Time for a European adventure? Get planning your holidays to Georgia

When visiting a new destination, it is always a good idea to brush up on a bit of local history and culture and this is especially true for Georgia. Considered by many to be one of the oldest countries in the world, Georgia’s history has been chequered, to say the least. Most Georgians pin their colours to Europe and the country’s government reflects this. Yet, one curiosity to be aware of is the fact that Georgians refer to their country as Sakartvelo.

But, the connection to St. George - said to trace back to the crusades - is ingrained into national motifs such as the golden statue of a dragon in Freedom Square or the national flag which features no fewer than five red crosses, in a style reminiscent of medieval heraldry. Now, as the country is detangling itself from its Soviet past, foreign investment and a recent tourism boom have placed it on the hot list for many travellers.

Visiting the capital city is the perfect way to get a snapshot of the country’s evolution, especially on a cultural and social level. Yet, perhaps, what is more striking is the blend of Persian, Russian, and Ottoman influences which gives this country's architecture and art a special beauty. Not sure which emblematic sites to see during your Tbilisi holidays? Perhaps you would like to soak in Persian-style sulfur baths that have soothed locals in the Abanotubani district for centuries? Not far away, the Narikala Fortress, built in the 3rd century under Persian occupation, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Among its monumental and architectural must-sees are the Holy Trinity Cathedral, known as Sameba, the largest Orthodox church in Georgia and one of the tallest in the world. Rustaveli Avenue is Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare and a hub of cultural and political life. Lined with important buildings—including the Georgian Parliament, the Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the Georgian National Museum—it’s ideal for a leisurely city stroll.

Many of Georgia's most important sights are located in Tbilisi, making it a great base during your Georgia holidays. As you stroll the city’s time-worn streets, take a moment to admire the medieval churches and the typical wooden houses with carved balconies in the Old Town. However, during your holidays in Tbilisi, one thing you will notice is that it is a city of contrasts. Alongside the charming architecture of the Old Town, modern glass buildings puncture the skyline and striking highlights such as the Peace Bridge over the Mtkvari River, connect the old and the new. In Tbilisi, you can feel the countless influences that the different cultures have left in Georgia over the millennia at every turn.

Vardzia is Georgia’s largest and most impressive cave city, the other being Uplistsikhe, near the capital. Locals and visitors alike consider this site to be a must-visit when enjoying holidays to Georgia, not only because of the massive structure itself but also because of its history. In fact, it's somewhat reminiscent of Cappadocia in Turkey.

The city was built in the 12th century by King George III and completed by his daughter Tamar, the first woman to rule Georgia. She was also the one who transformed Vardzia into a monastic city. During a conflict with the Seljuks, she herself and her entourage even lived in cave-like dwellings for almost two years. The complex, towering above the Mtkvari River, consists of approximately 6,000 rooms spread over six levels, with tunnels, galleries, staircases, and corridors, including a church with medieval frescoes and the throne room. The fresco depicting a portrait of the queen is particularly beautiful. A must-see on your Georgia vacation.

While Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, Kutaisi, its third largest city is the cultural and economic centre of Western Georgia. The city's history stretches far back into the past. In fact, it was already the capital of Colchis in the 8th century BC, where Jason is said to have stolen the Golden Fleece. Today, the cityscape is characterised by an eclectic blend of medieval buildings most notably the reconstructed Bagrati Cathedral, one of the most famous sights in Georgia.The area around the Colchis Fountain and the city's particularly authentic market are also worth seeing.

If you fancy a quick day trip from the city, the immediate vicinity of Kutaisi offers plenty to see. For example, you can take a bus to the nearby Gelati Monastery, one of the most important works of Georgian art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or to the somewhat lesser-known but no less beautiful Motsameta Monastery. The Prometheus Cave and the Martvili Gorge near Kutaisi are also popular destinations during your holidays to Georgia.

