7 Day Georgia Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide From a Local

If you are planning a trip to Georgia, then you have come to the right place. Georgia is going from one of the hidden gems in Europe to a popular destination to visit. The country may be small, but it has a lot of different places worth seeing. Whether you are into wine, want to try the best food, or see the most beautiful scenery, you will find it all in this Georgia itinerary.

As someone who is originally from Georgia and has grown up in the UK, I get asked to share my itinerary a lot. There are many places that are worth seeing in Georgia. I do not think that 7 days is enough to see all of it, but it is definitely enough to get a good idea and a taste of what the country has to offer.

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Plan for your trip to Georgia:
✈️ Find cheap flights here
🚗 Book your rental car here
🧳 Plan ahead and book best tours here
🏩 Book your hotels in advance
🛟 Stay safe with travel insurance wherever you go

How to get to Georgia

Depending on your Georgia itinerary, here are 3 airports in the country that you can choose from:

✈️ You can fly into the capital, Tbilisi, by taking a flight to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). This is the easiest way of getting to Georgia as a first time visitor. Tbilisi is the perfect starting point for your Georgia itinerary. There are now major airlines that fly here, such as Turkish Airlines, British Airways and EasyJet.

✈️ Another alternative is to fly into Kutaisi International Airport (KUT). Kutaisi is another city in Georgia and the airport is significantly smaller, but offers more budget friendly routes, with airlines such as Wizz Air.

✈️ There is a third airport in Batumi, Batumi International Airport (BUS). There are direct flights here from Turkey, Middle East and some European destinations too. I would not recommend flying here if you are visiting Georgia for the first time. Tbilisi is ideally where you will want to start your journey.

The best time to visit Georgia

I always recommend visiting Georgia between May and September. This is when the weather is nicest and perfect for exploring. If you want to go hiking, or go to the beach, this is a great time for it too.

Otherwise, if you are looking to do some winter activities, you can also visit Georgia during winter. Gudauri is a great and affordable ski resort in the country that you can add to your Georgia itinerary.

Things to know before you go

There are a few things worth being aware of before you travel to Georgia. For the full list, check out my post on the things to know before you travel to Georgia!

🩵 Learn a few words of Georgian as not all locals speak English. You can see a few useful phrases in my guide.

🩵 Learn how to eat the local food, as you don’t want to make a fool of yourself (it happens to the best of us!). There is a specific way to eat khinkali so make sure to do your research beforehand.

🩵 To get around, it is best to hire a car. This way you can explore places at your own pace. In Tbilisi, you can also get around with the Bolt app.

🩵 Read up on the traditions – it is good to know about the hospitality of Georgian people and our traditions before you go.

🩵 Georgians invented wine 8,000 years ago and this is definitely that Georgians are proud of – so don’t forget to try Georgian wine! 🍷

Where to stay in Georgia

Georgia is not a big country, however, the best way to explore it is by doing a road trip and visiting different regions of the country. It is also considered to be a budget friendly destination, but there are hotels that are more high end also available as an option. Here are some of my favourite hotels as well as some budget options if you do want to save up.

Tbilisi

Fabrika Hostel & Suites ($)

If you are traveling on a budget, and don’t mind staying in a hostel, I would highly recommend a stay at Fabrika.

This is a former soviet sewing factory, converted into a hostel and social space. Staying here is particularly great if you are eager to meet other travellers as the social setting of the hostel makes it very easy to do so.

Other than the rooms, the hostel is also a very popular hang out area – and I usually frequent it when I go back to Tbilisi. It has bars, clubs, restaurants, boutiques, a co-working space, events, workshops, and a lot more. It is definitely THE coolest place to stay in the city.

The location is perfectly central near the Old Town and better yet, a bed in a shared dorm room costs £7 per night, but you can also get your own private room from around £30 a night.

Mukhrantubani Boutique Hotel ($$)

With rooms starting from £50 a night, Mukhrantubani Boutique Hotel is another great option to consider. The hotel is located right in the Old Town and has the most perfect location next to the famous clock tower – one of the city’s perfect Instagrammable locations.

The decor and the rooms are very tasteful and there is a great restaurant with a terrace, serving delicious local food.

Stamba Hotel ($$$)

If you want to stay in a unique hotel in Tbilisi, then I would highly recommend Stamba Hotel.

Set in a former publishing house, the design of the hotel is truly one of a kind. The walls in the lobby are still lines with old books, leaving the trace of the building’s past. The rooms are nothing short of luxury, some of them with a terrace and a golden bath.

