Georgia, a country at the intersection of Europe and Asia, is a former Soviet republic that’s home to Caucasus Mountain villages and Black Sea beaches.
It’s famous for Vardzia, a sprawling cave monastery dating to the 12th century, and the ancient wine-growing region Kakheti. The capital, Tbilisi, is known for the diverse architecture and mazelike, cobblestone streets of its old town.
2:00am-10:00am : Tbilisi
12:00pm-12:30pm : Sculpture the Saxophone Player
1:00pm-3:00pm : Tbilisi Funicular
Built as an attraction and to enable people to take in the wide vista atop the Mtatsminda plateau, Tbilisi Funicular opened in 1905. This steep railway climbs above the city, allowing 360-degree views through the all-glass exterior. You'll appreciate the new carriages installed in 2012 that replaced older, more rickety cars. At the top, take in a view of the city, visit the restaurant complex, and head up to the amusement park that dominates the plateau for fun and adventure.
3:30pm-5:30pm : Kartlis Deda
Kartlis Deda is a monument in Georgia's capital Tbilisi. The statue was erected on the top of Sololaki hill in 1958, the year Tbilisi celebrated its 1500th anniversary. Prominent Georgian sculptor Elguja Amashukeli designed the twenty-metre aluminium figure of a woman in Georgian national dress.
10:00am-10:30am : Freedom Monument
The Freedom Monument , commonly known as the St. George Statue, is a memorial located in Tbilisi, Georgia, dedicated to the freedom and independence of the Georgian nation. Unveiled in 2006 in Tbilisi's central square, the monument of granite and gold is 35 metres (115 ft) high and is easily spotted from any point of the city. The actual statue — 5.6 metres (18 ft) tall, made of bronze and covered with gold — is a gift to the city from its creator, Georgian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli.
11:00am-4:00pm : Walking tours
4:30pm-6:00pm : Khurjini
Ecologically clean Georgian village products all around Georgia: Spices, Dressings, Ajika: megruli red and greens, walnut ajika, guruli, imeruli, svanuri, afkhazuri ; Sauces & tkemali : tkemali : red, green, yellow, grapes sause, Damson sause, adjarian sause, Blackberry sauce, tomato sause, paprika sause, kvatsarakhi (Fermented tkemali); Tea : black, green, fruit,Citrus,Hawthorn,Mint, Rhododendron , Bekondaris, Sea-buckthorn, tsatskhvi, Chamomile, Cranberries, Berries, Briar; Nuts &Walnuts : nut, walnut, peanut, almond, beechnut; Seeds: Sunflower seeds , Pumpkin seeds; Delicacies & Sweets: churchela, janjukha, tklapi, dry fruits, chamichi, Motley dry friuts, Raisins, gozinaki; honey : acacia, tsatskhvi, Chestnuts, alpine, Meadow; may-honey ; Jams: different fruit & berries, Mulberry, Pine cones, Walnut, Bakmazi, Cedars, honey&Pine cones; Oil: kakhuri (sunflower),Aromatic; Vinegar: wine & apple; home-made Juices, compotes, Canned vegetables; greets & corn flour ; smoked cheese; Pickles; Pickled cucumber and tomato garlic cabbage , cauliflower, peppers , carrots , leeks , capers , kohlrabi , ghandzili ; Vodka: Chacha, fruit, mulberry, cornel, honey, zhipitauri
10:00am-11:00am : Tsminda Sameba Cathedral
Built in the aftermath of Soviet occupation, Tsminda Sameba Cathedral symbolizes the country's shift away from Soviet ideology toward more traditional religious values. Consecrated in 2004, this towering Georgian Orthodox cathedral was built in an amalgamation of Georgian architectural styles and covers 5,000 sq m (53,820 sq ft). Sitting atop Elia Hill, the cathedral imposes with its vertical emphasis, which causes the building to loom impressively. Inside, admire the light-filled space, the ringing marble floor, and the painted murals. A newly illuminated manuscript of the New Testament is on display here--look for it in a glass cabinet inside the cathedral. For cultural reasons, if you wish to go inside be sure your body is well covered (long sleeves and trousers), or you may be denied entry.
11:30am-1:30am : The Bridge of Peace
A modern pedestrian thoroughfare, The Bridge of Peace hangs delicately over the Kura River and connects the old town to the modern. Designed to evoke the shape of peaceful marine mammals, the bridge provides convenient access from Rike Park to the old town. Stroll across the structure and pause in the middle to watch the river traffic passing below. In the evenings the bridge comes to life with an impressive light display made up of thousands of colored LED lights.
1:30pm-4:30pm : Old Town (Altstadt) Tbilisi
At the heart of the capital, Old Town (Altstadt) Tbilisi boasts an eclectic mix of new and ancient buildings in a rainbow of colors, set against the looming bulk of Narikala Fortress. Devastated by an invading army charging north from Persia in 1795, much of the area was painstakingly rebuilt and restored in the mid-19th century while the country was under Russian rule (although many buildings and churches dating from the 5th century still exist here). Notice the carved wooden balconies on large houses that hang over the pavement as you stroll the narrow streets and alleyways in search of an ancient church or two. Other places of interest include the area's popular sulfur baths.
