tiblisi georgia

Travel Information:

Travel:

Unless you live nearby, the most practical way to get to Tbilisi is by air.  Here Israeli conference participants are in luck. There are direct flights from Tel Aviv to Tbilisi operated by Georgian Airway, Arkia and EL AL. As of June 15th, the average round-trip fare was $298.  Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the US or the UK, so travelers from those countries will need to connect through Paris or Amsterdam or Istanbul.  Flights from the US are expensive—in the $1,600 to $1,800 range.  Flights from the UK and continental Europe are happily less so.

Once you arrive at Tbilisi Airport, there is a twice-daily train that takes you to the city center. Tickets cost $1-3 and the trip takes 40 minutes. Alternatively, the Tbilisi Transport Company operates from the airport to the Tbilisi Academy of Sciences, located near the century of town, every 20 minutes. Those tickets cost $1 and the trip takes 50 minutes, so this seems the better option.  You may need to take a taxi from there to your hotel, but it will be a short trip.

Health and Safety Protocols:

As of June 15th, most COVID-related protocols have been relaxed by the Georgian government.  Proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test are no longer required for entry, and masks are required only in healthcare facilities. However, despite these changes, you should still check the Georgian Ministry of Health website for updates before you leave.

Accommodations:

Our host, Ilia State University, has secured discounted rates at a number of hotels in three different price categories.  To take advantage of these rates, you should mention that you are attending an international conference at the university.

Least Expensive

Point Hotel. Single room $49 per night.  Located in the city center, the staff gets high marks for friendly and attentive service.  More details and booking at https://www.agoda.com

Hotel Orion.  Double room $54 per night, single room $47. Wifi and breakfast included. A four-star hotel located near the city center.  For more details and booking visit the hotel at http://www.hotelorion.ge.

Middle Range

Holiday Inn. Single room  $95, Double room $105.  An upscale, modern hotel with (among other amenities) an Olympic-size pool. More details and booking at www.holidayinntbilisi.com

Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel.  Single room $112-140, double room $130-156. Housed in a modern high-rise, with a pool The views improve with price.  More details and booking at https://www.radissonhotels.com.

Upper Range

Tbilisi Marriott.  Single/double room $160, including wifi and breakfast. This five-star hotel, housed in a historic building, is located on the main thoroughfare, Rustaveli Avenue.  Rooms are spacious, as befits a five-star rating. There are also two in-house restaurants and a fitness center. You can book at https://www.marriott.com