GEM Festwill take place from the 10th of August 10 to the 14th of August 2016.

OPENING

Doors open from 9th of August.
Official Opening is on the 10th of August.

CLOSING

Official Closing is on the 14th of August.
Check out on the 15th of August.

AFTERPARTY

15th of August - Next morning after the official closing of the festival the territory is still open.

ANAKLIA

Anaklia is a little climatic resort inSamegrelo, one of the most beautiful regions of Georgia. The small town is located next to the mouth of River Inguri and is connected with the village Ganmukhuri by a 540-meter-long bridge. The oldest historical site of the town is a destroyed fortress founded in early XVIII century; in the nearest future the town is going to become an important water gate in Georgia, as the construction of new sea-port has already started.
Anaklia resort territory was designed by famous Spanish and Italian architects (Michelle De Lucchi was among them) and was supposed to become one of the key country’s resorts.

ZUGDIDI

Zugdidi is the administrative center and maintransport hub in the region. It is located in 30km from Anaklia and represents a point of strategic interest when it comes to festival guest placement in hotels and guest houses. The majorityof local population speaksGeorgian and Russian.

GEORGIA

Georgia is an independent country, located in the Caucasus region, on the Eastern coast of the Black Sea. It borders with Armenia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Russia. The Western part of Georgia is influenced by subtropical climate, its Eastern part - by the Mediterranean. The country is distinguished by its wonderful climate, rich flora and fauna and a great number of forests, nature reserves, diverse landscapes, historical and architectural monuments, authentic culture and incredible national cuisine –it is a marvelous destination.

The capital of Georgia is Tbilisi.

Administrative center issecond largest city -Kutaisi.

Official language - Georgian.

Official currency - Lari (GEL).

Timezone - UTC/GMT +4

Calling code (Georgia) - +995

Calling code (Anaklia) - 415

Internet TLD - .ge

In order to enter Georgia and attend the festival, the citizens of the EU, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, the US, Australia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Japan will NOT need visa. EU citizens would only need to provide their ID to enter the country.

Russian citizens do not need visa to enter Georgia for a short stay; however, they should have an international passport (new or old variation) valid at the time of entering the country for at least 6 months. If you just plan to make a transfer at an airport, which is made in the transit zone, you won’t need any additional documents or visas for that matter.

You will be able to get to GEM Fest by choosing one of the following options: Multi Pass or VIP Pass. You can purchase your tickets on our Web:

http://gem-fest.com/tickets

or other channels like:

www.eventer.ge

www.tkt.ge

www.festicket.com,

MULTI PASS

A Multi Pass is a personalized plastic card that provides unrestricted access to the festival site for the duration of the festival, from 10^th of August till 14^th of August. It allows you entering the territory at any time of the day or night, gives you access to all four stages and free entering to the water park.

You can purchase Multi Pass in advance on our partner websites: www.eventer.ge, www.tkt.ge or www.festicket.com ]

You can also purchase your tickets directly at our ticket office at the festival site in Anaklia, but keep in mind prices goes up.

VIP PASS

VIP Pass allows you entering the territory at any time of the day or night from the 10th to the 14^th of August without queue, gives you access to private parties and the most exciting yacht parties, free entrance to the aqua-park and all the stages, and free parking permit next to the festival territory.

You can purchase VIP Pass in advance on our partner websites: www.eventer.ge, www.tkt.ge or www.biletebi.ge

You can also purchase your tickets directly at our ticket office at the festival site in Anaklia.

Destination of your journey is Anaklia.

The most convenient route for you is to travel to Kutaisi (90 km, 1,5 /2 hours to Anaklia by car) or to Batumi (120 km, 2,5 hours to Anaklia by car). However, if these airports are not available, you can fly to Tbilisi. From Tbilisi to Anaklia - 340 km and 5-8 hours of drive, depending on the vehicle. You can also travel from Tbilisi to Zugdidi (30 km away from Anaklia) by bus, by comfortable train or by car.

Below are some of the travel options in details.

