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Your travel guide to Georgia
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Republic of Georgia


"Georgia" is an exonym, It is presumably derived from the Persian-Arabic designation of the Georgians,and ultimately derived from a Middle Persian meaning "land of wolves".explicitly so by the end of the 12th century by Jacques de Vitry, due to the Georgians' special reverence for that saint.the native name of Georgia Sakartvelo "land of Kartvelians", and of the Georgian language Kartuli.The medieval Georgian Chronicles present an eponymous ancestor of the Kartvelians, Kartlos kartvel-specifies an inhabitant of the core central-eastern Georgian region of Kartli, or Iberia as it is known in sources of Eastern Roman Empire. Ancient Greeks and Romans referred to early western Georgians as Colchians and eastern Georgians as Iberians (Oberoi in some Greek sources). Georgia is a country in the Caucasus. It lies at the eastern end of the Black Sea, with Turkey and Armenia to the south, Azerbaijan to the east, and Russia to the north, over the Caucasus Mountains.


History of Georgia (country)


The nation of Georgia was first unified as a kingdom under the Bagrationi dynasty in the 9th to 10th century, arising from a number of predecessor states of ancient Colchis and Iberia.The kingdom of Georgia flourished during the 10th to 12th centuries, and fell to the Mongol invasions of Georgia and Armenia by 1243, and after a brief reunion under George V of Georgia to the Timurid Empire. By 1490, Georgia was fragmented into a number of petty kingdoms and principalities, which throughout the Early Modern period struggled to maintain their autonomy

against Safavid and Ottoman domination until Georgia was finally annexed by the Russian Empire in 1801. After a brief bid for independence with the Democratic Republic of Georgia of 1918–1921, Georgia was part of the Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic from 1922 to 1936, and then formed the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic until the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The current Republic of Georgia has been independent since 1991. The first president Zviad Gamsakhurdia stoked Georgian nationalism and vowed to assert Tbilisi's authority over Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Gamsakhurdia was deposed in a bloody coup d'état within the year and the country became embroiled in a bitter civil war, which lasted until 1995. Supported by Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia achieved de facto independence from Georgia. The Rose Revolution forced Eduard Shevardnadze to resign in 2003.

The new government under Mikheil Saakashvili prevented the secession of a third breakaway republic in the Ajaria Crisis of 2004, but the conflict with Abkhazia and South Ossetia led to the 2008 Russo-Georgian War and tensions with Russia remain unresolved.

About Georgia
Contents

When to go


The best times to visit Georgia are in May, June and September, when it is warm and sunny but not overly hot. July and particularly August are uncomfortably humid in many parts, and temperatures regularly reach 40°C. However, this is an excellent time to be in the mountains, where it is sunny and cool. This is also the peak season on the Black Sea. Winter can be grim everywhere, although thanks to the buffer of the Caucasus Mountains which protects the country from the icy northern winds, Georgia rarely freezes. There is a surprising amount of rain year-round.


Places in Georgia


Abkhazia l Bakuriani l Batumi l Borjomi l Davit Gareja l Gelati l Georgian Military Highway l Gori l Kakheti l Kazbegi l Khevsureti l Kutaisi l Mestia l

Mtskheta l Poti l Samtskhe-Javakheti l Sighnaghi l Sukhumi l Svaneti l Tbilisi l Telavi l The Mountains l Tusheti l Uplistsikhe l Vardzia l Western Georgia l Zugdidi


Geography and climate

Official name:

Georgia

Capital:

T'bilisi

Area:

total: 69,700 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 69,700 sq km

Climate:

warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast

Location:

Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia

Geographic coordinates:

42 00 N, 43 30 E

Comparative Area:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 1,461 km

border countries: Armenia 164 km, Azerbaijan 322 km, Russia 723 km, Turkey 252 km

Coastline:

310 km

Terrain:

largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south; Kolkhet'is Dablobi (Kolkhida Lowland) opens to the Black Sea in the west; Mtkvari River Basin in the east; good soils in river valley flood plains, foothills of Kolkhida Lowland

National Airlines


Georgian Airways

Location: Tbilisi, Georgia.

