Georgia itineraries

Ready-made routes for every kind of Georgia trip — from three-day city breaks in Tbilisi to three-week grand tours through Svaneti and Tusheti.

Planning a Georgian itinerary is a balancing act between altitude, distance, and the country's astonishing variety. The classic 7-day route starts in Tbilisi (Days 1–3), covering the Old Town's Shardeni Street, the National Museum's Golden Fund, and a day trip to Mtskheta — the UNESCO-listed former capital 20 km north — to see Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Day 4 heads north on the Georgian Military Highway through the Dariali Gorge to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), where most visitors wake at 5 a.m. to hike the 9-km trail to Gergeti Trinity Church above the clouds. Days 5–6 loop east through Kakheti: the walled town of Sighnaghi, the Alazani River plain, and a winery lunch at one of Telavi's estates. Day 7 returns to Tbilisi via the Alaverdi Cathedral. For two weeks, the route can extend west to Kutaisi (Gelati Monastery, Prometheus Cave) and Batumi, or north into Svaneti (fly Tbilisi–Mestia, 45 minutes) for the UNESCO-listed Svan Towers and the Koruldi Lakes hike at 2,700 m. A Tbilisi-only 3-day micro-itinerary covers the Sulphur Baths, a cable car to Narikala, the Dry Bridge flea market, and dinner in Vera district without leaving the city. Budget travellers note that marshrutka minibuses connect all major hubs for €2–6 per leg, making self-guided itineraries viable with no car. Organised day tours from Tbilisi to Kazbegi (€25–40 per person in shared vehicles) are the most popular single-day excursion in the country.

What is the best 7-day Georgia itinerary?

Tbilisi (3 nights) → Kazbegi (1 night) → Kakheti/Sighnaghi (2 nights) → return to Tbilisi. This covers mountains, old city, and wine country in one compact loop without backtracking, and is doable by public marshrutka or shared tour.

Can I road-trip Georgia without a 4×4?

Yes for most routes. The Military Highway to Kazbegi, Tbilisi–Batumi, and Telavi are paved. A 4×4 is only needed for Svaneti's Ushguli track, Tusheti (seasonal, summer only), and Vashlovani's dirt roads. A regular rental car covers 90% of popular itineraries.

How do I get from Tbilisi to Batumi?

By overnight train (5 hours, from €10) or marshrutka (5.5 hours, €10). Both depart from the same Tbilisi central station. The train is the most comfortable option; book 3–5 days ahead in summer as it sells out.

Is Georgia suitable for a solo traveller on a tight budget?

Yes. Budget €35–50 per day covers a hostel dorm (€10–15), local meals (€3–6 each), marshrutka transport, and entry fees. Georgia is consistently ranked among Europe's most affordable destinations for independent travel.