Georgia Itinerary – 7 Days, 6 Regions + Map Included
Georgia is the land of wine, history, mouth-watering food, and amazing people. It’s one of those places that travelers usually put last on their travel list, but once they’re there, it quickly becomes one of their favorite countries! So it’s no wonder you’re looking for a Georgia Itinerary.
I knew a lot about Georgia and already had a zest for its culture (most notably food and wine) long before my visit. And then, once we finally got the opportunity to travel, I didn’t want to leave any stone unturned!
With so many things to do in Georgia, I grouped my trip highlights in this ultimate Georgia 7 days itinerary! I’ve also included the best hotels, must-try foods, and many useful tips!
If you are in a hurry
If you need to book the best tours in the city fast and don’t have a lot of time to read the entire article, here are the main things to book in advance:
And here are the best hotels: Tbilisi Marriott Hotel (luxury), Old Town Mtatsminda (mid-range), Bude Hostel (budget)
Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the locations that I will talk about in this Georgia Itinerary:
Day 1 & 2: Tbilisi – Georgia’s capital city
Tbilisi is Georgia’s capital and most populous city, with almost a third of the population, or around 1.2 million people, living here. Tbilisi is also the commercial, cultural, and, of course, tourist center of the country. It’s also the first stop on my Georgia travel itinerary.
Tbilisi was an important stop on the Silk Road that made trade between Europe and Asia possible for centuries! This contributed to the multicultural and vibrant atmosphere in the city visible even today!
I loved everything about Tbilisi, except that it’s a bit too touristy for my liking. We visited in July, which is like the high season, and people were on the streets selling excursions, souvenirs, and candy everywhere you look in Old Town Tbilisi.
Since we visited without a car, having easy access to tourist guides was actually a big plus, so I can’t complain about that! Basically, since it’s a fairly small country (slightly bigger than West Virginia!), you can visit Georgia without a car and rely solely on day trips from Tbilisi!
TIP: Tbilisi sleeps in! If you’re an early bird, I recommend booking a hotel with breakfast or buying food the day before because most restaurants open after 11 AM or even afternoon! This was one of the first things our driver warned us about when we landed in Tbilisi, and it turned out to be a pretty good tip!
Things to do in Tbilisi
Tbilisi can keep you entertained for days, but here are the top 6 things to do that can fit in your 1 to 2-day stay:
- Take a walking tour of the city for the most efficient sightseeing
- Visit Holy Trinity Church (map), the largest Georgian Orthodox church in the country
- Explore the area around the Sulfur Baths (map) and buy unique souvenirs there
- Take a funicular (map) to the Mother of Georgia statue and Narikala Fortress and enjoy city views
- Stroll up (or down) the vibrant Rustaveli Avenue (map)
- Spend an afternoon in the fun and beautiful Mtatsminda Park (map)
NOTE: The tourism industry is really well-developed in Georgia. It’s super easy to find local guides, get around, go on tours, and do all the touristy stuff. You can get around even if you don’t speak the Georgian language – tour guides will speak English!
Where to eat in Tbilisi
I cherry-picked the best restaurants to try in Georgia’s capital city, but don’t worry if you can’t find them or if they aren’t in your way – just try any traditional restaurant serving Georgian cuisine; you won’t regret it!
- Shavi Lomi (map) – An iconic restaurant serving traditional dishes with an artistic touch, perfect for date nights or special nights. Ask the waiters to pair the dish you choose with a glass (or bottle, if you want to blend in with the locals) of delicious Georgian wine!
- Sakhli #11 (map) – Beautiful interior, delicious traditional dishes and local wine, and reasonable pricing.
- Klike’s Khinkali (map) – One of the best (and super affordable) places to try khinkali, a staple Georgian dumpling filled with meat and spices.
Talking about food, I must mention some staple Georgian cuisine dishes you HAVE to try here:
- Khachapuri – the most popular Georgian dish, something like cheese bread, available in many variations (my favorite one is Adjarian, with a raw egg on top)
- Khinkali – Georgian dumplings, most often stuffed with meat and spices
- Pkhali – Cold appetizer consisting of chopped vegetables, walnuts, garlic, and herbs
- Lobio – a red kidney bean dish with walnuts
- Mtsvadi – grilled meat skewers (pork, beef, or lamb)
- BONUS: Qvevri wine – a special Georgian wine made and aged in region-specific egg-shaped earthenware (called qvevri)
Where to stay in Tbilisi
I usually tell travelers to base themselves in the Old Town to be near the attractions, but this is even more important if you’re traveling without a car and want to do day trips with local tour operators.
