Travel to Georgia
Gorgeous Georgia: Georgia is a mountainous region that possesses incomparable natural beauty. Ancient history and smell of wines spreads through the air. With valleys surrounded by hills, charismatic waterfalls, mineral waters and baffling caves maybe Georgia is a small of piece of paradise fallen on earth.
Visa Information: To roam in and around Georgia an ordinary visa is issued. This lasts for 90 days from the date of entry in a time span of six months. In some cases visa is given for 180 days which lasts for a year but each time of entry the stay cannot exceed 90 days. All are required to report to the police officials within three days after their arrival. If a foreign resident leaves the country 10 days after the expiry of the recognised visa then he or she does not come under any punishment. If the person takes another three months to leave the country then the individual is required to pay the relevant fine or penalty. If he/she fails to do so then another will not be given until the amount is paid. Aliens staying for more than three months after the period of visa is over will have to forfeit a certain amount too but the country’s visa will not be awarded to him for a year. Nationals of the Commonwealth of Independent states (CIS) i.e. Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Moldova and Uzbekistan may not require a visa. Nationals of Britain, U.S.A, Canada and other European countries do not require visa to enter Georgia too.
Reaching Georgia: Both Air Georgia and Georgian Airlines operate from Tbilisi International Airport. Georgian Airways – Air Zena provides services many cities so a to and fro journey will be not a problem. Many European countries, Asian and North American cities cater flights to Georgia. Among the big names are British Airways, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Aeroflot and Turkish Airlines.
By bus: Georgia can be reached through the highway from Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia.
A train can be boarded at Baku and Azerbaijan to Tbilisi.
From Istanbul and Odessa boat drives you to Batumi and Poti.
Language: Georgian is the official language and it is spoken all over the country. Georgian is a unique language which is a branch of the Caucasian language family. Other than the legal language Russian, Armenian, Azeri and other languages are also spoken by a smaller section of the region. Though Russian is the mother tongue of few people, it is well understood by most of the nationals.
Places to Visit:
Georgian National Museum: This is the unification of eight very chief museums of Georgia – Museum of Fine Arts, Open Air Museum, S. Janashia Museum of Georgia, Museum of Tbilisi History, Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum, Dmanisi Museum-Reserve and Svaneti History-Ethnography Museum. Set up towards the end of 2004, this houses collection in archaeology, geology, history, zoology and almost every walk of life.
Narikala Fortress: On a high rocky surface overlooking Tbilisi between the sulphur baths and botanical gardens stands this 4th century monument. The fortress once home to Arab emirs, Turks, Georgians, Persians and Russians is now a preferred hiking spot.
Telavi: Remnants of the royal palace are seen in this monumental and airy place. In this historic location stands the Cathedral of Alaverdi, St George Basilica, The Ikalto Academy, spectacular Tsinandali Gardens, a monastery and some other long-standing churches. Traditional crafts can be seen in this picturesque town. This city, surrounded by mountain ranges that reach up to the clouds, lively greenery and valleys is also one of the favourite destinations for tourists in Georgia.
Make a trip to Metekhi Cathedral, The Paliashvili Opera House, Monument of King Vakhtang Gorgasali and Abanotubani in the Bath district for a true scent of the Mediterranean art and culture.
Shopping: Investigate through the streets of Rustavelli and Chavchavadze and secure the special embroidery filled material, bright jewellery, gems and Georgian ceramics. They can be bought from the gift shops meant for tourists or at the marketplace. A heavy export duty is levied on by the Ministry of Culture for antiques like art works and rugs. Buying at the market does not count for one but it is taken care of in the tourists’ shops. Georgian Cognac and never miss the wines because this is the place where exceptional wines are made.
The currency is Lari which is widely accepted. Money can be converted at the foreign exchanges and credit card is not very welcomed except in specific places.
Entertainment: Restaurants, pubs, clubs, cafes are available for night-outs. Or try your hand at a local slot machine game or a billiard club. There are several fun-filled entertainment and gaming centres specially designed to meet the interests of kids too. The theatres conduct folk plays of ancient culture and other praiseworthy dramas. The Supermarkets are sure attractive but go for the open market for a fair price and fascinating traditional pieces.
Resorts: Marriott Hotel, Tbilisi: The Marriott has one of their hotels in the capital of Georgia. This is located in the hub of the city on the Rustaveli Avenue. You can bring your office here and spend a leisurely weekend too. The luxurious rooms have a working space with a lamp, data port, personal safe, voice mail for work purposes. The other business facilities available in the hotel are a fully equipped business centre, computers, printers and secretarial services are at hand too. The hotel is a wonderful family accommodation too.
Sheraton Metechi Palace: This place promises services that might meet and even exceed highest international standards. They hold 182 affluent rooms of which a Presidential Suite and plush executive suites. The executive suites provide many additional facilities as free internet access and more. Indoor whirlpool, sauna, massage treatments, baby-sitting service, ATM, aerobic classes, secretarial service, heated pools, business centres and facilities for handicap are the some of the facilities worth mentioning. This hotel has English speaking staff too to cater to your needs.
Best Eastern Intourist, Batumi: If you need to stay at Batumi then Best Eastern Intourist is one of the affordable and amiable ones. You can log on to the business centres, conference halls, health clubs and the gift shops in the vicinity.
‘Best things come in small packages’ and this is true for the beauty of Georgia.
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