12 Rustaveli Avenue

0108 Tbilisi

Georgia

Tel: (+995-32) 999130, 485577, 485560

Fax: (+995-32) 999660

E-Mail: info@georgian-airways.com

E-Mail: booking@georgian-airways.com

Internet: http://www.airzena.com

Internet: http://www.georgian-airways.com

(formerly AirZena)


Georgian National Airlines

Location: Tbilisi, Georgia.

Kekelidze Street 1

Tbilisi

Georgia

Tel: (+995-32) 221807

Fax:

Internet: http://www.national-avia.om


Saqaviaserice

Location: Tbilisi, Georgia.

Tbilisi International Airport

Tbilisi

Georgia

Tel: (+995-32) 400831, 400931, 990237

Fax:

E-Mail: saqavia@dsl.ge


Tbilaero

Location: Tbilisi, Georgia.

Agmashenebeli Avenue 150

Tbilisi

Georgia

Tel: (+995-32) 9960668, 951263

Fax:


Tbilaviamsheni

Location: Tbilisi, Georgia.

B.Khmelnitski treet 181

Tbilisi

Georgia

Tel: (+995-32) 702300

Fax:

Internet: http://www.tam.ge


Geogian Airways Abroad


Location: Vienna, Austria.

Vienna

Austria

Tel: (+43-1) 2147877

Fax: (+43-1) 2183080

E-Mail: airzenavie@magnet.at

E-Mail: airzenavie@aon.at

Internet: http://www.georgian-airways.com


Location: Paris, France.

Paris

France

Tel: (+33-1) 45021616

Fax: (+33-1) 45021501

Internet: http://www.georgian-airways.com


Location: Bischofsheim

c/o Gia Okujava

Pfalzer Weg 11

65474 Bischofsheim

Tel: (+49-6144) 4029958, 402395, 402408

Fax:

E-Mail: gia@georgian-airways.com

Internet: http://www.georgian-airways.com


Location: Athens, Greece.

30 Zionis Street

10437 Athens

Greece

Tel: (+30) 2109212470

Fax: (+30) 2109212484

Internet: http://www.georgian-airways.com

+MAYBE NEW ADDRESS???


Location: Tel Aviv, Israel.

Tel Aviv

Israel

Tel: (+972-3) 5291348

Fax: (+972-3) 5291349

Internet: http://www.georgian-airways.com


Location: Moscow, Russian Federation.

Airport Vnukovo, II Floor

Moscow

Russian Federation

Tel: (+7-495) 4362263

Fax: (+7-495) 4367409

Internet: http://www.georgian-airways.com


Location: Kiev, Ukraine.

Kiev

Ukraine

Tel: (+380-44) 2365668

Fax: (+380-44) 2365668

Internet: http://www.georgian-airways.com


Flights schedule


Monday

Batumi-Kiev

Tbilisi-Batumi

Tel-Aviv

Moscow (Vnukovo)

Amsterdam

Tuesday

Paris

Batumi

Batumi-Moscow (Domodedovo)

Kiev

Tel-Aviv

Moscow (Vnukovo)

Wednesday

Amsterdam

Kiev

Kharkov

Batumi-Odessa

Batumi-Kiev

Tel-Aviv

Moscow (Vnukovo)


Thursday

Erbil

Vienna

Tel-Aviv

Moscow (Vnukovo)

Friday

Batumi

Batumi-Moscow (Domodedovo)

Kiev

Paris

Kharkov

Moscow (Vnukovo)

Saturday

Sharm el Sheikh

Batumi-Tbilisi

Batumi-Odessa

Batumi-Kiev

Tel-Aviv

Moscow (Vnukovo)

Amsterdam


Sunday

Erbil

Batumi

Batumi-Moscow (Domodedovo)

