7 must-do activities in Georgia, immersing in the beauty of the Caucasus

Georgia, often referred to as the "Garden of God," has much more beauty to offer than its name suggests. So, what are the must-see landscapes here?!

Upper Svaneti, due to its secluded geographical location and difficult accessibility, has been preserved with typical medieval-style villages and tower houses. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1996. Ushguli is an ancient village in the Upper Svaneti region, with an average altitude of 2100 meters. It is a collection of 5 villages, with only over 70 households and more than 200 people. Ushguli seems like an isolated village from the world, with rugged mountain roads making it difficult to reach. Although it is less than 50 kilometers from Mestia, it takes 2-3 hours to get there.

Sighnaghi

Located in the Kakheti province in eastern Georgia, it accounts for 3/4 of the country's wine production. Embark on a wine tour, visit historic wine cellars, and experience Georgia's unique cellar storage winemaking technique. In the cellar, enjoy some cheese and a few glasses of wine, or have lunch directly at the winery's restaurant, where the scenery is beautiful. The stunning mountain town of Sighnaghi, located on the edge of the Kakheti province, has been rated by Lonely Planet as the most beautiful town in the Kakheti region. This European-style town, nestled against the Lesser Caucasus Mountains and near the Azerbaijan border, is quiet and ancient, with pure and enjoyable wine.

Batumi Boulevard Park

The Black Sea, a name that once only appeared in textbooks, has now suddenly come to life. The resort city of Batumi is about a 6-8 hour drive from Tbilisi. It was once a vacation destination for Europeans and Russians, and a health and tourism center of the former Soviet Union. At Batumi Boulevard Park, you can choose to rent a bicycle and ride along the lake, or take a leisurely stroll. The park is not only lush with greenery but also features many unique sculptures. Beyond the park lies the beach. The most famous sculpture here is Ali & Nino, two sculptures that approach each other, kiss, and then part ways every day, repeatedly enacting a poignant love story.
Gori, located in central-western Georgia, is more than 80 kilometers from Tbilisi. It is the hometown of Stalin and one of the oldest cities in Georgia. The Stalin Museum is located in the city center and exhibits detailed displays of Stalin's life from his youth until his death. This is the only official museum in the world dedicated to commemorating this former leader.
Ananuri, a hidden small town located an hour's drive from Tbilisi, is the cover image of Lonely Planet's Caucasus guide. The castle, built in the 13th century, is situated on the hillside of Aragvi Lake. Before entering the castle, take a walk around it to find the best angle to capture its classical beauty amidst the green mountains and clear waters. The castle is not large and can be explored in at most an hour. On good weather days, it is a popular spot for newlyweds to take wedding photos.

Vardzia

Located in southern Georgia, Vardzia is one of the world's most mysterious cave villages. It was built in the latter half of the 12th century and has 6,000 rooms extending 500 meters along the cliff, reaching up to 19 stories high, making it extremely spectacular. Some of the murals here are still well-preserved and have been submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Five monks still live on this mountain, and every morning at 7 o'clock, they ring the bell on the high arch.

Mestia

Mestia, located in the heart of Svaneti, the oldest region of Georgia, is a paradise for skiers and hikers. Embark on the pilgrimage route to Mestia, which is the starting point for most hiking trails, surrounded by forests and snow-capped mountains. There are numerous hiking routes starting from Mestia, with five or six one-day round trips, as well as 3-4 day and week-long routes. You can inquire about related matters at the service center.