How to Avoid Buying Forbidden Souvenirs

When you’re drawn to a souvenir, don’t rush to buy it. Instead, consider where it came from. Your ability to spot illegal souvenirs is crucial here. It’s best to follow guidelines in such situations:

• Understand local regulations and research the specific laws about souvenirs before you buy
• Always request proper documentation for any artifact or item you plan to purchase
• Refrain from buying products made from endangered species, as it contributes to illegal wildlife trade
• Choose vendors with a commitment to ethical and legal business practices
• Ask our guides or local authorities about the legality of souvenirs

Forbidden Souvenirs in Georgia:

During the process of obtaining Travelife Partner Status, we made efforts to compile a list of potential illegal souvenirs in Georgia. While the list may not cover all options, it can still offer insight into the types of illegal souvenirs you might encounter while traveling here.

• Bear pelt
• Fox hide
• Wolf hide
• Horns of Caucasian ibex
• Horn of Alpine chamois
• Any type of taxidermy trophy
• Fragment of stalactites and stalagmites
• Seeds of plants facing the threat of extinction.
• Coins, paintings, jewelry, inscriptions, and armor with cultural heritage significance
• Any stolen art items

VisitGeorgia has always been a pioneer in promoting sustainable tourism practices in Georgia, taking a leading role in this direction. We have implemented numerous projects aimed at empowering local families, making our tours nature-friendly, and digitalizing our internal operations, among other initiatives. Our actions have been guided by rational logic and a deep understanding of the importance of responsible practices that prioritize the well-being of local people affiliated with VisitGeorgia. In 2019, we began actively working to systematize and frame our sustainability vision, mission, and activities. We created our first Sustainable Tourism Policy and, with the active engagement of all staff members, embarked on many sustainable tourism-oriented actions.

Sustainability Practices

In 2023, VisitGeorgia experienced a significant turning point in its commitment to promoting sustainability practices. Recognizing the need for enrichment in our experiences and approaches, we turned to Travelife as our guide in this journey. Our goal was to align with international standards regarding sustainability, and Travelife, as the leading international sustainability certification body in the travel sector, became our partner in this endeavor. Acquiring Travelife Partner Status was a lengthy but rewarding process for VisitGeorgia. It provided us with essential skills and knowledge to make our sustainability-focused activities more effective and impactful. We were introduced to international best practices, regulations, and various policies, which broadened our perspective on sustainability. Today VisitGeorgia adheres to international standards and has a common sustainable language for communicating with our international partners.

Graffiti in Tbilisi’s Streets

Street art in Georgia started in the 2000s, the culture has developed and refined in the past few years, as many new artists have appeared.

Graffiti is the only cost-free platform for artists in Georgia. To gain recognition and express their personal opinions, artists find that street art is the most effective way to establish their own identity. Georgian street artists use walls, bridges, and even abandoned buildings as their canvases, infusing the urban landscape with color and creativity. What makes Tbilisi street art unique is its role as a platform for self-expression and social commentary. Many artists use their work to convey powerful messages, addressing issues ranging from politics to cultural identity.

They have transformed the city’s appearance by painting old Soviet buildings, rejuvenating abandoned structures, and adding a fresh touch to underground passages and modern concrete buildings with a vibrant array of colors. These changes not only look visually appealing but also have the power to uplift our moods in our daily lives.

Tbilisi Street Art Festival – ‘Fabrikaffiti’

Do you want to know where the young generation in Tbilisi spends their time? You will be surprised because it’s an old Soviet-era sewing factory called – Fabrika. The factory has undergone a remarkable transformation and become a multifunctional urban space, which combines various types of cafes, shops, workspaces, and hostels. This place is for rebellious minds to create and share.

The main feature of Fabrika is its graffiti-covered appearance. Here, you will find the only graffiti shop in Tbilisi, where you will purchase high-quality aerosol paint (spray), markers, and other essentials for street art. The name of the shop is Graffiti Dealers, which supplies artists with materials. Fabrika Tbilisi and CRU Crew are the organizers of the annual international urban art festival “Fabrikaffiti”, which has been held since 2016. Both foreign and local artists repaint the walls of the Fabrika every year. The festival also combines other Hip-Hop elements, such as B-Boy, Djing, Graffiti, Sketch Battle, Breakdance, sharing knowledge, MC and Hip-Hop Selectors, skateboarding, etc. They often organize panel discussions and invite renowned graffiti artists and speakers.

