Who this itinerary is for
For those arriving in Georgia for the first time who want to see the classics without rushing. A week that covers a warm city, snowy mountains and an ancient wine region — no special fitness needed, just a willingness to travel two or three hours a day between destinations. It’s the itinerary people come home from saying “Why didn’t I come sooner?”.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi
Arrival, check-in and rest. If there’s energy left — a gentle stroll through the Abanotubani district: cobbled lanes, red domes and sulfur steam. In the evening, the first meal at the Dezerter Bazaar — adjaruli khachapuri and khinkali, no compromises.
Day 2: Tbilisi in full
A whole day in the city. Morning at a local market and churchkhela, midday in Abanotubani and the Bridge of Peace, afternoon by cable car to Narikala for sunset from the walls. Evening — down through the Botanical Garden or to the sulfur baths. Don’t skip Sololaki: art-nouveau houses, wooden balconies and hidden courtyards.
Day 3: Mtskheta and the Military Highway
Morning: Mtskheta — the spiritual capital of ancient Georgia, about 20 minutes from Tbilisi. The Jvari Monastery on a hill above the confluence of the Aragvi and the Mtkvari — a view that appears in every guidebook, and rightly so.
Afternoon: head north on the Military Highway. Stop at Ananuri fortress on the shore of the Zhinvali reservoir — walls, towers and sunset over the water. Continue past Gudauri (coffee with views of the peaks), overnight in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda).
Day 4: Kazbegi and Gergeti
Morning: a hike or 4x4 to Gergeti church — 3–4 hours round trip, a moderate climb. The church with Mount Kazbek (5,054 m) behind it is one of Georgia’s most recognizable images.
Afternoon: back to Tbilisi (overnight in the city before Kakheti) or one more night in Kazbegi if you want a slower pace.
Day 5: Off to Kakheti
A trip east — about two or three hours. Stop in Sighnaghi: ancient walls, views of the Caucasus and a first meal with local wine. Overnight at a village guesthouse — a long table, fresh bread and hosts who won’t give up on another glass.
Day 6: Vineyards and wineries
A full wine day: a visit to a winery (qvevri tunnels or a local cellar), tastings of Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, and a tour of Telavi — market, the king’s palace and another vineyard with views over the valley. Don’t drive after the tastings — hire a driver.
Day 7: Return and flight
Last morning — the Telavi market or a Tbilisi café, final purchases of wine and churchkhela. Transfer to the airport (an hour from the center).
On-the-ground tips
- A driver-guide for days 3–4 (Military Highway + Kazbegi) — the difference between “we arrived” and “we understood” is huge. Stops, stories and photo spots that aren’t on the map.
- Metromoney in Tbilisi is essential. Between cities — Bolt or a private driver.
- Luggage: returning to Tbilisi between Kazbegi and Kakheti? Leave some of your bags at the city hotel and travel light.
GULITRAVEL tip: on day 3, leave Tbilisi before 09:00 — the Military Highway fills up at midday, and the stops at Ananuri and Gudauri are worth every minute.
Estimated budget (for a couple)
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (6 nights, 3-star) | €300–450 |
| Food | €200–300 |
| Driver/transport | €380–650 |
| Entries + wine | €75–130 |