Most departures are somewhere in the Old Town or really close by, so you’ll save plenty of time on your commute and even get some extra sleeping time since departures can be as early as 7 AM!
A lot of the tours start near Vakhtang Gorgasali Square (map) since there are lots of tourist agencies around, so I’d recommend finding a hotel nearby! This is where we stayed and from where we departed on daily tours.
I have a whole article dedicated to where to stay in Tbilisi where I discuss 6 best areas in town for tourists! Feel free to check it out here, I also included a list of the best hotels in each district!
But for now, here’s a quick list of 3 best hotels in Tbilisi sorted by budget:
NOTE: A lot of accommodations (especially private) offer personal drivers who can wait for you at the airport or even take you around the country. A great perk if you’re traveling to Georgia without a car!
Day 3: Kazbegi region – breathtaking nature & mountains
One of my favorite destinations in Georgia, and possibly the most scenic mountain range I’ve seen in my life, is in the Kazbegi mountains to the North of the country.
The heart of the region is Stepantsminda, one of the most stunning mountain towns around. Only a short away from the city, you’ll be greeted with the most exceptional views of Eastern Georgia’s highest mountain peak, Kazbek (5,054 meters or 16,581 feet above sea level).
The best views of the Kazbek mountain peak are from the Gergeti Trinity Church (map), a wonderful religious site dating back to the 14th century. No one even knows how it got there so high in the Caucasus mountains. The builders must have had to carry the building materials through those crazy winding mountain roads, it’s unbelievable!
If you feel adventurous enough, you can try climbing to the top of Kazbek, but I should tell you that this activity is only for super-experienced climbers! We more than enjoyed our time next to the church, soaking in the breathtaking scenery with snow-capped peaks all around us.
How to get there
The Georgian Military Highway, which runs for 212 km (131 miles), takes you from Tbilisi to Kazbegi. The distance from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda, the nearest city to the Kazbegi mountains, is 135 km (83 miles), and the ride takes 3 hours without stops.
You definitely don’t need a car to get to Kazbegi. In fact, I don’t recommend it if you plan to go to the church on the hill overlooking Kazbek, as cars are prohibited at one point. If you do drive, you may have to park your car at the foothill (there is a large parking lot) and then get a private ride to the church.
All tourist agencies in Tbilisi organize day trips with frequent departures. We visited in July, and since it was high season, they had departures every day of the week. This can change if you visit off-season.
This full-day tour takes you to Kazbegi and all the noteworthy attractions on the Georgian Military Highway for less than €30 per person, which I find to be a great deal!
Things to see on the way
The Georgian Military Highway is filled with attractions, from natural mineral water springs to gorgeous monasteries, roadside markets, and whatnot.
Most tours from Tbilisi include stops at Ananuri Fortress (map), one of the most picturesque spots in Georgia. There’s a lookout with breathtaking scenery on the adjacent lake, and you can climb to the top of the church to enjoy it. Descend down the road from the church, and you’ll reach a nice beach-like area with public toilets!
Another interesting stop is the Gudauri (map) ski resort, which is mostly popular during the winter. We didn’t stop in Guaduri but passed by it slowly, and I remember being in awe of these amazing glamping spots (here’s what they look like) with transparent glass walls overlooking the mountains. I told myself next time we have to stay here, even if just for the night!
A beautiful stop along the way is also the gigantic Panorama Monument (map) dedicated to the Russian-Georgian friendship in the Soviet Union (the ex-giant country that grouped 15 republics, including Georgia). Apart from the absolutely stunning views from the monument which is built on top of a steep hill, you can admire majestic frescoes depicting scenes of Russian and Georgian people and customs.
Day 4: Kakheti – Georgia’s wine cradle region
Kakheti is Georgia’s best-known wine-producing region! Wine aficionados and really anyone who enjoys beautiful sights and spending time outdoors will enjoy a day trip to Kakheti!
