There is a certain kind of traveler who will revel in the unpredictability of Georgia. Exploring this magnificent little country bounded by the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea can be awe-inspiring, frustrating, baffling and exhilarating, but it is rarely boring. International-level service has not fully taken hold in Georgia, which means that one guide might arrive in a smart white shirt and black trousers, while another might proudly show you stains on his T-shirt acquired at a birthday party the night before. In a world that is increasingly globalized and standardized, Georgia has not yet been polished smooth, a quality we found refreshing and grew to love. Wineries are everywhere, as are centuries-old Orthodox churches and hilltop monasteries. An ideal itinerary of 12 to 14 days would include time in the chic, crumbling capital of Tbilisi, the world-class wine region of Kakheti and the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains around Kazbegi.