Timeless Georgian Escape

The Culture

Hospitality:
Georgians are renowned for their heartfelt hospitality. Guests are considered a blessing, and it’s common to be invited into homes for feasts or offered homemade wine as a sign of respect. The concept of “supra” (Georgian feast) is deeply ingrained in their culture—an elaborate gathering where food, toa

sts, and community spirit take center stage.

Customs and Etiquette:
Respecting elders, dressing modestly at churches and monasteries, and showing reverence during religious ceremonies are important. At monasteries like Bodbe or Gergeti Trinity Church, women are often encouraged to wear headscarves and long skirts (usually available at entrances). Toasts during meals are often led by a “tamada” (toastmaster), a role taken seriously and with poetic flair.

Festivals and Celebrations:

• Tbilisoba (October): A city-wide celebration of Tbilisi’s history and traditions, marked by folk performances, food stalls, and traditional crafts.

• Rtveli (September–October): The grape harvest festival in Kakheti, where communities come together to pick grapes and begin the wine-making process.

• Easter & Orthodox Christmas: Major religious events, celebrated with church services, candlelight processions, and elaborate traditional meals.

Traditional Food

Traditional Dishes:

• Khachapuri: Cheese-filled bread, especially the boat-shaped Adjarian version topped with a runny egg.

• Khinkali: Juicy dumplings filled with spiced meat, traditionally eaten with hands and a slurp of broth.

• Lobio: A bean stew, often served with cornbread and pickles.

• Mtsvadi: Georgian shashlik, grilled meat skewers often enjoyed during outdoor gatherings.

• Badrijani: Fried eggplant slices rolled with walnut-garlic paste.

Beverages:

• Wine: Georgia is one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions, with over 500 indigenous grape varieties and a unique qvevri (clay vessel) fermentation method.

• Chacha: A strong grape-based spirit, often homemade.

• Mineral water: Borjomi is Georgia’s most famous sparkling mineral water, naturally carbonated and rich in minerals.

Rich History

Ancient Civilizations:
Georgia’s history stretches back to the ancient Colchis and Iberia kingdoms, referenced in Greek mythology (Jason and the Argonauts sought the Golden Fleece here).
Uplistsikhe, which you’ll visit, is a rock-hewn city from the 1st millennium BC, once a key Silk Road hub.

Christian Heritage:
Georgia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity in the 4th century. You’ll witness this spiritual legacy in Mtskheta, a UNESCO site with the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. These are among the oldest and most sacred Christian sites in the country.

Medieval and Feudal Eras:
Feudal kings unified Georgia during the Golden Age in the 12th century under Queen Tamar, building churches, cave cities like Vardzia, and fortresses that dot the landscape.

Modern History:
From Persian invasions to Russian annexation and eventual independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia has retained its fierce national identity. The country now embraces both European aspirations and strong Orthodox traditions.

Natural Highlights

Kazbegi Region (Stepantsminda):
Drive through the Georgian Military Highway, surrounded by dramatic Caucasus Mountains. The Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on a hill with Mount Kazbek in the background, is one of Georgia’s most iconic sights.

Kakheti Wine Region:
Rolling vineyards, charming villages like Sighnaghi, and monasteries set the backdrop to Georgia’s 8,000-year-old wine culture. It’s not just a wine region—it’s a living testament to Georgia’s ancient agricultural roots.

Borjomi & Vardzia:
The Borjomi Gorge is home to lush forests and famous mineral springs. Nearby Vardzia, a vast 12th-century cave monastery carved into a cliffside, showcases medieval engineering and spiritual devotion.

Martvili Canyon & Prometheus Cave:
Western Georgia reveals a subtropical, almost mythical side. At Martvili Canyon, turquoise waters and waterfalls can be explored by boat. Prometheus Cave, filled with illuminated stalactites and underground rivers, is one of the region’s most spectacular natural wonders.

Batumi & Black Sea Coast:
Modern and old-world charm coexist in Batumi, with its seaside promenade, botanical gardens, and vibrant architecture. It offers a relaxed Mediterranean vibe, contrasting the mountainous heartland of the country.