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**Georgia region Mtskheta-Mtianeti
**Mtskheta – Mtianeti region spans quite diverse terrains from the historic capital of Georgia, Mtskheta, up north to the mountain regions of Chewsureti in the Great Caucasus mountain range. Following the route of the original Georgian Military Highway northward up toward Russia, one can see a magnitude of regional highlights: the Jvari and Svetiskhoveli churches in Mtskheta at the confluence of Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers, the Ananuri fortification and, after the road winding up through spectacular mountain scenery, the ski resort of Gudauri. Further up crossing over the Jvari (Cross) Pass on the Main Range of the Caucasian Mountains the road leads down to the village of Kazbegi, dominated by the majestic Mt Kazbegi. On a hill above Gergeti, Sameba Church is dreamlike – cradled in a spectacular environment - situated on the hill, overlooking the area and providing splendid views of Mt. Kazbek. The whole region is a paradise for hikers and mountain climbers alike, in all classes, from recreational to challenging. Here on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Range is situated the ski resorts Gudauri.
The old capital of Georgia, Mtskheta is declared in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1994.
**Georgia region Inner Katrli
**Kartli, the central region of Georgia, which has always been the heart of Georgia, is the country’s orchard and spangled with historical monuments. Kartli is the largest and the most important region in Georgia and even gave the Georgian name for the country “Sakartvelo”.
In earlier times the infamous North Route of the Silk Road passed through Kartli. Uplistsikhe, an entire town constructed of sandstone rock was first inhabited in prehistoric times and was also an important trade center on the historic Silk Road, well until the 12th century.
**Georgia region Samtskhe- Javakheti
**Samtskhe-Javakhetis nature is characterized by its picturesque landscape adorned with volcanic lakes, deep gorges, lower mountain ranges and veldts. According to Georgian cultural heritage there is a saying that Meskheti, the present day Samtskhe–Javakheti, gave to Georgia what Greece gave to the whole world. Cave towns, fortifications and monasteries spangled in diverse landscape acquaint tourists with the highlights of Georgian history and culture. Major cultural destinations are the Khertvisi fortification and the cave town of Vardsia. Nature lovers will be delighted hiking through Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and sports friends take their base in Bakuriani, one of the popular skiing resorts in Georgia.
**Georgia region Imereti
**The historic region of Imereti in western Georgia is the region of the legendary Golden Fleece – this is where the long quest for the Golden Fleece took Jason and the Argonauts. Even though the Golden Fleece has been taken to Greece, visitors today will find something else of worth other than the Golden Fleece.
The Imereti region is known for its remarkable location extending from the humid subtropical, ending 2850m high up with alpine meadows, numerous health spas and a large number of mineral water springs. Among its numerous historical sites Gelati Monastery and Bagrati Cathedral near Kutaisi, the capital of historic Colchis, have been declared Unesco World Heritage sites.
Kutaisi is bounded by the Northern Imereti Foothills, to the north by the Samgurali Range, and to the west and the south by the Colchis Plain.
Kutaisi is located along both banks of the Rioni River. The city lies at an elevation of 125-300 meters (410-984 feet) above sea level. To the east and north-east Kutaisi is surrounded by deciduous forests to the northeast and the northwest. The low-lying outskirts of the city have a largely agricultural landscape. Because of the many gardens in the city centre and the high leafy trees alongside the sidewalks of its streets and boulevards, Kutaisi is painted in bright green in the spring and in yellow-red in the autumn. In the springtime, when the snow starts to melt in the nearby mountains, the storming Rioni River in the middle of the city is heard far beyond its banks.
Kutaisi was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis. Archeological evidence indicates that the city functioned as the capital of the kingdom of Colchis as early as the second millennium BC. It is widely believed by historians that when Apollonius Rhodius was writing about Jason and the Argonauts and their legendary journey to Colchis, Kutaisi/Aia was the final destination of the Argonauts and the residence of King Aeлtes. In 975-1122 Kutaisi was the capital of the United Kingdom of Georgia, and in the 15th century-1810 the capital of the Imeretian Kingdom.
Kutaisi is one of the most important educational and scientific centers in Georgia, hosting the Gelati Academy of Sciences, established in the 12th century by King David IV. Here is also one of the most important educational centers in modern Georgia, Ak’ak’i Ts’ereteli State University, established in 1930. Besides these two, there are many other universities, institutes, colleges and schools in Kutaisi.
The landmark of the city is the ruined Bagrati Cathedral, built by Bagrat III, king of Georgia, in the early 11th century. The Bagrati Cathedral, and the Gelati Monastery a few km east of the city, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the famous churches in Georgia is Motsameta Church. It is named after two saints, brothers David and Constantine. They were the Dukes of Margveti, and were martyred by Arab invaders in the 8th century. Besides the churches, there are many interesesting places in Kutaisi, such as: Sataplia Cave, where one can observe footprints of Dinosaurs; Geguti Palace, which was one of the residences of Georgian monarchs; “Okros Chardakhi” – Georgian Kings’ Palace; and the Pantheon, where many notable citizens are buried.
Georgian Tourist Board for more information, see internet site
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