Two-Week Active and Cultural Exploration of Georgia on a Budget

Day 1: Arrival and city introduction

Tbilisi, Georgia on July 9, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Samikitno

Enjoy a traditional Georgian breakfast with fresh bread, cheese, and honey at this local spot, open from 9am. It's budget-friendly and close to the old town.
GEL15, 1h

10:30am

Explore Tbilisi Old Town

Walk through the charming cobblestone streets, visit landmarks such as the Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica, offering a deep dive into Georgia’s history.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Machakhela

Try traditional khinkali (Georgian dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese bread), popular local dishes served at affordable prices. Open 12pm-10pm.
GEL25, 1h

2:30pm

Narikala Fortress

Take the cable car (operational 10am-6pm) up to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views of Tbilisi and learn about the fortress' strategic historical significance.
GEL7 (round trip cable car), 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Rike Park

A lovely green space next to the river, perfect for a light walk and rest after exploring the fortress and city.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Keto and Kote

Enjoy hearty Georgian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients, open from 6pm, serving affordable traditional meals in a friendly atmosphere.
GEL30, 1h30m
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Day 2: History and culture immersion

Tbilisi, Georgia on July 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Stamba Hotel Café

Start the day at this trendy but affordable café featuring fresh Georgian produce, open from 8am.
GEL20, 1h

9:30am

Georgian National Museum

Discover Georgia’s rich archaeology, ethnography, and art collections to understand the country's diverse heritage. Open 10am-6pm.
GEL12, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Keto and Kote

Revisit or explore other dishes focusing on Georgian vegetarian options, great for a light but flavoursome midday meal.
GEL25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Open Air Museum of Ethnography

Explore traditional Georgian architecture from various regions with authentic huts and churches. Open from 10am-7pm.
GEL10, 2h

3:30pm

Walk along the Mtkvari River and Bridge of Peace

Experience modern Tbilisi architecture and enjoy the river views during a relaxed afternoon stroll.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Lolita

A casual spot focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients with a blend of Georgian and European influences, open until 10pm.
GEL30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Mtskheta day trip

Mtskheta, Georgia on July 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Tbilisi

Light breakfast at the accommodation or nearby café to start early for the day trip.
GEL10, 30m

8:00am

Bus or marshrutka to Mtskheta

Travel 20km northwest to Georgia’s ancient capital, about a 30-minute ride from Tbilisi.
GEL5, 30m

9:00am

Jvari Monastery

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers, open daily from 9am to 7pm.
GEL5, 1h30m

10:30am

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Explore this striking 11th-century cathedral, a key religious landmark in Georgia, open until 6pm.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Salobie

Traditional Georgian cuisine focusing on local Mtskheta dishes such as lobio (bean stew), open 12pm-9pm.
GEL20, 1h

1:30pm

Walk along the town and riverfront

Enjoy peaceful views and the historic atmosphere of Georgia's ancient capital.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Tbilisi

Travel back and rest at accommodation.
GEL5, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Palaty

Taste creative and affordable versions of traditional Georgian dishes in a cosy setting. Open until 10pm.
GEL30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Journey to Kazbegi and hiking

Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Georgia on July 12, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast in Tbilisi

Quick breakfast to prepare for travel, options include fresh bread, cheese and nuts.
GEL10, 30m

7:30am

Minibus to Stepantsminda

Travel the scenic route north through the Caucasus Mountains, approximately 3-hour journey.
GEL20, 3h

11:00am

Check-in and light lunch

Eat at a guesthouse or local café; try a fresh vegetable and cheese salad, open throughout the day.
GEL15, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Gergeti Trinity Church hike

Hike or take a 4x4 jeep to the iconic church (operational all day), a breathtaking spot on a hilltop with panoramic mountain views.
GEL15 (jeep option), 3h

5:30pm

Relax and dinner

Dinner at local guesthouse with home-cooked Georgian fare, focusing on stews and fresh bread.
GEL25, 1h30m
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Day 5: More Kazbegi exploration

Stepantsminda, Georgia on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Hearty breakfast with homemade bread and natural dairy products.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Hiking the Gveleti Waterfall trail

Moderate hiking trail approximately 4-5km, perfect for nature lovers interested in waterfalls and mountain landscapes. Start early to avoid heat.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at a local café

Enjoy fresh trout or vegetable dishes, common in Kazbegi cafes, gentle on the budget.
GEL20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kazbegi Museum

Learn about local culture, history and traditions of the area, open 10am-6pm.
GEL5, 1h

3:30pm

Relax or walk around Stepantsminda

Explore the small town, visit local artisan shops and soak up the mountain atmosphere.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Archi’s Place

Known for delicious homemade Georgian dishes and friendly prices, open evenings.
GEL25, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Kutaisi and sightseeing

Kutaisi, Georgia on July 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and check-out

Light breakfast in guesthouse and pack for departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Minibus to Kutaisi

Travel approximately 4-5 hours southwest to Kutaisi, one of Georgia’s oldest cities.
GEL30, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Palaty Kutaisi

Enjoy seasonal Georgian dishes and local Khachapuri varieties, open for lunch.
GEL20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery

Both UNESCO World Heritage sites showcasing medieval Georgian architecture, open from 9am-7pm.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Leisurely walk around Kutaisi centre

Enjoy the local market and cafes, soaking in the town’s historical vibe.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Keto and Kote

Sampling the rich local flavours, known for good prices and hearty meals, open until 10pm.
GEL25, 1h30m
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Day 7: Prometheus Cave and Okatse Canyon

Kutaisi, Georgia on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Simple breakfast at the hotel or guesthouse, preparing for an active day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Prometheus Cave tour

