Beauty of Georgia

Getaway to Georgia with Ukrainian International Airlines

November 26, 2018UncategorizedLeave a Comment

We are firm believers that traveling means living your life the fullest. As you may know from our previous posts, our trip to Georgia was extraordinary. People, food, places – all this was a part of an incredible journey that we were so happy to share with our followers. You can find all the photos we took while we were there in the Gallery section of this website.

Winter is just around the corner which means you still have time to book a trip to Georgia to discover its’ truly astonishing sights. November is perfect for hiking and exploring mountain regions. If you want to explore old cathedrals and vineyards – it’s best to go in spring while the weather is not too hot. To get to Georgia, you can catch a plane using the services of Ukrainian International Airlines (UIA).

That’s why we have partnered with Ukrainian International Airlines (UIA) to give you the most exceptional experience ever. UIA gives you a great opportunity to also explore Ukraine on the way to Georgia.

Flights from New York to Kiev is one of the popular destinations among customers of Ukraine International Airlines. Taking a flight PS 232 from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York with UIA, you arrive at Kiev Boryspil International Airport in less than 9 hours.

Although tickets to Kiev from New York can be bought at an affordable price, you can still save some more costs when making a reservation in advance. Thus, you can easily find New York Kiev cheap flights and have more money for your stay in Kiev or extend your budget for return tickets on PS 231 flight.

Kiev is not only a political, financial and cultural center of Ukraine. It is also one of the most visited cities among tourists from different countries. The greatest attractions of Kiev are perhaps its cathedrals and churches. The Holy Dormition Kiev-Caves Lavra, St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, and Saint Sophia’s Cathedral are just some of “must-see” points in the city.

Kiev parks are also fascinating and will impress any tourist, but obviously they are most beautiful in spring and summer. Old streets of the city center are charming in any season of the year, and it is a real pleasure to walk from The Botanic Garden or the Golden Gate way across the Khreschatyk street, Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Andriivski Uzviz and down to Podil to see Dnipro river.

Ukrainian cuisine is one of the richest in the world. Many visitors fall in love with Kiev from the first trip.

You can find all the information on the UIA website or you can contact us at Panorama Travel website by clicking these links.

Experience the Magic of Autumnal Georgia

October 10, 2018November 19, 2018Sights, Story TimeLeave a Comment

Autumn in Georgia is a special time for nature, the people of this country, and for travelers. On one hand, it is a well-deserved rest after a hot summer, when the weather is hot and sunny all the time, on the other – time for work: moving cattle from the mountain regions to Kakheti, gathering grapes, filling new kvevri and barrels with wine, preparing for winter.

October and November are perfect for hiking and exploring mountain regions. Of course, they are beautiful anytime, but autumn slowly brings more and more colors into this palette. Traditional purple and golden are just few of them!

You also might have read about those Most Dangerous and Challenging Roads Which Are Accessible Only In Summer. Like, the roads to Tusheti, Khevsureti, and Svaneti, for example.

But sometimes, if you are lucky with the weather (it means, autumn is dry), you can still go to Tusheti in September. Khevsureti is also available in October for sure, and Kazbegi is waiting for you till the late autumn.

Traditionally at the end of October, on the weekend, Tbilisi celebrates the city’s day called Tbilisoba. It attracts people from many regions, who bring there the products of harvest.

Theatre, folk dance and song performances are held on the streets of the old town; souvenirs and different types of food are sold all around; good mood and the cheerful vibe is pulsating in people! A great reason to undertake at least a weekend trip to Georgia.

To do so, you can catch a plane using the services of Ukrainian International Airlines (UIA).

Ukrainian International Airlines (UIA) gives you a great opportunity to explore Ukraine on the way to Georgia. We strongly recommend the stopover in Kiev (the beautiful capital of Ukraine). Filled with theaters, museums, religious sites, modern buildings and ancient ruins, the city of Kiev is the center of Ukrainian culture. The Monastery of the Caves, founded in 1015, and Saint Sophia Cathedral, founded in 1037, are both World Heritage Sites. The Museum of the Great Patriotic War, topped by the massive Motherland Statue, provides gorgeous views of the city below.

You can find all the information on the UIA website or you can contact us at Panorama Travel website by clicking these links.

Our Trip

June 11, 2018June 16, 2018UncategorizedLeave a Comment

Day 1, May 25th

On my way to the beautiful Republic of Georgia – the trip starts with the hop over the ocean on Ukrainian Airlines and Kyiv, Ukraine – a great way to get there… finally added Boeing 777 to their fleet – a nice a smooth ride over the pond (8 1/2 hours)… and wouldn’t you know – so much happening here – including the UEFA Champions League game between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid …. The fans are restless as soon as they land… But no bother – I head straight to my favorite spot for a business meeting Vero Vero on Podol, Kyyivs’Ka Oblast’, Ukraine for my favorite grilled Dorado.

