Tbilisi
Photo: Neil Sengupta / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
May to June and September to October (mild 20-28°C, clear skies). July-August is hot (35°C+), winter mild (0-8°C)
Language
Georgian (unique script), Russian widely spoken, English increasing among younger generation
Currency
Georgian Lari (GEL)
Time Zone
GET (UTC+4)
Airport
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), 18km from city center
Population
1.2 million (city proper)
Climate
Humid subtropical, warm summers (30-35°C), mild winters (0-7°C), moderate rainfall
Safety Rating
Very Safe (Level 1) — Georgia has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe
Visa
Visa-free for 95+ countries (USA, EU, UK, Canada) for up to 1 year
Top Highlights
Old Town (Kala) & Narikala Fortress
A labyrinth of narrow streets, leaning wooden balconies, and hidden courtyards beneath a 4th-century fortress. The fortress is free to enter and offers the best panoramic views of the city. Take the Rike Park cable car (2.50 GEL one way) up, then walk down through the old town. The Mother of Georgia (Kartlis Deda) statue is at the ridge. Allow 2-3 hours.
Abanotubani Sulfur Baths
Natural sulfur baths in the old town where Tbilisi was literally founded (tbili = warm). The domed brick bathhouses offer private rooms (40-120 GEL / $15-45 per hour for 2-5 people) with hot sulfur pools and optional scrub massage (kisi, 20-40 GEL). Orbeliani Baths (the blue-tiled facade) and Royal Bath are the most popular. Book for late evening. No need to bring towels.
Bridge of Peace
A striking bow-shaped glass and steel pedestrian bridge designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi, connecting the old town to Rike Park. Free to cross. Lit with thousands of LEDs at night — beautiful for evening photography. The bridge frames views of Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church, and the Mtkvari River. Allow 15-20 minutes.
Georgian Cuisine & Khachapuri
Georgian food is a revelation — khachapuri (cheese-filled bread, especially the Adjarian boat-shaped version with egg and butter), khinkali (soup dumplings, 1 GEL each), and churchkhela (grape walnut candy). Try Shavi Lomi (mains 15-30 GEL) for modern Georgian, Machakhela (8-20 GEL) for classic, and any hole-in-the-wall for 1-GEL khinkali.
Wine Tasting — 8,000 Years of Tradition
Georgia claims to be the birthplace of wine (8,000-year-old qvevri clay vessels). Wine bars in Tbilisi offer tastings of unique amber/orange wines made in traditional qvevri. Vino Underground (tastings 20-40 GEL), Wine Gallery, and g.Vino are top spots. Day trips to Kakheti wine region (120km, tours from 80-150 GEL) visit family-run wineries with free tastings.
Dry Bridge Flea Market
A hidden gem — an open-air flea market on a disused bridge selling Soviet memorabilia, antique jewelry, oil paintings, vinyl records, and Caucasian daggers. Open daily 10AM-5PM (weekends best). Free to browse. Bargaining expected — offer 40-50% of asking price. The vintage Soviet cameras and Georgian enamel pieces make unique souvenirs. Allow 1-2 hours.
Mtatsminda Park & Funicular
A hilltop amusement park reached by a historic funicular railway (8 GEL round trip). The Ferris wheel at 770m offers the highest views over Tbilisi. The funicular itself, dating to 1903 (rebuilt 2012), is a scenic 3-minute ride through forested hillside. Open 11AM-11PM. Entry to the park is free; rides are pay-per-use. Allow 2 hours.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Tbilisi Itinerary
Arrival in Tbilisi — Old Town Welcome
Arrive at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). The city's charm hits immediately — carved wooden balconies, sulfur bath domes, and Narikala Fortress above.
