashvili Opera And Ballet State Theatre
“This is the only theatre in the city, the interior of which is totally Moorish in style, and it is undoubtedly one of the most elegant, beautiful and fascinating theatre buildings that mankind has seen.” (L’Illustration, October 25, 1851) The history of the Tbilisi Opera House began 165 years ago. On April 12, 1851, the first opera house in Transcaucasia was inaugurated with a Grand Masked Ball, attended by the high society of Tbilisi. But on October 11, 1874, this opera house was destroyed by a fire. In 1896, the present building, designed by the architect Victor Schröter, was completed.

This building, too, suffered damages in the course of time, but was restored to its original form in 1978 (architects: Leri Medzmariashvili, Murtaz Chachanidze), preserving the oriental, neo-Moorish style of the building. Six rehearsal halls were included in the structure (three for ballet, two for opera and one for the orchestra), and in the foyer of the theatre, three remarkable halls – called the Red Hall, the Blue Hall and the Mirror Hall – host vocal and chamber music concerts and exhibitions.

Hiking And Trekking
Getting away from it all is easy in Georgia. The most untouched nature in Europe is for true lovers of hiking and trekking. Whether you’re following ancient trails along lush river valleys, past ancient stone towers and castles or catching your breath on high altitude mountain paths, it is likely that you will be the only person for miles around. Many paths have been maintained over the centuries by locals dedicated to looking after their cattle and livestock, and with so many trails to choose from, your walk can be as challenging or as easy-going as you like. And what an experience. Marvel at the magnificent snowy peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, full of hidden valleys and glaciers. Lower down you come across more varieties of animals, birds and flowers than in any other European country. Wherever you walk, you’ll be sure of a warm welcome. Whether you choose to sit and drink some local wine, sample the delicious locally produced food or even stay overnight in the villagers’ homes, you’ll never be treated better.

4×4 Adventure
Because Georgia is a compact and diverse country, there is a very small distance between completely contrasting landscapes: deserts, sea, subtropics, tea plantations, high mountains etc. Almost everything can be seen within a day or so travelling in a 4×4 vehicle. See the breathtaking scenery change with your own eyes, moment by moment, and capture the essence of what it feels like to be in Georgia. Local off-road tours are a great choice for People who loves nature. Get ready for unique adventure to collect your once-in-a lifetime memories. You will explore the legends, history, wildlife and geology of Georgia. Drive to must-see lookout points of Svaneti and well-known landmarks including Grandview Point of Kazbegi. There is also a chance to go off-road totally, without going through beaten paths. Enduro motorbikes and safari cars wait for you to drive you really crazy!

Mountaineering
If you are adventurous and enjoy challenges, test yourself for mountaineering in Georgia. This country offers you the best-in-Europe climbing opportunities. Infinite mountains and snowy peaks of Caucasus build up the whole north border of Georgia. With twelve mountains, higher than Mont Blanc and some of the most spectacular peaks in Europe among them, Georgia is becoming the mountaineers’ new favorite destination. While only the bravest can anticipate scaling over 5,000 meters at Kazbegi or Georgia’s highest mountain, Shkhara, there are a huge number of easier, lower climbs for mountaineers of various levels.

Biking
With so many fabulous mountains, countryside and well established paths, Georgia is a perfect venue to fulfill your mountain bike ambitions. Race along high ridges or amble down elegant valleys; the choice is limitless and invigorating! The area of the country is small, so you can cover the whole Georgia within several days. Your ride will be the safest ever with no danger animals. Rather, Georgians will meet you with the best hospitality and provide any support you need including yummy food and tempting homemade wine. You will discover the absolute contrast of breathtaking scenic landscapes on very short distances. And you don’t even need to take water with you – just fill your bottle with the pure springs of running down from Caucasus mountains. Get refreshed and move on!

Rafting & Kayaking
In Georgia there are many wild fast flowing rivers fed from glaciers in the surrounding mountains. The water races from their 5.000 meter peaks to the sea. There are a lot of opportunities for rafting there, so you can take advantage of many safely organized tours and experience this incredible adventure by yourself. No matter which part of Georgia you are visiting, you will be able to catch a flow of a cold mountain rivers. There are the six grades of difficulty in white water rafting. They range from simple to very dangerous. Amateurs can test themselves on river Mtkvari near Mtskheta, or Aragvi in summertime, while the true lovers of extreme will get their doze of adrenaline on Tskenistkali and Enguri in Svaneti, or Rioni in Letchkhumi.

Caving
Georgia, especially its Western part, contains an amazing array of cave systems, from underground rivers and lakes to enormous caverns and limestone scenery. Trek or ride to some of the many canyons that make up the landscape, and feel the thrill of seeing the 300 million year old dinosaur footprint on the rock. They look so fresh that you can almost believe the animals that made them are only just around the next corner. The Tskaltubo Cave system has not yet been fully explored, but even now it offers to the adventurers the chance to go over a kilometer underground and take a boat across its enchanted lake. Professional cavers will find much for them in the Samegrelo and Imereti Regions.