Explore spectacular caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites; open 9am-8pm, guided tours available.
GEL35, 2h

11:30am

Travel to Okatse Canyon

Short drive to Okatse Canyon, known for its suspension bridge and nature trail.
GEL10, 30m

12:00pm

Walk the Okatse Canyon trail

Approximately 3-4km trail offering stunning views of forests and cliffs, open 9am-7pm.
GEL10, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at local café

Eat local dishes focusing on fresh mountain vegetables, open throughout the day.
GEL20, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Kutaisi, rest

Rest and enjoy the town at leisure.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Palaty Kutaisi

Final meal in Kutaisi, enjoying Georgian staples in a comfortable setting.
GEL25, 1h30m
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Day 8: Travel to Borjomi and park visit

Borjomi, Georgia on July 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Quick breakfast before departure.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Bus to Borjomi

Travel south about 3-4 hours to Borjomi, town famous for natural mineral water and green parks.
GEL25, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Borjomi

Try light Georgian meals with fresh vegetables, open during afternoon hours.
GEL20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Borjomi Central Park

Walk through this vast park famous for its mineral springs and beautiful forest trails, open year-round.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at accommodation

Rest and refresh before dinner.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Home-cooked meals with local ingredients, reflecting traditional Georgian hospitality.
GEL25, 1h30m
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Day 9: Bakuriani day trip & nature

Bakuriani, Georgia on July 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Energising breakfast with bread, eggs, and tea.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Bus to Bakuriani

Approximately 1-hour scenic ride to Bakuriani, a popular mountain resort.
GEL8, 1h

10:00am

Hiking in the surrounding nature

Enjoy the beautiful alpine meadows and forests with various walking trails accessible all day.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at local café

Enjoy Georgian vegetable stew and bread, inexpensive yet delicious.
GEL20, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Borjomi

Relax on the journey back and prepare for evening.
GEL8, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Warm homemade Georgian cuisine to end the day.
GEL25, 1h30m
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Day 10: Travel back to Tbilisi

Tbilisi, Georgia on July 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and check-out

Light breakfast before travelling.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Bus back to Tbilisi

Travel approx 2.5-3.5 hours back to the capital city.
GEL25, 3h

11:00am

Check-in and relax

Rest and refresh at accommodation.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Keto and Kote

A repeat visit to enjoy affordable and tasty Georgian dishes familiar by now.
GEL25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Mtatsminda Park (excluding rides)

Enjoy walking the park with panoramic views over Tbilisi, open from 10am to 11pm; avoid rides to keep cost down.
GEL0, 2h

5:00pm

Coffee and light snack at Funicular Café

Relax with coffee and Georgian sweets, open till late.
GEL15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Leila

Try vegetarian Georgian dishes in a culturally rich setting; open till 10pm.
GEL30, 1h30m
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Day 11: Day trip to David Gareja monastery complex

David Gareja, Georgia on July 19, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast in Tbilisi

Basic breakfast to start early for the desert monastery complex trip.
GEL10, 30m

7:45am

Tour to David Gareja Monastery

Rent a taxi or join a low-cost tour (around 35-40 GEL per person round trip) to this remote semi-desert monastery famous for its cave complexes. Start early to avoid midday heat. Open 9am-7pm.
GEL40, 7h

2:30pm

Lunch on the go / picnic

Pack snacks or buy from local vendors nearby, enjoying picnic-style lunch with stunning landscapes.
GEL10, 1h

4:45pm

Return to Tbilisi

Relax on the ride back and freshen up.
Included, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Keto and Kote

Comforting dinner with familiar Georgian dishes after long day trip.
GEL30, 1h30m
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Day 12: Day for markets and museums

Tbilisi, Georgia on July 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Linville

Known for tasty breakfasts and pastries, open at 8am.
GEL20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Dry Bridge Market

Explore the famous flea market for antiques, art, and souvenirs, perfect for budget-friendly shopping.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Georgian State Museum of Theatre, Music, Cinema

Learn about cultural arts, open from 10am-5pm.
GEL10, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Gabriadze

Try local dishes and enjoy the famous puppet theatre ambiance, open 12pm-10pm.
GEL25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Tbilisi Botanical Garden

Discover a beautiful garden with waterfalls and diverse flora, open 9am-7pm.
GEL10, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at accommodation

Rest after a day of culture and walking.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Littera

Georgian dishes with a modern touch in a garden setting, open till 10pm.
GEL35, 1h30m
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Day 13: Free day and souvenir shopping

Tbilisi, Georgia on July 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at local bakery

Try fresh Georgian pastries with tea, starting the day economically.
GEL10, 1h

9:30am

Souvenir shopping at Meidan Bazaar

Purchase traditional crafts, textiles and gifts from vendors inside an atmospheric market area.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Stamba

Enjoy a light but tasty lunch with a trendy atmosphere, open from noon.
GEL25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the National Gallery

Explore Georgian art and paintings, open 10am-6pm.
GEL10, 2h

4:00pm

Rest and coffee break

Relax at a local café with coffee or herbal tea.
GEL10, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Shavi Lomi

Traditional cuisine with an emphasis on quality ingredients, ending the trip memorably. Open till 10pm.
GEL35, 1h30m
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Day 14: Departure day

Tbilisi, Georgia on July 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation or nearby café

Simple breakfast before packing up.
GEL10, 1h

9:00am

Last-minute sightseeing or shopping

Depending on flight time, a brief walk or last souvenir purchase.
Free or GEL10, 2h

Noon

Transfer to airport

Taxi or shuttle to Tbilisi International Airport for departure flight.
GEL30, 30m
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