Airport transfer to old town(30 minutes)
Bus #37 costs 0.50 GEL (40 min) or Bolt taxi 15-25 GEL (~$6-9). Stay in or near the old town for walkability
Check-in and Metromoney card(1 hour)
Hostels 15-25 GEL/night, budget hotels 60-120 GEL. Buy a Metromoney card (2 GEL) at any metro station — works on metro and buses
Walk the old town (Kala)(2 hours)
Narrow streets, leaning wooden balconies, and hidden courtyards. The old town is compact and endlessly photogenic. Start at Shardeni Street — cafes, galleries, and the clock tower of Rezo Gabriadze puppet theater
Dinner at Machakhela(1.5 hours)
Classic Georgian chain — reliable and cheap. Khinkali (soup dumplings, 1 GEL each — hold the top knob, bite, sip broth, eat). Adjarian khachapuri (boat-shaped cheese bread with egg). 8-20 GEL per person
Narikala, Sulfur Baths & Wine
Tbilisi's essential trio — the fortress, the baths that gave the city its name, and 8,000 years of winemaking tradition.
Cable car to Narikala Fortress(1.5 hours)
Rike Park cable car: 2.50 GEL one way. The 4th-century fortress is free to enter. Best panoramic views of the city. Mother of Georgia statue at the ridge. Walk down through the botanical garden
Abanotubani Sulfur Baths(1.5 hours)
Private room 40-120 GEL/hour for 2-5 people with hot sulfur pool. Optional kisi scrub massage 20-40 GEL. Orbeliani Baths (blue-tiled facade) and Royal Bath are best. Book for late morning to avoid crowds
Lunch at Shavi Lomi(1.5 hours)
Modern Georgian cuisine in the old town. Creative takes on classics. Mains 15-30 GEL. Their chicken tabaka and walnut salad are exceptional
Wine tasting at Vino Underground(1.5 hours)
Georgia claims 8,000 years of winemaking. This natural wine bar serves qvevri (clay vessel) wines. Tasting flight 20-40 GEL. The amber/orange wines are unique to Georgia. The sommelier explains qvevri fermentation
Bridge of Peace evening walk(30 minutes)
Glass and steel pedestrian bridge lit with LEDs at night. Free. Frames views of Narikala and Metekhi Church. Best photographed at blue hour
Day Trip to Mtskheta — Ancient Capital
UNESCO World Heritage ancient capital, 20km from Tbilisi, where Christianity arrived in Georgia in 337 AD.
Marshrutka to Mtskheta(30 minutes)
From Didube metro station. 1 GEL per person. Frequent departures. Or Bolt taxi 10-15 GEL
Jvari Monastery(1 hour)
6th-century monastery on a hilltop overlooking the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Free entry. The view is the most iconic in Georgia. Taxi from Mtskheta town: 10-15 GEL round trip with waiting
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral(1 hour)
Georgia's most sacred church — the robe of Christ is said to be buried beneath. 11th-century masterpiece. Free entry. Dress modestly (headscarves for women, long pants for men). The medieval astronomical zodiac on the facade is unique
Lunch in Mtskheta(1 hour)
Restaurant Salobie serves excellent mtsvadi (grilled meat) and lobiani (bean-filled bread). 10-20 GEL
Evening at Mtatsminda Park(2 hours)
Historic funicular (8 GEL round trip, 3-minute ride). Hilltop amusement park at 770m. The Ferris wheel gives the highest views over Tbilisi. Open 11AM-11PM
Dry Bridge Flea Market & Fabrika
Soviet memorabilia, art, and Tbilisi's creative scene in a converted Soviet sewing factory.
Dry Bridge Flea Market(2 hours)
Open daily 10AM-5PM (weekends best). Soviet memorabilia, antique jewelry, oil paintings, vinyl records, Caucasian daggers. Offer 40-50% of asking price. Vintage Soviet cameras make unique souvenirs
National Gallery at Blue Gallery(1 hour)
Niko Pirosmani — Georgia's beloved naive painter. His tavern signs and animal paintings are haunting and beautiful. 10 GEL. Near Dry Bridge
Lunch at Fabrika(1 hour)
Converted Soviet sewing factory, now Tbilisi's coolest co-working/hostel/food court. Multiple food stalls, craft beer, and a courtyard. 10-20 GEL for a meal
Rustaveli Avenue walk(1.5 hours)
Tbilisi's main boulevard. Parliament building, Opera House, and the Georgian National Museum (15 GEL — excellent archaeology and Soviet occupation exhibit). Free to walk
Dinner at Keto and Kote(1.5 hours)
Hip restaurant in old town. Creative Georgian with great wine selection. 20-40 GEL. Book ahead for weekend evenings
Day Trip to Kazbegi — Gergeti Trinity Church
The most spectacular day trip from Tbilisi — a mountain drive along the Georgian Military Highway to the iconic church beneath 5,047m Mount Kazbek.
