The Kingdom of Georgia: Notes of travel in a land of women, wine, and song

A small band of restless travelers—two Frenchmen, an Italian and an Englishman—find themselves lingering in a modest hostel after a long ride from Damascus to Baalbek. While the night air carries the soft hiss of their narghilés, they banter over Lamartine’s romanticized visions of the East, vowing to avoid rose‑coloured exaggerations in their own account. Their purpose is simple: to record what they truly encounter in a land still hidden from most European eyes, and to spark curiosity about a region that feels both exotic and surprisingly reachable.

The ensuing notes paint Georgia as a crossroads of lush mountains, fragrant vineyards, and music that drifts through village streets. Its people, described as open‑hearted and generous, leave an impression far stronger than any architectural ruin. Practical advice about language, travel routes and the best seasons to visit blends with vivid observations, making this a guide that invites scholars, artists and wanderers alike to explore a country that remains wonderfully unspoiled.