Georgia is an undiscovered gem on the border between Europe and Asia. Whether you are looking for beautiful nature, rich culture or are fond of food, Georgia has it all! We trekked around this amazing country for a month and are now sharing our ideal 2-3 week itinerary. From the bustling capital Tbilisi to the stunning mountainous landscape of the Caucasus and the wine region of Kakheti in the east. The hospitable locals will always make you feel right at home. Get ready for a tour full of discoveries, culinary highlights and unforgettable moments in beautiful Georgia.
Everything you need to know for your itinerary in Georgia
Georgia borders Russia and is still an unknown destination for many. This sometimes gives it the wrong image of not being safe. We can confirm that traveling in Georgia is not dangerous at all! In 1991, Georgia declared its independence from the former Soviet Union and became a sovereign nation. Since then, the country has pursued its own course, with its eyes fixed on Europe.
Culinary Georgia
Located between Europe and Asia, a lot of flavors are combined, making Georgian cuisine one of the most underrated cuisines in the world. Something to remember and discover is that the food in the country is amazing! Be sure to try khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread, and khinkali, dumplings filled with meat or vegetables. The country is bursting with cozy restaurants where you can enjoy these flavorful and authentic Georgian dishes.
Georgians also strive to make everything fresh. The many cheeses, vegetables or other ingredients you are served are often home-grown or home-cooked. Short chain, and you can definitely taste that! To complement these traditional dishes, treat yourself to some local wines, an integral part of the culinary experience here. In fact, Georgia is the birthplace of wine and still makes wine in the traditional way of 8,000 years ago. If you are not a wine lover, be sure to try freshly squeezed pomegranate juice. They sell this all over the streets and it is very tasty and healthy!
Cash is king
In Georgia, payment is made with the Georgian Lari(GEL). One euro is roughly equivalent to 3 GEL. In cities, the use of credit cards is becoming more commonplace, but when traveling around local villages, cash is an absolute must. Both your transportation, day tours and overnight stays in remote areas often have to be paid in cash. Keep in mind that there is not an ATM available in every village.
Where to stay and how to get around in Georgia
Depending on your budget, there are several options in terms of accommodation in Georgia. In cities and tourist areas, you will find an array of hotels ranging from five-star hotels to budget-friendly options. Especially in Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi you have a lot of choice for every budget. Do you prefer small-scale accommodations run by local families? Then guesthouses or homestays offer you this authentic experience. These can therefore be found throughout the country, both in small mountain villages and the larger cities.
Georgia’s cities are not huge and therefore easily walkable. When you combine this with Bolt (an app that offers ride services like Uber), you can smoothly and quickly get anywhere you wish. To get around the country, you can use local transportation: the marhsrutka. These shared minivans take you to just about every corner of the country. Traveling by marshrutka is an experience in itself where you share the ride with the locals. It can get cramped at times, but it is an efficient way to travel and very budget-friendly. You pay in cash, and on average a ride costs between 10 and 20 GEL (€3 to €6). Driving yourself in Georgia is also possible, but keep in mind that Georgians are assertive drivers.
Two-week itinerary Georgia
In Georgia, you will find a good mix of culture, nature and culinary experiences. A minimum of two weeks is therefore necessary to visit the highlights in this country. We also give you the option to extend this trip to three weeks, which we definitely recommend if you have the time!
Day 1 – 3: Tbilisi
You will start your journey in Georgia’s capital and the beating heart of the country, Tbilisi. Thanks to its historic location on the Silk Road, Tbilisi is to this day a vibrant city where traditional charm and modern energy complement each other. So we recommend spending at least three days here to fully absorb the city. Stroll through the winding streets and admire the beautiful balconies. Take the cable car to the Narikala Fortress, visit Trinity Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in the country, and dive into one of the many trendy restaurants that Tbilisi has to offer.
Where to stay in Tbilisi
The historic center of Tbilisi is the ideal district to stay in for a first time visitor to Tbilisi. The most beautiful sights described above are within walking distance, and the hippest restaurants and wine bars are also in this neighborhood. Because of its authentic interior, great location and best breakfast in Tbilisi is Blue Fox Hotel Tbilisi highly recommended. If you are looking for a balance between budget and luxury, the Betlemi Hotel is a good alternative.
- Budget ($): Betlemi Hotel
- Comfort ($$): Blue Fox Hotel Tbilisi
- Luxurious ($$$): Radisson Blue Iveria Hotel
Day 4 – 5: Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)
On day four of your tour of Georgia, you head toward Kazbegi, now known as Stepantsminda, via the legendary Georgian Military Road. This historic route winds through the Caucasus towards Russia and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful mountain roads in the world. Along the way you will be treated to spectacular mountain panoramas. From Tbilisi, you first pass the Ananuri forts, which overlook the azure Zhinvali Lake. Then you drive on to the ski resort of Gudauri, where the imposing Friendship Monument rewards you with stunning views. Through the Jvari Pass you will eventually reach the mountain village of Kazbegi.
