Georgia

One of the world’s oldest Christian nations, Georgia is a mountainous country full of hilltop churches, Roman fortresses and cave monasteries.  As a travel destination it combines well with Turkey and Armenia.  It is a great country for an active holiday for walkers and cyclists.  And with a national love of wine and some fabulous home grown wines it is a great place for wine lovers.  Tourism is still in early development in Georgia but nevertheless there are some lovely boutique hotels which we can book for you as well as some more simple offerings. Highlights include:

• Georgia’s capital Tbilisi sits on the banks of the Mtkvari river and has a wealth of cultural sights.  It has an atmospheric old town, sulphur baths and a fascinating bazaar.  Wine tasting is on offer everywhere!
• The Black Sea resort of Batumi was once ruled by Roman emperor Hadrian.  Today it has a tranquil atmosphere with beaches, gardens and Russian imperial architecture.  
• Georgia has been making wine for thousands of years and boasts over 500 varieties.  Making and drinking wine is something of a national sport.
• The cave city of Vardzia was formerly home to over 2000 monks in a monastery complex of 3000 chambers.  Although an earthquake damaged a large part of the complex you can still see and visit the remains of shops, stables, the wine press and other rooms.  
• There are beautiful churches everywhere in Georgia but the Gergeti Holy Trinity Church is an iconic church in a spectacular location overlooking and overshadowed by the Greater Caucasus mountains.  It is possible to walk to the church from the nearby village of Kazbegi, a round trip of approximately three to four hours.  
• The High Caucasus mountains have spectacular scenery and provide great walking on hiking trails, particularly in Tusheti, accessible only from June to October.