Andreas Heidingsfelder, General Manager of Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel
It was very hard to choose just five destinations to visit in Georgia, as there are so many places to explore in this country. When I travel to foreign countries I try to see those ancient places most particular, unique and characteristic to the country, so I will follow this personal rule and guide you to discover the Georgia I know.
TBILISI: BATHS (ABANOTUBANI)
Every country has its own legends regarding how its cities were founded.
Let’s start with Tbilisi’s legend: as it is known, the present territory of Tbilisi was covered by forest as late as AD 458. According to sources, King of Georgia Vakhtang I Gorgasali, went hunting in the heavily wooded region with a falcon. The King’s falcon wounded a pheasant during the hunt, after which both birds fell into a nearby hot spring. When the King and his retinue found the birds they were boiled. King Vakhtang was so impressed with the discovery of the hot springs that he decided to build a city on the spot. The name Tbilisi derives from the Old Georgian word “Tpili” meaning warm. The name Tbili or Tbilisi (“warm springs”), was therefore given to the city because of the area’s numerous sulfuric hot springs.
Abanotubani (District of Hot Springs) is one of the oldest places in Tbilisi, also known as Old Tbilisi. It’s a multicultural area where you’ll find round brick domes of the oldest sulphur baths - Erekle’s Bath. The Orbeliani (blue) bath, with an arrow-like facade and minarets on the sides- is distinguished from the baths located on Abano (bath) street. It is also known as “Chreli abano” (motley bath), as it got its name because of the motley tiles covering the portal. If you don’t have time to enjoy the sulphur bath experience, you can walk around the narrow streets going up to the Narikala fortress and Tbilisi Botanical Gardens. You can also go for a wander round the streets to discover old Georgian houses with balconies hanging off the mountain. Later, take the weight off your feet on a bench to enjoy the waterfall. Once your energy is back, take a 5-minue walk to the Shardeni district where I’m sure you’ll find the perfect lunch spot in a Georgian or international restaurant.
KAKHETI – SIGHNAGHI
Kakheti is known as Georgia’s best wine-producing area. Kakheti is also rich in history: here you’ll find the incredible monastery complex of Davit Gareji, the picturesque hilltop town of Sighnaghi, and many beautiful churches, castles and mansions around the main town, Telavi. On the way to Sighnaghi don’t miss the Monastery in Bodbe with its beautiful colorful gardens and historical churches. I suggest a visit to Sighnaghi, it is known as the town of wine and love, perhaps due to its romantic cobbled streets, carved balconies and wineries. Try famous Georgian wines: Rkatsiteli, Tsinandali, and Saperavi. From the edge of the town, you can find beautiful panoramic views over the Alazani valley to the Caucasus and beyond. Take time to enjoy the beauty of Sighnagi from the distance of the road, but don’t rush away- stay a night or two.
TSKALTUBO – PROMETHEUS CAVE NATURAL MONUMENT
Tskaltubo is located in the Imereti region. The Prometheus Cave is one of Georgia’s natural wonders, with magnificent examples of stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, petrified waterfalls, cave pearls, underground rivers, and lakes. The entrance height of the cave is 3.5-4 m, and it has a width of 7 m. The main entrance to the 60 meter siphon passes the lake, which turns into the river Qumi. I will tell you one legend about this place: Khvamli Mountain is visible from the Prometheus Cave and is the place where legend says that Prometheus was chained. Don’t miss out on a bonus exciting 280 meter boat tour on the underground river in the cave.
AHALTSIKHE – RABATI
Of the Georgian landmarks located in the Samtskhe- Javakheti region, Akhaltsikhe (Rabati), Vardzia monastery complex, Safara monastery and Vani Caves stand out. This time round I’ll focus on Rabati Castle, located in Akhaltsikhe -the capital and biggest town of Samtskhe- Javakheti.
Since the 13th century, Rabati has been famous for its ethnic and religious diversity and tolerance, in a frontier area where different empires, kingdoms and peoples met. Rabati today still has Georgian Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic and Catholic churches, a synagogue and a mosque within one complex. The Museum, situated on the territory of the former Rabati, is definitely worth a visit- it houses a significant religious cultural heritage: old manuscripts, epigraphic, archaeological finds, numismat- ics, ethnographic materials, photos and old printed books.
SVANETI – TETNULDI SKI RESORT
My ‘last but not least’ suggestion is for those who love mountains, skiing and the extreme!
Tetnuldi Ski Resort, in the Svaneti region, is the second largest after Gudauri, the most popular ski resort in Georgia. Tetnuldi is a very special Georgian resort with plenty of opportunities to ski; a paradise for lovers of winter sports and winter tourism. The skiing area in Tetnuldi is concentrated on the northern, western and south-western slopes of Mount Tetnuldi (4858m), at altitudes from 1600 m to 3165 m. After a fascinating Ski Experience, I would recommend trying the extremely delicious hot dish Kubdari accompanied by Rakhi - a strong alcoholic drink distilled from local fruits and berries. Kubdari is a meat filled pastry that originates from Svaneti. It can be made with either beef or pork but the most popular version uses both. It should be made with cut meat, not minced, mixed with Georgian spices and onions. Svaneti also makes a great trip in summer where you can take a ride to Ushguli, part of the Upper Svaneti UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered to be the highest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe– 2410 meters above sea level. The Ushguli Chapel located on a hilltop near the village dates back to the 12th century. Check if flights from Natakhtari Airport (just outside Tbilisi) to Mestia are running to avoid that beautiful but unfortunately long road trip to reach Svaneti otherwise.
Enjoy your stay in Georgia!
Flights from Natakhtari Airport to Kutaisi and Mestia from 50 GEL (adult single ticket) with VanillaSky.ge