Paragliding
Imagine gliding through clear blue skies over the vast landscapes with scenic beauty like no other. If that interests you, look no further, for Georgia offers a safe and beautiful paragliding experience! In paragliding, you will be on a comfortable seat and have the ability to maneuver your speed and direction. As is the case with other air related sports, you are not required to jump from high altitudes. In paragliding, a person is launched by jogging on a downward slope to gain speed and can be aborted with ease if required. Filled with high cliffs, hot sun, and icy peaks, the opportunities to catch a thermal in Georgia is overwhelming. Why not come and find that perfect spot for yourself.

Bird Watching
With over 360 endemic species of birds, Georgia is a bird-watchers dream. Principal migration routes through the high Caucasus and along the Black Sea corridor provide superb viewing opportunities in stunning settings.

Hunting And Fishing
Georgia has an impressive diversity of fauna that makes this country attractive for Big Game as well as Small Game Hunters. Georgia is an important migration point for birds, passing through the border, which according to the season is a great opportunity to hunt more, than thirty different species of birds. When it comes to hunting activities of other animals and birds, there are specially located hunting farms allowing hunting across different parts of Georgia. Also Georgian lakes and rivers boast with variety of fish species.

Major ones are trout, common carp, vendace, chub, crucian carp, silver carp, bighead carp and barbel. The best places for fishing are Paliastomi and Paravani lakes, Tkibuli and Shaori reservoirs, Black Sea coast of Samegrelo region, especially Anaklia. In Alazani and Aragvi rivers you can catch catfish and carp. There are also fish farms near Kutaisi and Kazbegi, and lake resorts Lopota and Kvareli, where you are charged for fishing, but you can also rent the equipment there, and be sure that your catch is guaranteed!

Eco – National Parks
Georgia’s natural environment is one of the most special in the world. National parks and protected areas cover more than 7% of Georgia. 75% of the all protected areas are covered with woods. There are 14 national reserves, 9 national parks, 17 suppressed, 14 natural monuments and 2 protected landscapes in Georgia. The Georgian landscape is especially suited to eco-tourists, due to its relatively unspoiled status and absence of mass tourism. Amateur botanists or zoologists are going to find themselves in a real heaven full of rare plants and animals.

Horse Riding
If walking becomes too tiring, you can always ride. Breathe in the pure sweet air as you gallop across the green plateaus of Southern Georgia; gasp as your horse pulls you up and over the high passes in Khevsureti or Tusheti. And at the end of the day, camp in the remotest, most idyllic of places or find a home stay to bed down for the night. Allowing you to travel into areas beyond the reach of even today’s 4x4s; you’ll understand why horses are so perfect for exploring more of the country.

Ballooning
Hot air balloon flights are like no other adventure! The emotions are overwhelming, the scenery seen from up high is enchanting. You are surrounded by complete silence, as vineyards and orchards slowly pass by beneath the basket…

The balloon reaches the altitude of 50 m and more where stunning views over the valley and snow-covered summits of the Great Caucasus unfold before your eyes.

KAZBEGI National Park

It is located on the northern slopes of the mighty Caucasus range, and its protected area covers a total of over 8,700 hectares. At 5,047 metres above sea level, Kazbegi Mountain (or Mkinvartsveri) is the third highest mountain in Georgia, and is surrounded by myths and religious tradition.

According to Greek mythology, as punishment for teaching mankind how to make fire, the Titan Prometheus was chained to a mountainside in the Caucasus for all eternity. According to Georgian stories, it was the icy slopes of Kazbegi to which he was chained. Prometheus (known as Amirani in Georgia) was supposedly imprisoned in a cave 4,000 meters high. The cave, now called Betlemi (Bethlehem), later served as a dwelling for orthodox monks, and is said to have contained many sacred relics, including Abraham’s tent and Christ’s manger.

Hot springs and acidic and carbonated lakes surround the mountain, and earth tremors are fairly frequent. Covered with 135 square kilometres of glacier, Kazbegi is a great place for ice climbing and mountaineering. The Dariali Gorge is an impossibly steep cleft in the mountains connecting Russia and Georgia, running for 18km from Stepantsminda to the Russian border at Zemo Larsi (Upper Lars). For millennia, this mountain passage has been strategically crucial, and has been fortified since at least 150 BC.

In places, the cliff faces are more than 1,000m high, and medieval watchtowers, waterfalls and wildlife make this one of the most incredible roads in the world. The steep valleys either side of the gorge are great places for bird watching. Eagles, hawks and the massive griffon vultures all nest among the rocky outcrops. The town of Stepantsminda (also called Kazbegi) itself is charming and a wonderful base camp for exploring the region further.

