Georgia guide

SAKARTVELO

GEORGIA GUIDE

Address: 31, B. Kvernadze Str. Tbilisi Tel: +995 322 33 88 08, +995 555 35 55 55

Hotel

„Wine Palace“ fully meets the highest European standards.

33 comfortable rooms-standard and deluxe – come decorated in the highest artistic style (hand-painted walls, a delightful combination of classic and romantic styles) and are equipped with Free Wi-Fi, satellite, TV, an international phone and safes. „Wine Palace“ provides guests with breakfast served in a nice dining room, while delicious Georgian and European dishes can be ordered for dinner.

Hotel „Wine Palace“ has a unique wine cellar which stores about 100 brands of Georgian Wine, as well as home-made wine. For Hotel guests, wine tastings and national dishes are arranged. Guests can also book tour to the regions through the hotel.

Email: info@winepalace.ge www.winepalace.ge Facebook: #HotelWinePalace

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GEORGIA GUIDE

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GEORGIA GUIDE

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Georgia (Sakartvelo)

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Georgia

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GEORGIA GUIDE

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GEORGIA GUIDE

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CONTENTS

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GEORGIA

12-39

REGIONS

40-51

CITIES

52-77

UNESCO HERITAGE

78-83

RESORTS

84-91

PROTECTED AREAS

92-105

CULTURAL HERITAGE

106-127

LAKES

128-133

NATURAL MONUMENTS

134-136

LISTING

137-140

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Hotels & Preference GEORGIA GUIDE Hualing Tbilisi

Georgia (Sakartvelo)

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Georgia

(Sakartvelo)

Publication: Georgia Guide 2018

GEORGIA GUIDE

Special Thanks to: Agency Of Protected Areas

Publisher:

Green Media Production Ltd. 1 Leonidze St., 0105,Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: (+995 32) 230 50 82 E-mail: info@gmproduction.ge Founders: Teimuraz Chumburidze Temur Jgerenaia

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6 Gulua st., 0114. Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: (+995 32) 272 30 49 E-mail: info@apa.gov.ge www.gmproduction.ge

Georgia

GEORGIA GUIDE

General Director: Temur Jgerenaia Sales & Marketing: Temur Legashvili Editor: Copy Editor: Translation:

Maka Svimonishvili Khatuna Katsarava Ketevan Khachidze

Design & layout: George Navrozashvili Official Media Partner:

(Sakartvelo)

C

ompanies and institutions that have submitted the data are responsible for the accuracy of the data provided in the publication.

No parts of the publication may be reproduced are recorded into any data medium or transferred in any other way without the written consent of Green Media Production Ltd.

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Georgia

(Sakartvelo)

GEORGIA GUIDE

Georgia

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OFFICIAL NAME GUIDE GEORGIA Sakartvelo (Georgia)

Georgia (Sakartvelo)

FORM OF GOVERNMENT Unitary semi-presidential republic HEAD OF STATE President: Giorgi Margvelashvili HEAD OF GOVERNMENT Prime Minister: Giorgi Kvirikashvili CAPITAL Tbilisi OFFICIAL LANGUAGE Georgian MONETARY UNIT Georgian lari (GEL) POPULATION (2016 est.) 3,654,0003 TOTAL AREA (SQ MI) 26,9114 TOTAL AREA (SQ KM) 69,7004 URBAN-RURAL POPULATION Urban: (2016) 57.2% Rural: (2016) 42.8% LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH Male: (2014) 68.6 years Female: (2014) 77.2 years LITERACY: PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION AGE 15 AND OVER LITERATE Male: (2010) 100% Female: (2010) 100% GNI PER CAPITA (U.S.$) (2015) 4,160

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Georgia

(Sakartvelo)

GEORGIA GUIDE

G

eorgia, Georgian „Sakartvelo“, country of Transcaucasia located at the eastern end of the Black Sea on the southern flanks of the main crest of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. It is bounded on the north and northeast by Russia, on the east and southeast by Azerbaijan, on the south by Armenia and Turkey, and on the west by the Black Sea. Georgia includes two autonomous republic: Abkhazia, in the northwest (principal city Sokhumi) and Adjara, in the southwest (principal city Batumi); The capital of Georgia is Tbilisi (Tiflis).