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Day 2, May 26th

Saying goodbye to Kyiv, Ukraine – my quick stopover in my #health and #wellbeing tour to Tbilisi, Georgia 🇬🇪– lovely weather, great sightseeing, beautiful #nature – and always great coverage thanks to Panorama Travel New York City.

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Day 3, May 27th

Day 1 in Tbilisi, Georgia was eventful: lots of sightseeing, architecture, delicious food tasting, wine sampling (if you can call it that), and friends-making… Exploring #healthy lifestyle, #wellbeing, and #gastrotourism – more to come in this wonderful country Georgia (country) with the help of Panorama Travel New York City and Pond Mobile.

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The same day, May 27th

Amazing experience at the Ambassadori Tbilisi Hotel – where else can you have this great pool and steam bath all to yourself at 7am overlooking Tbilisi, Georgia #health #wellness #wellbeing

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Day 4, May 28th

Day 2 of the trip to Georgia (country): visit to Kakhetia wine region with the most amazing wines, cooking classes, wine tasting, tasting of Georgian ‘grape skin moonshine’ chacha, making of Churchkhela, a visit to ალავერდის მონასტერი / Alaverdi Monastery (dating back to the 11th Century), and of course amazing Georgian Food at our final destination, Lopota Lake Resort & Spa – ლოპოტა სპა რეზორტი – a beautiful gem settled in the mountains… More details to come – many thanks for the hospitality of the Government of Georgia.

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Day 5, Mat 29th

Georgia (country) is the land of roses and vineyards – the day begins with a beautiful walkthrough of the Lopota Lake Resort & Spa – ლოპოტა სპა რეზორტი – we are making new friends as well… There are tens, if not hundreds of varieties of #roses here – mostly tea rose 🥀 variety and others… Georgians are a kind and emotional nation, full of love ❤️ and positive attitude – must be the wine, great food, pride at what they do, and lots of hugs 🤗 #georgia #smile

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We continue Day 3 with a quick lunch stopover in one of the most picturesque restaurants – Pheasant Tears, Signaghi – in beautiful Signagi – owned and founded by John Wurdeman, an American who fell in love with the country, people, food, and traditions.. the winery produces over 40,000 bottles seasonally and John revived the culture of qvevri wine making, which goes along with chacha making as well.. the restaurant is amazing as well and I had the privilege of visiting the kitchen and meeting the crew and Gia, the master chef, who prides himself on fresh salads, amazing chicken and lentil dishes, and a unique combination of local herbs and spices that make this culinary and wine tasting experience out of this world.. A small museum completes this wonderful home-like rendezvous and the texture, rugs, painting, and costumes give you a complete any-weather satisfaction about this trip, making you wonder why you’ve never visited this place before… #loveit

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Day 6, May 31st

Day 4 of our Georgia (country) wellness, cultural and Gastro/Wine tour, full of surprises and rich in experiences. We started with two of the most notable monasteries dating back to the 6th and 11th Centuries, respectively. Jvari monastery dates back to 6th Century and is described by many poets (most famous is by the Russian poet Lermontov in his poem Mtsyri) – overlooking two rivers joining: Kura and Aragvi. We continue with the 11th Century marvel, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, with the most beautiful town around it. The Cathedral is one of the most picturesque in #Georgia and contains burial plates of famous Russian and Georgian royalty.. after getting a little hungry and thirsty, we continue on to Château Mukhrani • შატო მუხრანი where we sample amazing white, red and rose wines, followed by a trip to Iago’s Wine/იაგოს ღვინო winery, where I get to meet Iago himself and have the most delicious Georgian lunch (will write more about it at www.beautyofgeorgia.com) – on the way to Borjomi, we find a homeless Beagle puppy, ask the locals to adopt him and continue on #wellbeing #wellness #wine. A delicious medley of Georgian appetizers with cheese, cornbread, vegetable pastes, sauteed eggplant, local bacon, and a lot more — at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

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Day 7, June 1st

Borjomi (town) deserves a dedicated post because of it’s beauty, diversity, and history. Borjomi is a resort town in central #Georgia. It’s known for its mineral waters, with springs in Borjomi Central Park. Nearby, trails wind through the vast wilderness of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. A recently built Crowne Plaza Borjomi is the centerpiece of the area and is a five-star resort with swimming pool, yoga room, selection of suites, and a restaurant on premises. We ventured to the famous Borjomi Natural Spring Sulfur Baths, through the park and via a nice 3.5km picturesque hike (one way). All throughout the park and above, we can enjoy the drinking water from the source – with its distinct sulfuric and metallic taste, people have been drinking it for medicinal purposes to treat gastrointestinal ailments. Enjoy friends – it’s a beautiful site – thanks to Panorama Travel New York City and Pond Mobile #springwater #health #wellness

