🇬🇪 Georgia

Georgia (Sakartvelo) sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia with 8,000 years of winemaking heritage. Georgian culture centers on 'supra' (feast) traditions, Orthodox Christianity, and legendary hospitality. The concept of 'tamada' (toastmaster) guides social gatherings, while 'gaumarjos' (cheers) celebrates life's moments. Ancient polyphonic singing, unique alphabet, and wine culture create distinctive Georgian identity.

Supra Etiquette: If invited to feast, expect 3+ hours, listen to tamada's toasts, don't drink until toast finished. Wine Culture: Georgia invented wine - try qvevri (clay pot) wines, natural winemaking methods. Orthodox Respect: Cover shoulders/knees in churches, women may need headscarves. Hospitality Acceptance: Refusing food/drink can offend - guests are sacred. Toast Participation: Stand for important toasts, make eye contact during cheers.

Georgian society revolves around extended family, Orthodox faith, and ancient hospitality codes. 'Tamada' culture means elder male leads toasts at gatherings - respect this hierarchy. Regional differences are significant - mountain Svan traditions differ from Adjarian coastal culture. Wine isn't just drink but sacred connection to ancestors. Polyphonic singing expresses deep emotions and community bonds. Soviet period influenced but didn't destroy traditional Georgian values.

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather, wildflowers, fewer crowds, temperatures 12-25°C. Summer (June-August): Hot in lowlands, perfect for mountains, festival season, temperatures 20-35°C. Autumn (September-October): Wine harvest (rtveli), beautiful colors, comfortable temperatures 15-28°C. Winter (November-March): Cold but cozy, skiing season, fewer tourists, temperatures -2-12°C. Wine harvest season especially atmospheric.

Marshrutkas: Shared minivans for intercity travel, leave when full, authentic but cramped. Trains: Limited routes but scenic, Tbilisi-Batumi overnight train comfortable. Car Rental: Best for wine regions and mountain areas, narrow mountain roads require caution. Taxis: Abundant in cities, negotiate prices beforehand. Walking: Georgian cities very walkable, excellent hiking trails in mountains.

Budget Travel (₾40-80/day): Guesthouses ₾20-50, khachapuri/khinkali ₾5-15, marshrutka transport ₾3-8, free churches and wine tastings. Mid-Range (₾80-150/day): Hotels ₾50-100, restaurant meals ₾20-40, car rental ₾40-80/day, wine tours. Luxury (₾150+/day): Boutique hotels ₾100-300+, fine dining ₾40-100+, private wine experiences, spa treatments. Incredible value for authentic experiences.

Georgian uses unique 33-letter alphabet (Mkhedruli script). Essential phrases: 'Gamarjoba' (hello), 'Madloba' (thank you), 'Ukatsravad' (excuse me), 'Laparakat inglisuri itsit?' (Do you speak English?). Russian widely understood by older generations. English growing among youth. Learning basic Georgian phrases brings huge smiles and hospitality.

Georgia is very safe with low crime rates and helpful locals. Avoid South Ossetia and Abkhazia (disputed regions). Mountain hiking requires proper equipment and local guides. Don't photograph military installations. Wine tastings are generous - pace yourself or arrange transportation. Emergency: 112 (general). Medical facilities good in Tbilisi, limited in rural areas.

Georgian Lari (₾/GEL) is the currency. Cards accepted in cities, cash needed for rural areas and small establishments. ATMs available in cities. Typical costs: Khachapuri ₾3-8, Wine bottle ₾8-25, Marshrutka ride ₾2-6, Guesthouse ₾20-50/night. Tipping: 10% restaurants, round up for small services. US dollars/Euros accepted for large purchases.