Colorful murals in Tbilisi’s neighborhoods

In 2019, the Mural Festival commenced uniting talents from around the world with local muralists to breathe new life into the city’s once-dull Soviet-era buildings. As you stroll through the streets of Tbilisi, It’s like wandering through an open-air art gallery. Foreign artists get acquainted with Georgian culture, combine their art with Georgia, and create masterpieces that represent a mixture of cultures.

The Festival of Murals also has an App, where all the murals of Tbilisi are combined with their locations on the map. If you decide to visit the urban exhibition, get the app and plan your routes.

10 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Georgia

Nowhere in the world quite compares to Georgia, where the natural and urban attractions are equally spectacular. The country’s hills are alive with snowy ski slopes, pristine lakes, and meadows filled with wildflowers.

Discover Cave Towns of Georgia

Discover Cave Towns of Georgia

County of Wonders

Georgia is a country of endless discoveries. There are many reasons why traveling to this small country is genuinely worthwhile: untouched nature and wildlife, ancient cities, monasteries, centuries-old towers.

If you want to enjoy snow and some skiing in addition to amazing nature, delicious food, rich history and culture, winter tourism in Georgia has to offer it all.

Ski enthusiasts will find everything and more in Georgia’s numerous ski resorts. The well-developed infrastructure, sharp variations in altitude and unlimited possibilities for freeride, back country and heli-skiing in Gudauri, Bakuriani, Svaneti or Goderdzi will leave even experienced skiers satisfied.

Bakuriani, which can be reached by the lovely and iconic Kukushka train, is ideal for a family vacation. Meanwhile, Svaneti and Goderdzi remain some of the most popular destinations for locals and foreigners alike, and one taste of their delicious food, professional slopes, fresh air and cozy cottages nestled in the Caucasus will leave you with no doubt as to why.

Winter in Georgia has two major things going for it: Quiet cities and majestic snowy landscapes. If your timing is right, you can catch the ski season. Orthodox holiday traditions in January add to the atmosphere.

Tbilisi remains mild throughout the winter months while the regions vary from fairly frosty to firmly freezing, showcasing all manner of splendid winterscapes: Snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, sugar-dusted villages, and more.

Planning your next trip to the beach? Luckily for you, Georgia offers some of the best beaches in the Caucasus, to choose your next destination. Georgia has several beaches that strike the perfect balance between exoticism and elegance, all ideal for a family or romantic getaway.

Let’s take a look at Georgia beaches for different coastal adventures, and discover the top beaches in Georgia!

Georgia’s Black Sea Beaches

The country, which shares influences from both Eastern Europe and Western Asia, is a true beauty. It has plenty of art, beautiful architecture, music, and more to showcase. That’s where you see the influences of the different continental sides.

But, having access to the Black Sea, the country of Georgia has a few beaches that will steal anyone’s heart. Most of the shores have pebbles and rocks instead of soft sand, so don’t forget to bring your slippers or beach shoes.

Common for Georgia’s beaches are that they are mostly visited by local and domestic tourists, so if you come as a foreigner you’re in for a treat to experience Georgian holiday life.

Batumi – Explore the city  where beaches and snowy peaks collide

Batumi is “Pearl of the black sea” and it is  some of the best places to wind down in Georgia. For the uninitiated, Batumi is a port city, the capital of Adjara and the main Black Sea resort of Georgia. Travelers come here for good pebble beaches, warm and clear sea, as well as fantastic subtropical greenery.

Many of Batumi beaches have a well developed infrastructure, thanks to which you can visit these with both children and the elderly. There is plenty to do in Batumi so day after day you will not sit in a hotel or on the beach.

You can go on boat trips or scuba dive to explore the underwater beauty of the Black Sea. Batumi has a temperate climate all year round, as it is located in the subtropical part of Georgia. The average temperature in summer rises to 29⁰С.