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Day 8, June 5th

Grand Finale of the gastro/wine/culture/architecture tour of Georgia (country) (Day6/7): this has been an amazing trip and we definitely saved the best for last. A trip to the Kazbegi – one of the most beautiful mountain ⛰ regions in the world. Followed by a trip to Ananuri, Dushet’Is Raioni, Georgia – one of the most amazing monasteries and military castles. We even drank water from the Iron Mountain to feel strong 💪🏻 😜. On the way back we stopped by an authentic Georgian Khinkali (ხინკალი) House (Dumpling House) to learn how to make some delicious ones. Back to wonderful Tbilisi, Georgia for an amazing Cooking School masterclass and later on for a treat at the five-star gourmet restaurants at the Writers House featuring non-traditional dishes by Tekuna Gachechiladze (she owns the cooking school as well). The explosion of emotions, tastes, experiences can only be topped by the amazing people of Georgia (country) – open, hospitable, friendly, cheerful, caring, and beautiful. I want to Thank David Nozadze (our amazing guide), Vera Pearson, Irene Sino, Michele Mor and many others for putting this trip together, and teaching me the Georgian way! Guamarjos my friends! #wellbeing #health #wine #wellness #beauty #friends

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Thank you for visiting!

What You Need to Know About Georgian Culture

May 24, 2018May 24, 2018Interesting FactsLeave a Comment

Georgian culture is an exotic, mysterious and ancient culture stretching back for millennia. Elements of Anatolian, European, Persian, Arabian, Ottoman and Far Eastern cultures have influenced Georgia’s own ethnic identity resulting in one of the most unique and hospitable cultures in the world. Georgian culture is world renowned for being accommodating and tolerant. Traditionally, Georgian people consider guests to be a gift from God and their welcoming amiability is immediately apparent upon a traveler’s arrival.

Throughout history, pockets of isolation in the remote mountain areas have maintained much of their primeval peculiarity. These gems of antiquity offer the tourist a glimpse into the authentic Georgian condition.

One marvel at the uncanny combination of Georgia’s ancient and modern characteristics. Stark progress in recent years has spawned impressive infrastructural development while bolstering cultural and historic preservation making all that Georgian culture has to offer easily accessible.

Tbilisi
Georgia’s strategic geographic location between Europe and Asia is one of the primary reasons for its diverse, yet distinct, cultural features. Its vector on the historic Silk Road enabled important trade connecting the north, south, east and west. This junction of commerce along with Georgia’s own bounty of resources combined to form a definitive amalgamation of cultures.

Recognition of Georgian culture has piqued international interest placing Georgia at the forefront of heritage tourism and research to become one of the great cultural legacies of the modern world.

Georgian-folk-dance

Georgian monumental architecture, world famous polyphonic singing and traditional music, book miniature, rich spiritual and secular literature, colorful folk dances and ballet, theatre and cinema, jewelry, metal works, enamels, and paintings all bear trademark qualities of this ancient culture.

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The period between the eleventh and twelfth centuries was the Renaissance of the Georgian state when monks in academies, churches, and monasteries put forward new humanistic ideas. Even during the Middle Ages, philosophy and historiography, theology and law, poetry and art, all flourished in Georgia.

Architecture, astronomy, geography and other disciplines of knowledge were being developed. Applied art from this period forward, especially jewelry manufacturing and the art of metallurgy (chasing), still prospers today.

Kakheti1

Blossoming of secular culture occurred in the nineteenth century when Georgian writers and artists, influenced by European trends, enriched the treasury of national art. Two of the most significant entries in the treasury of spiritual Georgian culture are the traditions of musical and dancing folklore.

Today, Georgian culture is richer than ever. For any traveler seeking a completely original destination with diverse cultural influence, Georgia is an accessible and affordable choice.

10 Places to Visit in Georgia

May 24, 2018May 24, 2018SightsLeave a Comment

Many countries have ancient beginnings. But very few can, like Georgia, trace their history back nearly two million years. The discovery of 1.8 million years old remains in the hills just south of Tbilisi provides the missing link in human expansion between Africa and Europe.

There are so many incredible places to visit in Georgia (Europe) that it’s hard to just pick a few of the best places to visit in Georgia.

In fact, there is so much to see in Georgia that one can easily find yourself lost in this stunning Caucasian country for weeks or longer. It’s no wonder that the country of Georgia has exploded onto the tourist scene over the past few years. Here are some of the many incredible places you should visit when you’re in Georgia: