Tbilisi

Tbilisi blends history and growth. Legend says King Vakhtang Gorgasali founded it in the 5th century when his falcon fell into a hot spring, and its name comes from the Georgian tbili, "warm". The sulphur baths of the Abanotubani district still sit over those springs, under their low brick domes.

Above them rises Narikala fortress, reached by cable car from Rike Park on the Mtkvari river, with a view over the whole old town. Below it stands the Tbilisi Jumah Mosque, where the city's Muslims pray, and close by are the glass Bridge of Peace and Metekhi Church on its rock above the river.

The old town has houses with carved wooden balconies, small cafés, and shops for carpets and crafts. The newer districts have Rustaveli Avenue, with its theatres and museums, and the shopping centres.

Tbilisi makes a good base for day trips to Mtskheta and Kazbegi. We suggest at least three nights, and will point you to halal restaurants near your hotel.