Georgia is known as the cradle of winemaking! Archaeologists have found proof that people made wine here 8,000 years ago! There’s no better region for wine tasting than here!
Over 500 grape varieties are indigenous to Georgia, with more than 70% of Georgian wine being made in the Kakheti region.
On the road, you’ll pass by beautiful ancient towns and be surrounded by Georgia’s usual stunning natural landscape.
How to get there
Kakheti is easily reachable by car, being just 86 km (53 miles) East of Tbilisi. Like other places on the list, you can either visit by yourself or take a day tour from Tbilisi.
I found this awesome day tour that takes you to Kakheti and includes wine tastings for just €36, as well as a visit to the largest wine cellar in the country! There are also tons of tour operators in the city that organize trips here.
Things to do in Kakheti
Overall, Kakheti is a small region (around 11 square km, or 4.2 square mi), but it has plenty of attractions.
- Visit the Sighnaghi area (map) for beautiful sights of Italian-style homes overlooking the valley (it’s super romantic, known as the City of Love)
- Enjoy Georgian wines in the Pheasant’s Tears Winery in Sighnaghi (map)
- Go to the Bodbe Monastery (map) just next to Sighnaghi. This is the burial place of Nino, a beloved Saint who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century
- Explore David Gareji Monastery (map) and the area’s stunning red stone ridges
- Roam the streets of Telavi (map), the administrative center of the region
Day 5: Borjomi – iconic natural mineral water springs
Borjomi is the local favorite region for outdoor activities, and it’s for a good reason. You can explore kilometers of hiking routes, go paragliding, mountain biking, and, of course, horseback riding all while being surrounded by absolutely breathtaking nature!
Borjomi is best known for its natural mineral springs that have been in use for over 1,000 years! Borjomi water is sold all over Georgia, plus in 30 countries worldwide! I find it too salty, but it’s at least worth trying!
The sulfuric water from Borjomi’s natural sources (mainly found in Borjomi Central Park) is known for its digestive and metabolism-boosting properties!
How to get there
Borjomi is located 159 km (98 miles) West of Tbilisi, with the ride there taking around 2 and a half hours.
Since it’s one of Georgia’s most popular cities and regions, literally all tourist agencies in Tbilisi organize daily trips to Borjomi, so getting there is super easy. You can also drive, in which case you’ll have more flexibility.
I don’t usually recommend sleeping in Borjomi since you can see most of the attractions in less than a day. I either suggest going back to Tbilisi or continuing the journey West towards Kutaisi.
Things to do in the region
- Walk in the beautiful Borjomi Central Park (map) and take the cable car
- Visit the Rabati Castle (map), just an hour’s drive from Borjomi
- Explore the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park (map) and go hiking there, enjoying surreal views
- If visiting in late September, attend the Borjomoba annual festival showcasing local crafts, cuisine, folk dance, and all things Georgian
Day 6: Kutaisi – ancient churches, historical charm
The ride from Tbilisi to Kutaisi takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes, and from here, Batumi is only a 2-hour ride away. That’s why I like to recommend a stop in Kutaisi before heading to Batumi for a seaside vacation Georgian-style.
Kutaisi is one of the world’s longest continually inhabited cities! Records show that it used to be the capital of Colchis, an ancient kingdom active in the 6th century BC!
Kutaisi is now Georgia’s second most-populated city, with around 200,000 inhabitants. This region is so rich in canyons, caves, and beautiful nature that you can easily spend at least 2 days here!
Where to stay in Kutaisi
In case you decide to stay for more than a day, you can choose from a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to traditional private apartments.
Things to see near Kutaisi
Kutaisi by itself is a gorgeous city with stunning mountain views, but the area around it is also home to some of Georgia’s top cultural and natural sights!
- Prometheus Cave (map) – a 30-minute ride from Kutaisi, this natural wonder is a must-see (think waterfalls, stone curtains, lakes, and many other unique formations inside an underground cave)
- Bagrati Cathedral (map) – a stunning cathedral just outside of Kutaisi that symbolizes the unification of the Georgian nation
- Gelati Monastery (map) – located 8km from Kutaisi, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Western Georgia’s most popular attractions
- Motsameta Monastery (map) – according to a legend, if you crawl under the crypt of this 1200-year-old church near Gelati Monastery, your wishes will come true!
