Frequently asked questions

April-June and September-October: perfect weather, blooms/harvests, fewer crowds, moderate prices.

In Tbilisi, especially in the Old Town, snow is rare and when it falls it doesn't persist. Winters in Tbilisi are usually mild (5-10°C) with rain rather than snow. However, in the mountains the story is completely different. Kazbegi (2255m) has abundant snow from December to March. Gudauri (2000m) on the Georgian Military Road is a popular ski resort with excellent snow conditions January-February. If you're looking for skiing or snow-covered mountain landscapes, you need to head to the mountains, not Tbilisi. Winters on the coast (Batumi) are even milder (10-15°C) with no snow ever. In summary: snow in mountains yes, in Tbilisi almost never.

For summer (July-August) in Tbilisi where temperatures reach 30°C+, you need very light clothing: cotton t-shirts, shorts, light dresses. Sunscreen is absolutely essential (SPF 50+) due to intense Caucasus sun. Polarized sunglasses are a must. A hat or cap protects you from extreme heat. For mountains (Kazbegi, Caucasus) even in summer bring a light jacket or fleece because nights are cold (5-10°C). Mountain nights can be cool even in August. Bring comfortable hiking clothes if you plan trekking. On the coast (Batumi) it's very hot and humid, so beach clothes are essential. A lightweight scarf is useful for covering shoulders in churches. Comfortable hiking boots if you plan mountain activities.

September is the main harvest season (rtveli) in Georgia, especially in the Kakheti region, the heart of Georgian wine production. During this month you can participate in traditional grape harvest: hand-treading grapes in family wineries, tasting freshly fermenting wines (semi-sweet), and attending traditional "supra" feasts with winemakers. It's an authentic and immersive experience. October is perfect autumn with pleasant temperatures (18-22°C), golden vineyard landscapes, still fewer tourists, and fermented wines ready to taste in optimal conditions. If you visit September-October you'll discover true Georgian winemaking tradition spanning 8,000 years, visit underground winery cellars (qvevris) unique in the world, and learn why Georgia is a UNESCO wine heritage site.

Yes, Georgia is one of the safest destinations in the world and especially in the Caucasus. Tbilisi is very safe day and night, even in less central neighborhoods. Crime against tourists is practically non-existent. Georgians have a historic reputation for hospitality toward foreigners, and this reputation is 100% true. In 20 years Georgia has significantly improved safety. Like any big city, use common sense: don't display valuable objects, avoid dark alleyways at 3am, keep documents in a safe place. Police are professional, friendly with tourists, and speak English. Solo female travelers in Georgia feel safe and comfortable. Crime against tourists is lower than in many European cities. In summary: Georgia is significantly safer than the global and European average.

English is spoken by younger people (under 40) in Tbilisi and very touristy areas. However, in remote villages and with older people English is limited or non-existent. The previous generation primarily speaks Russian as a second language. The Georgian alphabet is unique and dissimilar to Latin or Cyrillic, so even reading signs can be difficult. Our guides speak English fluently, which completely eliminates the language barrier on all our tours. Tip: download an offline translation app (Google Translate works offline), carry basic Georgian phrases on paper. Georgians greatly appreciate the effort to speak their language and usually smile widely if you try phrases like "thank you" (madloba) or "hello" with Georgian accent.

Single emergency number: 112 (like in UK) for police, ambulance, fire. The operator usually speaks English or Russian. British Embassy in Tbilisi: +995 (32) 2 748 103, located at 51 Krtsanisi Street. US Embassy in Tbilisi: +995 (32) 2 98 99 67, located at 108 Metekhi Street (Ortabatumi). For non-serious medical issues, most hotels can recommend clinics. International travel insurance works in Georgia. Medical care is decent quality in Tbilisi (private hospitals are very good), but in small villages it's basic. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended. Pharmacies ("apoteka") are everywhere and sell medications without prescription for minor issues.

Georgia is a very modern country where dress codes are liberal. In churches (culturally important places) it's respectful to: remove caps/hats, women often cover shoulders (a light wrap or jacket), men without caps. In some remote churches you remove shoes (there will be a sign), though this is rare in main tourist churches. Women can wear pants in churches (unlike more conservative cultures). Georgians appreciate the effort of respecting their culture: if you cover in a church even symbolically, they'll notice and value it. In restaurants and public spaces no dress restrictions. Drinking alcohol is very normal in Georgia (famous for wine). Homosexuality is legal though socially conservative in some circles (but Tbilisi is progressive). In summary: be respectful in churches, everything else is very flexible.

Georgia is predominantly Orthodox Christian (approximately 85% of population). The Georgian Apostolic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world (tradition dating from St. Nino in 337 AD) and is fundamental to Georgian national identity. While there is religious freedom and minorities (Muslims, Catholics, Jews, Bahá'ís), Orthodox faith shapes culture, architecture (spectacular monasteries), and holidays. Monasteries like Svetitsklovloba, Alaverdi, Vardzia, and Jvari are architecturally impressive with thousands of years of history. During religious festivals (Orthodox Christmas Jan 7, Orthodox Easter, Epiphany) you'll see church processions and celebrations. As a visitor, you don't need to be religious to appreciate the beauty and cultural significance of monasteries.

Georgia is flexible compared to more conservative cultures. In main churches (Svetitsklovloba, Jvari): it's respectful to remove caps/hats, women often cover shoulders (though not required). In some remote churches or monasteries shoes are removed (sign at entrance). Women can wear pants in churches (unlike more conservative traditions). It's appreciated if you show respect: a wrap, light jacket, or scarf over shoulders demonstrates respect for culture. Georgians value efforts to respect their churches even if symbolic. In churches with active services, be discreet. In summary: the rule is "common respect and common sense," not strict code.

Unfortunately very few Georgians speak Spanish. English is spoken by younger generations (under 40) in Tbilisi, but even there it's limited. The previous generation speaks Russian as second language (Georgia was Soviet until 1991). Georgian is the national language with its unique alphabet unrelated to Latin or Cyrillic scripts. For communication, download offline translation (Google Translate works offline). Here's the real value of our guides: they speak Spanish fluently, completely eliminating the language barrier. Cultural tip: pronouncing "madloba" (thank you) or "gamarjoba" (hello) in Georgian will delight any local Georgian, even if your pronunciation is imperfect. Georgians greatly appreciate the effort to try their language.

No official restrictions. Georgia is very photogenic and Georgians love photography. In churches: photography is permitted but be discreet and respectful (no flash during services). Locals are generally happy to be photographed (especially children) and often smile for the camera. In remote villages it's good courtesy to ask before photographing people (especially elderly). Markets and bazaars are photography-friendly. Drones: technically not prohibited, but avoid militarily sensitive or border areas. Large DSLR cameras attract attention and admiration in small villages. Conclusion: take photos freely, Georgia is beautiful, just be respectful when asking for people's photos.