Welcome to my little Guidebook for the First-Time Travelers to Georgia!
Why Georgia?
Georgia has always been one of my top travel destinations, offering a blend of stunning Caucasus mountains and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking remote mountain trails or a foodie in search of exceptional wine and cuisine, Georgia has something for everyone.
When to go?
Georgia has a lot to offer all year round. Weather and holiday time mark the high season from June to September. On average, August is the hottest month. However, we need to remember that as Georgia is a very mountainous country, its climate is diverse with plenty of sub-climates.
What to do?
For me, the answer is easy — hiking. Georgia is famous for its Caucasian landscapes and remains a bit wilder than typical European destinations. If you’re seeking for something more than nature, there are many festivals throughout the year that can enrich your cultural experience. The ones I find interesting and listed before planning my own trip are city feasts (e.g. Tbilisoba, Batumoba, Kutaisoba, Kvirikoba, Tushetoba) — remember to check the dates before you plan your trip. It would be a great option to take part in these celebrations, but it’s also important for planning since some places may be closed during these times.
As winemaking is deeply rooted in Georgian culture, there are also numerous festivals celebrating this tradition. For wine enthusiasts, autumn is the perfect time to visit. During September and October, you can participate in the Rtveli wine harvests. Additionally, October features Wine Days Georgia, celebrated in 20+ locations throughout the country.
Budget
Georgia is a very budget-friendly travel destination. However, it’s worth comparing offers from taxi drivers and other service providers, as prices can vary widely for tourists.
If you’re heading to the mountains, it’s important to carry cash. However, in the cities, we didn’t encounter any issues with card payments.
Average prices depend significantly on location.
Getting Around
Taxi
Bolt & Maxim apps – primarily for city rides
(we heard that many people tried to book a ride from Kutaisi to Mestia, but requests were canceled). Once we failed to book Bolt from Kutaisi city to the airport; however, other than that, we’ve had good experiences! 🙂
Order a taxi via your Airbnb/Hotel
In many places, the owners have a friend taxi driver—always ask for their offer first.
Sometimes it’s cheaper than Bolt!
Marshrutka buses
If you’re looking for an adventurous type of transport, I’d definitely recommend marshrutkas!
These little buses run routes to most destinations (as locals use them too, they can take you to less touristy places). They’re old-school—don’t expect seatbelts or comfy seats. Drivers usually give you an estimated departure time, but the bus leaves when it’s full. For longer tours, they typically depart once a day, so remember to organize it or ask a day or two in advance.
For popular routes like Kutaisi-Mestia, you can buy a spot in advance at “bus stations”—small rooms where a lady with a notebook will provide you a handwritten ticket. You have to pay upfront.
Marshrutka ride is the cheapest way to travel, but it takes time. Usually, marshrutkas have planned stops for bathroom breaks and food, so you don’t need to stock up for the whole way.
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