Georgia Tours

Georgia: A Country of Flavours, Faith and Friendship

Tucked between the Caucasus peaks and the Black Sea, Georgia is a land where history, legend, and hospitality live side by side. Vineyards that have produced wine for 8,000 years stretch across fertile valleys, while centuries-old monasteries perch on remote ridges. In Tbilisi, cobblestone streets twist beneath balconies of carved wood, and polyphonic songs echo from courtyards as they have for generations.

Travelling through Georgia means sharing khachapuri at a family table, joining a toast led by a tamada at a lively supra, and finding warmth in mountain guesthouses where stew simmers on the stove. Every encounter feels personal, whether navigating a winding road to an isolated Svaneti village or wandering through Batumi’s vibrant streets.

With Crooked Compass, you’ll move beyond the ordinary: stand among ancient watchtowers in the highlands, sip qvevri wine in Kakheti cellars, explore cave cities carved into stone, and meet locals who welcome travellers as kin. This is not just a journey through landscapes, but through traditions carried proudly in song, feast, and the spirit of friendship.

Quick Facts: Georgia Tours

Capital: Tbilisi (approx. 1.2 million)
Population: Approx 3.7 million
Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
Time Zone: UTC +4:00
Languages: Georgian (official); Russian widely understood, English increasingly spoken in Tbilisi and tourism areas
Best Season: May–October for warm weather, hiking, and wine harvests
Visa: Many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to one year. Always check current requirements before travel.
Power: Type C & F (220V, 50Hz)

Our Tours in Georgia

The Caucasus

from AUD$ 14,963
  • Witness Baku’s Fire Temple, a castle-like religious temple dating back to the 17th century
  • Visit the ‘Burning Mountain’, a phenomenon that has burned for centuries
  • Explore remote medieval villages in Azerbaijan
  • Discover rock-hewn churches and monasteries
  • Immerse yourself in the Svaneti – the region of the highest mountains and glaciers and the most abiding ancient traditions of Georgia
  • Hike through remote villages and watchtowers, amongst wildflowers and glaciers
  • Visit Dilijan, the ‘Little Switzerland’ of Armenia
  • Get hands-on with the locals in cooking masterclasses
  • Explore Armenia’s Stonehenge – Karahunj, a site rich with stone settings, burial cists and standing stone
  • Listen to the charming melodies of Armenian ‘duduk’ by a local performer

Sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the Caucasus – Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia (Hayastan) are one of the most exciting regions for cultural exploration.

Follow the footsteps of Silk Road traders and merchants, Crusader Knights and Ottoman Princes as you explore from the shores of the Caspian Sea, to the fascinating history of Baku, take in the stunning wine fields and spectacular High Caucasus mountains. Learn of the legends of the Golden Fleece, and embrace the breathtaking scenery and welcoming hospitality of the local people. Still relatively unknown, this is the perfect trip for those who are well-travelled and seeking a more diverse experience in an often overlooked part of our world.

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Why Choose Crooked Compass for Georgia?

Small Groups, Big Impact

Maximum 12 travellers for intimate, flexible experiences.

Passionate Local Partnerships

From Tbilisi’s lively arts scene to mountain villages in Svaneti, walk alongside Georgian guides, winemakers, and families who open their doors and share the stories that shape their land.

Authentic Access

Join a supra feast led by a toastmaster, wander cobbled streets scented with khachapuri, and trace ancient stone watchtowers standing proud in the Caucasus.

Ethical Travel

We work with local communities, helping preserve cultural practices while ensuring tourism directly supports local livelihoods.

Full Support

Our 24/7 assistance keeps your journey smooth, whether you’re navigating winding mountain passes, rural homestays, or Georgia’s bustling cities.

