The land of monasteries, wine and snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus. Georgia made a meteoric development after the fall of the Soviet Union. The capital, Tbilisi, has everything it takes to become a major tourist hotspot.
Georgia is an ancient country bursting with history. Rulers came and went, but the culture of Georgians has remained. At a crossroads of Europe and Asia, tucked between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus lies the land of the Kartvelians. Monasteries, fortresses, rock dwellings and cities from ancient times. But also skyscrapers, glass bridges, street art and modern gondolas. The contrast is striking, yet it’s exactly what makes Georgia unique. You can find almost everything, in every sense of the word. This may sound a little vague for now, but once you visit Georgia, you will understand exactly what we mean.
“I grew up surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Caucasus in Georgia. Towering peaks and deep valleys are not just scenery for me—they have shaped me as a person. When I started as a guide with Ryce Travel, I saw it as an opportunity to share Georgia with others. Over time, it became so much more than that. Each trip has helped me to grow, not only as a mountain guide but also as a person. I hope to connect with travelers and inspire them to see the Caucasus through my eyes. In winter, I guide cat ski and ski touring trips. In summer, I lead trekking, mountain biking, and climbing trips in the High Caucasus.”
With Turkey and Russia as neighbors, Georgia has always known oppression from other countries. Its strategic location between the two Caucasian mountain ranges gives it natural protection. Traders crossed the Silk Road from China to Europe. The country has traditionally played an important transit role from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea, but also from the Middle East to Russia. The Northern Caucasus offers one of the most spectacular alpine landscapes in Europe, with peaks reaching over 5000 meters. In Abkhazia (a region seeking support from Russia), the mountains even extend into the Black Sea .
Trade has always played a central role in Georgia’s economy. Long before the Silk Road, Georgia was a hub for merchants. Today, trade has modernized: new roads are being built, and in 2018 a railway was opened linking Azerbaijan to Turkey via Georgia. Pipelines also run from the Caspian Sea through Georgia to Turkey. Except for Russia, Georgia maintains good relations with its neighbors. Many of those neighbors, however, must pass through Georgia to reach their neigbouring countries. For example, Turkey and Armenia keep their borders closed, and Armenia and Azerbaijan refuse direct contact. Strangely enough, Armenia relies heavily on Russian support, which complicates its relationship with Georgia. All in all, the Caucasus sometimes feels like one big geopolitical soap opera.
Nowadays,, agriculture and livestock farming are also becoming increasingly important. Fertile land produces abundant harvests of fruit (especially grapes for wine), nuts, and vegetables. Livestock supplies milk and meat—two cornerstones of the Georgian cuisine!
Georgians are a unique people with typically European characteristics, yet their script, language, and culture developed independently. Archaeological remains point to the oldest known European humans, while the wine culture dates back over 4,000 years. Georgia was also the first nation to officially adopt Christianity. Today, about 85% of the population are descendants of the Kartvelians (Georgians). Significant Azeri minorities (practicing Islam) live in the country as well, alongside Armenians and Russians. The political situation in the breakaway region of Abkhazia remains complicated. All Georgian residents were expelled, and several wars have given Russia increasing influence. The same applies, to a lesser extent, in South Ossetia (also known as the Tskhinvali region). The populations there now consist mainly of Abkhazians and Ossetians.
Georgia’s climate varies greatly by region. The east is much drier, while the Black Sea mountains receive heavy rainfall. The sea and altitude create milder temperatures in those areas. Winters in the interior can be harsh, but overall the country cannot be classified as having a typical continental climate. The Greater Caucasus blocks cold air from Russia, while the Lesser Caucasus stops hot desert winds from the south. The Black and Caspian Seas together create unique climatic effects. In the mountains, an alpine climate prevails, and above 4,500 meters snow remains year-round.
In 1999, an estimate of only 100,000 foreign tourists came to Georgia. In 2025, this number will pass 7 million!. Thanks to improving facilities and accessibility in a quick phase, this was possible. Especially in the period of Saaskasvili, a huge number of foreign investors were attracted to boost tourism. Batumi has been built in 15 years, ski areas have been developed, historic centers have been refurbished, monuments restored, highways built, castles rebuilt and new airfields were opened. It is almost impossible to keep up with everything that has happened in recent years. The country has so much to offer that it is imaginable that the growth will continue in this phase. Wizzair and Ryanair have already started connecting Europe and it won’t be long before Tbilisi is the new Prague of Eastern Europe. So do you want to experience the real deal? Come to Georgia as soon as you can!
In addition to our standard ski adventure trip in Georgia, we now offer a unique variant in western Georgia. This exciting journey begins and end in Kutaisi. The route takes you through the ski resort of Mestia to the seaside
An unforgettable ski adventure awaits you in the mighty Caucasus Mountains of Georgia. From a sunrise hike up to the iconic Gergeti Monastery to riding ultra-modern ski lifts and venturing into the backcountry with a private snowcat, this trip combines
Cat ski Georgia? Goderdzi receives the most snowfall of the Georgian Caucasus. Due to its proximity to the Black Sea, it is very likely to dump here. That is why we offer organized cat ski trips to the Adjara region
An unforgettable Georgia ski safari awaits you in the Caucasus Mountains. Descents with a view of 5000 meters high mountains, ultramodern lifts in Gudauri, but also wine tasting in Tbilisi and bumper cars in Bakuriani. You will also meet the
With the highest mountain ranges in Europe and a staggering snowfall, Georgia might be the best country for freeriding. The terrain is hugely varied and choices are plentiful. From sidecountry in the famous Gudauri resort to backcountry in Racha and
Discover the rugged beauty of Svaneti and Racha, two of the most untouched regions of Georgia, during an unforgettable mountain bike tour. This tour takes you over challenging single trails, through breathtaking mountain landscapes, and offers you unparalleled views of
