It may be chilly out there, but that’s no reason to be stuck indoors next weekend! Here are our recommendations for a weekend away from the capital.
TOP WEEKEND BREAKS
OPTION 1: Kakheti
The eastern region of Georgia is best seen in spring and autumn, but it has so many sites (and so much wine!) that you’ll regret not seeing it while you’re here!
GO
Alexander Chavchavadze’s Palace, Nekresi Church, Gremi Church, Alaverdi Monastery, St Nino’s Nunnery- not to mention Sighnaghi and its history museum. Impossible to fit in in one weekend, so you’ll have to prioritize and plan a second (and third!) trip back!
STAY
CHATEAU MERE, a fairytale-like stone castle with four towers and a charming garden is hidden in a little forest just 1.5 hours’ drive from Tbilisi. Walking among roses, sipping local wine from the Winiveria brand, looking at wild vines creeping up the walls, swinging in hanging chairs and breathing in the fresh air, or out riding horses. The bright rooms with wooden floors and super comfy beds overlook the garden and Alazani Valley. Wake up to the most beautiful landscape in the birthplace of Georgian wine!
15 Vardisubani, between Shuamta and Telavi
TEL 595 990399; 595 990390; 595 990394
EAT&DRINK
PHEASANT'S TEARS
The small citadel of Sighnaghi in Kakheti is a must-visit while you're in the famous wine region, overlooking the expanse of the Alazani Valley and the snow-capped mountains beyond. A street market, city walls, a well-stocked museum and the nearby St Nino Nunnery (including the tomb of legendary St Nino herself) guarantee there is plenty here to keep you and your family busy for a day.
Then, when you get hungry, head along the cobbles to Pheasant's Tears restaurant.
Set in a homely wine cellar, with friendly multi-lingual staff, the Pheasant's Tears kitchen is constantly stocked with fresh food from the local markets. Their head chef, Gia Rokashvili, a local Sighnaghian, can offer you the delights not only of a traditional Georgian table but also a delectable selection of fusion dishes. Veggie and meat lovers are equally catered for!
An added bonus- the wine tasting! "Wine made with nothing added, nothing taken away" is their philosophy, and one well worth enjoying while you're there!
ADDRESS 18 Baratashvili Str., Sighnaghi, Kakheti
TEL (+995) 598 722 848
OPTION 2: Batumi
Though high on the ‘likely to rain’ list, Batumi, and the Adjara region overall, is packed full of things to do and see. Check out our recommendations below.
GO
A stroll down the beach-side boulevard is good any time of year, as is the Dolphinarium, Mtirala National Park, Green Cape & Botanical Garden, Gonio Fortress, numerous museums (see Where.ge for more details) and more. That’s not to mention the nightlife and seaside-city buzz. You’ll definitely be back for more!
STAY
EUPHORIA BATUMI HOTEL
Private beach, enormous indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fascinating views over the Black Sea and Caucasus mountains, luxurious rooms, a beautiful park area… You call it an enjoyable vacation, we call it Euphoria Hotel. If you’re looking for all-inclusive vacation in Batumi, this is the perfect choice. Excellent food, extraordinary relaxing spa treatment in Shangrila Wellness Center, parties with a stunning view in the rooftop bar Spectrum and of course attentive personnel will guarantee you truly euphoric holidays.
1 Lech & Maria Kaczynski Str., Batumi
TEL (+995) 577 15 69 40
EAT&DRINK
BK
BK was once a bookshop and it has keep the two-level gallery style as well as the bookshelves and has since become a must-go place for fine European dining and cocktails with friends or family. Fast and friendly service guarantee a pleasant break from the rain. Our top recommendation- the seafood soup!
Serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks.
25 M. Abashidze Ave.,
TEL (+995) 514 81 13 13
www.bkbatumi.ge/ge/