From Tbilisi airport to Anaklia:

The best way to get from Tbilisi to Anaklia is to take a night train from Tbilisi railway station to Zugdidi. The train is extremely comfortable, travel time - 9 hours, the ticket price - 7-30 GEL. Please, find more information about the schedule, ticket reservation and online booking here (www.railway.ge)

Once you are in Zugdidi, you can take a bus or a taxi to Anaklia. From Zugdidi to Anaklia you can get by mini-bus or district bus (up to $1) or by taxi ($8-12) for half an hour.

From Kutaisi airport to Anaklia:

It will take you about 1.5 hours to get from Kutaisi airport to Anaklia by taxi.Thecost of travel by taxi is around $60. To make it a cheaper trip, you can share the taxi with other GEM Fest people.

There is a bus service that departs from Kutaisi http://www.georgianbus.com heading to Anaklia. Travel time - about 2 hours, cost - around $7 and it runs every day till 18:20.

From Batumi airport to Anaklia:

The trip from Batumi airport to Anaklia will take about 2-2.5 hours by car.

You can get a taxi at the airport or main train station. IT will cost you about 50$.

BUSES

Mini-buses and buses from Tbilisi to Zugdidi depart from the main railway and bus stations every hour. Travel time by bus or mini-bus - 4-5 hours; the cost is around 15 GEL.

Mini-buses from Zugdidi to Anaklia

You can get to Anaklia from Zugdidi by taking a mini-bus or a district bus (up to $1,) or by taking a taxi ($8-12); travel time - about 30 minutes. You can pay for your trip with the mini-bus drivers on the spot.

International calling code for Georgia is +995.

The major mobile operators in the country are Magti, Geocell and Beeline. In order to buy a SIM card you will need your passport. We would recommend you to purchase Magti SIM card, because of its best reception in Anaklia.

Some SIM cards are valid for 6 months; however, you’d better check this option when you get your SIM card. You can top up your account by either purchasing a scratch card or in the special payboxes - both options can be easily found everywhere across the country. The payboxes have their interface in three languages: Georgian, English and Russian.

Internet, as everywhere else, can be mobile (3G, 4G) or WiFi. The price range is around 25 GEL ($12) per month with Magti. However, it is always better to check yourprovider for more details. Wi-fi can be found inAnaklia hotel territories as well as on the site of the Festival.

National Georgia currency is Georgian Lari (GEL). One lariis split into 100 tetri. Main denominations in circulation are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 GEL as well as coins with denomination of 2 and 1 GEL; 50, 20, 10 and 5 tetri.

GEL to RUB: 1 GEL/22.97 RUB

GEL to UAH: 1 GEL/9.12 UAH

GEL to USD: 1 GEL/0.42 USD

GEL to EUR: 1 GEL /0.38 EUR

You can find the most updated currency exchange rates here - https://www.nbg.gov.ge/index.php?m=2

Currency exchange offices can be found everywhere in the cities as well as in Zugdidi. Unfortunately, there is no currency exchange in Anaklia, but we will ensure that an exchange office is functioning on the territory of the festival. You can also exchange your money in any bank; There are two Bank of Georgia branches in Anaklia. Russian rubles can be exchanged freely at any exchange office or bank.

IMPORTANT: Take into consideration that foreign currency circulation is officially forbidden in Georgia - better not try paying with foreign currency in restaurants and bars as you can be taken for a counterfeit. Any payments with the use of a Bank card are welcome as well as payments with cash. You will have no problems with your Visa or Mastercard in Zugdidi and othercities; however, it is recommended to have cash at hand in Anaklia.

There are only three hotels in Anaklia:

Hotel Anaklia

Palm Beach Hotel

Golden Fleece Hotel

Apart from the hotels there is a certain amount of private houses for rent located close to the beach and festival territory. Anaklia is a small town/village and not all houses are super comfortable; however, they are quite capable of fitting in a couple thousand tenants and festival goers. Please, find more information about private hire beds and guesthouses here :
http://places.georgia.travel/index.php?sortName=rating&sortType=desc&keywords=anaklia

As long as Anaklia represents a free economic zone, we do hope that GEM Fest will create a motive for the region’s dynamic development,it will boost the construction of new hotels, private B&Bs and guest houses. Until then, let’s party wild!