Kiev

Tel-Aviv

Moscow (Vnukovo)

Vienna

Most visited Destinations in Georgia


Tbilisi

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia and lies in the Eastern part of the country in the foothills of the Trialeti mountain range. According to Georgian legends, it was founded in the 5th century by King Vakhtang Gorgasali and the superb Old Town shows off its roots as an ancient crossroad between Europe and Asia, with its narrow, winding alleys, handsome religious buildings, traditional balconied houses and caravanserais. Politically, culturally, economically and socially, Tbilisi is the centre of the country, welcoming businessmen, politicians and tourists from all over the world. Thanks to its history, location and background, Tbilisi is one of the great treasures of world cities, with so many cultures and conquests leaving their mark. Visiting is a full, sensory experience and to get the best out of your trip to Tbilisi, here are just a few of the amazing sights to see and things to do.


Batumi

Batumi is a city which visitors find easy to fall in love with, thanks to its unique blend of subtropical coastline and beaches, framed by spectacular snow-capped mountains and boasting a legendary nightlife. The health restoring qualities of this combination of sea and mountain air is renowned and perhaps one reason why Georgia boasts an unusually high number of centenarians. The fields around the city are mostly tea and citrus plantations, spotted with ancient ruins and their sweet fragrance diffuses throughout the area. Just 9km north of Batumi at Mtsvane Kontskhi (GreenCape), the Batumi Botanical Garden grows thousands of beautiful species of plants – there are over 1,200 species of roses alone. Thanks to Adjara’s unique micro-climate, gardens can grow an astonishing variety of plants from different regions and climates, all side by side. Marvel at the full impact of so many species together in one place, or simply breathe in the scent from these spectacular plants.

Mtskheta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been inhabited since before 1,000 BC and was once the capital of the early kingdom of Iberia, (today’s Eastern Georgia). Just 20 km from today’s capital Tbilisi, and situated at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, the city is located on an ancient trade route. Archaeologists have unearthed evidence of Mtskheta’s status as a major trading post. Glass perfume bottles, Greek and Aramaic writings, pottery, metalwork and jewellery are all found in abundance beneath the ground here, and many examples are on show in the town’s fine Museum. The ancient geographer Strabo, described Mtskheta as a highly developed city with a water supply system, markets and stone houses. Mtskheta was also the religious centre of the country, with a number of major shrines to Georgia’s pagan pantheon, these would later be replaced by churches when St. Nino converted the country to Christianity in around 337 AD. Although the capital was moved to the more easily defended Tbilisi at the beginning of the 6th century, Mtskheta continued to be the coronation and burial place of Georgian kings, and the seat of the Patriarch, who is also known as the Bishop of Mtskheta. Today, the lovely old town has a laid back, village feel, especially after the more hectic pace of Tbilisi.


Ushguli

Ushguli’s ancient constructions, just like the towers and churches of Svaneti, are under the protection of UNESCO. A historical settlement located in the very East of Svaneti, Ushguli is one of the highest settlements in Europe (2,000-2,200 metres above sea level). It was part of the so-called “Free Svaneti” as for centuries the people here defended the region against numerous attacks. The Church of Saint Mary is located on one of the highest points in Ushguli and it is also the home to the remnants of one of the most ancient fortresses of Svaneti with 37 towers, dating back to the reign of Queen Tamar. There is also superb hiking and climbing in the area, while horse riding and mountain biking are also available.{slider=Vardzia}The cave town of Vardzia is one of the most important and impressive historic monuments in Georgia. At an altitude of 1300 metres above sea level, and starting 100 metres above the valley floor, the caves continue up for half a kilometre and had 13 floors, connected by a complex system of tunnels. Vardzia was built by King George III in 1156-1184 and this incredible town quickly grew to consist of over 3,000 caves that could accommodate 50,000 people at a time. The Vardzia complex had living quarters, refectories, barns, wine cellars (marani), stables, drugstores and even libraries. The town had a potable water supply and a sewerage system


Telavi

Telavi is home to several of the region’s world-famous wineries, art museums, castles and a theatre highlighting folk singing and dancing. Telavi is located on the crossroad of the region and is an ideal place to stop for a lunch or an excellent jumping-off point for two or three-day excursions.


