The Land of the Golden Fleece, of Jason and the Argonauts, and of the most hospitable people you will meet anywhere. Georgia may not be rich in money terms, but it is fabulously wealthy in terms of its history, architecture, climate and people. Take British Airways from London to Tbilisi and stay for a couple of weeks. Travel to the Eastern areas (Kakheti), near the border with Azerbaijan, sample the local wines, marvel at the crossroads of cultures. Take the Blue Train from Tbilisi to Kutaisi and enjoy the scenery (this is where the Jason of legend found the Golden Fleece, and to this day it is possible to see people draping sheepskins in the Kura river to trap particles of gold washed down from the mountains), then take a car up to Gelati, and 11th century monastery where Georgia's most famous ruler, David the Builder, is buried in a vault across the old entrance (so that visitors had to walk across his grave). It is really quite spectacular. Other places to visit include Gori, birthplace of Josef Stalin, complete with eery waxworm model of him as he was laid out in the mausoleum in Moscow with Lenin (before Khruschev put paid to that), Navenakhevi with its intricate underground caves, Borjomi for its wonderful mineral waters, Batumi in Adzharia for its beaches and subtropical climate. It's safe -- use the usual common sense precautions -- but don't venture near Sukhumi in Abkhazia (not to be confised with Adzharia), as that area is very volatile. Georgians are hospitable in the extreme, and it is not unusual to find yourself the guest of honor at a banquet, table groaning with local produce. Try the ubiquitous hacha-pourri, which is a kind of cheese bread in the shape of a pizza - you have to taste it (best hot) to really appreciate it, and the Borjomi water. In Tbilisi be sure to visit the Lagidze flavoured water shop on the embankment (sorry, I don't remember the address, but there isn't a person in Georgia who doesn't know what Lagidze is). This soft drink is refreshing and goes down well with all generations. It's not exported, though, because it's made using fresh ingredients which, apparently, don't transport well. Get on the plane, see somewhere new!

I lived in Tbilisi five years ago. Thanks for ther memories. Had hacha-pourri daily.
MrMan

This is the #1 place I wish to visit that I haven't yet. The more I read the more I am hypnotised.

Sadly, I don't have time on my upcoming trip to Russia later this month...barely have time to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/frown.gif But it's my first trip there, so I'm sure I'll be back. And Georgia will be at the top of my list of places to go!

However, on this trip I am planning on going to a couple of first rate Georgian restaurants...Aragvi in Moscow and Kavkaz in St. Petersburg. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

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"Read my lips! No more benefit cuts!"...Gordon Bethune

Great to hear you are so keen to visit Georgia. But, if I may, when you are in Moscow, try the Tiflis Restaurant instead of (or as well as) the Aragvi. The Tiflis is on Ostozhenka Street (# 32) and has some FANTASTIC outside balconies covered in vines. The food is exceptionally good. Inside, there are some exquisite models of life in Georgia, and I guarantee you will enjoy yourself. The telephone number for Tiflis is 290 61 39 or 290 28 97.

The Aragvi is good in its own right, and they have some great paintings on the walls etc., but if you want the more authentic experience, go for Tiflis!

Good luck, and let me know how you get on!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SemiElite:
Sadly, I don't have time on my upcoming trip to Russia later this month...barely have time to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/frown.gif But it's my first trip there, so I'm sure I'll be back. And Georgia will be at the top of my list of places to go!

However, on this trip I am planning on going to a couple of first rate Georgian restaurants...Aragvi in Moscow and Kavkaz in St. Petersburg. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

</font>

Has anyone else been to Georgia? There is an LH supersale on for today only to Tbilisi for GBP8 plus taxes and I'm very tempted to just go, but I'd like some more recent info if there is any before I book the flight.

Has anyone else been to Georgia? There is an LH supersale on for today only to Tbilisi for GBP8 plus taxes and I'm very tempted to just go, but I'd like some more recent info if there is any before I book the flight.

I've been twice (last time in August, 2005). What info do you need?

I've been twice (last time in August, 2005). What info do you need?

Well I guess I'm just curious if there is enough to do to keep a tourist interested for a few days, if it's safe and if you have any hotels to recommend.