Tbilisi

Tbilisi was founded around its natural sulphur springs — the domed bathhouses of Abanotubani still pump 37°C mineral water into private and public pools. Book a private room (GEL 30–60/hr) rather than the public pools for the full experience.

The 4th-century fortress above the old town is reached by cable car from Rike Park — panoramic views over the terracotta rooftops, the Mtkvari River gorge, and the Mother of Georgia statue. Walk back down through the winding old town lanes.

Georgia invented wine 8,000 years ago — amber (skin-contact) wines fermented in clay qvevri are unlike anything else. Pair with khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali dumplings, and churchkhela at a traditional wine bar in Fabrika or Marjanishvili.

A 2.5hr drive along the Georgian Military Highway to the Caucasus — the Gergeti Trinity Church sits at 2,170m with Mount Kazbek (5,047m) as its backdrop. One of the most dramatic church settings in the world.

The finest collection of Georgian golden age art, including 5th-century cloisonné enamel icons, ancient Colchian gold jewellery, and the comprehensive Soviet Occupation exhibit — frank, moving, and essential context.

A hidden canyon running through the old town — a path follows a stream through the gorge past a natural waterfall completely surrounded by the backs of old-town houses. One of Tbilisi's great secrets.