Essential Georgia Travel Guide

Before You Go

  • Visa Requirements: Many nationalities can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 12 months. Regulations can change, so always confirm with your nearest embassy before departure.
  • Health Considerations: No mandatory vaccines are required. Consult a travel clinic 6–8 weeks prior to departure and carry personal medications, as supplies may be limited in rural areas. Bring copies of prescriptions and a doctor’s letter for any prescribed drugs.
  • Altitude: Parts of Georgia, such as Tusheti and Svaneti, sit above 2,000 metres. Mild altitude symptoms are common. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and consider bringing medication if prone to altitude sickness.
  • Language: Georgian is the official language. Russian is also spoken, and English is increasingly common in Tbilisi and larger towns but rare in rural areas.

Packing Essentials

Georgia’s climate ranges from humid coasts to alpine peaks. Layers are key.

  • Shirts (short and long-sleeved) in breathable fabrics
  • Loose, lightweight trousers or skirts; modest attire for monasteries and rural areas
  • Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots for uneven terrain
  • Warm layers, fleece, or thermals for evenings and high-altitude regions
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker for spring and autumn
  • Wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
  • Scarf or wrap for women when entering Orthodox churches
  • Swimwear for the Black Sea or hot springs
  • Torch or headlamp for rural guesthouses with limited power
  • Reusable water bottle with filter, insect repellent, and small first-aid kit

Optional but useful: trekking poles, binoculars, small gifts for hosts, and a phrase sheet for Georgian basics.

Cultural Etiquette

  • Hospitality is at the heart of Georgian culture. If invited to a home, remove your shoes, accept food and wine, and bring a small gift such as sweets, wine, or flowers (always an odd number).
  • Dining often becomes a supra (feast) led by a tamada (toastmaster). Wait for the toast before drinking, and pace yourself with the wine or chacha offered generously.
  • Dress modestly at monasteries: women should cover shoulders and wear long skirts; men should wear long trousers. Scarves and wraps are sometimes provided at entrances.
  • Public displays of affection are uncommon outside cities.
  • Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural communities or religious sites.
  • Avoid discussing politics or conflicts unless locals raise the subject first.

Getting Around Georgia

  • Road travel is the most common way to explore. Highways between major cities are improving, but mountain routes can be steep, unsealed, or seasonally impassable.
  • Marshrutkas (shared minibuses) run frequently between towns but can be cramped and irregular.
  • Private vehicles with drivers offer flexibility, especially for remote regions like Tusheti or Svaneti.
  • Rail connections exist between Tbilisi and major hubs like Kutaisi or Zugdidi, though they are slower than road travel.
  • Domestic flights to Mestia and Batumi are available but often subject to weather delays.
  • Expect cows and livestock on rural roads; patience is part of the journey.

Accommodation

  • Cities: International-standard hotels, boutique guesthouses, and modern stays.
  • Villages & Highlands: Family-run homestays and guesthouses offering simple rooms, hearty meals, and warm hospitality. Facilities may be basic, with shared bathrooms and intermittent hot water.
  • Eco-lodges & Unique stays: Vineyard guesthouses, mountain cabins, and traditional lodgings that bring you closer to local life.

Climate & Timing

  • Spring (March–May): Mild with blossoming landscapes, though rain is common in the west.
  • Summer (June–August): Hot and dry in the east, humid on the Black Sea coast; mountains offer a cool escape.
  • Autumn (September–November): Harvest season with mild weather and vivid foliage; one of the best times to visit.
  • Winter (December–February): Cold in the mountains with heavy snow; Tbilisi remains relatively mild. Skiing is popular in Gudauri and Bakuriani.

Tip: Weather shifts quickly, especially in the Caucasus. Always pack layers and prepare for changing conditions.

Georgia Awaits with Wine and Wonder

This is a land where toasts carry meaning, monasteries crown ridgelines, and the Caucasus guard centuries of tradition. To travel here is to taste, listen, and connect with a culture that offers itself wholeheartedly.

What part of Georgia will stay with you?

📞 Australia: 1300 855 790 📞 International: +61 (0) 2 8089 1370

📧 info@crooked-compass.com

Note: All prices are in Australian Dollars and subject to change based on seasonal availability and cultural events. In Georgia, the most meaningful moments often arrive unexpectedly.