On the ground floor of the hotel is Cafe Stamba – one of Tbilisi’s best restaurants, worth visiting even if you are not staying at the hotel. It is definitely one of the trendiest places in the city, frequented by locals and visitors alike. Here you will also find a beautiful bar with an outdoor terrace, as well as an Asian restaurant serving delicious dishes in an open kitchen setting.

Kakheti

Hotel Qvevrebi ($)

This is definitely the most unique hotel stay in Kakheti. If you are looking to really immerse yourself in the wine region, then you need to check out this hotel. Here you will actualy get to stay in rooms that are shaped like the “qvevri” – the barrel used to make wine in Georgia.

The prices start at £55 and upwards depending on the time of year. The rooms have luxury furnishings and the location is great, making this hotel a great value for money.

Tsinandali Estate, A Radisson Collection Hotel ($$)

The Radisson hotel is one of the nicest in Kakheti and usually my go-to if I am going to Kakheti for a vacation. The highlight for me is the infinity outdoor pool, with incredible mountain views. But the facilities and rooms are also great – you can do lots of activities here such as wine tasting (naturally), tennis, go to the spa, and enjoy great food at the restaurant.

Even as one of the best hotels in the region, the hotel will not break the bank as prices start at £150 per night.

Vazisubani Estate ($$$)

This gorgeous boutique hotel is another one of my favourites. It really feels like you are staying in a private estate. The rooms are very spacious and there is also an infinity pool here with a incredible view of the vineyards.

The hotel is also surrounded by the vineyards so the wine and food here is unparalleled.

Kazbegi

Kazbegi View ($)

Surrounded by the mountains, these glass cabins are the perfect budget stay if you want to immerse yourself in the nature of the surrounding region.

The amenities are basic but from just $60 a night, it is the most authentic experience. There is also a restaurant here where you can eat delicious local food.

1740 Boutique Hotel Kazbegi ($$)

With a cosy wooden chalet vibe, this hotel is the perfect place if you are looking for a comfortable stay with stunning views and great hospitality. The rooms are spacious and have balconies with a mountain view. The locations is also ideal, right in the centre of town and only a 2 minute walk away from the Rooms Hotel.

Rooms Hotel ($$$)

This is one of my favourite hotels in the whole country and definitely the best one in Kazbegi. With a terrace overlooking Mount Kazbeg, it truly offers the most spectacular views which you can enjoy with your breakfast.

The food here is genuinely amazing and some of the rooms also offer mountain views. The hotel is also perfectly located for hiking or exploring. I always recommend to stay here, even just for one night. If not, you can also visit it if you are nearby.

7 Days Georgia itinerary

Day 1 – Tbilisi

Start your 7 day Georgia itinerary by exploring the capital, Tbilisi. Tbilisi is definitely one of the coolest cities in Eurasia and it will definitely surprise you. It is a place where the old meets the new, and you will find places filled with history alongside very trendy bars and restaurants.

Here are some things to do in Tbilisi:

Discover Old Tbilisi: Start your day with an exploration of the Old Town of Tbilisi. With narrow streets, colourful buildings and admirable monasteries, this is a great way to get to know the city. Once here, do not miss a visit to the clock tower. Every hour, an angel comes out of the clock to ring a bell with a small hammer. There is also a show you can see here at noon and at 7 pm each day. The clock tower happens to be one of the most instagrammable spots in the city too!

Take a cable car to Narikala Fortress: For panoramic views of the city, take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress, an ancient ruin that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding hills. You can also hike up here if you are not worried about getting your sweat on!

Explore the Sulphur Baths: One of the unique things to do in the Old Town is to relax in Tbilisi’s famous sulphur baths, located in the Abanotubani (the name literally translates to bath district) district. These historic bathhouses feature natural geothermal water renowned for its therapeutic benefits.

After a day of sightseeing, head for dinner at Shavi Lomi. With a stunning setting which feels like entering someone’s home, the dishes here offer modern twists on the classic Georgian dishes.

Day 2 – Mtskheta

Located just 30 minutes from Tbilisi, is Mtskheta, Georgia’s old capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to some of the oldest monasteries in the world and incredible views, making it the perfect place to spend a day trip from Tbilisi.

🚗 How to get to Mtskheta: the best way to get here is by driving. Otherise, there are also public marshrutkas (vans) that can also take you there.

🚗 You can also book an organised day trip with a tour company.

I would recommend to start the day early. Head first to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. I would suggest getting a guide here, who will explain to you the history and the legend behind the origin of this cathedral. It is said to house the robe of Christ, which was brought to Georgia in the 1st century. According to the legend, a woman who touched the robe was so overcome with emotion, she died on the spot, and the cathedral was build around this foundation.

