Travel to Georgia

Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)

Format: Paperback
Author: Tom Masters
ReleaseDate: July, 2004
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications
Rating:

Very Useful ...
The time trusted Lonely Planet is your only hope and probably the only guide that'll help you plan and execute your trip. The Caucasian countries probably constitute the last bastion of the enigmatic destinations in the world and are shrouded in rumors & unclear doubts. I recently came back from a short trip to Georgia and found the information remarkably accurate and undoubtedly useful. It'll serve as your lifeline whilst in the Caucasus.
I've seen some dismal review comments and whilst I respect other people's opinions, I cannot help wonder what (else) were travelers expecting? A street-by-street guide with illustrated pictures will take away all the enigmatic charm and adventure that the Caucasian countries have to offer. A trip that is planned to perfection is usually not much fun. However, the hospitality of the wonderful people and the overwhelming beauty of the country will supersede your dependence on the guide.
.

Good book, but....
However, the authors seemed to be under orders to write glowing reports on anything considered mildly worthwhile to visit. I used the guidebook in all 3 countries within one month of its publication, and found it to be accurate for the most part. Many of these places were not particularly noteworthy, and after awhile we took each raving description with a grain of salt. For some of the most spectacular sites (Davit Gareja and Kazbegi, both in Georgia) the book really should have included maps. The descriptions of both struck me as being second or third hand, as if the authors themselves had not taken any of the trails they described.

slightly better than the last book
I must admit
that when I finally got it I was disappointed. I had been anticipating the new LP guide for Armenia for quite awhile. It is better than the last one, but that's not saying much. The information is OK, but not extensive. There are barely any photos, so you don't really get a good feel for any of the places. The maps are so small that you need a magnifying glass to read them. And, the 6 pages dedicated
to Karabagh just doesn't cut it!.

Related products:
click image or link for details on these Georgia travel books.

	Lonely Planet Central Asia
	Ukraine (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)
	Armenia & Karabagh (The Stone Garden Guide)