When you think of the region that connects Europe and Asia, you probably picture the bustling streets of Istanbul, or even the hot air balloons over Cappadocia. However, Turkey isn’t the only country in this region between two continents. The country of Georgia—not the US state—is one of the smaller nations nestled in the mountainous area. Though Georgia, the country, isn’t as well known as some of its neighbors, its landscapes, culture, and hospitality don’t disappoint. But before you book a flight to Tbilisi, check out these facts about Georgia and what you can expect in this amazing country.
1. Georgia Is a Land on a Crossroads
Geographically, Georgia essentially sits on the crossroads of Europe and Asia. When you visit, you’ll find that many Georgians strongly identify with Europe, but there’s also a clear crossover in their culture. It’s part of what makes this country so unique—it feels like a combination of Asian and European culture, food, and traditions.
2. There Are SO Many Mountains
While we’re talking about geography, we have to touch on the mountains! About 80% of Georgia is covered by mountains, so as you can imagine, the views are jaw-dropping. The Caucasus Mountain range stretches across the country, and tourists and locals alike find plenty of opportunities for hiking, skiing, or just enjoying the scenery. No matter the Georgia tour you choose, you’re sure to see some incredible views!
3. Wine Is More Than Just a Beverage Here
You might remember from my Armenia blog that wine is a staple of this region. Like Armenia, Georgia has a strong history of winemaking. In fact, Georgians have been fermenting grapes for over 8,000 years! Today, their method of winemaking has been designated “intangible cultural heritage” by UNESCO. Even if you’re not a huge fan of wine, you’ll want to make an exception and sample some here!
4. The Capital City Mixes the Old with the New
If your Georgia travel starts in the capital city of Tbilisi, you’ll quickly learn that this place is a fascinating mix of history and modern life. There are cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings, right next to local hot spots and street art. The architecture here is really a highlight—so many impressive buildings from the Communist Era that reflect the grandeur those leaders were trying to portray.
5. Stalin Was Born an Hour Outside Tbilisi
Speaking of that time in history, Joseph Stalin was born in Gori, a town just an hour outside of Tbilisi. Today, you can still visit the controversial Stalin Museum in Gori. No matter how you view Stalin’s legacy, a visit to this museum gives you a unique look into a complex time in world history. On the way to Gori, make sure to take a quick stop at the rock-hewn ancient site of Uplistsikhe—these Iron-Age ruins are remarkable!
6. Georgia Has a National Dance
The United States doesn’t have an official national dance, but Georgia has two! Georgian dances are full of energy—men leap and spin with sword-like precision, while women glide gracefully across the stage. Khorumi includes moves inspired by the military, while Perkhuli is a folk dance that involves standing on other dancers’ shoulders. Maybe you’ll have the chance to try out some moves yourself?
7. You Could Spend a Whole Trip Just Seeing Monasteries
All travel packages to Georgia worth their salt will take you to at least a few of the country’s beautiful monasteries. Fortunately, quite a few of them are within a reasonable driving distance of Tbilisi, so you can make the capital your home base. Here are a few of the monasteries included on my tour:
- Bobde Monastery
- Ikalto Monastery
- Jvari Monastery
- Svetitskhoveli Monastery
You Won’t Regret a Georgia Trip
The country of Georgia might not be as big as other, more popular tourist destinations. Regardless, this country is incredibly rich in culture and history—not to mention the mountains! I definitely recommend pairing Georgia with nearby Armenia and spending several days in the capital area. It’s truly an experience you won’t forget! Want to see more of my travels? Follow me on Instagram to find out where I’m flying next.