There are many guesthouses where locals are happy to treat you like family, rustic and beautiful with views of the mountains, and often the picturesque Gergeti Trinity Church.

Tbilisi

Georgia’s ancient and vibrant capital city spreads out on both banks of the Mtkvari River, and is surrounded on three sides by mountains. The most widely accepted variant of the legend of Tbilisi’s founding says that in the mid-5th century AD, King Vakhtang I Gorgasali was hunting in the heavily wooded region with a falcon. The King’s falcon allegedly caught or injured a pheasant during the hunt, after which both birds fell into a nearby hot spring and died from burns. King Vakhtang became so impressed with the hot springs that he decided to cut down the forest and build a city. The name Tbilisi derives from the Old Georgian word “tbili”, meaning warm. Archaeological studies of the region indicate human settlement in the area early as the 4th millennium BC.

Mtskheta
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been inhabited since before 1,000 BC and was once the capital of the early Kingdom of Iberia (today’s Eastern Georgia). Just 20 km from Tbilisi, at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, the city is located on an ancient trade route. Archaeologists have unearthed evidence of Mtskheta’s status as a major trading post. Glass perfume bottles, Greek and Aramaic writings, pottery, metalwork and jewelry have all been unearthed in abundance here, and many examples are on show in the town’s museum.

The ancient geographer Strabo described Mtskheta as a highly developed city with a water supply system, markets and stone houses. Mtskheta was also the religious centre of the country, with a number of major shrines to Georgia’s pagan pantheon; these would later be replaced by churches when St. Nino converted the country to Christianity in around 337 AD. Although the capital was moved to the more easily defended Tbilisi at the beginning of the VI century, Mtskheta continued to be the coronation and burial place of Georgian kings, and the seat of the Patriarch, who is also known as the Bishop of Mtskheta. Today, the lovely old town has a laid back, village feel, especially compared to the more hectic pace of Tbilisi.

Gori
The original fortress, constructed on a hilltop, was named Gori (meaning hill in English), and was mentioned in the Georgian chronicles as early as the VII century. Some historians believe that the fortress was built by Byzantine Caesar Heraclius to store ammunition battles against the Persians.

Just after the XI century the area became an active center for trade. According to some historians, this was due to David the Builder founding the town. Because of its geographical location, enemies frequently targeted the fortress, as conquering it enabled control of the whole Shida Kartli region. The fortress has been invaded many times and controlled by Ossetians, Iranians and Persians, amongst others. The stronghold has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt.

The current iteration of the fortress was built in 1774, during the reign of Erekle II, but was significantly damaged by an earthquake in 1920. The Stalin Museum includes the memorial house where Joseph Stalin (1879-1953) was born, a museum building with a tower, and Stalin’s personal train car he used to visit Tehran, Yalta, and Potsdam. There are many unique exhibits displayed here, including personal belongings and collections of paintings, photos, films and other important historical artifacts.

Zugdidi
The city is the capital of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, which combines Samegrelo (Mingrelia) and Svaneti. The name “Zugdidi” means “big/great hill” in Laz and Mingrelian.

Zugdidi served as the capital of the principality of Mingrelia (Odishi) until 1867, when the principality was abolished by the Russian Empire. In 1993 the administration of the first President of Georgia, Zviad Gamsakhurdia, was here.

Kutaisi
Kutaisi, the capital of Imereti, is Georgia’s second largest city after Tbilisi. Elegant, tree lined streets with 19th century houses stretching down to the banks of the Rioni River, along with several attractive parks, make Kutaisi a very beautiful place to stroll around and take in the many sights.

In the Jewish Quarter a number of synagogues demonstrate the long history of the Georgian Jewish community. The town’s largest synagogue, built in 1866, can seat 500 worshipers. The magnificent churches of Bagrati and Gelati – both UNESCO world heritages sites – testify to the importance of the region.

Mestia
The main regional center of Zemo (Upper) Svaneti, is situated 456 km from Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi, and is 1,500 meters above sea level. It is the starting point for most trips to Svaneti, with a range of hotels, guesthouses and local travel services, and makes a convenient base for exploring the area. From the center of Mestia it is possible to hike up to the glaciers at the foot of mount Ushba, or take horses into the pristine alpine meadows. New ski resorts Hatsvali and Tetnuldi attract the attention of winter sports lovers who are looking for the new places and challenges.

Tourists interested in religious history will find plenty of examples of wall paintings, frescoes and icons from the Middle Ages in the churches around Mestia. Within Mestia, the Church of Saint George contains well-preserved crosses and icons from the XII century. Additionally, Pusdi Church still contains fragments of XIII century wall paintings.