Drive to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)(3 hours)
Organized tour 60-100 GEL, marshrutka from Didube 15 GEL (3 hours). The Georgian Military Highway passes through stunning mountain scenery. Stop at Ananuri fortress and the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument
Gergeti Trinity Church hike or 4WD(2.5 hours)
14th-century church at 2,170m with Mount Kazbek behind. Hike up (1.5 hours, steep) or 4WD from Stepantsminda (50-80 GEL). The views are Georgia's most iconic. Check weather — clouds can obscure everything
Lunch in Stepantsminda(1 hour)
Restaurant Rooms Hotel Kazbegi has a terrace with Kazbek views. Khinkali and chacha (grape brandy). 15-30 GEL
Rest Day — Georgian Feast & Nightlife
A slower day to enjoy Tbilisi's legendary food and wine culture. Evening supra (feast) experience.
Sleep in and late brunch(2 hours)
Entree on Agmashenebeli Avenue — excellent brunch spot. Eggs, churchkhela, and Georgian coffee. 10-20 GEL
Deserter Bazaar(1 hour)
Near Station Square. More local and chaotic than the tourist markets. Fresh produce, spices, churchkhela (grape and walnut candy), and tkemali (plum sauce). Free to browse
Afternoon free — wander or relax(2 hours)
Walk the Mtkvari riverside, sit in a park, or browse bookshops on Rustaveli
Evening supra experience(3 hours)
Several restaurants and experiences offer traditional supra (feast) format with a tamada (toastmaster). Toasts to God, Georgia, ancestors, and guests. Expect 5-8 dishes plus wine. 40-80 GEL. Pheasant's Tears restaurant in the old town is excellent for this
Departure from Tbilisi
Final morning shopping and farewell to the city where hospitality is a way of life.
Last old town walk(1 hour)
Morning light on the wooden balconies. Final photos of Narikala from below. One last coffee at the Leila Patisserie (5-8 GEL)
Souvenir shopping(1 hour)
Churchkhela, chacha, tkemali sauce, and wine from Dry Bridge or tourist shops. Georgian wine makes an excellent gift — bottles from 10-30 GEL
Airport transfer(30 minutes)
Bolt taxi 15-25 GEL to TBS. Allow 2.5 hours before international flights
Departure(varies)
Direct flights to Istanbul, Dubai, European capitals, and Middle Eastern hubs
14-Day Tbilisi Itinerary
Arrival in Tbilisi
Arrive at TBS airport and settle into the old town.
Airport transfer(30 minutes)
Bus #37 (0.50 GEL) or Bolt (15-25 GEL)
Check-in and Metromoney card(1 hour)
Hostels 15-25 GEL, hotels 60-120 GEL
Old town walk(2 hours)
Shardeni Street, wooden balconies, Gabriadze clock tower
Dinner at Machakhela(1.5 hours)
Khinkali 1 GEL each, khachapuri. 8-20 GEL
Narikala, Sulfur Baths & Wine
Fortress, baths, and 8,000-year wine tradition.
Cable car to Narikala(1.5 hours)
2.50 GEL. Free fortress entry. Best panoramic views
Sulfur baths at Orbeliani(1.5 hours)
Private room 40-120 GEL/hour. Kisi scrub 20-40 GEL
Lunch at Shavi Lomi(1.5 hours)
Modern Georgian. 15-30 GEL
Wine at Vino Underground(1.5 hours)
Qvevri wine tasting. 20-40 GEL flight
Mtskheta Day Trip
UNESCO ancient capital with Georgia's most sacred church.
Marshrutka to Mtskheta(30 minutes)
1 GEL from Didube
Jvari Monastery(1 hour)
Hilltop. River confluence views. Free
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral(1 hour)
Free. Georgia's holiest church
Lunch at Salobie(1 hour)
10-20 GEL
Mtatsminda Park funicular(2 hours)
8 GEL round trip. Highest city views
Dry Bridge Market & Culture
Flea market finds and Tbilisi's creative scene.
