Georgia is an old state in the Caucasus, with a beautiful coast, great mountain scenery and towns. Due to civil problems following independence after the break up of the Soviet Union, Georgia has suffered a lot. The infrastructure has taken a severe blow; parts of the "Georgian Riviera" are hard to access as a result.

Still, Georgia makes a great destination for the resourceful traveler. Since Georgia claims to be the oldest Christian nation, there are many impressive churches and cathedrals dating back to a time when most of Western Europe was still pagan. The capital Tbilisi and nearby Mtskheta are nice cities with many important monuments. The Gelati Monastery is unique in its kind. In Vardzia you will also find interesting examples of Christian art.