Another idea for a day trip, if you are staying in Tbilisi, is Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Kartli (the Iberian Empire). Here you can find countless, awe-inspiring cultural monuments, many of which are protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The old churches from the 3rd to 5th centuries are particularly impressive, as the ancient kingdom of Iberia was one of the first in the world to adopt Christianity, and many of these ancient places of worship have been preserved in astonishingly good condition. Yet, art lovers will be equally inspired by the ancient buildings with magnificent frescoes from the early Middle Ages. Thanks to its many important religious buildings, such as the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Samtavro Monastery, Mtskheta remains an important religious centre in the country today.

Many travellers pair a visit to Mtskheta with nearby Uplistsikhe, a fascinating cave city that's more compact than Vardzia but equally intriguing. Not far away is Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, where a museum offers insight into his controversial legacy.

For nature lovers, holidays to Georgia offer wild, breathtaking landscapes. In the heart of the country, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park stretches across dense forests and rolling mountains, ideal for peaceful hikes through unspoiled terrain. Yet, if you venture towards the north, Kazbegi National Park and the towering presence of Mount Kazbek along with the solitary Gergeti Trinity Church, perched high above a deep valley offers an iconic setting for high-altitude treks. When you get out of the city and into nature, you will soon realise that hiking is one of the top activities in Georgia for active souls.

In the remote northeast, Tusheti National Park enchants with its medieval stone villages and vast alpine meadows, best explored on foot or horseback. Meanwhile, close to the lush borderlands near Azerbaijan, Lagodekhi National Park, one of Georgia’s oldest, offers ancient forests, waterfalls, and rare wildlife, making it an Instagrammable paradise for those looking for adventurous things to do in Georgia.

Of course, you can't talk about Georgia without mentioning its wine culture. After all, it is often called the cradle of wine and is home to one of the world’s oldest winemaking traditions—over 8,000 years in the making. Looking for things to do in Georgia? Head to where the heart of this heritage beats the strongest, in Kakheti, the country’s premier wine region, where sun-soaked valleys and centuries-old vineyards stretch beneath the Caucasus Mountains.

Book a wine-making tour at a local winery and discover the traditional qvevri wine-making method—fermenting grapes in clay vessels buried underground. This is still practised alongside modern techniques. Other notable regions include Kartli, near the capital where European-style wines blend with ancient methods and Imereti in the west offers more delicate varietals with subtle mineral notes. Smaller regions like Racha-Lechkhumi and Adjara boast rare grape varieties and striking landscapes, each sip is a reflection of Georgia’s deep connection between land, culture, and craft. Discovering Georgia’s wine heritage is a great option for those searching for unusual things to do in Georgia.

Diving into the country’s vibrant culinary scene is one of the top 10 things to do in Georgia. While the country may not yet top global food lists, one bite is enough to change that. In Tbilisi, traditional bakeries serve shotis puri, a crispy, fluffy bread baked in clay ovens and pulled hot from the walls. Just steps away in the city’s many taverns, you’ll find steaming plates of khinkali juicy dumplings filled with spiced meat, cheese, or mushrooms, best enjoyed with your hands.

For a taste of Georgia’s most iconic dish, head west to Batumi or coastal Adjara, the birthplace of Adjaruli khachapuri, a molten blend of cheese, butter, and egg nestled in boat-shaped bread. In Imereti, near the city of Kutaisi, you’ll find a slightly tangier version of khachapuri, along with local specialities and regional wines that reflect the area’s lush, fertile character.

Georgia is generally a safe and welcoming destination, with low crime rates and reliable visitor services. While most of the country is stable, it's important to avoid travel to Abkhazia and South Ossetia during your holidays to Georgia. These regions are outside the control of the Georgian government and pose potential security risks due to ongoing tensions. Georgian law also prohibits unauthorized entry into these areas, and violations may result in legal consequences.

Elsewhere in the country, standard precautions apply—keep an eye on your belongings, avoid displaying valuables, and stay informed via official travel advisories. With these basics in mind, you can explore Georgia with confidence. So, if you're looking for a destination that combines safety, authenticity, and a break from the typical tourist trail—Georgia is calling.