Dry Bridge Flea Market(2 hours)
Soviet memorabilia, art, daggers. Bargain from 40-50%
National Gallery — Pirosmani(1 hour)
10 GEL. Georgia's beloved naive painter
Lunch at Fabrika(1 hour)
Converted factory food court. 10-20 GEL
Rustaveli Avenue walk(1.5 hours)
Parliament, Opera, National Museum (15 GEL)
Dinner at Keto and Kote(1.5 hours)
20-40 GEL
Kazbegi Day Trip
Georgian Military Highway to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church.
Drive to Stepantsminda(3 hours)
Tour 60-100 GEL. Ananuri fortress stop
Gergeti Trinity Church(2.5 hours)
Hike 1.5h up or 4WD 50-80 GEL. Mount Kazbek views
Lunch at Rooms Kazbegi(1 hour)
Terrace with mountain views. 15-30 GEL
Rest Day — Supra & Markets
Georgian feast culture and local markets.
Brunch on Agmashenebeli(1.5 hours)
10-20 GEL
Deserter Bazaar(1 hour)
Local market near Station Square
Supra feast at Pheasant's Tears(3 hours)
Traditional tamada toasting. 40-80 GEL
Kakheti Wine Region
Day trip to the birthplace of wine — Kakheti region with family winery visits.
Drive to Kakheti(2 hours)
Tour 80-150 GEL/person. Or car with driver 100-150 GEL
Alaverdi Monastery(1 hour)
11th-century cathedral with active qvevri winemaking. The monks produce wine using ancient methods. Free
Family winery visit(1.5 hours)
Visit a family-run marani (wine cellar) with qvevri buried in the ground. Free tastings of 5-8 wines. Buy bottles direct 10-25 GEL
Lunch at Pheasant's Tears Sighnaghi(1.5 hours)
Farm-to-table Georgian in the hilltop town of Sighnaghi. 20-40 GEL. Views of the Alazani Valley
Sighnaghi town walk(1 hour)
The 'City of Love' — a charming hilltop town with city walls, cafes, and views to the Caucasus mountains. Free to walk
Tbilisi Deeper — Sololaki & Vera
Beyond the old town into Tbilisi's residential neighborhoods.
Sololaki neighborhood walk(2 hours)
Art Nouveau buildings, crumbling courtyards, street art. The residential streets behind Rustaveli have extraordinary architecture. Free self-guided walk
Vera neighborhood cafes(1.5 hours)
The hippest area — Linville and Bauhaus cafes serve excellent coffee. 5-10 GEL
Lunch at Barbarestan(1.5 hours)
Recipes from an 1874 Georgian cookbook. Fine dining Georgian. 25-50 GEL. Book ahead
Chronicles of Georgia monument(1 hour)
Massive pillar monument on the Tbilisi Sea (reservoir). Georgian history carved in stone. Free. The scale is impressive. Bolt taxi 5-10 GEL
Day Trip to Uplistsikhe Cave City
An ancient cave city carved into rock — one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus.
Drive to Uplistsikhe(1.5 hours)
80km west. Marshrutka from Didube to Gori (5 GEL, 1.5h) then taxi. Or day tour 60-100 GEL
Uplistsikhe Cave City(2 hours)
15 GEL entry. An Iron Age through medieval cave city carved into a sandstone ridge. Theaters, temples, and residences hollowed from rock. The scale is stunning
Gori — Stalin Museum(1 hour)
15 GEL. Controversial museum in Stalin's birthplace. His childhood home and personal railway carriage are on display. Complex history presented mostly uncritically
Lunch in Gori(45 minutes)
Simple Georgian fare. 10-15 GEL
Cooking Class & Rest
Learn to make khinkali and khachapuri from a Georgian grandmother.