5:00pm-5:30pm : Monument to the Lamplighter
10:00am-6:00pm : Food Tours
10:00am-10:30am : Norashen Church
Norashen Holy Mother of God Church or Norashen Surb Astvatsatsin Church is a 15th-century Armenian church located in Old Tbilisi, Georgia. It was founded in 1467 and renovated in 1650. It also underwent renovations later in 1795, 1808, and 1875.The church of Norashen is cruciform in plan with a single dodecagonal drum above, and twelve long windows located under a conical umbrella style dome. A small cupola sits at the peak of a gable on the roof. It has six slender columns that hold up a decorative arched hexagonal drum and small conical dome.Recently the church has been the subject of dispute between Armenians and the Georgian Orthodox Church which has sought to convert it into a Georgian Church. Among the actions taken by the Georgian church is the enclosing of the church with a concrete fence, the defacing of Armenian inscriptions on tombstones, and the bringing in of Georgian tombstones.It was claimed that beginning in 1983, Georgian authorities began the systematic removal of Armenian characteristics from the church. Among the changes were: The destruction of the portal (in front of the northern door) in 1983The removal and disappearance of Armenian tombstones in 1983The development of a construction site only a few meters south from the church in 1995The removal and disappearance in 1995 from the high altar of the 17th century khachkar (cross stone) with an inscriptionThe destruction of the Armenian baptistry situated in the internal northern wall in 1995The closing of the church doors while in the process of destruction and alteration works progressed in 1995The replacement of the old doors with doors decorated with a "Georgian cross"The removal and destruction in 1995 of another khachkar from 1650 that was set in the wall inside the churchThe covering with asphalt of a tombstone situated near the northern entrance of the church
11:00pm-11:30pm : Museum of Illusions
12:00pm-2:00pm : Narikala Fortress
he ruined Narikala Fortress looms over the city, forming a dramatic skyline which serves as a reminder of the area's turbulent history throughout the centuries. Damaged and unrepaired since an earthquake in 1827, the fortress has played host to Persians, Mongols, and Arab emirs, and was founded in the 4th century as a Persian citadel. There are no guided tours here, but a tourist walk runs around the fortress and down into the old town to the botanical gardens. It's a steep climb even inside the fortress, so wear comfortable shoes. Entry is free.
2:30pm-4:00pm:Turkish Baths
4:30pm-6:00pm:Rustaveli Avenue
Named for a medieval Georgian poet, Rustaveli Avenue throbs with the life of the city and offers insight into the interaction of the old and new in Georgia. The avenue begins at Freedom Square, where government and cultural buildings line the street interspersed with shops and eateries. Among the imposing facades are the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia, and the former parliament building of Georgia. Walk the avenue to find small, independent stores shoulder-to-shoulder with big name, international brands. The avenue is home to a wide range of eateries, from the inexpensive cafe to fine dining establishments.
6:30pm-9:30pm : Batumi
10:00am-1:30pm : Batumi Botanical Gardens
Poised on a cliff edge over the Black Sea, Batumi Botanical Gardens provides a distraction from the bustle of town. Covering 111 hectares (274 acres), the gardens contain a large array of the species from all over the globe. The landscaped areas are split into nine sectors--Caucasian, humid subtropics, East Asia, New Zealand, South America, the Himalayas, Mexico, Australia, and the Mediterranean. Stroll the paths in quiet contemplation, bring the family for a picnic, or marvel at the views out to sea. Of particular interest are the gardens' collection of trees, which provide shade and protection as well as beauty.
2:00pm-6:00pm : Argo Cable Car
Above the sprawling city, Argo Cable Car offers wide-open views of rooftops, sea, and lush hills that surround the area. At 250 m (820 ft) above sea level, this sightseeing center provides visitors with some unmatched views. Hop into a blue enclosed gondola with panoramic glass walls and head for a dramatic 2,586 m (8,484 ft) downhill ride. The cars have space for eight passengers, making it possible to transport up to 186 visitors from the hill to the city each hour. Snap photos of the mountains meeting the sea, featuring modern buildings and quaint neighborhoods in between. You can also grab a drink at the center before heading down.
10:00am-10:30pm : Ethnographic Museum "Borjgalo"
11:00pm-12:30pm : Monument Ali and Nino
1:00pm-2:00pm : Batumi Boulevard
Running between the Black Sea and the city, Batumi Boulevard offers a place for relaxation and socialization amid the beauty of gardens and the sea. Begun in 1881 and originally spanning just the length of the city's old town, the boulevard was the brainchild of A.I. Smekalov, Batumi's then governor. Smekalov hired renowned German garden designer Reseller to create a strip of beauty for the city beside the sea. Now encompassing 7 km (4.3 mi), the boulevard offers a place to cycle (you can rent a bike) or walk. Explore the gardens and stop in at one of the many restaurants and cafes. Of special interest are the dancing fountains, which were built in 1977.
2:00pm-4:00pm : Dancing Fountains, Batumi
Around sunset, Dancing Fountains, Batumi begin their evening show of lights, music, and shifting shapes, lined above a reflecting lake. Synchronized to classical, pop, and rock hits, gushes of water and rays of lights create an appealing atmosphere. Compared to their Las Vegas counterparts, these fountains are often described as smaller, yet more elegant, matching the music with a flawless harmony. Sit by the fountains and let them cool you down, or have a scenic walk with a photo session. Several cafes at the site offer views of this creation so you can enjoy a drink while watching the show
4:30pm-6:00pm:Europe Square
Take a walk around Europe Square, where stately buildings and sights showcase the architectural style of famous European cities combined with local elements. The most famous statue in the city, Medea holding the Golden Fleece, represents ancient Georgia's ties with European culture. Other points of interest include an astronomical clock and a large fountain in the center, perfect for cooling off in warmer weather. Quaint cafes and restaurants line the square, where you can try the local specialties while enjoying the view.