The roots of the Georgian people extend deep in history. Georgian cultural heritage is equally ancient and rich. During the medieval period a powerful Georgian kingdom existed, reaching its height between the 10th and 13th centuries. After a long period of Turkish and Persian domination, Georgia was annexed by the Russian Empire in the 19th century. An independent Georgian state existed from 1918 to 1921, when it was incorporated into the

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GEORGIA GUIDE

Georgia (Sakartvelo)

Soviet Union. In 1936 Georgia became a constituent (union) republic and continued as such until the collapse of the Soviet Union. One of the most independence-minded republics, Georgia declared sovereignty on November 19, 1989, and independence on April 9, 1991.

The 1990s were a period of instability and civil unrest in Georgia, as the first postin­dependence government was overthrown and separatist movements emerged in Tskhinvali region and Abkhazia.

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Georgia

(Sakartvelo)

GEORGIA GUIDE CLIMATE

T

he Caucasian barrier protects Georgia from cold air intrusions from the north, while the country is open to the constant influence of warm, moist air from the Black Sea. Western Georgia has a humid subtropical, maritime climate, while eastern Georgia has a range of climate varying from moderately humid to a dry subtropical type.

There also are marked elevation zones. The Kolkhida Lowland, for example, has a subtropical character up to about 1,600 to 2,000 feet, with a zone of moist, moderately warm climate lying just above; still higher is a belt of cold, wet winters and cool summers. Above about 6,600 to 7,200 feet there is an alpine climatic zone, lacking any true summer; above 11,200 to 11,500 feet snow and ice are present yearround. In eastern Georgia, farther inland, temperatures are lower than in the western portions at the same altitude.

Western Georgia has heavy rainfall throughout the year, totaling 40 to 100 inches (1,000 to 2,500 millimetres) and reaching a maximum in autumn and winter. Southern Kolkhida receives the most rain, and humidity decreases to the north and east. Winter in this region is mild and warm; in regions below about 2,000 to 2,300 feet, the mean Jan-

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GEORGIA GUIDE

Georgia (Sakartvelo)

In

the heart of Tbilisi you can find very comfortable hotel Coral Boutique. It is located in the old and prestigious part of Tbilisi, near Marjanishvili square, at Uznadze street #113b. In 2010 the area was renovated and a lot of new restaurants, bars, shops were built. So the location is considered as a tourist center. The guest who will stay in Coral boutique hotel can easily get all kind of facilities just 5-10 minutes walking from the hotel. There are 26 rooms with beautiful design equipped with all necessary means for comfort the guest .

The hotel has very friendly staff and our clients generally feel themselves like at home. We also have additional services as massage center, bar-restaurant, tour desk, cars/buses rent, shuttle service, guide/driver service and many other services depending on guests requests.

So we are ready and waiting for more tourists from all around the world to have unforgettable memories in Coral Boutique Hotel.

HOTEL CORAL BOUTIQUE

113b Uznadze st., Tbilisi , Georgia Tel : +995 322 430 113 + 995 322 430 115 Mob : + 995 555 44 00 22 booking@coralhotel.ge www.coralhotel.ge

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Georgia

(Sakartvelo)

GEORGIA GUIDE

uary temperature never falls below 32 °F (0 °C), and relatively warm, sunny winter weather persists in the coastal regions, where temperatures average about 41 °F (5 °C). Summer temperatures average about 71 °F (22 °C).

In eastern Georgia, precipitation decreases with distance from the sea, reaching 16 to 28 inches in the plains and foothills but increasing to double this amount in the mountains.

The southeastern regions are the driest areas, and winter is the driest season; the rainfall maximum occurs at the end of spring. The highest lowland temperatures occur in July (about 77 °F [25 °C]), while average January temperatures over most of the region range from 32 to 37 °F (0 to 3 °C).

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GEORGIA GUIDE

Georgia (Sakartvelo)

THE PEOPLE

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he likelihood is great that the Georgians, whose name for themselves is Kartveli, have always lived in this region, known to them as Sakartvelo.

Ethnically, contemporary Georgia is not homogeneous but reflects the intermixtures and successions of the Caucasus region. About four-fifths of the people are Georgians; the rest are Armenians, Russians, Azerbaijanis, and, in smaller numbers, Ossetes, Greeks, Abkhazians, and others.

The Georgian language is a member of the Kartvelian (South Caucasian) family of languages. It has its own alphabet, which is thought to have evolved about the 5th century, and there are many dialects. A number of other Caucasian languages are spoken by minority groups; many are unwritten.

Many Georgians are members of the Georgian Orthodox Church, an autocephalous Eastern Orthodox Church. In addition, there are Muslim, Russian Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Jewish communities.

The Georgians are a proud people with an ancient culture. They have through the ages been noted as warriors as well as for their hospitality, love of life, lively intelligence, sense of humour, and reputed longevity (although statistical data does not support this latter assertion).