Georgian cooking class(3 hours)
Several operators — Gastro Tour Tbilisi and others. 60-100 GEL. Market visit, then make khinkali, khachapuri, and pkhali (walnut vegetable paste). Eat everything you make
Free afternoon(3 hours)
Rest, journal, or revisit favorite old town spots
Dinner at g.Vino(1.5 hours)
Natural wine bar with excellent food. 15-35 GEL mains. Deep Georgian wine list
Day Trip to David Gareja Monastery
A 6th-century rock-hewn monastery complex on the semi-desert Azerbaijan border.
Drive to David Gareja(2 hours)
80km southeast. Day tour 60-100 GEL. The last 30km is unpaved
David Gareja Monastery(3 hours)
Free entry. The main monastery (Lavra) and the cliffside caves of Udabno with remarkable 8th-12th century frescoes. The hike to Udabno (30 min each way) is exposed and hot — bring water and hat. The border with Azerbaijan runs through the site
Lunch at a roadside spot(45 minutes)
Simple food near the monastery or pack from Tbilisi
Tbilisi Street Art & Nightlife
The creative side of Tbilisi — street art, galleries, and the city's legendary nightlife.
Street art tour of Fabrika area(2 hours)
Self-guided or organized tour (30-50 GEL). The area around Fabrika and Marjanishvili has impressive murals. Tbilisi's street art scene is one of Europe's best
MOMA Tbilisi(1 hour)
Museum of Modern Art. Contemporary Georgian artists. 10 GEL
Lunch at Cafe Littera(1.5 hours)
In the Writers' House courtyard. Refined Georgian. 20-40 GEL. The setting is beautiful
Evening out — Bassiani or Khidi(3 hours)
Tbilisi has one of Europe's best techno scenes. Bassiani (in a swimming pool beneath a stadium) and Khidi (under a bridge) are internationally famous clubs. Entry 20-40 GEL. Strict door policy
Rest Day & Farewell Tbilisi
Final full day. Markets, baths, and a last supra.
Final sulfur bath visit(1.5 hours)
Return to Abanotubani. The baths are restorative after two weeks
Souvenir shopping(1.5 hours)
Churchkhela, wine, chacha, tkemali at Deserter Bazaar or tourist shops
Farewell lunch at Culinarium(1.5 hours)
Excellent Georgian with modern presentation. 20-35 GEL
Last sunset from Narikala(1 hour)
Walk up or cable car for final panoramic views. The city golden in evening light
Farewell dinner(2 hours)
One last khinkali, one last khachapuri, one last glass of Saperavi. Gaumarjos
Departure from Tbilisi
Leave Georgia with wine in your luggage and warmth in your heart.
Airport transfer(30 minutes)
Bolt 15-25 GEL. Allow 2.5 hours for international
Departure(varies)
Direct flights to Istanbul, Dubai, European capitals
21-Day Tbilisi Itinerary
Arrival in Tbilisi
Arrive at TBS and settle into the old town.
Airport transfer(30 minutes)
Bus #37 (0.50 GEL) or Bolt (15-25 GEL)
Check-in and orientation(2 hours)
Old town walk, Shardeni Street, Metromoney card (2 GEL)
Dinner at Machakhela(1.5 hours)
Khinkali, khachapuri. 8-20 GEL
Narikala, Baths & Wine
The essential Tbilisi experience.
Narikala Fortress via cable car(1.5 hours)
2.50 GEL. Free fortress. Panoramic views
Sulfur baths(1.5 hours)
40-120 GEL/hour private room
Lunch at Shavi Lomi(1.5 hours)
15-30 GEL
Vino Underground wine tasting(1.5 hours)
Qvevri wines. 20-40 GEL
Mtskheta — Ancient Capital
UNESCO World Heritage churches and river confluence.
Marshrutka to Mtskheta(30 minutes)
1 GEL from Didube
Jvari Monastery(1 hour)
Free. Hilltop icon
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral(1 hour)
Free. Holiest church in Georgia
Mtatsminda funicular and park(2 hours)
8 GEL round trip
Markets & Creative Tbilisi
Flea market, galleries, and the Fabrika scene.
Pirosmani gallery(1 hour)
10 GEL
Rustaveli Avenue and National Museum(2 hours)
15 GEL
Kazbegi — Gergeti Trinity Church
Georgian Military Highway to the mountain church.
