Georgia
At the crossroads of the European and Western worlds
Georgia – an authentic, diverse country in the Caucasus with an eventful history and impressive nature. Whether on a stroll through Tbilisi, on hikes in the mountains or during a round trip: The mixture of warm hospitality, culinary delights and scenic beauty makes the journey to the crossroads between Eastern and Western culture unforgettable. Edelweiss flies directly to Tbilisi twice a week from June to October. For bookings, information, insider tips and recommendations, please contact our Head of Holiday Travel Olivier Lorenzo, who was there himself in May of this year.
Multifaceted Tbilisi
Tbilisi enchants visitors with its lively old town, where European, oriental and Soviet influences interweave to create a multi-layered cityscape. Creative gastronomic and cultural scenes flourish between the cobblestones and Art Nouveau façades. A ride on the cable car to Narikala Fortress not only opens up sweeping views over the rooftops of the city, but also a sense of its unique character. A visit to the traditional sulphur baths district in the old town promises hours of relaxation. Our favourite: the magnificent Orbeliani baths.
The spiritual heart of Georgia: Mtskheta
Mtskheta, the former capital of Georgia, is only around 25 kilometres from Tbilisi. The charming small town can be easily explored on foot and boasts important buildings such as the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 11th century, which has served as the country’s religious centre for centuries. On the opposite hill lies the Georgian Orthodox monastery of Jvari, which, in addition to its cultural significance, also impresses with its unique view.
Gergetier Trinity Church
Another impressive Georgian landmark can be found at an altitude of 2,170 metres: the Gergetier Trinity Church. Dating back to the 14th century, the domed church, also known as “Gergetis Sameba”, is enthroned high in the mountains and offers a majestic view of the surrounding peaks. Filigree ornamentation on the façade and dome contrast beautifully with the square masses of the carved stones. Around 150 kilometres from Tbilisi, the church can be reached on foot in one to two hours via a steep path or comfortably by car.
Cradle of wine
The historic province of Kakheti in the east is considered the cradle of wine. Wine has been produced here for over 8,000 years. Fertile hills, a mild climate and more than 500 indigenous grape varieties create ideal conditions. Wines made using the Qvevri technique, in which they are fermented in large clay amphorae, are particularly full of character. Wine lovers are in for a treat here: various wineries invite you to taste their wines, including the historic Chateau Mukhrani and the stylish Cradle of Wine Marani.
Pure romance in Sighnaghi
In the centre of the Kakheti wine region lies the small terraced town of Sighnaghi, nestled on a hillside. A well-preserved town wall with over 20 defence towers from the 18th century surrounds the town and offers sweeping views across the Alasani Valley to the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus. Inside the town, cosy cafés, boutiques and fortifications adorn the streets. Sighnaghi is also known for its lively craftsmanship – ceramics and carpet factories in particular characterise the cityscape.
Out and about in nature
On the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus, the Kazbeghi National Park invites you to explore. Rugged peaks, deep gorges and crystal-clear waterfalls offer paradisiacal hiking, climbing, cycling or quadbike tours. Another highlight is the 5,054 metre high Mount Kazbek, one of the highest mountains in Georgia. A detour to the Chada Gorge or the Gveleti waterfalls is also worthwhile. A hot-air balloon ride over Mukhrani and Alazani or a picnic in the almost bizarre-looking lunar landscape of the David Gareja desert promise more cosy views.
Creative, rich in contrast and full of energy
A dynamic cultural scene pulsates between tradition and new beginnings in Georgia. The Tsinandali Festival delights visitors with classical music of the highest calibre and has long been known as the “Salzburg of the Caucasus”. At the same time, the Bassiani club in Tbilisi – often referred to as the “Berghain of Tbilisi” – attracts international attention with its techno and electro music.
Georgian specialities in Tbilisi
Georgian cuisine is characterised by spicy herbs such as coriander, parsley and a special herb mixture called suneli. Classic specialities include shashlik kebabs, the spicy chicken stew chakhobili and the hammelet stew chanachi. When it comes to restaurants, Tbilisi offers plenty of variety: at Café Stamba, industrial chic meets cocktails and homemade chocolate, while panoramic views and sustainable cuisine can be found at Funicular. Rigi Gastrodouqan celebrates the Douqan tradition with creative classics, while the charming Margalita delights with traditional family recipes in a cosy atmosphere.
Hotels in Tbilisi
The Rooms Hotel Tbilisi in the trendy Vera neighbourhood, which is also very popular with local and international creatives, is a particularly good place to sleep in Tbilisi. Once a publishing house, the luxurious design hotel combines New York’s 1930s with Georgian folklore. The rooms invite you to linger in industrial chic style, while the beautiful veranda or the spacious inner courtyard are perfect for a short break in between. We also recommend the Tbilisi Marriott Hotel with its unique circular design and the uncomplicated Radisson Blue Iveria Hotel in the city centre.
Madeira
Island of flowers in the Atlantic
Madeira, the green island of volcanic origin, offers mild temperatures, dramatic coastlines and dense forests all year round. The capital Funchal delights with its historic charm, lively markets and harbour views. Belonging to Portugal, the island is located southwest of Lisbon and is ideal for nature lovers, those seeking peace and quiet and active holidaymakers alike. Edelweiss flies directly to Funchal several times a week.
Discover Funchal
Funchal attracts visitors with its colourful old town, lively markets and impressive buildings: from the Gothic Sé Cathedral to the São Tiago Fortress with its Museum of Modern Art. The Mercado dos Lavradores market hall from the 1940s offers fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and flowers. The cable car takes you up to Monte, from where you ride back down to the valley in the famous wicker sledges. The ride in the traditional wicker baskets stretches over two kilometres and takes around ten minutes – a must on any trip to Madeira.