Kvariati beach

Kvariati is known among beach lovers in Georgia as a place for diving and one of the best beaches for families with children. It is located 3 km from the Georgian-Turkish border. The wonderful subtropical climate, ecologically clean sea, and mountains, well-developed tourist infrastructure contributed to the fact that families come here for one day or longer, alone or with companies.

Sarpi

Perhaps you’re one of those people who want to have a bar – or several – nearby when spending time at the beach. In this case, you will love Sarpi.

This beach used to be one of the cleanest and most peaceful ones, which is what made it so popular. Here you can  dive into the water if you want to take the experience to the next level.

Grigoleti

Grigoleti is also located in the Guria region, but it’s in the municipality of Lanchkhuti. Interestingly, the sand on this beach is magnetic, as it contains titan-magnetite, small magnetite or ilmenite particles. Although it doesn’t have such a developed infrastructure, this town gets a few tourists from time to time, especially families.

Mtsvane Kontskhi – Green Cape

Only 9 km. (5.6 miles) away from Batumi, the natives call this place Green Paradise. It has breathtaking scenery including a botanical garden next to the beach! Tourists and locals go there not only for sunbathing and swimming, but also for diving. Mtsvane Kontskhi is well served by its many guest houses, restaurants, and cafè­-bars so you can stay there for the whole day and enjoy the beauty of the Green Paradise. 

Ureki

This beach is also located in Guria, being a famous seaside town, if not the most famous one in the area. Arguably, this is the beach with the softest sand. Local families love this place thanks to the therapy offered by the sand, which is believed to be able to treat various problems. Not to mention that the place is great for enjoying a nice atmosphere. 

If you decide to add Georgia as your new travel destination to offer, the first thing you will learn about it is that Georgia is a wine country. Georgian viticulture is highly developed, and here you can find as many as 450 high-quality Georgian grape varieties, but is that enough to call it wine country? Let’s find out. 

In this blog, we will talk about all the facts that make Georgia recognized as a homeland of wine. 

Georgians are the ancient winemakers

The world scientific community recognized that the ancient traces of winemaking were discovered on the territory of Georgia country, from where it spread throughout the world and had a great impact on the formation of agriculture, folk culture, biology, medicine, and civilization in general.

The first evidence of Georgian winemaking 

Several decades ago, in Kvemo Kartli, south of Tbilisi, in the Marneuli Valley, archaeologists discovered a VI millennium BC.  grains of the vine. According to morphological and ampelographic signs, it is attributed to the vine cultivar, Vitis Vinifera Sativa. In addition, scientists have studied several fragments of clay pots, found in the same area, in Georgia.

Scientists confirm Georgia is a wine country

Researchers at the University of Milan, led by Osvaldo-Failla, have reconstructed the BC. VI millennium climate and confirmed that in Kvemo Kartli 8000 years ago there were appropriate conditions for vine cultivation.

Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of calcium salt of tartaric acid on clay vessels. The only source of tartaric acid on the walls of the ceramic material could have been wine or grape juice.

Georgian wine uniqueness

An ancient method of Georgian winemaking

The uniqueness of Georgian wine lies in the secret of its making process, which dates back to ancient times. Unlike most Old World wines, Georgians do not use oak barrels to ferment, store or age their wines. In fact, the oldest evidence of winemaking points to the use of “Qvevri”.

What is Qvevri?

The Qvevri is an egg-shaped earthenware vessel used for making, aging, and storing wine.

Traditional Georgian winemaking involves crushing grapes and placing the grape juice, along with the grape skins, stems, and pips, into clean Qvevri lined with beeswax for fermentation.

Georgian winemakers clean and re-line their Qvevri between uses. From there, naturally occurring yeasts from the grape skins cause fermentation, and the tannins present in grape seeds and skins impede spoilage.

Georgia wine regions

We continue to substantiate why Georgia is the homeland of wine and the next point is the wine regions of the country. There are about 6 wine regions in Georgia, but today we will talk about two main regions: Kakheti and Kartli.

