Grand Tour of Georgia
2024
Highlights of the trip
During your stay you can enjoy the following highlights: Culture / Heritage, Faune and flora, Adventure / Sports & Leisure.
Best times to go
The best time(s) to go is/are : Printemps, Eté.
Petit Futé
Where to stay - Tbilissi ?
The map of your stay "Grand Tour of Georgia"
Detail of the stay : Grand Tour of Georgia
How to get there - Tbilissi
First step in Tbilisi
Steps: Tbilissi
Stroll along with the Tbilissiens on the lively artery of the city, Roustavéli Avenue. Explore adjacent neighbourhoods and take a detour to Mount Mtatsminda and its Georgian pantheon. Taste the Georgian culinary traditions, enjoy khinkalis and drink wine in some doukani (traditional tavern).
Places of interest : AVENUE ROUSTAVÉLI MONT ET PARC MTATSMINDA
Tbilisi, an astonishing city
Steps: Tbilissi
Visit the very eastern old town, where the time seems to have stopped. it is a veritable maze of streets where indigenous, Russian and Persian architectures blend strangely. Visit its churches, Georgian and Armenian, its mosque, synagogue, fortress and botanical garden, its ornés balconies. Don't miss the beautiful sulfure bains and Alexandre Dumas, where Azeri masseurs will take care of you.
Places of interest : MOSQUÉE DE TBILISSI SYNAGOGUE JARDIN BOTANIQUE DE TBILISSI
Between Soviet vestiges and Oriental accents
Steps: Tbilissi
Cross the bridge and visit the left bank of the Koura; discover the working-class, imperial-architecture district ofAghmachenebeli Avenue, with its beautiful 19th-century facades; then the station bazaar, Bazroba, a veritable city within the city, where Oriental-style life has re-emerged since the end of the Soviet era. Cross the river again to stroll through the prestigious Soviet districts of Véra and Vaké, the most popular with Tbilissians. Leaning against the hillside, Vaké gives way to the forest, home to the Ethnographic Museum, which recreates the traditional habitats of Georgia's different regions. Climb up to Turtle Lake, where the locals relax and get a taste of the mountains.
Places of interest : AVENUE AGHMASHENEBELI LAC DE LA TORTUE KUS TBA MUSÉE D'HISTOIRE ET D'ETHNOGRAPHIE
Mtskhéta, ancient Georgian capital
Steps: Mtskheta
Leave the metropolis for a taste of the Georgian countryside in Mtskheta : a small town 15 km from Tbilisi, the former Georgian capital, this is the country's true spiritual center. In a spectacular narrowing of the valley, the Monastery of the Cross (Djvari), at the end of the Great Caucasus range, overlooks the town. It was from here that Saint Nino is said to have converted the royal family to Christianity and planted the first cross in Georgia: a vine cross. Below, Svetitskhovéli Cathedral is the jewel of Georgian architecture, with its bas-reliefs, frescoes and icons. This is the religious heart of the country. If you have time, you can also visit the Chiomrvimé monastery. In Mtskheta, don't forget to eat lobio, a spicy red bean soup said to be the best in the country.
Places of interest : CATHÉDRALE DE SVETITSKHOVELI
Excursion to the end of the world
Steps: David Garedja
Take another step in the cave adventure: get lost in David Garedja's semi-desert monasteries. Asian centre landscape on the border of Azerbaijan, medieval cave frescoes in the middle of the steppe, astonishing architectural complexes, horse herders: you will feel at the end of the world. And you will be at the easternmost point of the Christian world. To go, you will pass through the Soviet Institution town, istrian in the middle of nowhere, and its impressive central Stalinist avenue.
On Traces of the past
Steps: Dmanissi
Excursion to Bolnissi, with its superb church which contains the oldest registration of Georgia, then to Dmanissi, a magnificent complex with church and ruins of medieval city, where were found the remains of the oldest European (1,8 million years).
In the footsteps of Stalin
Steps: Atenis Sioni
On the road to Gori, stop in Igoeti, at the beautiful church of Samtavissi. In Gori, visit the fortress, the old Catholic church and the Stalin museum. Visit also the church of the Croix-de-Saint-Georges, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the town. Then go to the troglodytic town of Ouplistsikhé, before going down into the Trialeti range of the Lesser Caucasus, in a narrow colourful valley, to the small church of Atenis Sioni, a replica of the Djvari church of Mtskheta, in a magnificent natural circus.
Places of interest : MUSÉE STALINE
Heading for West Georgia
Steps: Koutaïssi
Head for western Georgia on a historic route. In Kartlia, visit the superb churches of the Koura Valley, Ruissi and Ourbnissi. In Sourami, at the foot of the Likhi range that separates eastern and western Georgia, visit the famous fortress and church. In the valley that descends to the plain, visit the Oubissi convent. You arrive in Imeretia, the former Colchis, a hotbed of civilization and the heart of western Georgia. A green and cheerful region, it contrasts with the harsh, arid plateaus of Kartlie. Stay in the green hillside districts of old Koutaïssi, the country's second-largest city, which, despite the poor state of its industrial quarters, is not lacking in charm, with its old center dotted with relics of history, its green hills and its pleasant habitat with low houses and subtropical gardens.
Spiritual environment
Steps: Alaverdi
From Koutaïssi, visit the picturesque monastery of Motsameta, perched on a meandering river, then the monastic complex of Gelati, cultural capital of the reign of David the Builder, and former academy where the king is buried. The place is incomparably peaceful. Back in Koutaïssi, stroll through the streets on the banks of the Rioni and visit the romantic ruins of Bagrati Cathedral, one of Georgia's three ecclesiastical pillars (along with Svétitskhovéli and Alaverdi), partly destroyed during the Turkish invasions.