Shatili

Shatili is one of the most brilliant masterpieces of Georgian architecture. This village is scattered on the slopes of a rocky hill and served both as a

residence and a fortress. For many centuries it served to defend northern passes in the Caucasus leading to Georgia (now restored). The village is lined with closely built tower-houses, which makes a solid and inaccessible fortress wall surrounding the whole village. Shatili is linked with the outer world only by a narrow road leading to Arghuni gorge. The architecture is based on terraces of flat-roofed houses and towers, with narrow stone stairs leading to the top between the buildings. An interesting feature is the bridges made of bones and several still remain today. They were used to traverse the village without having to go outside when the enemy invaded.


Mestia

Mestia, the main regional centre of Zemo Svaneti, is situated 456km from Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi and is 1,500 metres above sea level. Mestia is the starting point for most trips to Svaneti, with a range of hotels, guesthouses and local travel services. It is a convenient base for exploring the area. From the centre of the town it is possible to hike up to the glaciers at the foot of mount Ushba, or take horses up to the pristine alpine meadows. Plus, a new ski resort makes it possible to ski or snowboard even in the height of summer. Tourists interested in religious history will find plenty of examples of wall paintings, frescoes and icons from the Middle Ages in the churches around Mestia. Within Mestia, Saint George Church has preserved crosses and icons from the 12th century. Also, Pusdi Church still contains fragments of 13th century wall paintings.


Gudauri

Gudauri, at over 2,000 metres above sea level is situated on the Georgian military road near the Cross Mountain Pass of the main Caucasus range, about 120km from Tbilisi. Even in mild winters, Gudauri offers reliable snow cover from November through May. The total length of groomed ski runs are over 20km and are suitable for all skiers, from beginners to experts. Gudauri is well known for its winter activities and hosts ski and snowboard competitions and sports festivals every year. Gudauri is also a great summer destination, offering bird watching, trekking, horseback riding and rafting


Gareja

Gareja is the largest complex of monasteries in Georgia, where famous historical figures lived and worked in ancient times. Built between the 6-18th Century, the monastery is all the more remarkable for being carved entirely out of rock. It was once a Royal monastery and the churches represent almost the entire range of architectural and artistic styles from the 6th century onwards, while its original frescos are equally stunning.


Borjomi

The Mineral Water Park of Borjomi is a fascinating year round experience. Everyone has their own favorite season here, and they all have their own splendor and beauty. The park covers 30 hectares of the gorge and is the recreation center of Borjomi.The most famous and incredible thing about Borjomi is its unique mineral waters that are at least the equal of the world’s best. Its natural high purity and healthy chemical components make it not only pleasant to drink but also a perfect preventive and curative against a number of diseases. The water is rich in the most important and necessary micro-elements for life and each spring the region is characterized by the effect these various properties have on the wildlife. There are hundreds of different springs and each one has its own unique taste and temperature. The water’s curative effects were well known to the locals since ancient times and a stone bathing tub dating back to the 1st century BC was recently found here.


Bakuriani

Bakuriani, the great mountain resort of Georgia, is a feast for snow-lovers and skiers. It is an internationally known winter sports centre, built to Olympic standards and many sportsmen and women come here to practice. But novices and children alike equally enjoy their first winter sports steps in this winter paradise. Off the slopes, one of the most interesting places to visit in Bakuriani is the Botanical Garden, which opened in 1910. Over 1,500 species of plants provide a rich collection of Alpine and Sub-Alpine vegetation


Ananuri Fortress

The fairy-tale Ananuri ensemble is beautifully situated on the Georgian Military Highway, on the shore of the azure blue Zhinvali reservoir. Zurab Aragveli, who is responsible for building much of what is now seen, was a ruthless local prince known for attacking neighbouring mountain clans and even blinding his own brother. In spite of this, the complex he produced rates as one of the top sites of Georgia, with two churches and a watchtower squeezed almost impossibly inside massive defensive walls with huge battlements.


