Tbilisi and Caucasus Mountains Destination Guide
With so many different cultures and religions in one place, there are heaps of things to do while in Tbilisi! The city has different types of architectural styles, with influences from Europe and Asia and is one of the only places in the world where visitors can see churches, mosques and synagogues all within reach of one another. Take a stroll through Old Town and see all of what the city has to offer, with its pubs, cafes and restaurants or experience complete relaxation the city's Bath District.
Visitors wanting to get outside the city can enjoy the beautiful countryside of Tbilisi with a day trip up to the Narikala Fortress.
We offer so many exciting tours both in Tbilisi and the surrounding countryside that will offer you a real experience of local life, simply visit our Tbilisi Tours portal!
Things to See & Do in Tbilisi and Caucasus Mountains
Abanotubani (Bath District)
One of the best places to experience in Tbilisi is that of which the name derived. "Tbili" literally means warm in Georgian, and the Iranian Sulfur Baths in the Bath district of Abanotubani are a must-do for anyone visiting Tbilisi. The baths are also part of a local legend, where a 5th century king moved the capital of Georgia to Tbilisi after a deer that he had shot with an arrow had miraculously recovered after falling into the baths. Whether or not this is a true story, the baths are certainly a "hot spot" for travellers, and are known for their rheumatic healing powers.
Narikhala Fortress
The Narikala fortress is located on a mountain with a view over the city of Tbilisi. It was first begun in the 4th century, but has been added onto over the years from various powers, including Arab emirs, Turks, Persians and Russians. The remodeled St. Nicholas Church is located on the grounds and also a modern statue of the "Kartlis Deda" or Mother Georgia. Visitors can hike up to the fortress to explore the ruins and also enjoy the spectacular countryside and the panorama of Tbilisi and the Mtkavari River.
Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral
The Sioni Cathedral is located in the Old Town of Tbilisi and is the centre for Georgian Orthodox Catholicism together with the Holy Trinity Cathedral. After being reconstructed several times due to foreign invasions, the Cathedral was originally built in the 6th century. Today the church stands after its reconstruction in 1939, and is has the architectural style of a typical medieval church of Georgia, and is the only remaining basilica with three aisles in this region. The cathedral is located just off Leselidze Street, close to other churches and a synagogue.
Tbilisi Ethnographical Museum
Tbilisi Ethnographical Museum demonstrates the traditional Georgian style of living. In this open-air museum, all the regions of Georgia stand together. On 50-hectare territory 70 houses constituted, every house fenced and equipped with household devices. Estimate Georgian handicraft and see how Georgians lived and cooked until electricity had found it way here. Iron boilers hanged by chain over hearths and earthenware frying pans are smoked due to being frequently used. Wooden balconies carved with various ornaments look as if they were waiting for the return of the host.From the museum, you see breathtaking views as it lies on Mtatsminda Mountain, between Vake Park and Tortoise's Pond (Kus Tba). The museum is open every day from 11:00am to 16:00pm. Admission costs Euro 1.5 for adults, Euro 0.75 for students, Euro 0.25 for pupils. Tours accompanied by the guides costs Euro 5. Children under 6, the staff of the museums of foreign countries, specialists and students at their scientific researchers are permitted for free.
Tbilisi Opera and Ballet and Theatre
Lagodekhi Protected Areas
Situated on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus in the northeastern Georgia, Lagodekhi Protected Areas are 160 km away from Tbilisi and consist of the Strict Nature Reserve and the Managed Reserve. Here mornings begin with the voice of the Caucasian Snowcock, sub-alpine zones are populated by Eastern Caucasian Turs and Red Deers, rivers harbour trout, night atmosphere is permeated with the presence of owls. Forests are the main landmark of the Lagodekhi Protected Areas, introducing natural heritage of Georgia. Species of the place are endemic to not only Caucasus and Georgia, but also to Kakheti region itself. Lakes and rivers are abundant, mineral springs add to the unique nature of the area.Are you keen on exploring Lagodekhi Protected Areas yourself? Check out Accommodation in Lagodekhi and pick up a suitable hotel, guesthouse or a visitors' centre to stay at!
Borjom-Kharagauli National Park
Borjom-Kharagauli National Park is a part of the Lesser Caucasus in the central part of Georgia. Forests are untouched in the area, northern part at 1000 m features chestnut trees, beech and hornbeam, while forests at 1400 m are constituted with mixed coniferous and leafed trees. Park trails are arranged in accordance with the altitude that can last your hiking tour from 1 to 7 days.