The location of this cathedral is perfect as it is located in the old town, which is ideal for exploring. Here you will find many shops selling souvenirs as well as restaurants.

🍽️ For lunch, head to Tsiskvili restaurant. Serving traditional hearty food such as khachapuri, khinkali and more, this place is the perfect spot for a food break in between the sightseeing. It also has an outdoor terrace with a view of the Kura River, which makes it the best spot for the summer.

Next, head to Jvari Monastery. Built in the 6th century, this monastery stands on a hilltop and offers the best views of Mtskheta. This is considered to have been one of the first Christian sites in the region. Saint Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia, erected a cross here in the 4th century, and the church was built around the cross.

Dinner in Tbilisi

In the evening, come back to Tbilisi and have dinner there. Here are a few places for food that I would recommend:

🍽️Barbarestan – upscale/fine dining. It is more on the expensive side but very unique and delicious dishes.

🍽️Tsiskvili – any of their restaurants are great for Khinkali, there are a few across Tbilisi.

🍽️Dumas – upscale, great view of the city but French cuisine so it is great if you are looking for something different.

🍽️Iasamani – a vibey spot with amazing food which is a flat converted into a bar/restaurant.

Day 3 – Kazbegi

On day 3 of your Georgia itinerary, you will drive to the mountains. The closest mountain region to the capital is Stepantsminda, otherwise called Kazbegi. To get there, I would advise renting a car. The drive takes about 3-4 hours depending on the stops you choose to do.

Along the way, you can stop at Ananuri Fortress. This is a 17th century complex standing above the Aragvi River. It is worth going inside and climbing to the top for great picture opportunity.

Another 30 minutes drive away is Restaurant Guda, where you can stop for lunch. Making traditional food and fresh hand made khinkali, this is the perfect place to fuel up for the rest of your trip. This is our go-to spot for lunch every time we travel from Tbilisi to Kazbegi.

Next, continue driving until you reach Gudauri and the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument. The surrounding mountains offer a stunning viewpoint and you can stop here for a quick photo before continuing on your journey.

You can make another quick stop at Jvari Pass, which is the highest point of the Georgian Military Highway at 2,395m before continuing on towards Kazbegi.

Not long after, you will arrive in Kazbegi. I always strongly recommend to stay at the Rooms Hotel here – this hotel has the most incredible mountain views and serves some delicious Georgian-European fusion food at its restaurant. Even if you don’t stay here, it is worth coming to admire the views, enjoy the expansive balcony and have a bite.

Once you have checked in to your hotel, you can take the time to relax and enjoy the spa. Take in the views and have dinner at your hotel to end the day.

Day 4 – Kazbegi

The next day of your Georgia itinerary, you will wake up in Kazbegi. Have some breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore the Gergeti Trinity Church, which located at 2,170 meters (7,120 feet) above sea level, is a must see in this region.

How to get there

🚗 The easiest and most common way to get there is to hire a driver who will take you there. You can find drivers with Delica cars that are especially made for the winding mountain roads in Kazbegi town. You can bargain with them for a good price but they usually charge around 30-40 GEL per car. It takes only 15 minutes to get from the town to the top.

🥾 Hiking is also a popular route that many adventurous travelers choose to take. The overall distance up and down is 5 kilometres. The hike is steep and definitely not the easiest. However, it is very scenic and definitely rewarding.

Once you get to the top, you will find the Gergeti Trinity Church with the stunning backdrop of Mount Kazbeg. It is one of the most impressive places in the area and not one to be missed off your Georgia itinerary!

If you do go inside the monastery, which I recommend, I would suggest bringing a head cover for women and men should avoid wearing shorts.

Evening in Tbilisi

After you have finished sightseeing here, you can check out of your hotel and start heading back towards Tbilisi.

When you get back, you may have time to go out in Tbilisi and explore the nightlife here. Tbilisi is known for the amazing bars and clubs, you can read my full list of the best bars in Tbilisi here.

I would suggest going to Lolita, a trendy bar and restaurant with neon lights and incredible modernised Georgian food. This place is a vibe and where most of Tbilisi’s cool young people like to hang out. It does get very busy here however, so you might have to be prepared to wait a little. But I can tell you that the wait is definitely worth it!

Day 5 – Kakheti

You cannot come to Georgia and not add wine tasting to your Georgia itinerary. Kakheti is the place you will need to go to do that, as this is the birthplace of winemaking at over 8,000 years old. Kakheti is also a very easy day trip from Tbilisi.

