Looking for somewhere different that is neither quite Europe nor Asia? Georgia in the Caucasus is a lot more than mountain tribes with wool hats - though you can find these as well among the 5000m-high Caucasus peaks.
It might come as a surprise to some, but the capital, Tbilisi, is a friendly, safe, relaxed tree-lined city with Soviet, Czarist, 21st century and ancient Georgian church architecture all seeming a bit confused in each others company. Add some of the most hospitable people on earth (do accept any invitation to attend a traditional Georgian feast that lasts long into the night), and you have a great off the beaten track destination with the advantage of the first guidebooks to assist you.
The Georgia Bradt Guide gives superb cultural and historic background with real practical what, where and how of even remote corners of the country. Lonely Planet fans will be glad to hear that Georgia is now also in their coverage with a combined Lonely Planet guide for Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The best map is the ITMB country map of Georgia (1:625 000 scale) with a Tbilisi town plan insert.
Author: Gerhard Buttner
Date: 1 June 2001
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