Georgia

There’s so much more to Georgia than meets the eye. Scratch beneath the surface of this country nestled between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, and you’ll find somewhere that’s low key, but disproportionately fascinating in comparison to its popularity. Above all else, Georgia is somewhere that’s utterly, utterly beautiful.

Georgia was the first home of Europeans – the oldest human skulls in the Caucasus belong to a couple called Zezva and Mzia from roughly 1.8 million years ago. Georgia also has 12 different climate zones, while Australia - a country that is 52 times bigger than Georgia - only has seven. Its language is also one of the oldest in the world, and it’s script has a unique style that distinguishes it from other local languages.
 
Historically speaking, Georgia played a vital role in the politics of the ancient world. It used to be said whoever controlled Tbilisi, controlled the Caucus region of the Silk Road. Georgia has for most of its history been a part of different empires: Persians, Arabs, Turks, Mongols, Ottomans, and Russians - all leaving their mark on Georgian culture and cuisine. 
     
Georgia is a captivating country that draws visitors to its history, vibrant cities, and natural beauty. Tbilisi, the capital, is a perfect example of this blend, with a charming old town of cobblestone streets and mixed architectural styles. Lisi Lake is close to the capital and offers a serene escape from city life, while some of the world’s oldest Christian churches and monasteries, such as those in Mtskheta - a UNESCO World Heritage site - are found across the country. The Georgian landscape is quite spectacular too, with places like Svaneti and Kazbegi are popular destinations in the Caucasus Mountains.

The Georgian cuisine is quite possibly the main highlight of any visit. The country is known for its hearty and flavourful dishes that have been influenced by Iranian, Asian, Turkey and the Mediterranean tastes. The traditional Georgian feast of Supra is a key part of Georgian society - if there’s an important event like a birthday or an anniversary, there will be a Supra. This feast offers a seemingly endless banquet of food and wine, it will almost always include staples like khachapuri and khinkali.

Georgian wine, often made using ancient methods in clay vessels called qvevri, is another standout. The region is the cradle of wine, and the oldest evidence of wine production was found in this region approximately 8,000 years ago. Visitors should pay a visit to Château Mukhrani, not only is it a beautiful estate with delicious wines, it’s also one of the oldest wine estates in Georgia.
 
The Georgian people are genuinely warm and hospitable, known for their friendliness and tendency to treat guests like family – particularly during Supra. Whether you’re looking to explore ancient churches, hike the Caucasus Mountains, or take a seat at the table with locals, Georgia offers an unforgettable experience that is both enriching and welcoming. And with the help of dnata Travel, planning a trip to Georgia that is tailor-made for your needs has never been easier.