Drive to Stepantsminda(3 hours)
Tour 60-100 GEL
Gergeti Trinity Church(2.5 hours)
Hike or 4WD (50-80 GEL)
Rest Day — Supra Feast
Sleep in, markets, and traditional Georgian feast.
Supra at Pheasant's Tears(3 hours)
40-80 GEL
Kakheti Wine Region
The birthplace of wine.
Drive to Kakheti(2 hours)
Tour 80-150 GEL
Family winery(1.5 hours)
Free tastings. Buy direct 10-25 GEL
Sololaki & Vera Neighborhoods
Art Nouveau architecture and hipster cafes.
Sololaki walk(2 hours)
Art Nouveau, street art, courtyards
Vera cafes(1.5 hours)
Linville, Bauhaus. 5-10 GEL
Lunch at Barbarestan(1.5 hours)
1874 cookbook recipes. 25-50 GEL
Chronicles of Georgia(1 hour)
Free. Massive monument
Uplistsikhe Cave City & Gori
Iron Age cave city and Stalin's birthplace.
Cave city exploration(2 hours)
15 GEL
Stalin Museum in Gori(1 hour)
15 GEL
Cooking Class & Rest
Learn Georgian cuisine from a local grandmother.
Cooking class(3 hours)
60-100 GEL. Khinkali, khachapuri, pkhali
Dinner at g.Vino(1.5 hours)
15-35 GEL
David Gareja Monastery
Rock-hewn monastery with ancient frescoes on the Azerbaijan border.
Drive to David Gareja(2 hours)
Tour 60-100 GEL
Monastery and Udabno frescoes(3 hours)
Free. Hike to cliff caves
Drive to Kutaisi
Georgia's second city in the Imereti region — UNESCO churches and canyon adventures.
Drive or train to Kutaisi(4 hours)
Train from Tbilisi 25 GEL, 5.5 hours. Car with driver 150-200 GEL. The western route passes through gorgeous countryside
Check-in at Kutaisi guesthouse(30 minutes)
30-80 GEL/night
Bagrati Cathedral(45 minutes)
11th-century. Hilltop views over the city. Free
White Bridge evening walk(30 minutes)
Pedestrian bridge over the Rioni River. Local families promenade at sunset
Dinner at a Kutaisi restaurant(1 hour)
Imeruli khachapuri (round, with cheese inside rather than on top). 8-20 GEL
Prometheus Cave & Gelati Monastery
Underground wonder and Georgia's most important medieval monastery.
Gelati Monastery(1.5 hours)
UNESCO site. 10km from Kutaisi. Free. 12th-century Academy of Sciences. The mosaics are extraordinary — Virgin and Child in the apse rivals anything in Byzantium
Motsameta Monastery(30 minutes)
Nearby. Perched on a cliff over a gorge. Atmospheric. Free
Prometheus Cave(1.5 hours)
25 GEL. Spectacular stalactite/stalagmite cave. 1.5km walkway with dramatic lighting. Underground river boat ride optional (+15 GEL). 25km from Kutaisi
Okatse Canyon & Martvili
Canyons and waterfalls in the Imereti wilderness.
Okatse Canyon(2 hours)
15 GEL. A 780m suspended walkway along a canyon wall, 140m above the river. Not for vertigo sufferers. The glass platform at the end is thrilling. 50km from Kutaisi
Martvili Canyon boat ride(1 hour)
25 GEL. Paddle through a narrow gorge with waterfalls. The canyon walls rise 40m on either side. Stunning in morning light
Drive back to Tbilisi(4 hours)
Or stay another night in Kutaisi if preferred
Rest Day in Tbilisi
Recovery from the west Georgia excursion.
Day Trip to Borjomi
The spa town famous for its mineral water — Georgia's most popular brand.
Drive or train to Borjomi(3 hours)
Marshrutka from Didube 10 GEL. Or car with driver 100-150 GEL
Borjomi Central Park(2 hours)
5 GEL entry. Drink from the mineral water spring (free, tastes like warm rocks — an acquired taste). Walk through forested trails. Cable car to the ridge (5 GEL)
Lunch in Borjomi(1 hour)
Local restaurants serve Meskheti cuisine — different spice profile from Tbilisi. 10-20 GEL
Street Art, Galleries & Nightlife
Tbilisi's creative and nightlife scene.
