Custom travel to Georgia

Georgia is one of the Caucasus's most fascinating countries, a parliamentary republic of 3.7 million people on the Europe-Asia border, independent since 1991 and an EU candidate since 2023. It is the world's second Christian nation, converted in 326 by Saint Nino, and the first to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Its UNESCO heritage is remarkable: Mtskheta (1994), the ancient 3rd-c. Christian capital with Svetitskhoveli Cathedral; Gelati (1994/2017), the royal monastery founded by David IV the Builder in 1106 and renowned for its Byzantine frescoes; the qvevri wines (2013, intangible heritage), the world's oldest — 8,000 years per the 2017 archaeological discovery — fermented six months in buried clay jars; and Upper Svaneti (1996) with its 200 medieval stone towers. Tbilisi (1.1 million), founded in 458 by King Vakhtang Gorgasali on sulfurous thermal springs, houses the Narikala fortress, the Abanotubani baths where Pushkin stayed in 1829, and an old town of carved wooden balconies. Further north rise Mount Kazbek (5,047 m) and the Gergeti monastery at 2,170 m, the country's emblematic image; to the west, Mestia and its Koshki towers in Svaneti; to the east, wine-growing Kakheti with 525 autochthonous grape varieties and Sighnaghi, the « lovers' city ». The cuisine centers on Adjarian khachapuri, 18-fold khinkali, and qvevri orange and Saperavi wines. Still preserved from mass tourism, Georgia weaves together the Caucasus, ancient Christianity, and millennial viticulture.

Highlights

  • Tbilisi old town and 5th-c. sulfur baths (Pushkin 1829)
  • UNESCO 1994 Mtskheta: world's 2nd Christian nation after Armenia
  • 5,047 m Mount Kazbek + 2,170 m Gergeti monastery (emblematic image)
  • UNESCO 1996 Mestia Svaneti: 200 11th-c. Koshki medieval towers
  • UNESCO 2013 qvevri wines: world's oldest 8,000 years
  • Khachapuri + khinkali + supra cuisine with tamada toastmaster

Frequently asked questions

How many days for Georgia?

Essential Georgia (Tbilisi + Mtskheta + Kazbek + Kakheti): 8 nights. With Mestia Svaneti: 11 nights. 3-Caucasus-country combo (Georgia + Armenia + Azerbaijan): 14 nights.

Qvevri wines really 8,000 years?

Yes, proven by 2017 archaeological discovery (Patrick McGovern University Pennsylvania) — qvevri jars dated 6000 BC with attested wine chemical residues. World's oldest wines, preserved technique. UNESCO 2013.

What budget for 8 nights?

Comfort: €2,590-€3,200/person. Premium (Stamba 5★+ + Rooms Kazbegi 4★+ + Schuchmann supra): €3,800-€4,800. Excellence (Stamba suite + Kazbek ascent + professional tamada): €5,800+. Paris-Tbilisi flights: €250-€700.

Visa for Georgia?

No for French/Europeans (≤ 1 year, one of world's most generous after Albania). 6-month valid biometric passport.

How to get to Mestia Svaneti?

Vanilla Sky Cessna 45-min flight from Tbilisi (€80-150/person, weather-dependent — flights often cancelled in bad mountain weather, plan 1-2 day flexibility). 4×4 car alternative 9 h difficult. June-September season only (road closed October-May by snow).

Supra with tamada really 5 h?

Yes, it's the traditional minimum duration. Tamada toastmaster pronounces 12-25 toasts in 5 h (to homeland + parents + children + friends + peace + tribute to dead...) with a drink for each, 30 traditional dishes simultaneously on the table, UNESCO 2008 Georgian polyphony. Recognized Georgian social profession.

Is Georgia safe?

Very safe (top 50 Global Peace Index). Avoid Abkhazia + South Ossetia (separatist territories occupied by Russia since 2008, closed border on Georgian side). No risk in rest of country.

Do I need vaccines?

No mandatory vaccines. Up-to-date DTP recommended. Tap water drinkable Tbilisi + main cities.

How to get around Georgia?

Private 4×4 + French-speaking driver-guide car recommended for Kazbek + Mestia + Kakheti (winding mountain roads). Vanilla Sky Mestia 45-min flight. Tbilisi-Telavi train 4 h (slow). Bolt in Tbilisi (very cheap).

Can I combine with other destinations?

Yes, classic: Georgia + Armenia (Tbilisi-Yerevan 6 h car via Sadakhlo border, world's 1st Christian nation 301 monasteries), + Azerbaijan (Baku 8 h, futuristic oil capital UNESCO 2000), + eastern Turkey (Trabzon 6 h car, Sumela monastery). 3-Caucasus-country 14-night combo ideal.