Floral splendour with a view
High above Funchal is the Botanical Garden, which is both a plant paradise and a vantage point. Over 2,000 exotic species such as camellias from Asia and sequoias from North America thrive here thanks to Madeira’s subtropical climate, which gives the island one of the most diverse plant worlds in Europe. The terraced gardens with their colourful patterns and the view over the city and coast make the visit a highlight.
Levada hikes & volcanic pools
Madeira is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Tours along the historic levada channels are particularly popular. These are artificial watercourses that lead to the agricultural land. They run through laurel forests, gorges and over mountain slopes. Those who prefer to relax can visit the natural lava pools of Porto Moniz. The pools directly in the volcanic rock offer spectacular views and refreshment and are suitable for the whole family.
Experiences on land and water
A boat tour on Madeira is worthwhile – especially for observing dolphins and whales, which often pass very close to the boat. Golfers also get their money’s worth: the Palheiro golf course on Madeira offers marvellous views of the mountains and the sea. Those who prefer a quieter pace can take the ferry to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo. The nine-kilometre-long sandy beach invites you to enjoy a relaxing swim, long walks or sporting activities in the water. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the challenging Porto Santo golf course with 18 and 9-hole courses.
Flavour and tradition
Madeira’s cuisine is hearty and characterised by meat and fish dishes. Espetada – beef on a laurel skewer – and the scabbardfish espada with banana are particularly popular. Other typical dishes include bacalhau, caldo verde (a traditional potato soup) and tropical fruits such as passion fruit. Poncha, a mix of sugar cane rum, citrus fruits and honey, is the national drink. For wine aficionados, we recommend a guided tour of one of the wineries followed by a tasting in a wine cellar. For gourmets, a visit to the Michelin restaurant Il Gallo d’Oro or the Villa Cipriani restaurant in the Reid’s Palace Hotel with its marvellous sea view is well worthwhile.
Luxury hotels with a view
The Savoy Palace in Funchal impresses with its modern architecture, the longest pool in Madeira, huge suites and excellent cuisine – ideal for a stylish break. The award-winning Laurea Spa offers guests a 3,100 m² wellness area with sauna, steam bath, indoor pool, halotherapy room and much more. Close by is the traditional Reid’s Palace Hotel: a luxury oasis with panoramic views over the bay, manicured gardens, afternoon tea on the terrace and historic charm. Other recommendations include the elegant The Cliff Bay or the cosy boutique hotel Quinta da Casa Branca.
Bodrum
Aegean meets elegance
Bodrum on the Turkish Aegean coast is a stylish holiday destination with turquoise-blue bays, historical sites and exclusive resorts. The peninsula delights with its relaxed atmosphere and Mediterranean cuisine and is a true paradise for divers, sailors and sun worshippers. Edelweiss will be flying directly from Zurich to Bodrum several times a week from July.
Around the island
The coast around Bodrum is best explored on a boat trip: Swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing in secluded bays are on the programme. Particularly charming: a trip on a traditional wooden gulet boat, where, with a bit of luck, dolphins and swordfish can be spotted. If you fancy more, take a detour to the neighbouring Greek islands of Kos or Rhodes – both are easily accessible by ferry.
Fishing villages and ancient highlights
A trip to picturesque Gümüşlük is well worthwhile: the small fishing village is located just 20 kilometres west of Bodrum and boasts a relaxed atmosphere and first-class seafood restaurants. History buffs can visit the imposing St Peter’s Castle or the ruins of the ancient cities of Ephesus and Miletus. The ancient amphitheatre of Bodrum also offers profound cultural insights with a beautiful view.
Shopping & nightlife
During the day, the alleyways of the old town with boutiques, craft shops and colourful markets invite you to take a stroll. In the evening, life pulsates around the Yalıkavak marina, the “Saint-Tropez of Bodrum”: stylish bars, elegant yachts and fine restaurants create an atmospheric ambience. The ideal way to end the day: a sundowner with a view of the sea.
Active through nature
Bodrum also offers numerous opportunities for active holidaymakers: The hilly landscape is ideal for hiking and climbing, with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands. Water sports enthusiasts also get their money’s worth: sailing, windsurfing and diving are among the most popular activities. It is precisely this combination of mountains and sea that gives the region its special charm.
Deliciously Turkish
Classics such as doner kebab, lahmacun (flatbread with a spicy minced meat mixture) or meze are on the menu almost everywhere. For dessert, there’s baklava with pistachios or fresh figs. Typical drinks include the yoghurt drink ayran or Turkish mocha, which is traditionally served in a copper pot. For authentic Turkish cuisine, we recommend the Mezra Yalıkavak. The Kitchen by Osman Sezener offers creative, internationally inspired flavours, while Zuma serves modern Japanese cuisine in a stylish setting right on the waterfront.
Luxury with a sea view
The Mandarin Oriental is one of the most exclusive resorts in the region with a private beach, spa, extensive gardens and views of the horizon. Nestled in a hilly landscape and surrounded by olive groves, tranquillity meets first-class comfort. The hotel was conceived by star designer Antonio Citterio, who has combined timeless elegance with Asian flair. The resort’s culinary delights include eleven restaurants and bars – including Hakkasan with gourmet Chinese cuisine and ROKA for excellent sushi. When booking through Finass, customers can enjoy certain benefits. Our expert Maria Wiesner knows the Mandarin Oriental personally and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We also recommend the stylish Le Méridien Bodrum Resort, the luxurious Amanruya and the elegant Four Seasons Hotel in Bodrum.
