Georgia with children

1) yes.
2) I'm not sure. I would probably be uneasy receiving major medical treatment in a rural situation, but that's not a substantiated feeling.
3) yes
4) tourists do both
5) depends on what you want to do. transportation is quite slow and if you want to go between Tbilisi and Mestia in a day, it will take more than 3-4 hours. but there are things to see along the way and lots of things within 3-4 hours of Tbilisi or Kutaisi.

Hello,

1) Yes, But, if you travel to the very rural regions of Georgia such as Tusheti and/or Svaneti, this could be a problem. In Tbilisi, the Kakheti region etc, definitely no problem. If you are going to August make very sure the hotel has good AC, as the temp can be 40C. Hotels Kopola, GTM Kappan & Old Metekhi can be good choices.

2)Yes, usually. In Tbilisi I would suggest seeking private care at Medi Club 22a Tasknent or CITO group. Good family travel insurance with medical evacuation benefits is important. The Travelex Insurance is more likely to be accepted. Call your Embassy for more info. CITO or Dentaplus are good dental choices.

3 Hiking is everywhere. Buy a good travel guide from Lonely Planet or Bradt for details. The Kazbegi region offers numerous hiking opportunities. The rural regions I mentioned earlier are somewhat questionable for young children. These areas are perhaps best done with a guide/driver.

4) Self drive is easier than you now imagine. However I would suggest renting your vehicle at the Tbilisi Airport to avoid Tbilisi traffic, which believe me you want to do. Kakheti is an easy drive and I think Kazbegi would be OK but the 22 km of the pass is interesting, dirt surface with pot holes. If you drive to Kazbegi I would say book ahead as August is quite busy but also cooler at its' altitude. Of course, all of the above will be greatly simplified, exceot for the money part, by hiring a car with a driver. You could always drive some yourself and hire a driver for the questionable routes

5) Yes, but that depends on your desired route. Kazbegi is 4 hours, Kakheti 2, but more rural areas can be a bumpy all day adventure. I would say avoid mini-bus transport or shared taxis, unless you want a hot crowded vehicle, rather high speed ride, usually with many young people holding their backpacks on their laps.

Best wishes for good family travel Erez Ralph

1) In moutain villages, you can look for homestays where they also have young children. Maybe is will be less clean and less confortable, but certainly more interesting for your family; and the meals are better.
3) Yes in Svaneti, Kazbegi also near Borjomi or Vardzia.
4) THe driving in Georgia is really crazy

Thanks for the answers. A few more questions

1. I understand that it can get hot during August. In which areas is it 40C? How hot does it get in the mountains?

2. Do I need to to book hotels in advance (again, assuming that I travel during August) or can I just look for a good place to stay when I get to a next city/village?

Thanks,
Erez

Edited by: erezzi

1) It can reach 40C but certainly the weather can be more comfortable depending on the present weather systems. Temp & precip charts can be found online or in guide books. I think you will find the weather in the mountains much more pleasant.

2) I would recommend booking ahead for hotels in order to get what you want, especially in Tbilisi, Signaghi and Kazbegi. Most hotels offer fairly good cancellation policies.

3) there is an outdoor village ethnographic museum in the hills above Tbilisi that your children might enjoy.

Thanks!

Can you recommend not very long hikes that we can do with small children (3 & 5 years old)?

Thanks,
Erez

Yes, for one the Kazbegi area offers numerous opportunities. You can get a taxi or other such to take you from the town up to the top of Gergeti where a very enchanting Monastery is located. From there you can hike for several miles and still be in sight of the Monastery. And/or on your return taxi trip you could ask to be let off at some point to complete the hike down with your kids through the village. The road up is not fit for most rental cars. Do be very mindful of the Gergeti weather with your kids as things can change rapidly, but if the weather is good the mountain scenery is spectacular.

The hike up to the Monastery would be a bit much and usually takes 1.5 hours. Your Kazbegi homestay or hotel can help with arrangements and directions.

Another good hiking possibility is to head south on the road from Kazbegi to Tbilisi. In a short while you will reach a town called Achkhoti ( I think). Turn left and go east into the Sno Valley. The road requires a bit of weaving around uneven areas but your kids should like the animals that usually graze along the road.

The end of the acceptable road is the village of Juta which has a few guesthouses and a newish small hotel. Climb a short way on an interesting well groomed trail rising through the village and you will emerge on a grassy plateau above tree line. There is usually al tent snack bar with cot accomodations, usually with fluent English speakers. From there you can hike as short or long as you wish into a lovely valley held by a glacial cirque of mountains

This area should provide cooler temps for hiking in August. Enjoy

Thanks!