Check into your hotel and take a leisurely walk around the city to get your bearings.
Visit the Narikala Fortress for panoramic views of Tbilisi.
Explore Old Tbilisi: stroll along the Rustaveli Avenue, visit the Sulfur Baths district, and take in the colorful balconies and cobblestone streets.
Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant and try traditional Georgian food, such as khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (dumplings).
Day 2: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Uplistsikhe
Morning:
Visit Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (about 30 minutes from Tbilisi).
Explore the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, both incredible religious landmarks.
Afternoon:
Head to Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town (about 1.5 hours from Mtskheta).
Explore this unique site, with its caves, temples, and amphitheater carved directly into the rocks.
Evening: Return to Tbilisi for dinner and enjoy some local wine – Georgia is famous for its wine production!
Day 3: Tbilisi to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)
Travel to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), a small town nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, known for its dramatic scenery (around 3-4 hours drive).
On the way, stop to admire the Ananuri Fortress and enjoy the view over Zhinvali Reservoir.
Once in Kazbegi, visit Gergeti Trinity Church, perched high on a hill with breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek.
Day 4: Kazbegi – Gudauri – Gori
Morning:
Explore more of Kazbegi: Take a short hike, or simply enjoy the views of Mount Kazbek.
Afternoon:
Continue your drive through the Jvari Pass to Gudauri, a ski resort area where you can enjoy mountain views, or take a paragliding ride (season-dependent).
Evening:
Drive to Gori (about 1 hour). Visit the Stalin Museum, dedicated to the controversial Georgian leader, Joseph Stalin.
Day 5: Gori – Vardzia – Akhaltsikhe
Morning:
Leave Gori early and head south towards Vardzia, a stunning cave monastery complex built into the cliffs (about 2-2.5 hours drive).
Explore the Vardzia Monastery complex, which dates back to the 12th century and offers amazing views of the surrounding canyon.
Afternoon:
Afterward, head to Akhaltsikhe, a town near the Turkish border (about 1.5 hours from Vardzia).
Visit Rabati Castle, a well-preserved fortress with an interesting mix of architectural styles.
Day 6: Akhaltsikhe – Batumi (Black Sea Coast)
Travel to Batumi, the largest city on the Black Sea coast (around 4-5 hours drive from Akhaltsikhe).
Check into your hotel and take a stroll along the Batumi Boulevard by the sea.
Explore Batumi Botanical Garden, which offers spectacular views and a variety of plant species.
Take in the beautiful seaside atmosphere, enjoy a fresh seafood dinner, and experience the nightlife.
Day 7: Batumi – Tbilisi
Spend the morning in Batumi visiting some of the city’s modern landmarks, such as the Ali and Nino Statue (a moving sculpture symbolizing love) and the Batumi Piazza.
In the afternoon, head back to Tbilisi (about a 5-6 hour drive) or take a domestic flight from Batumi to Tbilisi to maximize your time in the capital.
If time allows, enjoy a final meal in Tbilisi before your departure.
Tips for Travel:
Transportation: Georgia has good road infrastructure, but the roads in mountainous regions can be challenging. If you’re not comfortable driving, consider hiring a guide or taking public transport.
Currency: The local currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL).
Language: Georgian is the official language, but many people speak Russian and some speak English, especially in tourist areas.
Weather: Georgia has a varied climate, so pack accordingly for both the mountains and the coast.
