Georgia
Introduction
Located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Georgia has seamlessly integrated aspects of various cultures, while at the same time retaining its own unparalleled identity.
Covering a territory of only 69,700 sq. km., the country is renowned for its fascinating history, majestic Caucasus Mountains, the Black Sea coastline, curative climate, healing mineral waters, national parks and UNESCO Heritage Sites. For centuries Georgia has been the cultural, educational and transportation center for the Caucasus region; with some of the most famous trade routes like the Silk Road passing on its soil.
More information regarding tourist destinations can be found on the following website: http://georgia.travel/
Unique Culture, Folklore and Art
Georgia is a country with ancient, rich and unique culture, which dates back for millennia. In 1977 the golden recording onboard of the U.S. spacecraft Voyager carried the traditional Georgian song “Chakrulo” to the far reaches of our solar system, as a part of the world’s cultural heritage.
Today, the Georgian polyphonic music and the Georgian alphabet are acknowledged by UNESCO as “a masterpiece of the world’s cultural heritage”. Georgian dance, similar to polyphonic songs remain a major cultural attraction.
Language and alphabet
The nation is also proud of its language and its own writing system. Georgian (Kartuli) is a language spoken by most of the population, and it represents the official language of the country. The Georgian alphabet is one of the fourteen original alphabets of the world and it is fully phonetic. There are 33 letters and the same amount of sounds in the language. Therefore, the writing language fully coincides with its pronunciation
Great Food, Restaurants and Cafes
Authentic and very specific to the country, Georgian cuisine is the natural extension of a rich landscape - fed by the pure waters of the Caucasus Mountains. The cuisine offers a variety of dishes, high in herbs and spices, and mix of vegetarian and meet dishes: organic fresh meat like pork and lamb, chicken and fish, hazelnuts and walnuts, various sorts of cheese, and pungent seasonings. Throughout the cities you can find fine restaurants and cozy, uniquely styled cafes and bars.
Birthplace of Wine
Wine has been produced in Georgia for over 8,000 years; this is what the BBC referred to as “the world’s longest-running unbroken wine tradition.” Today, over 500 varieties of grapes are grown throughout the country and Georgian wines are famous for their unique properties and character. Furthermore, the Georgian way of winemaking - in clay pots called Qvevri – is on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Endless Tourism Possibilities
From adventure tourism to discovering the art of winemaking, Georgia has something to delight every visitor. Take advantage of the least expensive heli-skiing in Europe, or tour some of the finest medieval architecture in the world, investigate ancient subterranean cave cities, or relax at the beach resorts – in Georgia, everything is just a step away.
Useful Information
Getting around
Tbilisi International Airport
Located just 20 km from the city, Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) offers international, domestic and cargo flights. The Airport has been operated by TAV since 2005. In 2007, a new international terminal was opened, which can accommodate up to 2.8 million passengers a year. ICAO quality standards and services make it one of the most reliable destination points in the region.
Batumi International Airport
Located just 2 km from the city, Batumi International Airport (BUS) serves both international and domestic flights. The new terminal, which opened in 2007 has 6 check-in desks and 4 passport stations. Hereby, Georgia and Turkey have signed an agreement whereby Batumi Airport is considered part of Turkey’s domestic network, creating favorable environment for flights between the two countries.
Kutaisi International Airport
David The Builder Kutaisi International Airport puts you right in the heart of Imereti. From there, you can venture in any direction, and discover the many wonders of the Imereti region.
The airport has recently been renovated and expanded to cover an area of almost 30,000 square meters. The airport’s capacity has been quadrupled to accommodate 2.5 million passengers annually, and 1,200 during peak periods. The terminal’s interior design is entirely focused on delivering comfort for passengers, and provides experience-driven smart solutions. Its lighting structure, for example, is designed to soothe passengers, and help provide them with a stress-free journey.
Airports Council International has consistently ranked Kutaisi international Airport among the top five fastest growing airports serving up to 5 million passengers in Europe.
Airport transport services
BUS TRANSFERS:
Two operators - Georgian Bus and Omnibus Express provide bus/ minibus transfer services from/to the major cities of Georgia: Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi.
www.georgianbus.com www.omnibusexpress.ge
The tickets can be purchased online or at the Airport (Arrivals Hall) Bus Stop Location in the cities:
Georgian Bus
From/to Tbilisi - Pushkini Park at Liberty Square
From/to Batumi - 1 Egnate Ninoshvili street, behind the Radisson Hotel From/to Kutaisi - The bus picks up the passengers from their addresses
OMNIBUS
From/to Tbilisi - Mikheil Javakhishvili Street, near Rose Revolution Square From/to Batumi - Railway Station
From/to Kutaisi - White Bridge, near Best Western Kutaisi Hotel
Georgian Railway
Georgian Railway covers all major cities of Georgia and offers timely, comfortable and safe transportation to the passengers. Online tickets can be purchased via the Railway web-page: https://www.railway.ge/en/
Parking Regulations
If you are travelling by car, or renting it, you should consider that, there is an hourly zone parking in some areas, especially in touristic and highly populated central parts of Tbilisi. There also are areas that have universal P sign in the street. After paying the parking fee, you can park your vehicle in any designated parking space across the city of Tbilisi throughout the day. The parking fee can be paid in banks, online or through fast payment machines. When paying the parking fee, you need to indicate the vehicle registration number and license plate number.
Rent a car
There are several local and international car rental companies operating in Tbilisi. Offices are located at the Tbilisi International Airport and in the city.
Taxi
There are several taxi apps available for download. You can pay for the ride by cash or by card through the app.
Currency
Official currency is GEL. There are many ATMs throughout the city and almost all shops accept different types of credit cards.
Electricity
Electrical current – 220 Volts, 50 Hz. EU standard plugs work throughout Georgia
Useful Georgian expressions:
Hello – გამარჯობა – Gamarjoba
Good Morning – დილა მშვიდობის– Dila Mshvidobis
Good Bye – ნახვამდის – Nakhvamdis
Thank You – მადლობა – Madloba
Please – გეთაყვა – getakva
Yes – დიახ – Diakh
No – არა – Ara
What time is it now? – რომელი საათია? – Romeli saatia?
Help me please – დამეხმარეთ – Dame’khmaret
How much does it cost? – რა ღირს? – Ra ghirs?
Why? – რატომ? – Ratom?
Gift – საჩუქარი – Sachukari
That’s good – კარგია– Kargia
I love you – მიყვარხარ- Mikvarkhar