🚗 From Tbilisi, you can drive for about an hour until you reach this region. I would recommend booking a hotel in the area as you may not want to drive all the way back to Tbilisi after tasting some delicious Georgian wine! Alternatively, you can also hire a driver who will take you around.

Must visit wineries:

🍷 Khareba Winery = this is probably the most popular winery and always a go-to when I bring guests to visit Georgia. The winery is located inside a tunnel that is carved inside the mountain. I strongly suggest purchasing a wine tasting tour where you will learn about the traditions of how wine is made, produced and distributed here. You will get to taste a few different wines as you visit the winery with your guide

After the tour, there is also an opportunity to do cooking classes: you can learn how to make churchkhela (Georgian dessert, nuts on a string dipped in wine), khachapuri making, Georgian bread making, and you can also make mini clay pots that are the replica of the Geoorgian traditional qvevri – clay pots used for storing wine. These are great fun and a really nice way to familiarise yourself with some Georgian traditions.

There is also a Georgian restaurant at the top of the winery where you can have lunch and enjoy a nice meal with some of the local wine.

🍷 Shumi Winery = this one is a much smaller, more cosy winery. The name “Shumi” derives from an old Georgian word, meaning authentic, undiluted wine.

You will get to visit the vineyards which is stunning to see in itself, and if you get a wine tasting tour then you will be given a tour inside the winery too. The English-speaking guide can show you how wine is made in qvevris and tell you about the generations that have been making wine here. The wine tasting at this winery costs 30 GEL (around $10) for a tasting of 4 different types of wine. The wine will also be accompanied by some cheese and churchkhela on the side. The actual wine tasting takes place in the garden which is beautiful and very peaceful in the summer months.

🍷Tsinandali Estate = the estate is an iconic one. As well as a winery, it is also a museum and a cultural hub, with bars and restaurants. This is also where the Radisson Collection hotel is located which is one of the best places to stay in Kakheti. It is worth visiting the House Museum of Alexander Chavchavadze here as well as the wine tasting. The whole experience including tasting of 5 different wines costs 35 GEL ($12).

On your way back to Tbilisi, you will want to stop for lunch. For this I have the best recommendation for you. Try Apsaiti – a restaurant located in the woods with a very unique setting in the nature. Here, there is one thing that is a must try and that is khinkali, the Georgian soup dumplings. The meat inside is usually a mix of pork and beef mince. However if you don’t eat meat or want to try something different, they also serve cheese dumplings too. It is the best place to fuel up before driving back to the capital.

Day 6 – Tbilisi or optional day trip

On the penultimate day of your Georgia itinerary, you can either spend an extra day in Tbilisi or take a day trip to Dashbashi Canyon if you want to explore more of the country.

If you are spending the day in Tbilisi on this day, take the funicular to Mtatsminda Park. This is one of my favourite things to do and definitely a spot you need to add to your Georgia itinerary. You can take a cable car or drive up here but at the top of the mountain. Here you will find an amusement park, with rollercoasters, entertaining experiences such as karting and more. You can play the shooting range and win some exciting prizes! This is also a spot I like to visit as the panoramic views of Tbilisi from the park are amazing.

Up here is also the best place to eat the traditional Georgian “adjarian khachapuri” (the cheeseboat) and make sure to try “ponchiki” – a donut filled with cream. Both of these can be found in a restaurant called “Funicular”. Usually there is a queue to get a table but it is definitely worth the wait!

Dashbashi Canyon

Another option for this day is to add Dashbashi Canyon to your Georgia itinerary. Located about a 2 hour drive from the capital, this is definitely one of the most unique day trips you can do in Georgia!

You can book an organised day tour here.

The spot is the most known for the unique construction. It is a glass triangular building that is suspended between two bridges and it looks like it is floating in the air above the canyon. You can buy a ticket for entry which costs 49 GEL (around $17). Once inside, you will be able to walk the glass bridge towards the glass structure and enter inside. Inside here is a cafe and a really unique viewpoint onto the canyon. It is a great spot for pictures but beware as the costs in the cafe are very high. This is also not recommended for someone afraid of heights as it can feel a little exhilirating!

There are multiple activities you can try here, such as line bike or a swing. Both of these activities cost extra and you can check the prices on the website.

If you are feeling up to the challenge, you can also hike all the way down towards the canyon. The hike is a little steep but overall it is moderate and the canyon at the bottom is absolutely stunning.

Day 7 – Tbilisi

On day 7 of your Georgia itinerary, I would recommend spending another full day in Tbilisi. The city has a lot to see and to explore, and it is a good opportunity to relax and spend some time in the capital before heading back.

