This new seventh edition of Bradt's Georgia remains the only dedicated guide to this
fascinating budget-friendly Caucasian country where tourism continues to increase and
domestic travel is increasingly straightforward. Thoroughly updated throughout to reflect
recent developments this guidebook includes revised and new listings for hotels homestays
restaurants what to see and do and how to get around by public transport. At the intersection
of Europe and Asia nestled between Russia Armenia Azerbaijan and Turkey Georgia is the hub
of the Caucasus - a country known for its mountains and Black Sea coast and its wonderful food
wine and all-round hospitality. With Bradt's Georgia you can experience the new alongside the
old in a country where most cultural and historical sights are free of charge or very cheap.
The capital Tbilisi boasts a charming cobbled old town the centuries-old tiled baths of
Orbeliani and numerous cultural highlights but has also seen major developments recently
including conspicuous new projects such as the Peace Bridge. Already famous for the cave
monastery of Vardzia and the ancient wine-growing region of Kakheti Georgia's more remote
areas are becoming more accessible. Networks of rural guesthouses and hiking trails (including
the increasingly popular Transcaucasian Trail a volunteer-led project to create two
long-distance hiking routes) are being developed alongside a push towards more sustainable and
responsible tourism. On the Black Sea the city of Batumi has developed into a glitzy
playground for regional tourism. Appropriately given that the country is considered to be the
birthplace of wine the Georgian wine industry features prominently with particular emphasis
on the UNESCO-listed natural qvevri wines (made in clay amphorae set in the ground). Also
covered are: skiing at Gudauri Bakuriani and Mestia cycling the World Heritage sites of
Mtskheta Svaneti and Gelati Bagrati Georgian fusion cuisine (now celebrated in Tblisi's
stylish new restuarants) 5th-century churches and other Christian architecture cave cities
and Georgian polyphonic singing. Bradt's unique guide to Georgia is the ideal companion for
travellers from serious hikers to wine buffs high-end culture lovers to winter-sports
enthusiasts and city-break aficionados to backpackers of all ages.
