Фотогалерея ‒ Akhaltsikhe, Georgia

Guide to Akhaltsikhe

A virtual tour of Akhaltsikhe

In the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of southern Georgia, there is a small and cozy town called Akhaltsikhe.

Nature enthusiasts will be enchanted by Lake Khosapini, which is home to 59 species of rare birds. Tourists also visit the town of "New Fortress" to explore the ancient Rabati fortress. Here, two cultures, Christianity and Islam, harmoniously coexist. The territory houses a 9th-century Orthodox church, a mosque, an educational institution for Muslims, and the burial place of Pashas.

Another interesting place for travelers is the Surb Nshan Catholic Church (Church of the Holy Cross) from the medieval period. Nearby, hidden in the shade of trees, is a quarter of abandoned sulfur baths. In the Muslim quarter, you'll find the largest mosque in the region, Ahmedie Mosque.

It is especially advantageous to find affordable accommodation in Akhaltsikhe while embarking on direct excursions throughout the country.

Photos of Akhaltsikhe

Tips for tourists

Akhaltsikhe "wakes up" at 10:00. Before that time it is impossible to find a working pharmacy, store or cab driver.
It is extremely unprofitable to change currency in the city. It is better to do it in large population centers, such as Tbilisi, Batumi, or Kutaisi.
It is better to buy products in supermarkets or specialized outlets. In smaller stores, the assortment is modest, and the goods are often stale.
Population
17 900
Time zone
UTC/GMT +4:00
Language
Georgian
Currency
Georgian lira

Tours to Akhaltsikhe

Thousands of tourists annually come to Akhaltsikhe for the weekend to see local sights. During this time, you can have time to walk to the fortress of Rabat, go to the cave city of Vardzia and the ruins of Khertvisi. Therefore, travel agencies often offer last-minute one- or two-day trips.

Self-selection of a tour on the Internet will make it possible to save up to 25%. So, a holiday in Akhaltsikhe for 4 days and three nights will cost from 340 USD per person. The amount includes a flight to Tbilisi or Batumi and transfer to Akhaltsikhe, accommodation in a three-star hotel, meals, visiting local attractions.

There are options for a 7-day vacation in Akhaltsikhe called the Silk Road and the Wine Road. The fortified city serves as a springboard for daily trips to neighboring districts to view cultural monuments. A voucher of such duration will cost about 800-850 USD, in a last-minute option - about 700 USD. You can choose these types of tours in Akhaltsikhe on your own online.

Interesting places in Akhaltsikhe

Akhaltsikhe is mistakenly considered a city of one attraction. But the thousand-year history of the surrounding places affected the capital of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. That is why it is so interesting to explore the streets of the city: here, travelers will find an organic symbiosis of Muslim and Christian cultures.

Akhaltsikhe is also suitable for families with children: there is a place for young researchers to play and take a walk.

Local restaurants will delight you with specialties of the national cuisine of Georgia and other countries of the Caucasus.

Sights

Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

There is no airport in Akhaltsikhe. The nearest cities that can be reached by plane are Kutaisi (40 km to Akhaltsikhe), Batumi (60 km), Tbilisi (83 km).

The best hotels in Akhaltsikhe

For those who are used to relax in comfort, the Hotel Gino Wellness Rabath is one of the best 4-star hotels in the city. A single room costs from 56 USD for a night and 66 USD for a double room. The hotel provides breakfast (buffet system).

Popular hotels are also Old Town Akhaltsikhe and New Star, which have 3 stars. A day spent in a double room here costs from 14 USD.

Fans of "wild" vacation renting accommodation from locals can do it in Akhaltsikhe for 10 USD per night.

The cost of vacation

Today, Akhaltsikhe is one of the most budget-friendly cities in Georgia. Many tourists choose to stay here and venture out daily to explore the surrounding attractions. The city offers a variety of affordable hotels and hostels to suit every taste, as well as delicious restaurants serving generous portions.

We have calculated a vacation budget based on the following expenses: flights to Kutaisi Airport (the nearest major city), accommodation in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included, meals at inexpensive restaurants, an excursion program in the city and surrounding areas, and public transportation fares.

The budget for a trip to Akhaltsikhe
Flight from 100 USD Accommodation from 14 USD
Average check in a restaurant from 8 USD Transport fare from 3 USD
Excursions from 30 USD
Total: From 342 USD per 1 person for a 4-day holiday.

Akhaltsikhe: tips for tourists

To ensure that your vacation in Akhaltsikhe leaves you with nothing but pleasant memories, take a look at some useful tips from TRIPMYDREAM for a comfortable holiday in Georgia!

Visa to Akhaltsikhe

No visa needed

Airport

There is no airport in Akhaltsikhe. The nearest air gates are located in Kutaisi (40 km from the city) and Batumi (63 km). Georgia's largest airport is located in the capital Tbilisi (80 km from Akhaltsikhe).

Transfer

The cost of transfer to Akhaltsikhe will be 10-12 USD (27 GEL). You should book the transfer in advance online. It will cost 30% more to book a ride from the airport to Akhaltsikhe on the spot.

Car rental

Depending on the type of transport, the cost of daily rent will be 25-40 USD. To move around the city, you can limit yourself to a budget small car; for the surrounding area, you should choose a hatchback or a jeep.

Transport

There is a bus station in Akhaltsikhe, from where both fixed-route taxis around the city (costing up to 5 GEL) and regular intercity buses (from 20 GEL) depart daily. A taxi to Batumi and Tbilisi will cost 150 and 230 GEL respectively.

Safety

Akhaltsikhe is a city that lives a measured life. There are no 24-hour pharmacies here (open at 10:00). It is safer to use special sites and applications to select guides, taxi drivers, accommodation and other services.

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