Signagi

The name of the town comes from Turkish word “Signak” meaning a shelter and has had a rich history as a centre for tradesmen and artisans. The winding cobblestone streets, Italian architecture, and 18th century walls create a charming atmosphere. Down the hill from the main town there are several historic churches. Stay the night and enjoy the hospitality of the innkeepers and restaurateurs.

A centre for local Kakhetian folk song and dance, Sighnaghi is one of the best locations to join a supra hosted by a local winery and find yourself in the very middle of the fiery, impassioned polyphonic singing that characterises Georgia.

Sighnaghi museum shows many archaeological, ethnographical and medieval exhibits and artefacts including musical instruments, weapons, clothes and many other historical items of everyday life. The most remarkable exhibition is the paintings of Niko Pirosmanashvili, the greatest Georgian self-taught artist of the 19th century.


Kutaisi

Kutaisi, Imereti’s main city, is Georgia’s second largest city after Tbilisi. The elegant, tree lined streets of the 19th century houses stretching down to the banks of the Rioni River, along with several attractive parks, make Kutaisi a very beautiful place to stroll around and to take in some of the many sights. In the Jewish Quarter a number of Synagogues demonstrate the long history of the Georgian Jewish community. The town’s largest synagogue, built in 1866 can seat 500 worshipers and the magnificent churches of Bagrati and Gelati – both UNESCO world heritages sites – testify to the importance of the region.


Kazbegi

Kazbegi National Park is located on the northern slopes of the mighty Caucasus range and its protected area covers a total of over 8,700 hectares. At 5,047 metres above sea level, Kazbegi mountain (or Mkinvartsveri) is the third highest mountain in Georgia, and is surrounded in myth and religious history. According to the Greek myth, as punishment for teaching mankind how to make fire, the Titan Prometheus was chained to a mountainside in the Caucasus for all eternity. According to Georgian stories, it was the icy slopes of Kazbegi to which he was chained. Prometheus (known as Amirani in Georgia) was apparently imprisoned in a cave 4,000 metres up. The cave, now called Betlemi (Bethlehem), later served as a dwelling for orthodox monks, and was said to contain many sacred relics, including Abraham’s tent and Christ’s manger. Hot springs, acidic and carbonated lakes surround the mountain, and earth tremors are fairly frequent. Covered with 135 square kilometres of glacier, Kazbegi is a great place for ice climbing and mountaineering. The Darial Gorge is an almost impossibly steep cleft in the mountains connecting Russia and Georgia, running for 18km from Stepantsminda to the Russian border at Zemo Larsi. For millennia, this mountain passage has been strategically crucial, and has been fortified since at least 150 BC. In places, the cliff faces are more than 1,000m high, and medieval watchtowers, waterfalls and wildlife make this one of the most incredible roads in the world. The steep valleys either side of the gorge are great places for bird watching. Eagles, hawks and the massive griffon vultures all nest among the rocky outcrops.


Tusheti

The fascinating and exclusive area of Tusheti is hidden away in the Caucasus mountains along Kakheti’s northern border with Russia. The Abanos Pass is only open from mid-June to early October and travellers should expect the unexpected as you wind your way between the steep cliffs. Tusheti has a truly unique cultural heritage, and locals still practice their own form of Orthodox Christianity. Small stone towers dot the landscape and mark the ancient sites of ritual animal sacrifices. For an extra adventure and to gain a deeper insight into the local culture, many homestays are available.


Omalo

Omalo  is a principal village in the Tusheti province of Georgia. It lies between the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range and the Pirikita Range of Tusheti. Due to Omalo's high mountain location on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range and the absence of well-maintained roads, it is largely isolated from the rest of Georgia for most of the year. The only access road is through the Abano pass at 2,850 metres. Omalo is the highest populated settlement in Europe.


