Kutaisi (Georgia)

A town that functioned as Georgia's capital during various times in its history, Kutaisi sits by the Rioni River and presents an interesting blend of old and new. The magnificent town centre, which dates back to the 16th Century, is juxtaposed with its surrounding urban sprawl. The old town's streets are lined with typical Georgian architecture and reflect a decadent past, creating an atmosphere that evokes its glory days.

Kutaisi is the country's second largest city and, since 2012, has housed the Georgian government, a move that has revitalised the town centre. It's also a useful base from which to explore numerous, nearby monasteries, as well as its magnificent 11th Century cathedral, now a classified UNESCO World Heritage Site The town's a wonderful stopover during a holiday in Georgia.