GEORGIA

Georgia is a relatively small country, which is bordered by the Great Caucasian Mountains to the north and the Minor Caucasus & the Black Sea to the south. With the towering Caucasus Mountains connecting Europe with Asia, Georgia was once an established trade stop on the famous Great Silk Road. The obvious downside to this is that the area became an attractive proposition for any Empire of the day and many armies made Georgia their home at some stage. It all started in the 8th century BC, with the Greeks setting up home in the West of the country, which opened the floodgates and before you could blink an eye the Anatolian tribes from Turkey, the Persians, the Macedonians, the Seleucids, the Romans and finally the Byzantine Empire to name but a few all called Georgia home at some time or another. Eventually Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan united to form the independent federation state of Transcaucasia, which existed until 1918 when it split into 3 republics After which it fell to the Red Army in 1920 and became a founding member of the USSR, this however was not all good news with 1000’s of Georgians beings sent to Siberia.

Georgia is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the countrys ancient capital of Mtskheta, the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the 6th century Jvari Church, the town of Kutaisi, the 12th century Gelati Monastery and the 11th century Bagrati Cathedral.

Due to the fact that Georgia is a new independent nation that is still trying to find its feet after various turbulent events, tourism in this corner of Eastern Europe is relatively unknown. However this does mean that general standard of living is low enough to mean that travellers can get more for less $’s There is no high or low seasons in Georgia as the tourist industry is not yet established, but we recommend travel in the summer months.

Worldmark's range of services include:-

Due to our extensive overseas network we are able to offer any client a full range of services. These can be purchased individually or as part of a package.

* Discounted air fares
* Discounted hotels.
* Private car transfers.
* Sightseeing & Guided Tours
* Rail & Air tickets
* Chauffeur & Car Hire

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Tbilisi

Was founded in the 5th century AD and has developed into a pretty multi-ethnic, multi-cultural low rise city which combines the pressures of being the economical & cultural hub of the country while striving to generate a pleasant cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The city is known for its history as well as beautiful architecture and its monuments reflecting on its past. These include the 7th century SIONO CATHEDRAL, and the SULPHUR BATHS, PALIASHVILI OPERA HOUSE. Visitors should also take a walk along RUSTAVELI AVENUE with it’s excellent shopping and restaurant options before heading towards the beautiful GEORGIAN ART MUSEUM with its extensive collection of Russian & European art. The cities OLD TOWN DISTRICT offers its visitors a gentle stroll back through the cities history. You are given the opportunity to stroll along the twisting cobbled streets lined with delicate houses complete with beautifully carved wooden balconies before coming across some of the city’s key historical sites such as METEKHI CHURCH, the NARIKALA FORTRESS and the ANCHISKHATI CHURCH.

We can offer discounted rates at the following hotels:-

Sheraton Metechi Hotel,Vere Palace Hotel,Marriott Tbilisi and the Courtyard Tbilisi

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Other destination suggestions:-

Batumi

A beautiful subtropical trading port, which occupies an idyllic spot on the Black Sea. Visitors to this delightful corner of Georgia will be greeted by a beautiful tropical gardens, a variety of entertainment and some excellent dining options.

Kakheti

The major wine developing region with a history that dates back 8000 years. The local vine-growers do offer tastings and sales to its visitors.

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Travel Warning

After serious flooding in late April some parts of central-western & north western Georgia have beeb affected. Some roads and bridges are damaged making travel differcult in these areas.

You should avoid the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and the Pankisi gorge beyond Abkhmeta due to heightened military and police tensions in these restricted access, and also the Zugdidi and Tsalenjikha districts of the Samegrelo region, which border Abkhazia.

You should not attempt to enter or leave Georgia via the land borders with Russia (i.e. Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, North Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia and the Pankisi gorge beyond Akhmeta) under any circumstances. Attacks may not be against British nationals, though there is some risk of this happening, but you may risk being caught in attacks aimed at others.

You should be vigilant, especially in public places amd avoid travelling alone taking other precautions against the high levels of crime, including kidnapping.

Even though a recent kidnap involving a British businessman has come to an end, the threat of kidnap to foreign expatriate business people remains. There is little that can be done to remove the threat of serious kidnappers. But common sense precautions may reduce the risk. Vary routes to and from work. Use a driver if possible. Keep doors locked while driving. Keep in regular contact with partners and friends, and consider calling in at agreed times each day. Where possible, drive along main roads. Consider with your employers and your family a "what if" plan.

General incidents of crime in Georgia are quite high and travellers should be more aware of the potential risks and take the following precautions, 1 - avoid displays of wealth, 2 – Use major roads, 3 – Avoid dark or dimly lit streets and 4 – Be alert at all times.

We strongly recommend that travellers insure that they have valid travel insurance prior to travel.

This information is correct and current as of 10/5/04 and was provided by the FCO Update service.

Health Information

There continue to be reports of rabies in Georgia. Tap water should be avoided, due to contamination. Bottled water is widely available. Seek medical advice about precautionary measures before travelling. Medical facilities in Tbilisi are available but expensive and you are advised to take out full medical insurance before travelling. Outside Tbilisi facilities are limited.

All UK and US visitors to Georgia will require a valid visa prior to arriving in Georgia.Please contact Worldmark Travel for application forms and rates.

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E-Mail Worldmark.uk@hrgworldwide.com

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