In Kazbegi the Gergeti Trinity Church is the absolute highlight. Located on a hill surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it is like looking at a painting. You can reach this church by car, while walking or by horseback ride. In Kazbegi, there are a lot of hikes that you can certainly enjoy for two or three days. In addition to the walk to Trinity Church, the Truso Valley is also recommended. Talk to a local cab driver in the village who will take you to the start of the hike. Here you can read more about what to do in Kazbegi.
If you don’t have much time, you can also take an organized day tour do from Tbilisi towards Kazbegi. This way you will also see the highlights along the military highway and Trinity Church. We went to Kazbegi via this tour, but then stayed overnight there. With the day tour, you can also return to Tbilisi the same day, but keep in mind that you will be on the bus for a long time because of the longer distances.
Where to stay in Kazbegi
Kazbegi is not very large but offers cozy lodgings. We stayed in Eco Cottage Kazbegi. These are two cozy tiny houses with beautiful mountain views where you have your own kitchenette and living space.
- Budget ($): MySpace Kazbegi
- Comfort ($$): Eco Cottage Kazbegi
- Luxurious ($$$): Rooms Hotel Kazbegi
Day 6 – 7: Kakheti
Today you travel on to Kakheti, the famous wine region of Georgia. For this, you must first travel back to Tbilisi and then head toward the east of the country. The cheapest way to get around is to use the marshrutkas, the local minibuses. From Tbilisi, you choose whether to travel on toward Telavi or Sighnaghi, two charming towns that are both good bases for exploring the wine region. If you have less time, then an organized day tour to Kakheti from Tbilisi is a good alternative.
Sighnaghi is the most touristy part of Kakheti. Also known as “The City of Love,” it attracts many day tourists and couples. Telavi is known as the cultural heart of the region and is somewhat more centrally located in the region. During your stay in the wine region, be sure to do some wine tasting. The most intimate experiences are usually found in family-run wineries, where production is on a small scale and knowledge is passed down from generation to generation. In Telavi we recommend Sesikeli Winery and Rostomaant Marani. Had enough of wine for a while? Then head out to one of the region’s impressive monasteries. Together, the Alaverdi, Ikalto and Dzveli Shuamta monasteries form an extraordinary trio and are among Georgia’s most important religious sites.
TRAVEL TIP: Combine wine and history with a local guide in Sighnaghi or Telavi. We paid 180 GEL for a full-day private tour for two people. You can arrange a local guide through your accommodation.
Where to stay in Kakheti
Telavi and Sighnaghi are undoubtedly the two best places to explore Georgia’s Kakheti region. We stayed in Telavi because you will find more accommodations here and also near Telavi are numerous attractions. Telavi is generally more strategically located for exploring the Kakheti region and also has a smoother connection to Tbilisi.
- Budget ($): Kera Rooms
- Comfort ($$): Communal Hotel
- Luxurious ($$$): Schuchmann Wines Château & SPA
Day 8 – 10: Kutaisi
At the beginning of day 8 you will cover a stretch of about 300 km and travel again via Tbilisi. From Kakheti you can travel to Kutaisi by various marshrutkas, with a change in Tbilisi. Count on a travel time of 6 to 8 hours for this. A comfortable alternative is the train from Tbilisi, which leaves daily at 08:45 and arrives in Kutaisi around 14:30. Tickets are best bought in advance online.
Kutaisi is the fourth largest city in the country and an ideal base for some excursions in the area. Kutaisi has a long history and is not yet so discovered by traveler. Here you can go daily to the Green Bazaar, a local market where locals buy and sell local produce. In addition, in and around Kutaisi you will find some monuments that have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are well worth a visit. The Gelati Monastery, the Motsameta Monastery and the Bagrati Cathedral are some of those monuments.
Okatse and Martvili canyon
Fancy more nature? Then plan a day trip to the Okatse and Martvili Canyons. Day tours are often offered from Kutaisi that combine these excursions with a visit to the impressive Prometheus Cave. If you still have time to spare, also make a stop in Tskaltubo. This former spa town about 10 km from Kutaisi was extremely popular during the Soviet era, but today lies largely deserted. The town owes its fame in part to the fact that Stalin stayed here in 1931. End your day in Kutaisi with a delicious local dinner at Palaty, one of Georgia’s best restaurants.
