After traveling solo through Iran and Armenia, I was excited to meet up with an old college friend in Georgia. I had heard amazing things about Georgia from other travelers and could not wait to explore the country, though sadly I only had one short week there.
But while my exploration of Georgia was far from thorough, I did leave with one solid impression of the country: I love it! Its beautiful mountains, historic churches, European vibes, and delicious food didn’t need more than a week to win over my heart. I will absolutely be returning to Georgia again someday, hopefully soon.
We did manage to squeeze in a couple of trips outside of Tbilisi during my short stay, the first being to Mtskheta.
A Day Trip from Tbilisi to Mtskheta
Mtskheta is one of the oldest towns in Georgia and its capital from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. It’s just 20 kilometers north of Tbilisi, so you can easily reach it with a public minivan or a private taxi.
The views are stunning and give you an immediate sense of Georgia’s history, so I would definitely recommend a day trip out to Mtskheta if you’re traveling to Tbilisi.
Mtskheta’s old city lies right at the intersection of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.
Mtskheta is often referred to as Georgia’s most religious city, as even before Christianity was declared a religion in Georgia Mtskheta was an important site for pagan idols.
Visiting Kazbegi from Tbilisi
We also stayed a night in Kazbegi, a mountain village that’s home to the Gergeti Trinity Church and some seriously stunning scenery. Like, if you make one outing from Tbilisi during your time in Georgia, go here!
I had forgotten how much I love hiking; even though it was incredibly muddy and we were slip sliding all over the place, the hike up to the church was beautiful, and more fun than just taking a taxi there (which you can also do).
In Kazbegi we stayed at Rooms Hotel, which honestly was one of the nicest hotels I’ve stayed at – ever! The views across to the mountains are breathtaking, and the hotel is beautifully designed.
The modern design elements actually reminded me a lot of Scandinavian mountain hotels. If you’re looking for a hotel in Kazbegi, definitely stay here! Check current prices for Rooms Hotel here.
Exploring Tbilisi
With its eclectic mix of architecture styles and streets full of stylish hipsters and misfit expats, Tbilisi had no trouble charming my boots off (except that it was super cold and I needed those boots to keep warm). Like, I could totally live in Tbilisi. New life plan?
The only problem is, since I was playing it cool and relaxed in Tbilisi I didn’t take many photos until my last day there, when I was pretty upset and grumpy.
Last night I showed these photos to a friend and he remarked how transparently they show my dark mood when I took them. I tried to brighten them up a bit with editing, but having refrained from adding sunbursts and unicorns, I think they’re still a little grim. Next time I’m in Tbilisi I will try to capture its cheerier side!
Visiting Georgia (and Armenia) as part of a tour
While I traveled through Armenia and Georgia independently, if you don’t speak any Russian, want something more organized, or would prefer traveling in a group a tour can be a really good option, especially as transport through the region can be quite chaotic.
My friends recently did the Best of Georgia & Armenia 10-day G Adventures tour and it sounded amazing. I wish I had managed to see so much of both countries! They said that their group was really fun, and they certainly had a more relaxing time than I did having to organize everything myself.
Check the itinerary and current prices for the Best of Georgia & Armenia tour here
Have you been to Georgia yet?
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Illia says
Yay! Beautiful photos. (so true about super-cold, we had the same problem, I got sick in the end because of cold feet…)
Silvia says
Thanks! And yeah, I got sick too! It was worth it though.
Corinne says
I am planning a Tblisi and quick run over the border to Armenia trip in April. It will be short, but photos like yours are spurring me on. I can’t wait!
Silvia says
Ahh you’re going to love it, Corinne! And I’ll look forward to reading about your experiences. 🙂
Catherine says
Love the photos, they a a bit ‘moody’ but they’re beautiful at the same time! Our first stop on our long term travels will be Georgia, predominantly because my partner’s dad lives there, but excited to explore the country 🙂
Silvia says
Oh wow, it will be so nice to be introduced to the country by your partner’s dad! I think it will also make the perfect start to your travels 🙂
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) says
I’m sorry to hear that your time in Georgia was unexpectedly cut short because it looks like a beautiful country (even your grim photos are lovely!). Georgia is a country that only recently made it onto my travel radar, so it’s nice to hear that you enjoyed your short time there so much. I hope I’ll get a chance to see it for myself one day!