THE ECONOMY

T

he Georgian economy includes diversified and mechanized agriculture alongside a well-developed industrial base. Agriculture accounts for about half of the gross domestic product and employs about onefourth of the labour force; the industry and service sectors each employ about one-fifth of the labour force.

The National Bank of Georgia, which is the central bank, issues the national currency, the Georgian lari. The majority of Georgia’s financial institutions—the stock exchange and most of its banks—are situated in Tbilisi.

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Natural Monuments

GEORGIA GUIDE

Natural Monuments

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GEORGIA GUIDE

Natural Monuments

KRUBERA CAVE Depth 2,197 m (7,208 ft)

K

Length 13.432 km (8.346 mi)

rubera Cave is the deepest-known cave on Earth. It is located in the Arabika Massif of the Gagra Range of the Western Caucasus, in the Gagra district of Abkhazia, a breakaway region of Georgia.

MARTVILI CANYON Address: Martvili, Samegrelo-Zemo svaneTi

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his wonderful place is located in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, in Georgia. Small city of Martvili, just half an hour driving time from Kutaisi. Martvili district is truly one of the greatest places in Georgia – combining unique natural environment with historical monuments. It is a place with lots of waterfalls and sky blue water! You can lend a boat with a boatman and he will take you to unforgettable journey between high rocks in Canyon. On the shore among the trees there are special wooden tables and chairs where you can have a nice picnic. There is also a small footpath which will lead you to the Dadiani’s “swimming pool” ( this is a place of the river, looked like a pool ). Great place to have an adventure with a family, friends or co-workers.

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Natural Monuments

GEORGIA GUIDE

OKATSE CANYON Address: Khoni (village Gordi), Imereti

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katse Canyon occupies more than 2 kilometers and regarded to be the masterpiece of the nature. Tskenistsckali tributary Okatse 70meter in height flowing down Kinchhkibi hollow and throught narrow bottom of Gordi Canyon and joins the river Tshkenisckali near the village Gelaverdi. In some places Okatse creates small lakes where you can swim. On the territory of the village Gordi river flowing leads you down to 2-5 width canyon where it is cold even in August.

This will allow you to enjoy the warm climate and spectacular views.

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GEORGIA GUIDE

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TOURIST AGENCIES

f visiting Georgia erve you here

adventurous • • • •

GEORGIAN HOLIDAYS 116, Tsereteli ave.

Didube Plaza Tel: (+995 32) 288 02 25 www.georgianholidays.com

FREE TRAVEL 175 D. Agmashenebeli av.

Mob: (+995) 599 03 99 22 www.freetravel.ge

DISCOVERY 10 D.Agmashenebeli Ave. • City breaks • Adventure tours Tel: +995We 32 2 900 • Business travel 900 Provide: info@discovery.ge Call now: +995 322 880 225 www.discovery.ge Electronic ticketing services info@georgianholidays.com

G-TRAVEL 33 Ramishvili st.

Mob: (+995) 571 22 04 44 www.g-travel.ge

Day trips Private escorted tours Small group tours Special activities

nd provides Georgia o have 9 mi. With 50 go to great

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EXPLORE GEORGIA 22 Peritsvaleba st.

Tel: (+995 32) 292 19 11 www.exploregeorgia.com

FORTUNA TRAVEL 19 Kazbegi av.

Mob: (+995) 557 71 80 80 fortunatravel19@gmail.com

Transportation services BLUE BIRD TRAVEL around 4 Besiki st. Georgia Tel: (+995 32) 292 02 94 Hotel reservation services www.bluebirdtravel.ge

HRG Georgia 3 Vekua St., business centre Pirimze Plaze 5th floor Tel: (+995 32) 248 48 98 www.hrggeorgia.info-tbilisi.com

world BTL the GEORGIA 76 B Vazha Pshavela Different types ofave. tours Tel: (+995 32) 220 75 47 Georgia@btl-sompany.ge Corporate events and

I AM GEORGIA 18 RusTaveli ave.

Tel: (+995 32) 298 85 31 www.iamgeorgia.com.ge

CALYPSO MTOUR Travel Insurance 116, Tsereteli av.

Tel: (+995 32) 214 77 76 Georgian SIM-Cards info@calypso-tr.ge

INTERLINE 7 Ts. Dadiani st.

Tel: (+995 32) 236 80 68 www.tourism.com.ge

Visa Services CAUCASUS TRAVEL 22 Peristsvaleba st.

