Сигнахи

Understand

300px|thumbnail|Old town Sighnaghi has undergone a fundamental reconstruction program and has become an important center of Georgia's tourist industry. While Sighnaghi itself requires just a day or so for sightseeing, it is probably the best base for exploring the region through day trips. You can follow the road from Sighnaghi to Telavi via Gurjaani, visiting wineries on the way, escape for a day to the Kvareli lake resort or Lagodekhi National Park, and go visit the David Gareja monastery on the Azerbaijan border.

Do not expect wild night life here (except perhaps if there is a busload of tourists in town). Sighnaghi is the place to take in the view of the mountains, drink homemade wine, and enjoy delicious Kakhetian food in one of the many restaurants.

Get around

Most sights can be reached on foot, even the Bodbe Convent. Though, you might want to take a taxi or hitch-hike there to save time.

See

thumb|300px|right|Town streets thumb|300px|right|Facing the Greater Caucasus thumb|240px|right|The Monastery of St. George at Bodbe A 20-minute taxi ride away, the following might be worth visiting if it is Sunday:

Do

Visit the towers of the town wall and walk along it. Sighnaghi is part of the popular wine route of Kakheti.

Eat

There are many restaurants in and around the town, with prices varying greatly but generally on the high side. Many of the restaurants charge a 15% 'tax' which they don't advertise before hand and is illegal in Georgia (tax must be included In the price by law). Ask in advance if in doubt.

Drink

If you are in a restaurant, order a glass of house wine. If someone invites you to a wine-tasting, go (maybe 10 lari for a cup of red and a cup of white wine). If someone wants to sell you a liter of wine, buy it (15 lari). Yes, the local, homemade wine comes in used plastic soda pop bottles. Don't worry; the wine still tastes great, and, as the locals will tell you, it's all-natural.

Sighnaghi is part of the popular wine route of Kakheti—checkout the information and available wineries there. Many guesthouses can organise day trips to the wineries and monasteries of the region.