Day 7: Batumi – vacation on the Black Sea coast
Batumi is the country’s third-largest city and the largest seaside resort with 160,000 inhabitants. There’s no better place on the Georgian side of the Black Sea for a family vacation, so if your schedule can allow it, I definitely recommend ending your journey here!
They have an international airport with connections to Europe, so you may not even have to go back to Tbilisi for the airport (although this will most likely be necessary when traveling off-season).
How to get there
The ride from Tbilisi to the lovely city of Batumi is 5 hours and 30 minutes, which is why I suggest stops in Kutaisi and Borjomi. You can catch a breath, relax, and see new amazing sights on the way, so it’s a win-win situation!
You can also reach Batumi from Tbilisi by train or bus. But if you only have 3 or 4 days in Georgia, I honestly wouldn’t recommend Batumi since it just takes too much precious time to get there unless, again, you can fly out from the city.
Where to stay in Batumi
Batumi has a long beach stretch along which lies the center of all the action in the city. If you want to be near the shops, restaurants, and other attractions, it’s best to stay closer to the sea! The Dolphinarium, a large shopping mall, and the beautiful Batumi Boulevard (map) are all here!
Things to do in Batumi
Batumi is a vibrant city with tons of restaurants, plenty of accessible beaches, ferry rides, and the usual seaside attractions. Here are some of my recommendations for things specific to Batumi:
- Stroll in the lovely Batumi Boulevard
- Capture the beauty of the iconic Ali & Nino Statue (map)
- Visit the Dolphinarium with the family
- Take the Argo cable car for stunning sunset views (map)
Other noteworthy places to add to your Georgia itinerary
Georgia is an amazing place with exceptional natural beauty, and the visitors eager to really enjoy the most of the country can plan a two-week itinerary and never run out of things to do and see!
Here are other places in this beautiful country that you can add to your list:
- Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, combined with a visit to the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe; 86 km (53 miles) West of Tbilisi
- Mtskheta, a holy city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, with attractions like the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (map) and Jvari Monastery (map); 23.5 km (14.6 miles) North of Tbilisi
- Svaneti, a mountain range with impressive views, medieval stone towers, hiking trails, and glaciers; 330 km (205 miles) Northwest of Tbilisi
Many tourists visiting Georgia also use the chance to stop by Armenia and Azerbaijan, which, together with Georgia, make the famous trio of Caucasian states.
Daily buses and vans are available across Tbilisi that can take you to Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, for just €12. Or, you can book fun day tours to Armenia like this one for €75, which will make you travel back in time to the Soviet Union.
The ground border with Azerbaijan was closed when I visited (summer 2023), so it’s worth checking whether it got re-opened before you decide to go to Azerbaijan by road. From the most recent data I had when writing this article, you could still only enter Azerbaijan by air.
FAQs about visiting Georgia
☀️ When is the best time to visit Georgia?
I’d say May and October, but anytime from May to June and September to October is perfect in terms of climate and crowds. Late June is the start of the peak season that lasts until early September, so the prices can be higher around this time.
🇬🇪 Is one week enough in Georgia?
Yes and no. Georgia is a small country but it’s filled with attractions on every corner, making it impossible to fit everything in a 7-day itinerary for Georgia. However, with expert planning and focusing on the highlights, you can see Georgia in one week.
📅 How many days do you need to visit Tbilisi?
At least 2 days, but preferably 4. Tbilisi has so much to offer whether you’re into history, gastronomy, hiking, or partying. We stayed for 4 days, and I still have plenty of places I didn’t check off the list!
💵 Is Georgia a cheap country to visit?
Oh yes! Georgia is much cheaper than other European countries. Although the cost of living has been on the rise in recent years, you’ll still spend less on average than you would in Western European countries.
Final words on this Georgia Itinerary
This 7-day Georgia itinerary has come to an end, and now it’s time for you to start booking accommodations, tours, or car rentals! Georgia is so packed with natural and cultural wonders that you’ll wish you could stay for longer! For this reason, make sure you leave enough time for unplanned, spontaneous adventures that I’m sure will pop up!
If you have any questions about my Georgia itinerary or would like to share your experience in the country, drop me a comment below!
Enjoy your trip to Georgia,
Darija
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