Georgia Travel

Visitors should avoid the regions of Abkhazia, South Ossetia, the Pankisi gorge beyond Akhmeta and the Zugdidi and Tsalenjikha districts of the Samegrelo region which border Abkhazia. Visitors should not enter or leave Georgia via the land borders with Russia. For further advice visitors should contact their local government travel advice department.

Georgia is bordered by the Russian Federation, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Black Sea. Enclosed high valleys, wide basins, health spas with famous mineral waters, caves and waterfalls combine in this land of varied landscapes and striking beauty. The capital, Tbilisi, stands on the banks of the River Mtkvari, in a valley surrounded by hills. It is best seen from the top of Mount Mtatsminda. With its warm climate, stone houses built around vine-draped courtyards, and winding streets, the city has a lively, Mediterranean atmosphere. Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia in the far northwest of Georgia, was until civil unrest a relaxed, sunny port/resort, renowned for its beaches fringed with palms and eucalyptus trees, lively open-air cafes and cosmopolitan population. Local dishes include pkhali (made from young spinach leaves pounded together with spices) and cured meat (basturma). Nightlife is to be found primarily in international hotels.