Where to stay in Kutaisi
Stay in the heart of Kutaisi near the Green Bazaar so you can explore the city on foot. The train station is about a 20-minute walk from the center. To explore the monasteries in the area, you can easily take a Bolt.
- Budget ($): Gantiadi
- Comfort ($$): Central Inn
- Luxurious ($$$): Grand Opera Hotel
Day 11 – 14: Mestia (Svaneti)
The literal highlight of your tour of Georgia can be found in Svaneti. This remote region in the northwest of the country is known for its majestic mountains, nature and ancient traditions that people still manage to preserve. From Kutaisi you can reach the village of Mestia in the Svaneti region in 6 hours by marhsrutka. Mestia is the “capital” of the area, which is a relative term. It is a village with the most catering facilities, a central hub for the public transport network and also the only place where you can withdraw cash in the region. Throughout the region, everything is still paid in cash, so be sure to have plenty of cash with you at all times.
Svaneti is one big sight in itself. The entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the iconic defensive or Svan towers that pop up all over the mountain villages. In addition, Svaneti is a true hiking paradise, with an extensive network of hiking trails. From Mestia depart both day hikes and multi-day treks. Popular day trips are those to the Koruldi Lakes (about 7 hours) and the Chalaadi Glacier (about 3 hours).
Svaneti is also home to what is considered the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe: Ushguli. In one day you can take a 4×4 cab back and forth, which is well worth the effort.
Where to stay in Mestia
Mestia is a mountain village that is not large and where most accommodations are within walking distance of the bus stop. If you plan to make the multi-day trek to Ushguli, it may be pleasant to opt for something more comfortable now. The other mountain villages have cozy guesthouses but often they are a little less comfortable.
- Budget ($): Mestia Panorama
- Comfort ($$): Chalet Mestia
- Luxurious ($$$): Hotel Old House Mestia
Day 15: Return home
This round trip in Georgia ends back in the capital city Tbilisi from where you can fly back home. Do keep in mind the distance you still have to travel from Svaneti towards the capital. A marshrutka will take you about 8 hours. Batumi and Kutaisi also have international airports from which you can return home.
Three-week travel itinerary Georgia
If you have three weeks of time, we definitely recommend using it to tour Georgia. It gives you the opportunity to do a multi-day hike to Europe’s highest village, and you have time for some additional stops in the country. Below you can find our suggestions to extend your trip.
Cave dwellings in Georgia
In Georgia, you can find cave dwellings in several places. From Tbilisi or Kutaisi you can then also take a day trip to the Vardzia cave complex or Uplistshike. Vardzia’s 13-story complex consisted of some 6,000 apartments, a church and a throne room. It’s a short drive, but well worth it. Often these tours are combined with a visit to Borjomi, an atmospheric village known for its thermal baths and Georgia’s most famous potable spring water.
TRAVEL TIP: Did you know that the tap water in Georgia is drinkable from the tap everywhere? So be sure to take your reusable water bottle with you when you travel.
The highest village in Europe: Ushguli
An absolute must-do in Georgia is the multi-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli! During this 4-day trek, you walk from one authentic mountain village to another in the Svaneti region. These mountain villages are distinctive for their many medieval defense towers or Svan towers. Along the way you will pass insane views of the Caucasus Mountains. Your final destination is the UNESCO village of Ushguli: the highest settlement in Europe.
Batumi
Those who think Georgia offers only mountains and culture are wrong! Located on the Black Sea, Batumi is a popular seaside resort. Unlike other Georgian cities, Batumi feels modern, with tall skyscrapers and impressive works of art. Enjoy a day at the beach or stroll the streets and be amazed by the colorful street art.
How to visit Georgia
Georgia is a country that is the gateway between Asia and Europe, located against the Caucasus Mountains. The fastest and most common way to travel here is by plane. Direct flights are available from Schiphol Airport to Tbilisi International Airport, the capital of Georgia. From Brussels you still fly via a transfer. To travel to Georgia, you do not need a visa. However, you do need a passport that must be valid for at least 6 months at the time you leave Georgia.
Best time to visit Georgia
The best time to visit Georgia is from May to October. In late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) you can discover nature in full bloom in a mild climate. If you like hiking in the mountains, summer is the best travel time because in spring not all trails are open yet. For this reason, we did not include the Tusheti area in our itinerary. This is a pristine and impressive hiking area, but given the snowfall, it is only accessible for 2 months of the year, which is in the summer.
Have you visited this beautiful country yet? Let us know in the comments what you thought of it! Still have questions about Georgia or looking for more information for your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us contact or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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