Wine region – Kakheti

The engine of the Georgian wine industry is Kakheti region. It is one of the most important wine regions in Georgia.  Approximately, three-quarters of the vineyards of Georgia wine country are cultivated here and it is often referred to as the cradle of wine. The region cultivates indigenous grape varieties such as white Kakhuri Mtsvane, etc.

Wine region – Kartli

Kartli is another distinct winemaking region in the central-eastern part of Georgia wine country, and it is well-known for its high-quality European style and sparkling wine. The region is famous for its Atenuri PDO, which is produced in one of the oldest areas, known since the middle ages, and is distinguished by its uniqueness and different tastes.

Wine Tourism in Georgia

We went through all the main aspects of what makes Georgia a wine country, in addition, extensive wine history, culture, and gastronomy make it extremely attractive for international visitors. This hidden gem of the wine world is now accessible for travelers and wine lovers to discover ancient traditions of winemaking through Georgian wine regions.

Georgia wine country has almost 400 different types of grapes, however, only 38 are grown for commercial winemaking. You may think which of the many species are the ones that stand out the most in Georgia. Here are the top 5 most popular wines in Georgia:

1. Saperavi is Georgia’s leading red grape variety. Bold and fruity with strong acidity, it can be made into dry or semisweet wine.
   
2. Kindzmarauli  is one of the most well-known Georgian wines. This is a authentic naturally semi-sweet wine.
3. Chinuri means “excellent” or “the best.” It has high acidity and is made into sparkling wine.
4. Kisi yields straw-colored wines that offer flavors of pear, apricot and green tea.
5. Mtsvane Kakhuri is used for high-quality dry wine in the Manavi appellation. It also gets blended with Rkasiteli in the wines of Tsinandali.

In the Footsteps of Georgian Wine

Wine is the most diverse product in the world. Many types of wine can be tasted in different countries, but if we go deeper into the beginning of this noble liquid, we will definitely come to Georgia. 

If you’re lucky enough to be in Georgia for Easter, you won’t see the famous bunny or go for an Easter egg hunt, but Georgian Easter is unique with its traditions. While the days leading up to Easter include solemn processions and liturgies, “Aghdgoma” is a joyous celebration marked with rituals. Easter Day is a public holiday in Georgia and celebrates Jesus ‘ resurrection from death. 

Preparation

Preparation for Easter starts one week earlier (a week called “Holy Week”) and begins with Palm Sunday. Georgians use boxwood witches instead of palm fronds as theirs symbolic branches to decorate their homes. This change is due to the lack of local palm trees.

Following days are spent preparing food for Easter in Georgian households: baking sweet bread Paska and dyeing eggs, which is definitely done on Good Friday, the day when Christ died. 

Baking Paska and dyeing eggs, are some of the most treasured holiday traditions, Paska is delicious, sweet, festive bread that is rich in butter and eggs and baked only for Easter. Despite Paskas being widely available everywhere nowadays, a home-made one has a completely different taste and its own appeal. The process of baking one is quite laborious, but greatly contributes to the festive mood. The result is definitely worth the effort. 

Unlike in many other countries where eggs have become commercialized chocolate products, the Easter eggs in Georgia are actual eggs and they are red. Many Georgian households use madder roots and onion peels to dye eggs a deep red color on Good Friday before sunset. Symbolizing Christ’s resurrection and eternal life, Georgians will crack the strongest eggs on Ester Sunday morning. The family member with the least broken eggs wins. 

Wheat is another symbol of Easter in Georgia, that can often be found decorating the Easter table. Called Jejili, the freshly grown wheat symbolizes new life and renewal.  

Celebration

The  Saturday evening, before Easter Sunday is one of the most important church services which celebrates the appearance of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem. The actual celebration of Easter starts on that night, when Christians go for an overnight church service. People bring to church Ester baskets with lit candles, which are filled with the Paska, red eggs and other foods. As part of the mass, the Easter baskets are blessed by the priest, and taken home by the families to eat in the morning. 

On the morning of Easter Sunday, it is a tradition to greet one another with “Christ has Risen” before even saying hello. If someone says this to you, you should reply “Indeed He has Risen!,” before continuing the conversation. 

Perhaps the most unusual Easter tradition takes place on Easter Monday when Georgians often visit the graves of their relatives, which has a significant meaning for many families. 

