Kutaisi is the cultural and historical centre of Georgia and one of the country’s oldest cities, with its small, compact city centre and spectacular surrounding nature sites. It served as the capital of various kingdoms within Georgia throughout history, like housing the Georgian Parliament at one stage.

When it comes to their food, a must-try is soft cow’s milk cheese known as Imeretian cheese or their tangy plum sauce commonly served with meat and potato dishes, called Tkemali. Of course, no dinner meal would be complete without a glass of the local wine, which is lighter with a fruiter taste than in the Kakheti region.

From significant cathedrals and monasteries to lively bazaars and bohemian restaurants, Kutaisi is a great town to unpack your case for a few days.