A little more
Georgia.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Georgia: what to know before you go

Georgia, the country in the Caucasus between the Black Sea and the Caspian, is known for the high peaks of the Greater Caucasus, ancient monasteries, a wine tradition said to stretch back eight thousand years and an exceptional culture of hospitality. Tbilisi mixes old balconied houses with sulphur baths and lively bars. It suits hikers, food and wine lovers, history enthusiasts and road-trippers.

Where to go

• Tbilisi. The capital's Old Town has winding streets, wooden balconies and churches below the Narikala fortress, reached on foot or by cable car.
• Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity Church. Along the Georgian Military Road, the village of Stepantsminda sits beneath Mount Kazbek.
• Svaneti. A high mountain region in the north-west, with medieval stone defensive towers in villages such as Mestia and Ushguli.
• Kakheti wine region. Vineyards and wineries in the east, where wine is fermented in large clay vessels called qvevri buried in the ground.

Best time to visit

Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal for most of the country, with pleasant weather in Tbilisi and the lowlands. July and August are hot in the lowlands but the best time for high mountain treks in Svaneti, Kazbegi and Tusheti.

Staying online in Georgia

Mobile coverage is good in Tbilisi, Batumi and other cities, and along the main roads, with 4G widely available. In high mountain regions such as Svaneti, Tusheti and on remote trekking routes, coverage can be patchy, and some valleys have none. Wi-Fi is common in hotels, guesthouses and cafés. Georgia is outside the EU, so EU roaming allowances don't apply. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.