Explore Tusheti’s villages
In the northeast, on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, is the region of Tusheti. It’s one of the most ecologically unspoiled parts of the country, still inhabited by traditional communities, with various villages, inhabited and abandoned, to explore.
Ride the Batumi Funicular
There is adventure in Georgia’s cities too. In Batami, a seaside town on the beaches of the Black Sea, a 2km long aerial tramway was built in 2013 that offers stunning views and impressive architecture. The town itself is worth exploring too, with a mixture of old and new buildings, beautiful parks, fascinating museums and strong coffee.
Raft the Rioni river
Outdoor adventures aren’t just restricted to hiking. Georgia has plenty of thrills for adrenaline junkies. Rafting, or ‘Jomardoba’, and kayaking are popular thanks to rivers all over the country, and you can also go off-roading, mountain biking, caving, hanglinding or cliff jumping.
Stagaze over Ushba
Thanks to its untouched areas and wild treks, camping is a wonderful way to feel completely removed from everyday life in Georgia, and with no light pollution, you can really appreciate the stars in the night sky. Carry your own tent and stop for the night, or find a guesthouse or hut to rest your head and feet.
Taste a new world of flavours
Georgia’s rich history and mixture of influences from east and west has made its food an adventure in itself. Enjoy colourful spinach pkhali, carefully-made khinkali, and delicious sulguni cheese packed into khachapuri Adjaruli. Then wash it all down with Georgia’s legendary Borjomi mineral water.
Hike amid stunning mountain scenery
With scenery this beautiful, hiking is almost mandatory and there are trails for every level of experience and spirit. Stepantsminda village in the mountains of Georgia offers a perfect mix of adventure tourism and good old-fashioned Georgia hospitality. Spend your days hiking, and your nights enjoying supras with locals.
Soothe yourself in the Sulphur Baths in Old Tbilisi
In the Abanotubani District of the capital Tbilisi stand the unusual structures of the town’s sulphur baths. They’re an essential experience in the city, popular with locals and tourists alike. Containing various rooms, communal and private, saunas, hot pools and massage areas, public nudity is the norm, and thorough exfoliation with a coarse glove before soaking in the mineral-rich warm waters will leave your skin as soft as a baby’s.
Spot wild chamois in the snowy mountains
Georgia isn’t off limits in the winter, if you’re happy to tackle the snow. Snowshoeing is popular and some trails are even more beautiful with a covering of white. Look out for wintering animals in the lowland areas, such as red deer and chamois.
Discover unique traditions
Cultural adventures abound in Georgia and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see some traditional performances. Sukhishvili, The Georgian National Ballet company, puts on some unusual and beautiful shows, and there is the option of seeing an opera performance at Tbilisi’s stunning Paliashvili Opera House.
Discover the ancient history of wine
Wine-lovers prepare to be educated. Georgia has an incredibly rich wine history, with some of the oldest evidence of winemaking found right here. Vine cultivation is thought to have begun 8,000 years ago, and thanks to the topography and ancient vine varieties, many of the wines you’ll try are unlike anything you’ve tasted in the traditional Old or New worlds.
Be beside the sea
It’s easy to forget, with all the inland excitement, that Georgia also has a coastline of stunning turquoise waters and beautiful views. The best place to enjoy these is from the huge Botanical Gardens in Mtsvane Kontskhi, 9m north of Batumi. The gardens are impressive to explore too, with local and international varieties of plants and trees.