Here are some more suggestions and ideas of things to do in Tbilisi:

The Chronicles of Georgia: Located 30 minutes away from the city centre, this spot has become one of the most famous photography places in the city. Designed by Georgian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli in 1985, the sculpture was never finished but gives a nice glimpse into the key moments in Georgian history and Christianity. It consists of 16 towering pillars, each 20–35 meters (65–115 feet) high which makes for an impressive sight. Come here around sunrise or sunset to catch the best views over the city. Book your guided tour here.

Discover Orbeliani market: Located inside a 19th century building, Orbeliani market is one of the coolest places in the city. Bringing together a mix of local Georgian food and European cuisine, you will find everything here from traditional khinkali and khachapuri to pizza, pasta and burgers. The market is also home to some wine bars, cafes, and small stalls selling unique souvenirs. It is the perfect pace to add to your Georgia itinerary if you are looking for a casual place to get some food or try a place where the locals go.

Lunch at Cafe Littera: One of the best restaurants in the city, this place is a paradise and a peaceful oasis. The courtyard is decorated with lots of plants and palm trees. It gives you the feeling that you have escaped to a different world when visiting this restaurant. The food is a fusion of Georgian and European dishes. The traditional phali is served as a dip with a side of pita, they serve refreshing salads, as well as fish and meat dishes so there is plenty to choose from. I would suggest treating yourself with some wine to go along with your meal for an even more special experience.

Relax at Tbilisi Sea: Located on the outskirts of Tbilisi, Tbilisi Sea is a large artificial reservoir. This is the perfect place to visit especially on a hot day in the summer. It is popular with water activities, such as kayaking, windsurfing and paddleboarding. The water here is also clean so you can visit it to swim or to simply relax.

Go Bar Hopping at Wine factory N1: This is one of the trendiest spots to have a drink in Tbilisi today. A former space for wine production, the space was closed for many years. But it re-opened in 2017 as a square for dining and entertainment. It is full of restaurants, cocktail bars, wine bars, as well as several boutiques. I love coming here in the evening when the atmosphere is buzzing as this is the perfect place to grab a drink and dinner. Otherwise, you can also come here for lunch and enjoy one of the many amazing restaurants.My favouirites are Veriko – a traditional Georgian restaurant with a cosy setting, and Miti, a recently opened Greek restaurant with a stunning courtyard and delicious food.

Other places to visit in Georgia

If you have some more time on your Georgia itinerary, there are a lot more places that you can visit. Georgia may be a small country, but we have a huge variety of places that you can discover, particularly if you are thinking about extending your trip or visiting something different.

Here are a couple ideas that you may want to add to your Georgia itinerary:

Batumi

Often nicknamed the “Las Vegas of the Black Sea”, Batumi is the seaside city in Georgia and is also very popular to visit. To get here from Tbilisi, you can either drive or take a train which takes 5 hours.

The vibe in Batumi is very different from the rest of Georgia – with lots of amazing restaurants, bars, and a lively atmosphere. It is located in the region of Adjara, which is where the cheeseboat khachapuri originates from.

Some things to do here include walking along the promenade, seeing the famous Ali&Nino sculpture, and discovering the botanical gardens.

Svaneti

One of the most popular mountain regions in Georgia, Svaneti is very much worth the visit if you have the time on your Georgia itinerary. With its dramatic mountain landscapes, stone towers and unique traditions, it is a paradise for adventure lovers.

Some of the things to do here involve hiking and horse riding, as well as visiting the villages. Don’t miss Mestia, the main town where you can visit the museums, cafes and historic towers. Ushguli is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is still considered to be one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe.

Tusheti

Tusheti is definitely still a hidden gem and it is one of the most remote places I have ever travelled to. It is definitely very far from the city and takes about 10 hour of driving to get to, including the Abano Pass, which is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world…However, the end destination is very much worth it!

If you are a fan of mountains, nature, and hiking, then Tusheti will be a paradise for you like no other. Full of sheep, horses and other animals you will truly feel like you have been transported to a different world. You definitely need a car to get around here and to visit the different villages.

Vardzia

An ancient cave city not far from Tbilisi, Vardzia is one of the most unique places in Europe, if not in the world. Featuring over 600 interconnected caves, you can wander around and get lost in the maze like city, or hire a guided tour where you learn about the ancient history of this place.

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Hopefully this itinerary has been helpful in putting together your Georgia itinerary. Whether it is your first of 25th time visiting the country, there is always something more to discover. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Looking for more Georgia guides?
10 of the Best Bars in Tbilisi for a Fun Night Out
20 things to know before you travel to Georgia
Tbilisi guide – the ultimate guide to Georgia’s coolest city
Hidden gems of Georgia – a travel guide

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