Places of interest : CATHÉDRALE DE BAGRATI MONASTÈRE DE GHÉLATI
Splendid mountain road
Steps: Chovi
Excursion to the Ratcha mountain range in the Greater Caucasus. Known for its wines, gentle, romantic landscapes and mineral water, the region is home to the magnificent Nikortsminda church, containing 11th-century frescoes. Stop en route at the splendid Lake Chaori. Continue on the superb mountain road to Oni, home to a curious synagogue, then on to the ancient mountain resort of Chovi, which, lost in the greenery, offers superb views of the peaks. You can spend the night here - or in Oni.
Places of interest : LAC DE CHAORI
Cap on Koutaïssa
Steps: Batoumi
Go down on Koutaïssi through the winding valley of Rioni. Stay in Koutaïssi or go directly to Batumi, through the beautiful Gourie area.
Discovering the Georgian Riviera
Steps: Batoumi
From Koutaïssi, head for Adjaria, an autonomous republic with a strong Muslim presence, a culture steeped in Turkish influences and a long history of political isolation. Today, it's the Georgian Côte d'Azur, with beaches, palm trees and an air of a banana republic. Visit Batumi, the country's third-largest city, but a true second capital and the only city ready to counterbalance Tbilisi in Georgia. Its mosque, port, Russian architecture and hills of orange, palm, tea and giant trees give it a surreal feel. It's a lively and pleasant city to enjoy to the full, especially in summer. It's the city in the region with the most sunshine and the most rainfall throughout the year.
On the shores of the Black Sea
Steps: Sarpi
Take a trip to Sarpi, a town on the border with Turkey, set in a cove between the Black Sea and lush hills. Its beach is perhaps the most beautiful in Georgia, and the first Turkish mosque can be seen here. On the way, visit the Roman fortress of Gonio. Back in Batoumi, visit the incredible flora of the Cape Verde Botanical Garden, three kilometers north of the city. In Batoumi, eat an adjare khatchapouri, an egg and cheese fritter shaped like a palm. And try the famous local coffee and baklava (oriental cake).
Places of interest : JARDINS BOTANIQUES DU CAP VERT
Mountain landscapes
Steps: Akhaltsikhe
To reach Samtské-Djavakhétie from Batoumi, the shortest route crosses Upper Adjara and the Goderdzi pass. This is a magnificent mountain road, rapidly changing from subtropical vegetation to arid high plateaus, but it's in poor condition. If you don't think you're up to it, or if the weather isn't ideal, take a longer trip via Koutaïssi and Sourami. Akhaltsikhé, a former Ottoman pashalik, is surrounded by superb arid mountains. Its old town, Rabati, is rich in mixed history. Orthodox, Armenian and Catholic churches, mosques, synagogues and its dilapidated state all hint at a sumptuous past. At the crossroads of cultures, with a large Armenian population, it's well worth a visit. Charles Aznavour's family are all Armenians. Nearby, visit the magnificent Sapara monastery.
Visit the region's splendid heritage
Steps: Vardzia
From Akhaltsikhé, visit the ancient troglodytic city of Queen Thamar, Vardzia, a 12th-century gem in a high valley at the headwaters of the Koura. Much larger than Ouplistsikhé (it had 50,000 inhabitants in the 12th century), it contains a cathedral painted into the rock. On the way down, stop off at the Khervtissi fortress, perched high above the river. Return to the valley to climb up to the Sapara monastery, which dominates the arid landscape of the region with its magnificent churches.
Bordjomi Thermal Park
Steps: Bakouriani
Descend from Akhaltsikhé to Bordjomi; the landscape becomes greener, steppe hills give way to black forest. Bordjomi was one of the most prestigious spa towns of the Russian Empire and produces the famous Georgian mineral water. Its thermal park is well worth a visit. From Bordjomi, go hiking in the green forests of the natural park or climb to the Bakouriani alpine resort to admire the scenery from above. In the evening, return to Tbilisi.
Tbilisi in depth
Steps: Tbilissi
You can rest by exploring the city's urban life further. Take a look at the maze of streets in Sololaki and Mtatsminda. go to the Flea Market flea market, or explore the modern Sabourtalo district, its universities and institutes. An evening at the theatre, opera or, if the occasion arises, a spectacle of folk dance is strongly recommended.
Places of interest : MARCHÉ DU PONT SEC
Kakhetia
Steps: Sighnaghi
From Tbilisi, travel east to Kakhetia, the foothills of the Great Caucasus and home to many of Georgia's proud traditions (wine, song). Along the way, churches and fortresses are a must-see. Visit the charming little town of Sighnaghi. Take the road to Telavi and, along the way, visit the curious double-spired church, unique in the region, of Kvélatsminda in Gourdjaani. In Telavi, with its charming little streets facing the Great Caucasus, visit the palace of Georgia's last king, Irakli II.
On the monastery trail
Steps: Nekressi
From Telavi, visit the Chouamta monasteries. Then visit the huge cathedral of Alaverdi, on the edge of Kakhetia, in the mountains of Tuchetia, where shepherds climb in summer. On the way, theIkalto Religious Academy. And don't forget to delve into the heart of Kakhetian wine and visit one of the many wine cellars... There are other churches and monasteries to visit within a short distance, such as Grémi or Nékréssi. Return to Tbilisi in the evening.
Crossing the Great Caucasus
Steps: Stépantsminda Khazbégui
Take the Georgian Military Road; stop at the fortified ecclesiastical complex ofAnanouri; cross the Cross Pass to Stepantsminda (Khazbegui) on the Terek. Hike to the foot of Mount Kazbek to the Chapel of the Holy Trinity. In the evening, dine on local khinkalis, said to be the best in the country. Accommodation in Stepantsminda is easy to find.
