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Friday,
August 10- August 24,
2007, #152 (1419)
By Christina
Tashkevich In an energetic effort to develop tourism in the country, Georgian authorities seem to be opening a new tourist routes every week. And summer is a perfect time for it, as Georgians and foreigners alike are looking for new vacation possibilities. The Messenger tried to catch up with some of the government's newest projects: Cheap buses to 20 great spots Some Georgians have no chance to vacation somewhere like Batumi, either from too little money or too much work. For them, and anyone looking for a novel destination this summer, City Hall launched short summer bus tours from the capital. The distinctive little yellow buses leave throughout every day from Rose Revolution Square, in the centre of Tbilisi, bound for twenty different destinations. Take your pick from Ananuri, Ateni, Bazaleti, Betania, Uplistsikhe, David Gareji, Saguramo, Samtavisi, Chargali, Signaghi, Shiomghvime, Mtskheta, Zedazeni, Ghvtaeba, Armazi, Khintsvisi or Bodbe. Tickets are affordable, ranging from 50 tetri to GEL 4. And they're professionally guided, thanks to the Department of Tourism and Resorts. "Every day there will be interesting and unforgettable excursions to Georgia's most interesting places," Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava promised. A new view of Old Tbilisi If you think you've explored Old Tbilisi all over, think again. Particularly, try to imagine how the old town would look from a boat drifting on the Mtkvari River. A tourist boat was inaugurated on the Mtkvari last week. Its route starts from Baratashvili Bridge, goes through Dry Bridge and finishes at the Ortachala hydroelectric station. "This has a certain exoticism. To see Old Tbilisi from a river is an altogether different experience," said Avtandil Tsereteli of Samgori Group, the company behind the floating tour. Forget about all those old boats you've seen on the Mtkvari-this one is newly decorated with a deck bar and room inside for private parties and business meetings. You can catch some authentic Georgian music and food on board; organizers say foreign cuisine is also available. Kojori: a
nice retreat from the city heat A former park of
4 000 square meters was converted into a landfill several years ago.
Now, it's been converted back-with upgrades. It features sport facilities,
a concert stage and gorgeous landscaped gardens. |
Buses,
boats, and a brand new park