ZUGDIDI

You can also choose to stay in Zugdidi (which is just 30 km/30 minute away from Anaklia) and get to the festival site by car, or taxi, or by free shuttles that will run between Zugdidi and Anaklia during the festival. Zugdidi accommodation offers are broadly advertised on the Internet and travel time of 20-30 minutes can be easily compensated by the option of more comfortable living conditions.

To find a suitable accommodation check out these sources:
www.Agoda.com

www.Airbnb.com

A comfortable tent camping will be provided on the special camp area on the territory of a festival. The camping will be situated in a green area close to the Main Stage. It will accommodate around 10,000 persons. GEM City has fully equipped shower cabins, toilets, lockers, phone charging spots, guards and security cameras. In every tent there will be a pillow, a rubber and a blanket. Link:

http://eventer.ge/event/Gem-City-Camping-121-eng

Water Trampoline

Water trampoline will make you feel like a child again. This activity is for those who enjoy the thrilling state of weightlessness. This attraction is located on the water. So, fall from the trampoline while jumping on it, you will be totally safe.

Skimboard

Skimboard is the little cousin of surfboard. You just glide on the shallow waters standing on a shorter board. This kind of funsurfing won’t leave you indifferent!

Slacklining

Slacklining is an extreme sport, basically - walking along a tight sling. It is both fun and useful exercise to practice balancing.

Volleyball

Volleyball is a popular ball game, which unites many people, who want to spend their free time in an entertaining and active way.

Frisbee

Frisbee is a very popular ‘plate’ game, which is easy to play, that why it usually involves many people. Company is the key to a really enjoyable game!

Stand up paddle (SUP surfing)

Stand up paddle (SUP surfing) is one of the kinds of surfing, which became popular quite recently. You will need not just a board, but also a paddle. The rider can stand, sit on his or her knees, do whatever he or she is up to – balance is the most important thing.

Yoga

Yoga is a complex of physical exercises, which are aimed at improving your mental health too. Practicing it at the seaside, taking deep breaths and enjoying the smell of sea will make you feel happier and more energetic.

Water sphere (zorb)

Water sphere (zorb) is an entertainment of the water surface: you run and tumble inside of a huge transparent ball.

Balance board

Balance board is a wonderful type of practice to develop your balance. It is also popular among all fans of extreme board sports such as surfing, wakeboarding, skateboarding.

Will food and drinks be overpriced, as it happens at the festivals? No. We will do our best to keep prices at the bars, restaurants, shops & camp site acceptable and affordable— in fact, all the prices at the site will be controlled by GEM Fest team.

To give you an idea of the price ranges for food:

Bread (simple Georgian ‘shoti’ bread) $0.34, Butter - $2.85-$5.7 per kg, Black tea - $2.85 a pack, teabags - $1.25, Coffee - $0.7-$2.3, ground coffee. Juice in package- around $1.5.

Yoghurt - around $1.5.Sparkling water - $0.5-1 for “Borjomi”, “Likani”, “Nabeglavi” etc.Same price for Coca-Cola and Fanta.

Prices for cheese differ with regards to the season (for local cheeses) and with regards to the sort (for imported cheeses). In summer Imereti cheese costs from $2.85 per kg. Price for the bottle of wine varies from $2.3 up to $28. Homemade wine is cheaper. House wine from $2.3- up to $6.9 per liter.

‘Gem’ (read as [dʒɛm]) is translated from English as a precious stone and is used symbolically to describe the treasure, uncommonly wonderful and beyond any praise. We strive to gather the most outstanding collection of dazzling people, ideas and events. We want to see the unseen and do the impossible. At the same time it stands for Georgian Electronic Music (GEM). Hence,discovering the real ‘gems’ in local electronic music scene and bringing them together with already renowned ‘gems’s of this planet. We strive to make our festival a real ‘gem’ within our country - a hidden treasure to be cherished.