Visa-Free Direct Flights to Georgia: Must-Visit Western Architecture

🌍 Part 1: Essential Pre-Trip Prep 1. Visa & Currency ◦ 30-day visa-free stay for Chinese passport holders (some sources indicate up to 1 year—verify officially). ◦ Currency: Lari (GEL). Carry some cash; exchange available in cities/airports. Most places accept cards. 2. Communication & Language ◦ Buy a Magti SIM at the airport for good coverage. English works in tourist areas; download translation apps for remote regions. 3. Religion & Etiquette ◦ Dress modestly in churches (women cover heads, men avoid shorts). 📅 Part 2: Best Travel Times | Season | Months | Recommended Activities | Highlights | |--------------|-------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | **Spring** | March-May | Hiking, flower viewing, old towns | Kazbegi wildflowers, Sighnaghi vineyards | | **Summer** | June-Aug | Black Sea resorts, mountain escapes | Batumi beaches, Mestia hiking | | **Autumn** | Sept-Oct | Wine festivals, photography | Kakheti wineries, Caucasus fall colors | | **Winter** | Dec-March | Skiing, snowy churches | Gudauri Ski Resort, Kazbegi peaks | 🏞️ Part 3: Must-See Attractions & Itineraries 1. **Tbilisi (Cultural Heart)** • **Holy Trinity Cathedral**: Georgia’s tallest Orthodox church, golden dome with city views, exquisite frescoes. • **Old Town**: Sulfur baths (Abanotubani), Puppet Clock Tower, Dry Bridge Market for Soviet-era finds. • **Narikala Fortress**: Sunset views over Mtkvari River and city lights, near "Mother of Georgia" statue. • **Peace Bridge**: Modern glass-steel bridge with 30,000 LED stars at night. 2. **Nature & History** • **Kazbegi** ◦ **Gergeti Trinity Church**: Isolated at 2,170m, hike or 4x4 to this snow-capped peak. ◦ **Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument**: Cliffside viewpoint over Caucasus valleys. • **Sighnaghi**: Medieval "City of Love," wine country. Visit Bodbe Monastery, try qvevri wine. • **Mtskheta**: UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (houses Jesus’ robe fragment); Jvari Church overlooks river confluence. • **Batumi (Black Sea Gem)** ◦ **Ali & Nino Statue**: Moving embrace at 7 PM, symbolizing cross-cultural love. ◦ **Botanical Garden**: 5,000 global plant species, romantic coastal trails. 3. **Deep Experiences** • **Mestia & Ushguli**: Europe’s highest village (2,200m), glacier hikes, Svaneti towers. • **Vardzia**: 13th-century cave monastery city, once home to 2,000 monks. ------ 🍷 Part 4: Georgian Cuisine 1. **National Dishes** ◦ **Khachapuri**: Boat-shaped cheese bread + raw egg (mix before dipping). ◦ **Khinkali**: Soup dumplings—sip broth first, skip the dough knot. ◦ **Churchkhela**: Nuts dipped in grape juice, dried—sweet but not cloying. 2. **Dining Culture** ◦ **Birthplace of Wine**: 8,000-year history. Try qvevri-made Saperavi. ◦ **Supra Feasts**: Hours-long meals with polyphonic toasts—pure hospitality. ------ 🚗 Part 5: Transport & Stays 1. **Intercity Travel** ◦ Trains: Scenic but limited. Marshrutka minibuses: cheap/convenient. Private cars (~$50/day). 2. **Lodging Picks** ◦ **Tbilisi**: Old Town hostels (e.g., Old Town Hostel)—walk to sights. ◦ **Kazbegi**: Mountain-view guesthouses (e.g., Guesthouse Kazbegi)—wake to Gergeti Trinity. ◦ **Batumi**: Beachfront hotels (e.g., Hotel Batumi)—Black Sea sunrises. ------ ⚠️ Part 6: Pro Tips 1. **Safety** ◦ Avoid conflict zones (South Ossetia, Abkhazia). Beware of semi-wild sheepdogs in mountains. 2. **Savings** ◦ Use Yandex Taxi to avoid scams. Haggle at markets (start at 30% off). 3. **Altitude** ◦ Over 2,000m (e.g., Kazbegi)—skip intense activity, pack windproof gear. ------ 🗺️ Part 7: Sample Routes • **7-Day Highlights**: D1-2 Tbilisi (Old Town + baths + Holy Trinity) → D3 Mtskheta + Sighnaghi → D4 Kazbegi day trip → D5 Train to Batumi → D6 Batumi coast + garden → D7 Return. • **15-Day Deep Dive**: Add Mestia trek (3 days), Kakheti wine tours (2 days), Vardzia caves (1 day).