Georgia Visa-Free｜The Stunning Scenery from Lonely Planet's Cover is Real!

Georgia Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Guide to the Hidden Gem of the Caucasus

Georgia, this hidden gem nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, captivates travelers with its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich history, and unique cuisine and wines. Whether it's the vibrant atmosphere of the capital Tbilisi, the snow-capped mountains and churches of Kazbegi, or the wine town of Sighnaghi, every corner of Georgia is worth exploring. Below is a detailed travel guide to help you plan the perfect trip to Georgia.

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### 1. Pre-Trip Preparation
1. **Visa & Entry**
Chinese citizens with ordinary passports can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 30 days (confirm the latest official policies).
- It’s recommended to purchase travel insurance covering medical and accident protection.

2. **Best Time to Visit**
- **Spring & Autumn (April–June, September–October):** Pleasant weather, ideal for hiking and city tours.
- **Winter (December–March):** Ski resorts like Gudauri and Bakuriani are in peak season.
- **Summer (July–August):** Cool in the mountains, but Tbilisi can be hot.

3. **Currency & Costs**
The currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL), with 1 CNY ≈ 0.4 GEL (check real-time rates).
- Prices are low: a meal at a local restaurant costs around 20–30 GEL per person, while upscale restaurants may exceed 50 GEL.

4. **Language & Communication**
- The official language is Georgian. English is not widely spoken in tourist areas, so download a translation app or learn basic phrases like "Gamarjoba" (hello) and "Madloba" (thank you).

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### 2. Must-Visit Cities & Attractions
1. **Tbilisi – The Ancient Capital**
- **Old Town:** Stroll through the sulfur bath district (Abanotubani) and soak in traditional baths; hike to Narikala Fortress for panoramic city views.
- **Modern Landmarks:** Visit the Peace Bridge and the Dry Bridge Market for Soviet-era antiques.
- **Food Recs:** Try Khinkali (dumplings) and Khachapuri (cheese bread).

2. **Kazbegi – Snowy Mountain Sanctuary**
- **Gergeti Trinity Church:** Reachable by hike or 4x4, with the 5,047-meter Mount Kazbek as its backdrop.
- **Gudauri:** A ski paradise in winter; paragliding in summer.

3. **Sighnaghi – Wine Country**
- **Wine Tasting:** Visit local wineries (e.g., Khareba Winery) to experience traditional Qvevri winemaking.
- **City Walls:** Walk along the well-preserved 18th-century defensive walls in this "City of Love."

4. **Mestia & Ushguli – Hiking Paradise**
- **Svaneti Region:** Explore Ushguli, Europe’s highest inhabited village (a UNESCO site), and hike to Chalaadi Glacier.
- **Svan Towers:** Medieval defensive towers showcasing unique Caucasus culture.

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### 3. Unique Experiences
1. **Food & Wine**
- Must-try dishes: Adjarian Khachapuri (boat-shaped cheese bread), Badrijani Nigvzit (eggplant rolls with walnut paste).
- Wine tours: Georgia is the birthplace of wine—visit Kakheti’s wineries.

2. **Outdoor Activities**
- Hiking: The 4-day Mestia-Ushguli Trek.
- Skiing: Gudauri offers the best slopes in the Caucasus.

3. **Cultural Festivals**
- **Tbilisoba (October):** A harvest festival with traditional music and food.
- Easter & Christmas: Experience Georgian Orthodox rituals.

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### 4. Transportation & Accommodation
1. **Domestic Transport**
- **Train:** Overnight trains from Tbilisi to Batumi are budget-friendly.
- **Marshrutka (minibus):** Frequent between cities but less comfortable.
- **Private Taxi:** Ideal for groups; use Bolt or Yandex Taxi.

2. **Accommodation Recs**
- **Tbilisi:** Boutique guesthouses in the Old Town (e.g., Fabrika Hostel).
- **Kazbegi:** Rooms Hotel Kazbegi (iconic mountain-view hotel).
- **Mestia:** Family-run guesthouses for authentic Svan hospitality.

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### 5. Tips & Notes
1. **Safety:** Generally safe, but avoid remote areas at night.
2. **Etiquette:** Dress modestly in churches (women should cover their heads).
3. **Internet:** Buy a local SIM (e.g., Magti), though mountain coverage is spotty.

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### Final Thoughts
Georgia’s magic lies in its diversity—in one day, you can go from a sunset at a winery to sunrise over snowy peaks, from Soviet-era nostalgia to the serenity of ancient churches. With this guide, embark on your Caucasus adventure!