I MISS YOU, TBILISI
I miss you, Tbilisi,
And the twinkle of your lights
,
I miss the thick of foliage
And the lightness of your shades,
Lace-like balconies around,
Nestled over waterways.
Woman vending mellow produce,
Voicing loudly her sales.
And the beauty of the plainness
In the looks of curious girl,
Selling turkey in the corner -
Not with sadness, but a flare.
The cool in temples of the mountains,
Where a minute forever lasts,
Just as marble, aged
and veined,
You start harboring the past.
Pirosmani’s fellow tipplers,
Tired of drinking in the end,
Still inviting the guests inside,
Treating them to wine and bread.
I miss freethinking artists
And vast coterie of friends,
Chilly-looking town cobblers,
Who are warm and sweet in fact.
Somewhere in secluded snack-bar,
In the painting on the wall
Bonaparte is standing graceful
With naked chest and mug of malt.
A sign has long been on the wall,
Which has bothered none at all:
‘Loud singing is forbidden’ -
‘Khashi’ lovers still agog.
I miss you, my Tbilisi,
And the houses almost gone,
Witty, daring wise-cracking,
Tuck-in, partying, having fun.
I miss my pals and cronies
Call for friendship, said and done,
Tamada - the drunk toast-master,
His face looks like reddened bun.
I miss the Georgian poets,
Let them lay in peace and calm.
They are freezing in the cold,
I would love to warm them up.
I miss the Georgian ladies,
Playing gingerly the game,
Crimson blizzard after brooming,
Kurdish woman makes my day.
I miss it as my home,
My Tbilisi of older days,
I miss her as a youngster
She has long, long run away.
YEVGENI YEVTUSHENKO 1979. Translated by Nugzar Ruhadze
Mount Tsashkibuli (stairway to heaven) Lake
A hut under the stone is real gift of nature.Location: Tsashkibuli(stairway to heaven) lake .Samegrelo
Only in GogiaClub such fantastic stories happen.
Last week GogiaClub welcomed very special tourist from Ashkelon,Israel.
Soon we discovered that couple from Israel are Georgian Jews. Mr. David was only six years old when his family with other groups of Jews began making Alyah in Israel.
After 47 years, Mr. David hardly remembers the precise location of his residence in Kutaisi…only little pallets from memories: fishing on the river Rioni, a little fountain near the house, Synagogue and city fragments. The earliest childhood memories recalled by adults are often of emotional events. Also it is incredible that after so many years he remembers the Georgian language . For this we are so thankful and proud. Also It was a big spark for GogiaClub to start unforgettable journey with guest around the Georgia and as a last point to visit city Kutaisi for restoring childhood memories. At last dreams came true… meeting with old Georgian neighbors, friends from childhood, endless emotions, hidden tears and finally all the memories have turned in reality. Below you can find photos of this emotional trip.
Racha 2 Day Tour
Racha Region is a beautiful mountainous region in West Georgia The range from the north divides Racha from Russia. The administrative centre of the region is a small town of Ambrolauri. Attractive beauty of the region, slopes of the Great Caucasus, coniferous forests, gashing rivers and lovely streams together with welcoming Rachvelians make unforgettable impression on the travelers.
ITINERARY
Day 1
• Shaori Lake- Enjoy a walk around a lakeside area. Boat trip includes
• Nikortsminda Cathedral-It is a Georgian Orthodox Church built in 1010-1014 during the reign of Bagrat III of Georgia. Frescoes inside the Cathedral date from the 17th century. The Cathedral is on the Tentative List for status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Oni Local Museum-Museum collection description: The museum houses several collections: archaeological (from the Stone Age up to late medieval times, most of items are the Bronze Age dated) – bronze figurine of a sheep, open-work astral buckles, bull decorations, adornments, fragments of weapons and implements; Collection of architectural details and relief fragments from X-XI c.c. St. George and St. Trinity churches; samples of X-XIV c.c. coins; ethnographic objects; manuscripts and printed books; paintings of XX c. well-known artists (Ucha Japaridze, Valentin Sherpilov, Vasil Shukhaev, David Nalbandian, etc.).
