C19 Travel Diaries: Georgia, a Hidden Gem

Tasnia Mozammel
Dec 22, 2021
6 min read

Situated in the intersection of Europe and Asia, Georgia (country) is a hidden gem awaiting your visit! From Caucasus Mountain villages to centuries-old fortresses, the former Soviet state offers affordable and memorable experiences worth the trip.

As many borders are now loosening COVID-19 or Coronavirus restrictions and are re-opening for tourism, many people are finding themselves boarding flights after spending nearly two years fearful of travel. My family and I decided to explore a smaller and more remote country this holiday season, Georgia, continuing utmost precaution. This post seeks to share our experiences travelling during the global pandemic, our six-day itinerary, as well as insights on how we maintained safety procedures while exploring featured highlights of Georgia's most breathtaking regions.

Before You Go (COVID-19 Edition):

Anti-COVID Bag. We carried anti-COVID ziplock bags individually consisting of sanitizer, masks, gloves, wipes, and sprays. Please make sure to have anti-virus products for maximized protection.
Pre-bookings and Reservations. We booked our 6-day tour with a Georgian tourism company, Next Selfie in Georgia (NSG), that included hotel/airport pick-up and drop-offs, hotel accommodation located in the heart of Tbilisi Old Town, breakfast, 4-day tours, and SIM cards with Internet. The company completely exceeded our expectations offering hospitable service, convenience, exceptional accommodation with views, breathtaking and informative tours, and an incredibly friendly and insightful guide. The tours were exceptionally well-managed and organized. The tours also maintained COVID protocols of social distancing, vaccinated group members, sanitation, masks, etc.
Restaurants. Restaurants were all open but required Covid-19 Vaccination passports (proof with QR codes).

ROUTE:

Our route comprised Tbilisi > Gudauri > Kakheti > Mtskheta > Uplistsikhe > Borjomi. Our stay was in Old Town Tbilisi, specifically near European Square, from where we departed to tour Georgian highlights in the outskirts of the capital everyday. Unfortunately, due to the December weather and icy road conditions, we missed Kazbegi for which we will return again. On the more positive note, this post will feature all the highlights that you can look forward to to make a memorable trip!

DAY 1: Arrival to Tbilisi

14 December 2021

We arrived in Tbilisi in the evening around 4pm and had an early start the next day. Our hotel was located in the heart of Old Town Tbilisi, walking distance from the European Square. There are many local hotels within the UNESCO Heritage walls of Old Town Tbilisi. We stayed in GTM Kapan that offered exceptional views of the Old Town panorama including the Narikala Fortress, cable cars, and Peace Bridge, and was just minutes away by foot from the bustling touristy centre.

Christmas Festivities in Galleria & Dinner in Old Town

After freshening up, we headed to Tbilisi Galleria for some early shopping, sightseeing, and Christmas festivities. The Galleria is located just 6 min via drive or 15 min by foot from Old Town Tbilisi. Despite taxis being relatively cheap, we used Bolt (like Uber) for easier accessibility around the city. The Galleria street was bustling in Christmas vibes with small stalls, street food, and Christmas lights all around! On our way back, we had a traditional Georgian dinner in Old Town including popular Georgian dishes, Khinkali (Georgian dumplings), Khachapuri, and breads with cheese.

DAY 2: Gudauri Tour

15 December 2021

Our first tour towards Gudauri included Jhinvali Water Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress, Georgian Military Road, Black and White Aragvi River, Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument and Gudauri Panorama/Ski Resort.

Jhinvali Water Reservoir

Jhinvali is a small townlet in Georgia along the river Aragvi. This reservoir panorama was absolutely breathtaking as the relatively still blue water sits against the Caucasus mountains.

Ananuri Fortress

Ananuri Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits on the Aragvi river and is adjacent to the Jhinvali Water Reservoir. The name, Ananuri, follows the legend of a woman named Ana from Nuri who was captured and tortured by rival duchy to reveal the location of a secret tunnel used to escape the fortress's siege. Ana bravely chose death over betrayal, hence the name in her honour.

A castle complex circa the 13th Century echoing scenes of significant battles...

Note: Georgian dogs are vaccinated, incredibly well-behaved, and friendly ❤️🐶🐾

Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument

The Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, located on the Georgian Military Highway en route to Gudauri ski resort, was built in 1983 to celebrate Soviet Georgia and Soviet Russia's ongoing friendship.

