Described variously as part of Europe, Central Asia or the Middle East, Georgia has long been a flash point for cultural and geographical collision. Tourist facilities in this newly independent nation are challenged by Western standards, but as a visitor you’ll be feted, fed, watered, and made to sing and dance, all in incomprehensible Georgian, one of the world’s most unusual languages. Even if you can’t understand much more than you hosts’ smiles, the warmth you’ll experience here will help you understand why Georgia remains a highlight of many people’s travels.

May, June and September for pleasant weather

Hiking in the magnificent Caucasus Mountains Taking a walk in Batumi’s fragrant botanical gardens Exploring the ancient cave monastery city at Vardzia Strolling through the picturesque lanes of Tbilisi’s Old Town Discovering the religious architecture at Mtskheta Chilling out at a pebble-beach resort on the Black Sea coast

Read Please Don’t Call lt Soviet Georgia by Mary Russel, an entertaining travelogue describing the period of upheaval leading to independence

Listen to Georgian Voices by the Rustavi Choir, Georgian music performed by a collection of singers from various parts of the country showcasing different styles and brilliant harmonies

Watch Keto and Kote by respected Georgian filmmaker Siko Dolidze, shot in 1949

Eat khachi (a breakfast soup made from cow hoof, tripe and garlic), pkhali (beetroot or spinach paste mixed with garlic and walnuts), lodio (spiced red or beans), tkemali (tasty wild plum sauce)

Drink delicious Georgian wines such as Guurdzaani, Tsinandali and Saperavi

Didi madloba (many thanks)

The stunning flora and fauna of the Caucasus; impressive cave complexes; elaborate toasting and revelry at a traditional dinner; cakes laden with cream, fruit and sugar; churches, monasteries and pagan temples

Until you experience a full Georgian meal, complete with lengthy toasting ceremonies, you can’t truthfully to have seen the real Georgia

lts weather and landscape are a meeting of east and west. lts history is a lengthy list of empires and falling. lts culture is ancient and built around a vast variety of influences, its people are a mix of traditional and very modern; and the food is legendary.