• Oni Synagogue-The synagogue was built in 1895 in an eclectic style. It's Georgia’s third largest Synagogue.
• Khvanchkara Wine Degustation-Naturally semi-sweet red wine Khvanchkara , made from the Alexandria & Mudzhuretuli grape varieties is cultivated in the Khvanchkara vineyards in Racha. The wine has a strong, harmonious taste with complex flavors of red fruit, dominated by Raspberry. The fertile valleys and exceptional climate of the region guarantees producing naturally semi-sweet pure wine that is considered as a national treasure of Georgia. It should be noted that in 1945, Khvanchkara was consume
Svaneti Treasures-4 Day Tour
Svaneti, one of the most ancient historical provinces of Georgia, is located on the southern slopes of the Caucasus. Surrounded by white-capped peaks, Svaneti is one of the most remarkable regions of Georgia, a hotpot of history steeped amidst timeless unwavering mountains. In ancient times, Svaneti was part of the Colchis Kingdom. The myth of the Greek Argonauts’ voyage to Colchis is thought to be connected to the gold of Svaneti. Svans used sheep wool to capture the gold from the rivers - the wool was fixed to a board that was placed into water, wool side up. Once removed from the water and dried, the gold would fall from the drye wool.
Day 1:
• Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi
• Enguri Dam
Medival Svanetian Defencive towers, Churches with murals and frescos in Svaneti villages Latali, Ipari and Kala
Day2:
• Mestia
• The Historical and Ethnographical Museum of Mestia
• Mikheil Khergiani House Museum
Day3:
• Koruldi lakes
• Vilage Ushguli
• Easy walking to foothills of Shkhara glacier
Day4
• Mestia AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
• Horse riding
• Paragliding
• Hatsvali mountain ski resort
• Restourant-Tasting Svanetian delicious cuisine full with distinct, spicy foods.
The driving time is about 8-9 hours and you can stop as many times as you want. If you need a restaurant, a washroom or a shop, the driver will know where to find the nearest one. Start your Svaneti trip in a comfortable and safe way!
Services: Professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by private vehicle, bottled water.
Note: tourists are flexible and the route (also price) can be slightly changed upon client’s decision!
Kakheti-Cradle of Wine
Georgia is one of the oldest wine regions in the world. Wine is a significant part of Georgian culture. It is widely believed that this is where wine production first began, over 7000 years ago. In fact, the word “wine” is derived from “gvino” – the Georgian word for wine. Archaeological remains suggest that as early as 4000 BC grape juice was being placed in underground clay jars, or also known as kvevri , to ferment during the winter. The vine is central to Georgian culture and tightly bound to our religious heritage. There are over 500 species of grape in Georgia, a greater diversity than anywhere else in the world, with around 40 of these grape varieties being used in commercial wine production. Georgian wines have a reputation for being exceptionally pure.
Georgia is a paradise for any wine lover.
Kakheti is a region in eastern Georgia, famous for great weather, golden hills, and Georgia's principal wine country.
• The first destination is Gremi Fortress (XVI c) that was the main city of Kakheti region until XVI C. Enjoy the picturesque location of the fortress with tall bell tower and high walls.
• Next, trip continues to wine tunnels built under the hills of the Great Caucasus mountains. Total length of the tunnels is 8,000 kilometers. Two main tunnels are more than 800 meters each
• Above the wine tunnels, one can find a beautiful restaurant built on the top of the hill with picturesque views on Alazani Valley and delicious Georgian meals.
• Further on, head towards Prince Chavchavadze Palace (XIX c) at village Tsinandali with a wonderful French park and wine cellar.