The cemented semi-circle monument overlooks the Devil's Valley in the breathtakingly silent Caucasus mountains...

Gudauri Panorama

Our last stop during the Gudauri Tour entailed the famous Gudauri panorama and ski resort itself. December is one of the peak tourist seasons in Georgia due to its unparalleled Caucasus Mountain Range, best viewed and explored from Gudauri situated approximately 2,200 meters or 7,200 ft above sea level. We got lucky with the clear weather!

Situated approximately 2,200 meters or 7,200 ft above sea level lies an unparalleled Caucasus Mountain Range...

DAY 3: Kakheti Tour

16 December 2021

Our second day entailed a roadtrip to the eastern region of Georgia, a historical province called Kakheti and referred to as Asia. The tour comprised visits to KTW Winery in Patardzeuli, Bodbe Monastery, Sighnaghi City, and the Great Wall of Sighnaghi!

KTW Winery in Patardzeuli

KTW or Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking is one of the largest wine and spirit producing companies in Georgia and the Caucasus region.

Kakheti, Georgia, home to one of the oldest wine regions in the world...

Bodbe Monastery (St. Nino's)

Originally built in the 9th Century, and remodelled in the 17th Century, Bodbe Monastery or St. Nino's Monastery is a Georgian Orthodox monastic complex that sat the Bishops of Bodbe. The name follows the legend of St. Nino who had a revelation in the form of a dream to maintain Orthodox faith during the country's conversion to Christianity. Nino remains buried in the Bodbe Monastery despite several attempts to move her burial by King Mirian III. The views from the complex are also stunning overlooking mountains lined with snow.

Whether mystery or miracle, not even the strength of a hundred men could move Nino's grave...

Sighnaghi City

Sighnaghi City, also referred to as the "city of love" by locals due to its charming vibes, is a small town on the easternmost region of Kakheti, and definitely worth the visit. The town enables a taste of local Georgian life and a visit to the Great Wall of Georgia.

The Great Wall of Sighnaghi

The Great Wall of Sighnaghi was built in the 18th Century as a defence to protect the city from numerous conquests and threats. The walls stretch approximately 5 km with intervals of 23 towers built in 1770s by King Erekle II. It is also rumoured to be the second longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China.

DAY 4: Tbilisi & Mtskheta Tour

17 December 2021

Our fourth day in Georgia comprised two parts, a walking tour of Tbilisi, and a short drive to nearby highlights in Mtskheta including Jvari Monastery, Svetitskoveli Cathedral, Chronicle of Georgia, and Mtskheta Souvenir Market.

Tbilisi Walking Tour

Our walking tour began at our hotel through European Square and lasted approximately two hours. We took the Cable Car up to Narikala Fortress (circa the 4th Century) and made our way down by foot hitting some impressive landmarks. The walking tour entailed further visits to the Bridge of Peace, Metekhi Church, Rike Park, Shardeni Street, Statue of Mother Georgia, Abanotubani (Sulphur-Bath District), and Leghvtakhevi Waterfall. The essence of the city is truly exceptional balancing both centuries-old and contemporary architecture.

Tbilisi, a gleefully chaotic Bohemian scene...

Mtskheta: Jvari Monastery, Svetitskoveli Cathedral & Chronicle of Georgia

The second part of our tour with NSG incorporated a short drive to nearby Georgian highlights including Jvari Monastery, a 6th Century Orthodox Church, Svetitskoveli Cathedral, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and the Chronicle of Georgia, built in 1985.

DAY 5: Uplistsikhe & Borjomi Tour

18 December 2021

Our final day tour comprised excursions to Uplistsikhe Cave Town and Borjomi. En route to Uplistsikhe Cave Town, we passed Joseph Stalin's childhood home in Gori, Georgia, which was sick!

Uplistsikhe Cave Town

Uplistsikhe Cave Town is an archeological ruins town-fortress, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating to the Iron Age. The climb was rocky, hence, recommend good hiking boots, but definitely worth the visit!

Identified as the oldest urban settlements in Georgia...

Borjomi

Borjomi is a resort-town in central Georgia popular for its mineral waters and springs situated in Borjomi Central Park. Georgia's mineral water is actually the country's largest economic exports in the world and you can take the spring water home. (Note: tastes 🤢)

DAY 6: Departure from Tbilisi

19 December 2021

Our return flight from Tbilisi was at 5am, so we said farewell to the city in its night-lit silence. Hope to be back very soon!

GALLERY

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