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

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.

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 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 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.

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. Recently-opened Queen Tamar airport in Mestia enables you access the townlet by air.

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 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 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.

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 Vakhtang Gorgasali 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. Another legend suggests that King's sparrow-hawk followed a pheasant which fell in the water and got boiled. The small statue of a pheasant embodies the legend. 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. They have a tranquilizing effect. In the neighbourhood of the Baths District the following sights are present: Turkish Mosque with a minaret, Tbilisi Botanical Garden with its abundant flora and fauna and St. Nicholas Church encircled in a defensive wall.

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. Its walls are furnished with interesting frescoes of martyrs and scenes from the Bible. Above the church a modern statue of the "Kartlis Deda" or Mother Georgia is located. Opposite the church the dome of Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral is seen. The monument with its defensive fortification towers arrogantly from the hill. Visitors can hike up to the fortress to explore the ruins and also enjoy the spectacular countryside and the panorama of Tbilisi and the Mtkvari River.

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.

The Cathedral was originally built in the 6^th century. It was reconstructed several times due to foreign invasions. 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. Near the church one can find Shardeni Street with its fashionable cafes and art-galleries. Visiting Sioni Cathedral is a part of a Tbilisi City Tour.

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.

Vardzia is a cave city and a cave monastery, located in the southern Georgia, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region. The site is dug in the side of the Erusheli Mountain.  The city was founded by Georgian Queen Tamar in 1185. Vardzia overlooks views of the Mtkvari and surrounding Lesser Caucasus.

At first the complex was built as a defence fortress from the Mongols. Vardzia used to consist of churches, chapels, parlours, apartments and had irrigation system. There were six thousand apartments in it. One could get there only through well-hidden tunnels.

In the modern days Vardzia is one of the most famous tourist attractions Georgia has. The travelers can visit about three thousand apartments, halls and tunnels with drinkable water. Poignantly towering from the cliff, Vardzia is considered to be one of the must-visit sites when being in the country!

Bakuriani is a ski resort in the Borjomi District, western Georgia. The area is unique with its mineral water, coniferous forests and indigenous greenery. The resort is located at the 1 700m altitude, on the northern slope of the Trianeti Range. Due to unique characteristics of Borjom-Kharagauli Natural Reserve the area belongs to, Bakuriani is a popular place to visit during all the seasons of the year, especially in winter. Ski season lasts here till the mid of April. Then the snow Is melting, it remains only on the tops of the mountains. In the end of May cones are blooming, which has a healing effect on the lungs.

There are many hotels in Bakuriani, which meet demands of any kind of travellers. If you would like to travel to Bakuriani, feel free to choose a hotel from the list!

Mtskheta is the ancient capital of Georgia, located at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. It boasts many cultural and historical monuments. Therefore, it is listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Svetitskhoveli is one of the most sacred places for Georgian people. Jesus Christ’s clothe is placed here. Jvari monastery belongs to 6th century. It was named so because the church was built on the place where a big cross stood (Jvari in Georgian means cross). The 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the 6th century Jvari Monastery are the most prominent sites of the city. The Samtavro Monastery (11th century), ruins of Armaztsikhe Fortress (3rd century BC) and Armaztsikhe Acropolis (late 1st millennium BC), remnants of a “Pompey’s Bridge” (1st century BC) are to be singles out. From the Jvari Monastery the travellers can see how the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers meet each other. Do you intend to see the Mtskheta? Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and enjoy their poignancy!

Historical highland of Shatili is famous for its fortresses and dwellings, dating back from the medieval and early modern periods. Shatili is situated at 1 400m altitude on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in Upper Khevsureti province. Dwellings of Shatili are characterized by flat roofs. The dwellings are connected to the towers and they all constitute chains of fortifications. The area is inaccessible during winters, but in summers it attracts many travellers who go in for exotic landscapes, historical monuments and trekking. Guesthouses in Shatili offer nice rooms and delicious meals.

Village Mutso is towering at 1 880m altitude, belonging to Khevsureti Province, northeastern Georgia. This village, located on a rocky mountain, captivates us not only by its landscapes, but here the abundance of medieval dwellings is noteworthy.

Travellers keen on exploring local traditions will be impressed by approximately 30 dwellings. The village has preserved the so-called ‘stone-sofas’, where the elderly people used to gather and discuss various themes. Due to its location, village Mutso offers good opportunities for trekkers.

Village of Dartlo belongs to Tusheti Historic Area, northeastern Georgia. It is located on the sloped on the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range at 2 000m altitude. The village has a unique collection of living towers. They belong to the medieval ages.

Upon time people has moved to the ordinary houses, the living towers can be found among them. Kvavlo Towers is especially interesting, towering from the hill. Many stories and legends are connected to these towers. Impressions by the towers are combined by the fantastic views of the Caucasus Mountains.

Omalo is the administrative centre of Tusheti province. It is located in the northeastern Georgia, between the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range and the Pirikita Range, at 1 880m altitude. The area belongs to Tusheti Protected Areas, whose visitors’ centre is situated in the lower Omalo. If you go to the Upper Omalo, you will see some medieval living towers. Keselo Fortress is one among them. The fortress is used as a museum where travellers can see artifacts, depicting the local lifestyle. The living towers are standing on the hill, overlooking nice views of the village and the surrounding mountains. The village inhabited only in summer, being isolated due to strict weather- and road conditions. There are some hotels and guesthouses in Omalo that provide basic conditions for good rest.

Kutaisi is Georgia’s second largest city. It also was Georgia’s capital in ancient times. The city is located in 221 km from Tbilisi. Kutaisi is situated on the both banks of the Rioni River. There are many architectural and historical monuments in the city. The most famous of them are Motsameta Church, Bagrati Temple and Gelati Monastery. Also near Kutaisi is Sataplia Natural Reserve where foot-prints of ancient dinosaurs are remained. Also there is a cave, where stalactites and stalagmites are displayed. If you are interested in visiting Kutaisi choose one from Hotels in Kutaisi.

Kazbegi (Stepantsminda - literally “saint Stephan”) is a small town in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region and it is situated in the Northern - Eastern part of Georgia. It is located in 157 km from Tbilisi, at 1740m altitude above the sea. The town is attractive and interesting for tourists, every year thousands of people visit Kazbegi. The most attractive monument of the town is Gergeti Trinity Church. The monument belongs to 14^th century. The church fascinates its visitors with its view, as it is located beneath of Mt. Kazbegi.