MOMA Tbilisi(1 hour)
10 GEL
Lunch at Cafe Littera(1.5 hours)
Writers' House courtyard. 20-40 GEL
Evening at Bassiani or Khidi(3 hours)
Europe's best techno clubs. 20-40 GEL entry
Ananuri & Gudauri Ski Area
Fortress on the reservoir and Georgia's premier ski resort area.
Drive to Ananuri Fortress(1.5 hours)
On the Georgian Military Highway. Free. Fortress on the Zhinvali Reservoir — swim in the turquoise water in summer
Gudauri area(2 hours)
Georgia's main ski resort. In summer, paragliding (200-300 GEL), hiking, and mountain biking. Stunning Caucasus views
Lunch at Gudauri(1 hour)
Mountain restaurants with views. 15-30 GEL
Rest Day & Wine Deep Dive
Dedicated wine day in Tbilisi.
Wine Gallery tasting(1.5 hours)
Deeper exploration of Georgian wine varieties. Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Kisi, Mtsvane. 20-40 GEL tasting
Lunch at Wine Bar 8000 Vintages(1.5 hours)
Named for the 8,000-year tradition. Excellent food and 200+ Georgian wines. 20-40 GEL
Farewell Tbilisi Day
Last full day. Revisit favorites and final shopping.
Morning old town walk(1.5 hours)
Last views of the wooden balconies and Narikala
Final souvenir shopping(1.5 hours)
Wine, churchkhela, chacha, textiles
Farewell dinner — supra style(3 hours)
Full feast with toasts. Gaumarjos — to life
Departure from Tbilisi
Three weeks of hospitality, wine, and mountains. Georgia stays with you.
Airport transfer(30 minutes)
Bolt 15-25 GEL
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Incredibly Generous Visa Policy
Citizens of 95+ countries (USA, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 1 year. No registration needed. Just arrive with a valid passport. This makes Georgia one of the easiest countries in the world to visit. Indian citizens need an e-Visa ($20, applied at evisa.gov.ge).
transport
Metro and Bolt Are Your Best Friends
The Tbilisi Metro has two lines, costs 1 GEL per ride (~$0.37), and covers the main areas. Buy a Metromoney card (2 GEL) that works on metro and buses. For taxis, use the Bolt app — rides across the city cost 3-8 GEL (~$1-3). Walking is the best way to explore the old town. The airport bus (#37) costs 0.50 GEL but takes 40 minutes.
Day Trips Are Easy and Cheap
Mtskheta (UNESCO, ancient capital, 20km) is reachable by marshrutka (minibus, 1 GEL) from Didube station. Kazbegi/Stepantsminda (Gergeti Trinity Church, 150km) is a popular full-day tour (60-100 GEL) or marshrutka (15 GEL, 3 hours). Kakheti wine region tours cost 80-150 GEL for a full day with tastings included.
Budget
One of Europe's Best Value Destinations
Hostel dorms: 15-25 GEL/night (~$5-9). Budget hotel: 60-120 GEL (~$22-44). Khinkali dinner: 5-15 GEL (~$2-5). Wine in restaurants: 8-20 GEL per glass. A comfortable daily budget is 80-150 GEL ($30-55) including food, transport, wine, and one activity. Long-term stays are exceptionally cheap.
Local Customs
Georgians Are Famously Hospitable — Expect Toasts
If invited to a supra (feast), the tamada (toastmaster) leads an elaborate sequence of toasts — to God, to Georgia, to ancestors, to guests. You're expected to drink wine with each toast. It's okay to sip rather than drain your glass. Refusing food or drink is seen as rude. Saying 'gaumarjos' (cheers) shows respect.
Safety
Avoid Discussion of Russia-Georgia Tensions
Georgia lost 20% of its territory to Russian-occupied regions (Abkhazia and South Ossetia) in 2008. This is a sensitive topic. Do not visit the occupied territories from the Russian side — it's illegal under Georgian law. Tbilisi itself is extremely safe, but stay aware of your surroundings in crowded areas, as petty theft occurs occasionally.
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