• After visiting the palace, guests will visit the Shumi wine factory-museum for another wine tasting and if desired, you can purchase some bottles of wine locally from the factory.Here you can find the local market in the town, where you can enjoy and buy a wide range of different fruits and vegetables, including apples, peaches, grapes, pomegranates,
Paragliding is your best things to do in Georgia! Those who wish to fly on a paraglider in Georgia can take advantage of the special exclusive discount and tour packages from GOGIACLUB. The Paragliding Tour includes tandem flights with, Georgian Paragliding Federation experienced instructors, as well as excursions to the most famous landmarks of the country. You’ll never forget the thrilling feeling of liftoff, as the breathtaking views of Georgia. Going higher and higher, an overwhelming calm takes over being inside of a cloud. Complete euphoria!
Batumi🏝️
Enjoy a private trip from Tbilisi to Batum. If you plan to visit the famous city of Batumi at the Black Sea, this is the best way to travel there - in a private sedan or minivan driven by a professional and careful driver. Batumi is a modern city at the Black Sea Coast known for it´s beautiful promenade, distinctive architecture and delicious food. It´s absolutely different from Tbilisi and that´s why it´s the second most visited city of Georgia. If you want to travel to Batumi, we offer the most convenient and budget friendly tour . Batumi is the city which you really enjoy visiting with so nice walking area, long boulevard, new glass and fashionable and old 19th century buildings and elegant squares which will make you feel in Europe, green parks – nice relaxation areas with lakes, fountains, availability of all range of services if you have some money to spend, starting from restaurants and hotels ending with numerous casinos and nightclubs, aqua park, diving club and yacht club.
ITINERARY
1) Enjoy a walk/bike ride or just relax in the Batumi Boulevard
2) Visit Europe Square
3) Feel yourself in Europe- Piazza Square
4) Play with dolphins, enjoy the recreation space of 2 lakes at/near 6 May Park
5) Visit Batumi Port for walks, restaurants, motor boat trips, cable cars and more
6) Enjoy the Nature anytime of the Year
7) Wander in the streets and bars of Old Batumi
8) Enjoy Panoramas to Batumi-Batumi Botanical Garden
9) Try Adjarian Cousine
10) Nobel Brothers Batumi Technological Museum
11) Gonio Fortress
Tour Duration : 2 Days
The driving time is about 7 hours and you can stop as many times as you want. If you need a restaurant, a washroom or a shop, the driver will know where to find the nearest one. Start your Batumi trip in a comfortable and safe way!
Services: Professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by private vehicle, bottled water.
Price: 1-2 peopl
TBILISI/MTSKHETA
Tbilisi/Mtskheta Private Tour
Tbilisi and Mtskheta (new and old capital cities, represent two the most ancient cities in Georgia).
Exclusively Tbilisi represents the heart of whole Caucasian region. The capital is surrounded by many different cultures and therefore got all the good qualities from each neighbor. It,s a great mix and an you can see a lot of those attributes everywhere around Tbilisi.
Mtskheta was the capital of the Eastern Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the third century BC. Visit Jvari Church, a true architectural masterpiece of the early Medieval Period overlooking the confluence of Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers from the top of the hill, and Svetitskhoveli , the main cathedral of Mtskheta and a sacred place where the robe of Christ is being kept.
Tbilisi/Mtskheta tour- Duration- 09:30am-19:00pm
Tbilisi
Tbilisi is the capital and the largest city of Georgia, lying on the banks of Mtkvari river with a population of approximately 1.5 million people. Founded in the 5th century AD by Vakhtang I Gorgasali, the monarch of the Kingdom Iberia. The capital is surrounded by many different cultures and therefore got all the good qualities from each neighbor. It,s a great mix and an you can see a lot of those attributes everywhere around Tbilisi.
• The old town of Tbilisi
• Holy trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi –Sameba
• Narikala
• National Botanical Garden
• Mtatsminda park
• Bridge of Peace
• Sculpture of Actor “Mimino”
• Synagogue,Mosque,Church
• Sulfur Baths
Mtskheta
The tour to Mtskheta will start at your hotel or any location in Tbilisi.
• First you will visit Jvari (Cross) Monastery a sixth century Georgian Orthodox monastery. Jvari Monastery is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
• After Jvari Monastery you will enter Mtskheta, after stopping at parking you will pass through old towns narrow streets and come to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral the second largest church building in the country, it is listed also as an UNESCO W
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