Borjom-Kharagauli National Park harbours species of flora and fauna that are characteristic to the Colchis and western Caucasus areas. The place is a heaven of migrating birds. Evergreen bushes of rhododendron and cherry-laurel add to the beauty of the park.
Equally interesting is the surrounding areas where different religious and historic monuments such as Timotesubani Monastery and St. Mary Church cast a light on architecture and mural painting, villages let you know the local lifestyle and craftsmanship. Likani Palace - former residence of the Russian Tsars - nestling on the banks of Mtkvari river is worth a visit.
Borjom-Kharagauli Accommodation portal will guide you to local guesthouses and a visitors' centre that will arrange different tours for you.
Vashlovani Protected Area
Vashlovani Protected Areas are constituted with Vashlovani Strict Nature Reserve and Vashlovani National Park. They are situated in the southeastern Georgia. "Vashlovani" literally means "garden of apple trees" in Georgian. The area was named after Pistacio tree that is abundant in Vashlovani and resembles to apple trees.A whitish plane hill where gas and therapeutic mud bubble through craters is called Takhti Tepa and is one of the main marvels of the area. Vashlovani Protected Areas is the only place in Georgia that boasts such a wide variety of flora and fauna. Soil offers suitable conditions equally for highland plants, desert plants and water-inclined helophytes. Among birds one can encounter small ones, as well as scavengers and raptors. In Alazani river abundant species of fish can be found. The whole area is a shelter of 46 species of mammals.
Come and engage with various activities. Accommodation page of Vashlovani is a helpful guide to local guesthouses and visitors' centre of the area.
Tusheti Protected Areas
Tusheti Protected Areas with inaccessible snow-capped mountains are located 190 km north of Tbilisi, comprising Tusheti Strict Nature Reserve, Tusheti National Park and Tusheti Protected Landscape. It is ideal place for trekking, exploring various domestic breeds of animal, endemic species, getting acquainted with local craftsmanship. Ancient villages imply historic-traditional and economic meaning. Tusheti forests are untypical to Georgia and are distinguished with extraordinary landscape.Tusheti Protected Areas are rich in flora, fauna and avifauna. Here one can see endemic plants Rock Bellflower and Georgian Hazelnut, less common Red Deer and Wild Boar, Bearded Vultures and the fastest Peregrine Falcon. All the characteristics of the area provide opportunities for amateur fishing, camping, birdwatching and historical-cultural tours.
In order to enquire about Accommodation in Tusheti, look through the guesthouses and visitors' centre where specially trained stuff provides conditions for an eventful stay.
Mestia
Mestia is the municipal centre of Svaneti province. Svaneti itself is a mountainous area and belongs to Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region.In Mestia town, aside traditional Svan towers, you'll find banks, administrative buildings of Mestia City Hall and the Mestia Municipality. You can opt to go out to the park for evening chats, Internet-cafe for intensive contact with the outside world, use the bike rental service if you like to go biking, or to the gas station to have your car inspected. The Svaneti Tourism Center in the centre of Mestia will give you handy information about the routes of the region.
Mestia is rich in museums: Svaneti Historical-Ethnographical Museum, Mikheil Khergiani's (rock-climber) House Museum, The Margianis House Museum, and Boris Kakhiani's (skier) House Museum all serve as snapshots of the history of the region.
If you plan to go to the town, check out accommodation options. You can find nice hotels and guesthouses in Mestia.
Ushguli
Ushguli is located in northwestern Georgia, Upper Svaneti Province. It is the highest village in Europe, towering from a 2,086-2,200 meter altitude.Ushguli features traditional Svanetian defensive towers. They are wider than those found in Mestia and wear the smell of antiquity. The locals nowadays live in ordinary two-storey wooden houses, but the towers stand out as evidence of the past.
Mt. Shkhara (5 200m) is outlined as a guardian of this unique village. Here St. Mary's Church can be found, dating back from the 12th century. The local ethnographical museum casts light on the traditions and lifestyle of the region.
Inhabitants of Ushguli have been accustomed to international tourists. Look at guesthouses and homestays in Ushguli and pick out one!
Becho
Becho is a small but interesting village in Svaneti, northwestern Georgia. Nestled on the River Dolura and the massive rocky outcrop of Ushba, the village is an important site to visit. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding snowy peaks and the gorge. Mt. Ushba at 4,710m is just a short distance away.
Peaks, rocks, valleys and a gorge - all can be found near Becho. The village is heaven for climbers and eco tourists. Those who enjoy hiking will be more than satisfied here. Becho is near the other villages of Svaneti and makes it an ideal starting place for exploration of the Svaneti region.
