Cave Cities
As one of the oldest Christian countries in the world, a holiday in Georgia offers a rare feast of architectural and cultural delights and, whatever your interest, it will not disappoint. Set in the middle of a near desert plain close to the Azeri border, David Garedzhe is a lonely but hauntingly beautiful place. Its three monasteries once housed 6,000 monks but now only a handful remain.
The Udabno Monastery, set in a steep cliff, is undoubtedly the most remote and wild of the three and has some wonderful 10th-12th century frescoes, the best of which are on the walls of its refectory. Possibly an even better known, though less accessible, cave city is Vardzia. Literally hewn into a mountain, some 600 of its original 3,000 chambers remain intact and you can walk through a maze of chambers, which once included stables, barracks, bakeries, wine presses and living quarters, some of which still have frescoes.
For more information on planning a Georgian holiday, please contact Paul, our country specialist on 01285 651 010.
Alternative Suggestions
Caucasus Mountains
Sweeping majestically across northern Georgia.
Tbilisi
Renowned for its natural thermal springs.