Special Assistance upon Tel: (+995 32) 298 74 00 your requirements www.caucasustravel.com

LAZIKA TRAVEL 174 D. Agmashenebeli av.

Mob: (+995) 599 80 93 83 www.lazikatravel.com

www.georgianholidays.com

in Georgia and around

team buildings

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GEORGIA GUIDE

HOTELS 12 BOUTIQUE HOTEL 12 V. Beridze St. Tel: (+995 32) 255 22 12 www.no12hotel.com

WINEPALACE 31, B. Kvernadze Str. Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: +995 322 33 88 08, +995 555 35 55 55 info@winepalace.ge www.winepalace.ge Facebook: #HotelWinePalace

Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi HUALING. Tbilisi Sea New City Tel: +995 322 50 50 25 info@hotelspreference.ge www. hotelspreference.com www. hotelspreference.ge

AMBASADORI 13, Shavteli st.

Tel: (+995 32) 243 94 94 www.ambasadori.ge ART BOUTIQUE HOTEL 33 Tabukashvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 255 22 55 ASTORIA TBILISI 12 Chitadze st.

Tel: (+995 32) 249 70 10 www.astoriatbilisi.ge BEAUMONDE 11 Al. Chavchavadze St. Tel: (+995 32) 292 11 72 www.hotelbeaumonde.com BETSY’S HOTEL 32/34 Makashvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 293 14 04 www.betsyshotel.com BOUTIQUE HOTEL VILLA MTIEBI 10 Chakhrukhadze St. Tel: (+995 32) 292 03 40 www.hotelmtiebi.ge

CORAL BOUTIQUE 113b Uznadze st., Tbilisi, Georgia Tel : +995 322 430 113 + 995 322 430 115 Mob : + 995 555 44 00 22 booking@coralhotel.ge www.coralhotel.ge 2

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BRITISH HOUSE 32 Chovelisze St. Tel. (+995 32) 298 87 83 www.british-house.ge CITADEL NARIKALA 20 Ajiashvili St. (former Orpiri) Tel: (+995 32) 290 41 41 www.hotel-citadel.ge www.gmproduction.ge

GEORGIA GUIDE CITADINESS FREEDOM SQUARE TBILISI 4 Freedom Sq. Tel: (+995 32) 254 70 30 www.citadines.com COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT TBILISI 4 Freedom Sq. Tel: (+995 32) 277 91 00 www.courtyardtbilisi.com FABRIKA HOSTEL & SUITES 8 Egnate Ninoshvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 202 03 99 www.fabrikatbilisi.com HOLIDAY INN TBILISI 1, 26 May Square Tel: (+995 32) 230 00 99 www.hi-tbilisi.com ISTANBUL 148 D. Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 291 11 82 www.hotelistanbul.ge KOPALA 8/10 Chekhov St. Tel: (+995 32) 277 55 20 www.kopala.ge MERCURE TBILISI OLD TOWN 9 Gorgasali St. Tel: (+995 32) 200 60 60 MUSEUM HOTEL 8/10 Orbeliani st.

Tel: (+995 32) 224 49 99 www. museumhotel.ge OLD KEY HOTEL 114 D. Aghmashenebeli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 295 96 61 www.oldkeyhotel.ge, OLD METEKHI 3 Metekhi Rise Tel: (+995 32) 274 74 04 www.gmproduction.ge

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RADISSON BLU IVERIA 1 Rose Revolution Sq. Tel: (+995 32) 240 22 00 www.radissonblu.com/hotel-tbilisi RIVER SIDE Right Bank of Mtkvari, Brosse Street Turn Tel: (+995 32) 224 22 44 www.riverside.ge ROZMARIN 8 Mikheil Javakhishvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 293 39 02 hotelrozmarin@gmail.com RUSTAVELI 28/2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 299 01 15 www.hotelrustaveli.com ROOMS HOTEL TBILISI 14 Merab Kostava St. Tel: (+995 32) 202 00 99 www.roomshotels.com/tbilisi TBILISI MARRIOTT 13 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 277 92 00 www.tbilisimarriott.com THE BILTMORE HOTEL TBILISI 29 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 272 72 72 www.millenniumhotels.com TIFLIS PALACE 3 Gorgasali St. Tel: (+995 32) 200 02 45 www.tiflispalace.ge VERE PALACE 22/24 Kuchishvili St. Tel: (+995 32) 225 33 40 VINOTEL 4, Elene Akhvlediani ascent Tel: (+995 32) 255 58 88 www.vinotel.ge

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