Located in the northwestern part of Georgia, the Province of Svaneti is surrounded by the High Caucasus peaks. Picturesque hamlets and snow-covered mountain tops offer walking and hiking opportunities. Almost 200 defensive stone towers, originally built in the 9th to the 13th centuries, are scattered around Svaneti. The province has a rich art heritage, and many of its village churches contain 1,000-year-old frescoes. Svaneti's rustic cuisine is an attraction of its own, with dishes such as chvishdari, which is cheese cooked inside maize bread, and kubdari, a kind of minced-meat pie.
Located by the Mtkvari River, in the southeastern area, Tbilisi has been the capital of Georgia since the 5th century. The capital's cultural landmarks include the State Conservatoire; the Opera House; the Freedom Square, site of demonstrations against the Soviet Union before Georgia's independence; 4th-century Narikala fortress; the recently built Sameba Cathedral, and the ancient Sioni Cathedral. The capital's historic neighborhood of Metekhi is also worth a visit.
The easternmost Province of Kakheti is Georgia's wine region. Visit during the months of September and October, during the grape harvest, which brings musical events and local celebrations. The region is also famous for its ancient songs, such as the "mravalzhamieri," which is traditionally performed while drinking wine. Another top attraction in the area is the monastery of Davit Gareja, founded in the 6th century by Assyrian monks. The monastery complex contains hundreds of cells and chapels, many built on the rock face, as in a cave. The place is located on the slopes of Mount Gareja, on the boarder with Azerbaijan.
Mtskheta is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, and on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994. Located in the eastern province of Kartli, a 30-minute drive from Tbilisi, the former capital city holds spiritual importance in Georgian culture. In the center of town, the Svetitskhoveli complex includes the 11th-century cathedral, palace and gates. Opposite Svetitskhoveli is the most sacred place in Georgia -- Mtskhetis Jvari, which was built in the 6th century and where Saint Nino erected a cross.