Gori

The original fortress, constructed on a hilltop was named Gori (meaning hill in English) and was mentioned in Georgian annals as early as the 7th century. Some historians believe that the fortress was built by Byzantine Caesar Heraclius to store ammunition when he fought against Persians. However, it wasn’t until the 11th century that the area became an active centre for trade which is why some historians believe that David the Builder founded the town. Because of its geographical location, enemies frequently targeted the fortress, as conquering it meant controlling the whole Shida Kartli region. As such the fortress has been invaded many times and controlled by Ossetians, Iranians and Persians, amongst others. The stronghold has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. The fortress was built in 1774, during the reign of Erekle II, but it was significantly damaged during an earthquake in 1920. The Stalin Museum includes the memorial house where Joseph Stalin (1879-1953) was born, a museum building with a tower and Stalin’s personal carriage he used to visit Tehran, Yalta, and Potsdam. There are many unique exhibits displayed here, including Stalin’s personal belongings and collections of paintings, photos, films and other important historical works and items.


When to go


The best times to visit Georgia are in May, June and September, when it is warm and sunny but not overly hot. July and particularly August are uncomfortably humid in many parts, and temperatures regularly reach 40°C. However, this is an excellent time to be in the mountains, where it is sunny and cool. This is also the peak season on the Black Sea. Winter can be grim everywhere, although thanks to the buffer of the Caucasus Mountains which protects the country from the icy northern winds, Georgia rarely freezes. There is a surprising amount of rain year-round.


Places in Georgia


Abkhazia l Bakuriani l Batumi l Borjomi l Davit Gareja l Gelati l Georgian Military Highway l Gori l Kakheti l Kazbegi l Khevsureti l Kutaisi l Mestia l

Mtskheta l Poti l Samtskhe-Javakheti l Sighnaghi l Sukhumi l Svaneti l Tbilisi l Telavi l The Mountains l Tusheti l Uplistsikhe l Vardzia l Western Georgia l Zugdidi


Travel information


Geographic coordinates: 42 00 N, 43 30 E

Area: 69,700 sq km

Land boundaries: 1,461 km

Border countries: Armenia 164 km, Azerbaijan 322 km, Russia 723 km, Turkey 252 km

Coastline: 310 km

Lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

Highest point: Mountain Shkhara 5,068 m

Population: 4 436 400 (2010 estimate)

Capital: Tbilisi

Population of Tbilisi: 1 480 000

Time Zone:  UTC +4

Electric Current: Electric current in Georgia is 220 volts, 50 Hz. The European round two-pin plug is standard.


CLIMATE


Despite the small territory covered by Georgia, the climate of the country differs markedly from one region to another. In the north of the country some of the picks of Greater Caucasus Range exceed 5000 m (16400 feet) above the sea level and are snow covered for 6 months of the year.  The Lesser Caucasus Mountains from the south protect the region from the influence of dry and hot air masses. The western Georgia is washed by the Black Sea and has a dump, subtropical climate, while Eastern Georgia is drier and has more continental climate, as it is separated from the warm winds blowing from the Black Sea by the Likhi Range.


VISA INFORMATION


Citizens of the following countries do not require visa to visit Georgia for up to 360 days:    

All countries of the European Union, Japan, Seychelles, Antigua and Barbuda, Kingdom of Bahrain, Singapore, Argentina, Liechtenstein, State of Kuwait, Armenia, Malaysia, State of Qatar, Australia, Mauritius, South Africa, Azerbaijan, Mexico, South Korea, Barbados, Monaco, Switzerland, Belize, New Zealand, Thailand, Botswana, Norway, The Bahamas, Brazil, Oman, The Holy See, Brunei, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Principality of Andorra, Turkey, Chile, Republic of Iceland, United Arab Emirates, Costa Rica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, United States of America, Croatia, San Marino, Uruguay, Israel, Saudi Arabia

The visitor has to have at least 6 month valid passport.

