Arrive in Tbilisi and check into your hotel; many central hotels will hold luggage for early arrivals and accept check-in from mid-afternoon. Use this time to acclimatise and rehydrate after travel.
Charming Old Town café serving Georgian breakfast items, pastries and coffee; cafés typically open from 8:00–10:00 onwards. A gentle introduction to local flavours.
Wander the sulfur baths district, narrow lanes and colourful wooden balconies to get your bearings — the quarter is open all day and great for photography.
Take the cable car (typically 10:00–21:00) to the fortress for sweeping city views and a short walk to botanical gardens — check seasonal cable car times.
Visit the expansive Holy Trinity Cathedral (open daily) then take the funicular to Mtatsminda for panoramic views; funicular operates roughly 10:00–22:00.
See the archaeology wing and medieval exhibits, including the treasures of Colchis; the museum usually opens 10:00–18:00 so plan afternoon visits accordingly.
Drive 20–30 minutes to the ancient capital to see Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (open daylight hours) — ideal if you want a quick cultural excursion before Kakheti.
Traditional Kakhetian lunch with qvevri wines at a well-known boutique winery; many wineries receive visitors 10:00–18:00 but book ahead for a tasting and meal.
Drive back toward central Georgia and north along the Georgian Military Highway to the high Caucasus; total driving time approx 4–5 hours with scenic stops.
Hike (~1.5–2 hours one way depending on pace) or arrange a 4x4 to the hill for iconic views of Mt Kazbek; accessible all day but weather-dependent. Check local guides in winter months.
Explore Mestia's tower-filled skyline, settle into a guesthouse and warm up after the drive; many small museums close by 18:00 so arrive with time if you wish to visit.
Short trek to the Chalaadi Glacier viewpoint or arrange a 4x4 for a half-day excursion; trails are accessible in good weather — check with your guesthouse for current conditions.
Early start for the long descent to the Black Sea — expect roughly 6–8 hours driving with stops; consider a short flight from Kutaisi if roads are slow (seasonal).
Visit the modern seaside landmarks and lively Piazza for coffee and people-watching; most areas are open into the evening and the Piazza has many eateries.
Explore one of the largest botanical gardens on the Black Sea (typically 9:00–18:00) for diverse plant collections and cliff-top views; allow 1.5–2 hours.
Gonio is an ancient fortress south of Batumi open during daylight hours, while nearby Mtirala offers lush hiking trails and waterfalls — check park opening times and arrange a guide if needed.
Choose a half-day trail for forest scenery and panoramic viewpoints — trails are well-signposted but check visitor centre for conditions and recommended routes (centre 09:00–17:00).
Return to favourite neighbourhoods like Dry Bridge, Meidan or Rustaveli to pick up souvenirs and enjoy a final stroll; shops usually open until early evening.
Head to Tbilisi International Airport with plenty of time for check-in and security; typical transfer time from central Tbilisi is 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.