Georgia is a small country in the Caucasus with an incredible variety of landscapes, including mountains, deserts, forests, and a coastline along the Black Sea. When I first became interested in visiting, Georgia had a reputation as a somewhat risky destination, but my experience was very different. Like most countries I’ve traveled through, the people I met were friendly and helpful toward visitors. Georgia had also gone through major political changes following the Rose Revolution, which brought efforts to reduce corruption and reform institutions such as the police. At the same time, the country’s relationship with neighboring Russia has remained complicated and at times openly hostile.
Explore Tbilisi
As the capital of a country sitting between Europe and Asia, Tbilisi has been influenced by many different cultures, religions, and empires throughout its long history. Churches, mosques, and synagogues can all be found throughout the city, sometimes surprisingly close to one another. Tbilisi has existed for more than 1,500 years and has plenty of historic and modern attractions, including the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Freedom Square, and Metekhi Church.
Explore Gori
Gori is one of Georgia’s historic cities and is best known internationally as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. The small house where Stalin was born has been preserved beside a large museum dedicated to his life and role in Soviet history. Among the museum’s most unusual exhibits is Stalin’s armored railway carriage, which he used while traveling throughout the Soviet Union.
Explore Borjomi
The resort town of Borjomi sits in the mountains near Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. The area is famous for its mineral springs and bottled Borjomi water, one of Georgia’s best-known exports. The surrounding mountains and forests offer hiking, wildlife, cabins, and plenty of outdoor recreation, while nearby mountain resorts become popular for skiing during the winter.
Explore Uplistsikhe
Uplistsikhe, whose name means “Lord’s Fortress,” is an ancient rock-hewn settlement east of Gori. Parts of the city date back thousands of years, making it one of the oldest settlements in Georgia. Much of Uplistsikhe was carved directly into the rock, leaving behind caves, chambers, passageways, and other structures that visitors can still explore today.
Explore Vardzia
Vardzia is a massive cave complex built during Georgia’s medieval golden age in the 12th century. Thousands of rooms, tunnels, chapels, and other spaces were carved into the side of the mountain. A major earthquake later exposed much of the hidden complex by collapsing part of the mountain face. Despite the damage, Vardzia continued to be used for centuries, and its surviving church and medieval frescoes remain some of the most impressive parts of the site today.