For detailed information about visa classification and visa fees please visit the web site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia:

www.mfa.gov.ge For detailed information about visa requirements in Armenia and Azerbaijan please visit the websites: Armenia - www.mfa.am Azerbaijan - www.mfa.gov.az


MONEY


National Currency of Georgia is Georgian Lari or GEL. It is divided into 100 Tetris. The word Lari denotes a hoard or property in old Georgian and Tetri is a monetary term used from the 13th century in the country. There are 1, 2, 5, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Lari banknotes. Coins are used in 5, 10, 20, 50 Tetris, as well as 1 and 2 Lari coins. Lari is national currency since 1995, when the government of Eduard Shevardnadze replaced the temporary (after the Ruble) coupon currency with the Lari.


CREDIT CARDS AND ATM-S


The payments can be made either in cash or by credit cards almost in all restaurants, shops and hotels, but mostly in Tbilisi. In countryside, fruit and vegetable bazaars and places for handmade staff the most effective way of payment is by cash. The payment has to be made in Lari.

Any of the leading currencies of the world can easily be converted to Georgian Lari or GEL in the banks and currency exchange points or withdrawn at ATMs which are plentiful around the country.

For information about exchange rates visit the web site of National Bank of Georgia: www.nbg.gov.ge


GETTING TO GEORGIA


BY AIR

Travel to Georgia by air is one of the most convenient ways to reach the country.

Flights from Europe take only 2-4 hours.


Direct flights to Tbilisi are available from:

Aktau, Dnepropetrovsk, Kharkov, Prague, Alma-Ata, Donetsk, Kiev, Riga, Amsterdam, Dubai, Minsk, Tel-Aviv, Athens, Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna

Baku, Istanbul, Paris, Yerevan


Daily flights are available from: Kiev, Munich, Istanbul and Baku


Travellers may use service of International and Georgian National Air Companies:

Air Baltic, Armavia, BMI, Sky Georgia, Georgian Airways, Austrian Airlines, Czech Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Aerosvit, Azerbaijan Airlines, Lufthansa

Ukrainian Airlines, Arkia, Belarusian Airlines, Kazakh Airlines

For more information please visit: www.tbilisiairport.com


BY CAR AND BUS

Travellers may get to Georgia by car from Europe and Asia crossing the borders from:  Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey.  Public transport departs daily from Erevan, Baku, Istanbul, Ankara and Trabzon to Georgia. Several times a week the buses are available to/from Athens.  


BY TRAIN

One of the most convenient and easy ways of travelling to Georgia is by overnight train from Azerbaijan and Armenia.

For the schedule and bookings you may contact our office.


BY SEA

One of the options of getting to Georgia is by sea, but the schedule of ferries is changeable according to the weather condition.   


Note: Currently Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not under the control of the central government. Thus travelling to these regions is not advisable, due to the security circumstances. Travelling throughout the territory of Georgia with Abkhazian visa is also forbidden.


PHONE CODES

Georgia country code is 995

Tbilisi - 32

Batumi -  88222

Kutaisi - 231


Nowadays Internet access is available in most of the towns in Georgia.

There are WI-FI zones in most of the cafes, bars, hotels and squares in Tbilisi and Batumi.

Internet cafes are also very common in big cities and settlements.


MOBILE COMMUNICATION

Mobil connections provided by mobile telephone operators Geocell , MagtiCom and Beeline can be used in most part of the country, except the remote areas in Caucasus mountains. Maximum call cost within the country is 0.29 GEL.  An outgoing message fee is 0.06 GEL. For more details regarding tariffs and packages offered please visit the websites of the operators:

Magti GSM  www.magtigsm.ge; Geocell www.geocell.com.ge Beeline www.beeline.ge


USEFUL NUMBERS

Airport Hotline +995 32) 43 31 41

Railway Station +995 32) 56 62 53 +995 32) 56 47 60

Emergency +995 32) 033