| Caucasus Hooks |
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 ACCESS Every Georgian adventure begins with getting there, which can take the better part of the day when flying from the U.S. Austrian Airlines, British Airways, and KLM, offer one-stop flights, starting at $1,500 from New York. Americans do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. LODGING > The Tbilisi Marriott (marriott.com), on Rustaveli Avenue, the capital’s bustling main thoroughfare, is by far the most luxurious hotel in the city. Businessmen, investors, and other 21st-century soldiers of fortune congregate for drinks and deals off the posh lobby here, in the Café Parnas. > Betsy’s Guest House (betsyshotel.com) may not sound fancy, but the eccentric rooms, complete with hardwood floors and modern Georgian artwork, make this one of the friendliest places to stay in the city. And it is perched on a hilltop, with views over downtown and beyond. >In the early nineties, during the civil war, the Sheraton Metechi Palace (sheraton.com) required guests to register firearms at the front desk. Today, this luxury hotel comes with all the expected amenities, including peace and quiet. SUSTENANCE Before heading off to the mountains, acclimate yourself to the country’s famous hospitality by exploring Tbilisi’s spirited nightlife. > In the Shadow of Metekhi ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) serves classic Georgian dishes in surroundings that recall the days of the ancient Silk Road, when Georgia was a commercial crossroads between Europe and Asia. > Marco Polo (info-tbilisi.com/marcopolo), a short walk from the Tbilisi Marriott, serves Georgian and Mediterranean fare in a casual bistro setting. Order the fried trout in pomegranate sauce. > Two Side ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ), in trendy Old Tbilisi, has a traditional Georgian menu and live music, and closes, like most of Tbilisi’s restaurants, when the last guest leaves (read: late). > Marché, a short walk from the Chancellery and Freedom Square, is a cozy Spanish tapas bar, with a fine collection of carry-out wines and cheeses. > Prego (info-tbilisi.com/prego) serves a wide variety of tasty wood-oven pizzas and Georgian wines at three locations around Tbilisi. ATTRACTIONS > Explore Georgia (exploregeorgia.com) customizes climbing, hiking, horseback riding, and fishing expeditions, led by veteran guides, to remote locations throughout the Caucasus. Helicopter and 4x4 trips to Tusheti National Park and other hard-to-reach places are a must, but don’t forget about archaeological and especially wine-country tours. > The Teliani Valley Winery (telianivalley.com), near Tsinandali in the foothills of the eastern Caucasus, is an ideal stopover for wine lovers on their way to or from the mountains. The winery offers tours and wine tastings, plus it has a bed-and-breakfast-style inn (six double rooms, two suites), with overnight accommodations for up to 16 guests. Comments (0)
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