Art and Sea: A 2-3 Day In-depth Tour of Batumi

Batumi is located in southwestern Georgia, on the Black Sea coast, and is the capital of the Adjara Autonomous Republic. This city is renowned for its charming Black Sea coastline, unique historical architecture, and vibrant modern culture, earning it the nickname 'Pearl of the Black Sea'. Batumi skillfully blends European charm with Caucasian characteristics, featuring long seaside promenades and beaches, as well as artistic sculptures and futuristic architecture. It is also famous for the world's most creative moving sculpture, 'Ali and Nino'. It is not only a holiday destination but also an ideal gateway for exploring the culture and cuisine of Georgia's west coast.

⛺【Must-Visit Local Attractions】:
1. Ali and Nino Moving Sculpture: This is Batumi's most famous landmark. Two giant steel sculptures slowly move towards each other, intertwine, and then separate every evening, artistically recreating the tragic love story from the novel. Its profound meaning makes it a must-see artistic marvel.
2. Batumi Boulevard: Stretching approximately 7 kilometers along the Black Sea, it's an excellent place for leisurely strolls, cycling, or taking a sightseeing vehicle. The boulevard is shaded by trees and adorned with various sculptures, fountains, cafes, and amusement facilities, full of life and vitality.
3. Europe Square & Medea Statue: The square is one of Batumi's central points, surrounded by European-style architecture. The Medea statue in the center, holding the Golden Fleece, symbolizes the ancient city's long-standing connection with ancient Greek mythology.
4. Argo Cable Car: The cable car will take you up Anuria Mountain, with a one-way trip lasting about 10 minutes. From the observation deck at the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of Batumi, the Black Sea coastline, and the surrounding mountains, offering an extremely expansive vista.
5. Batumi Botanical Garden: Located about 9 kilometers north of the city, it is one of the most important botanical gardens from the former Soviet era. The garden cultivates thousands of plant species from all over the world, facing the Black Sea with beautiful scenery, making it ideal for nature and plant lovers.

🛬【Travel Itinerary】:
Suggested duration: 2-3 days. One day to explore the city center and the coast, and another day for the botanical garden or surrounding attractions.
Suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Start in the morning at Europe Square, visiting the surrounding architecture and the Medea statue. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll along Batumi Boulevard, enjoying the sculptures and Black Sea views along the way. In the evening, be sure to watch the Ali and Nino moving sculpture in action. Have dinner at a seaside restaurant in the evening.

Day 2: In the morning, take the Argo Cable Car up Anuria Mountain for panoramic city views. In the afternoon, head to the Batumi Botanical Garden (requires transportation) to relax amidst the sea of plants. If you have ample time, you can also explore the streets of Batumi's Old Town.

Day 3 (Optional): If time permits, consider a day trip from Batumi to explore nearby attractions, such as Gonio Fortress (an ancient Roman-era fortress) or Sarpi Waterfall.

🏨【Accommodation Guide】:
1. Coastal Area: It is recommended to choose hotels near Batumi Boulevard for sea views from your window, convenient for morning and evening strolls, offering the best experience. This area features a variety of hotels, from international chains to local establishments.
2. City Center/Near Europe Square: This area offers convenient transportation, numerous restaurants and shops, a vibrant local atmosphere, and generally good value for money on hotels.
3. Unique Options: Batumi also has some uniquely designed boutique hotels and family-run guesthouses, which can add more local experience to your trip.

🧡【Tips】:
1. Transportation: Attractions in Batumi city center are relatively concentrated, making walking an excellent way to explore. For more distant attractions like the botanical garden, consider hiring a car or taking a marshrutka (mini-bus).
2. Food: Be sure to taste Georgian specialties such as Khachapuri (cheese bread) (especially the boat-shaped Adjarian version), Khinkali (dumplings), and fresh local seafood.
3. Season: Summer (June to September) is the peak season for beach holidays, with warm weather suitable for swimming, but also the most crowded. Spring and autumn offer pleasant climates and are good times for comfortable sightseeing.
4. Visa: Holders of valid Chinese passports can enjoy Georgia's visa-free policy, making travel convenient.
5. Currency: The local currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). Have some cash for small purchases, though many places also accept credit cards.
6. Language: The official language is Georgian, but English and Russian are also commonly used in tourist areas.