The remarkable cave city of Vardzia is both a cultural symbol and a spectacular natural phenomenon with a special place in Georgian hearts. King Giorgi III built a fortification here in the 12th century, and his daughter, Queen Tamar, established a cave monastery that grew into a holy city housing perhaps 2000 monks, renowned as a spiritual bastion of Christendom’s eastern frontier.
If you want to gaze out over the vineyards of Alazani Valley – a glass of amber wine in hand – and enjoy the majestic vistas of the Caucasus, then it’s time to take a journey to Kakheti, the most important wine region of Georgia – a land whose breathtaking landscape will leave you as tipsy as its wine.This journey will take you back in time to introduce you to the most ancient winemaking techniques and let you taste unique wine.
Given its proximity to Russia, it might be tempting to dismiss Georgian food as heavy, stodgy and bland. But nothing could be further from the truth. As any traveller to Georgia will tell you, the country’s unique cuisine, wine culture and the ritual of the supra (Georgian feast) are all highlights.