During the communist reign, many churches were destroyed and religion was heavily discouraged. Because of this, many Georgian instead went to graveyards to pray, a tradition which has outlasted communism and become a part of Easter celebrations. 

After arriving at a grave, it is tradition to light a candle and roll one of the red eggs across the grave whilst declaring “Christ has risen! Indeed he has risen!”. This ritual is performed three times before a supra is set up at the graveside with many toasts dedicated to the deceased. 

When the celebrations are finished, wine is poured on the grave, a custom called “knocking over a goblet”. Although foreigners are often stunned by such an action, Georgian believe it means they won’t be alone after death as their relatives will also them at their resting place. 

If you are lucky enough to be in Tbilisi for Easter, visit a church, enjoy the Easter festival under the warm sun rays and don’t miss the opportunity to try local Paska. 

Easter in Georgia

Easter is the greatest Christian holiday celebrated by Christians all over the world. This day is a symbol of the victory of good over evil.

Georgia, as one of the oldest Christian countries in the world, has always celebrated Easter in a special way.

Nowhere in the world quite compares to Georgia, where the natural and urban attractions are equally spectacular. The country’s hills are alive with snowy ski slopes, pristine lakes, and meadows filled with wildflowers. Meanwhile, its cities and towns are some of the best in Europe, from culture-heavy Tbilisi to storybook Svaneti. Here, 10 photos that prove just how gorgeous the country really is.

1. Ushguli (a UNESCO heritage site), the highest, permanently settled village in Europe, where time has stopped and centuries-old towers look out to Georgia’s highest summit, Shkhara (5,201 m.).  Ushguli is a must-see place.

2. Tbilisi – the capital city, where you can walk the history from the 5th century AD’s sights through the modern times.

A city blended with colores of Europe and Asia.

3. Stepantsminda – This is most people’s destination on the Georgian Military Highway: a beautiful valley town with the famous hilltop silhouette of Tsminda Sameba Church and the towering snowy cone of Mt Kazbek (5047m) looking down from the west.

4. Mtskheta – the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia – Mtskheta (3000 years old) and  its historical places: ancient Jvari Monastery (6th century) and impressive Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

5. David Gareja Monastery and It’s Rainbow Mountains – Semi-arid desert, which stuns you with its amazing landscapes and goes on for miles into the distance. It is here that you will see the ancient David Gareja complex on the side of a cliff (6th c.).

6. Batumi – the Black Sea’s white pearl. The city is a harmonious synthesis of the old and totally modern architecture. Narrow streets first lead you to the Piazza, where beautiful buildings with amazing glazing surround the square – such a lovely place for Batumians. 

7. Vardzia Cave Town – the underground halls of the   “mountain queen,” dug out of the solid rock, Vardzia looks like it was taken directly from the pages of Lord of the Rings.

In reality is a unique architectural monument of the 12th century. This city fascinates the visitor with its scale (3000 caves located on the 13th floor) and its innovation.

8. Dartlo – Tusheti’s fairy tale. Dartlo represents a dream village, on the beautiful alpine slopes of Caucasus Mountains at the level of 1850m.

Tusheti’s Alazani river, lots of homestays, Cafe with a perfect location, camping places, tasty mountain cheese, view to waterfall from the houses and even more Dartlo has to offer.

9. Prometheus Cave –  The length of the cave is 1420 m. The unique stalactites and stalagmites here will leave an indelible impression on you.

The beautiful lighting and classical music in the background makes this place even more charming and mysterious.

10. Vashlovani National Park – a home to some of Georgia’s most unique and diverse landscapes.

Here you’ll find narrow canyons and jagged peaks, expansive savanna dotted with pistachio trees, bubbling mud volcanoes, barren plateaus, forested mountains, and a snaking river forming the border with Azerbaijan. 

Easter in Georgia

Georgia holds endless opportunities for organizing both cross-country and mountain bike tours.

Different landscapes add an appealing attraction to biking in beautiful nature, trying one of the most individual ways for traveling in this region, as well as visiting ancient historical monuments, meet local people, and get acquainted with local traditions and lifestyles.