Silvia says
Yeah Georgia is a backpacker’s dream – it has beautiful mountains and cities, an interesting history and present, and it’s cheap. Definitely recommended!
Katie says
Grim or otherwise, these are some fabulous photos! The mountainous landscape just looks incredible. It’s such a shame you only got to spend a short time there, but I sometimes find that taking it easy can give you a better sense of a place than cramming things in. Hope you get to go back there soon though. I for one will certainly have to add it to the ever-growing list!
Silvia says
Thanks, Katie! Georgia was pretty easy to photograph, grumpy or otherwise haha. And yeah, I think that’s a really nice way of looking at it – I got to relax and just experience Georgia instead of having a crazy busy trip there, as I probably would have had if I had known from the start I’d only be there a week.
Vanessa @ The Travelling Colognian says
Gorgeous photos, especially those of Mtskheta and Kazbegi. It’s so good when you have someone living in the city you visit. It gives you a different and deeper insight into a place than you would get when visiting the same place as a pure tourist. It’s a shame that you could only spend a week there. I really hope, I’ll get the same chance, in a place I already love, later in 2014, that would be fantastic and probably really interesting!
Silvia says
Thanks, Vanessa, Georgia really is beautiful! And you’re totally right – I probably got a better feel for Georgia in my week there staying with my friend than I would have in several weeks if I had just been traveling as a pure tourist. I hope you’ll get that chance!
Victoria says
Wow! Your photos look amazing! I like the one with the backdrop of the wintry mountain and are you wearing “ethnic” boots? They look so cool.
Lovely pictures. Of everything. 🙂
Silvia says
Thanks! I’m wearing Pamiri socks that I got at a market in Tajikistan, which have been a total lifesaver because they’ve helped turn my little leather boots into winter boots when needed.
Victoria says
Very nice indeed!
michael bourgault says
think your fotos are not grim but just what you saw. if you come back Tbilisi has many moods and the light changes constantly. nice blog
Silvia says
I would love to visit Tbilisi again and see more sides of it – there’s just so much to see there!
mike bourgault says
come back soon. maybe you find some of these interesting. i have been into Tusheti 5 times already and go again at end of September:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mbzzgeorgia/138155543027864?ref=hl
Silvia says
I do want to return soon!
Mari says
We are glad to hear, that you liked our country. We-Georgians, hope, that we soon overcome over infrastructural problems, and will receive our guests as they deserve and we deserve too. . .
Silvia says
I immediately fell in love with Georgia and can’t wait to go back!
GiselleandCody says
YAY GEORGIA!! This was a total surprise to us. We just booked tickets and flew from Turkey to Tbilisi and loved it. Such an amazing country that not a lot of people have travelled through. Great photos and thank you for sharing!!!
Silvia says
It is amazing! In fact I really need to go back and explore Georgia more…
Michael Vance says
I lived in Georgia for two years. It was the most amazing experience of my entire life. I learned to speak the language ქართული and gained a deep understanding and love for the other cultures and religions in the world. The people of Georgia are amazing and accept anyone with open arms. I’d encourage anyone to visit.
You can find some of my photos here: https://www.facebook.com/eldermichaelvance
Harry says
Georgia looks great! You’ve got some stunning photos! I realise this post is a few years old now but do you remember how you got to Kazbegi and Gregeti Trinity Church? Also what time of year did you go? I was thinking about going in October.
Thanks in advance 🙂
Silvia says
I think I got a minibus there from the Tbilisi center, though it was quite a while ago! And I was there in April.
Emi says
I am thinking of visiting this not-so-discovered country at the beginning of November. Your photos portray just beauty and authenticity. I am doubting though because of cold weather, as you already mentioned. What month were you there? What was average day/night temperature?
Keep enjoying life!
Camille says
i know its old trends.. but i wanna share that last week i went to Georgia.. Omgosh im falling inlove.. i wanna go back and stay…
Hellen says
You are absolutely right. Republic of Georgia is one of the most beautiful places in the world – in so many ways. I lived there for 3 years – it was not enough. I have since recommended a visit to Georgia to many friends. Some have gone to experience the beauty firsthand. I could easily retire in Georgia if they would let me.
Roger says
TL:DR, was in Georgia just 6 months ago, and nope, Tbilisi is really kinda gloomy and the ‘former USSR style’ buildings just aren’t going to make it a very happy place. Then again I was there in February so it was COLD! (came here to this post after receiving your latest email updates).