Start the day at Fabrika (industrial-chic hostel café) or Café Leila for a relaxed Georgian breakfast and coffee; great atmospheres for orientation and meeting locals. Check opening hours in winter as some cafés open later on weekdays.
Explore the Old Town lanes, take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress for panoramic city views, then descend to the sulfur baths (Abanotubani). Cable car and some museum hours vary in winter — verify times before going.
Classic Georgian dishes in a cozy setting; excellent introduction to khachapuri, khinkali and local flavors. Popular spot — reservation recommended at peak times.
Visit the majestic Holy Trinity (Sameba) cathedral then stroll Rustaveli Avenue and, time permitting, the Georgian National Museum (confirm museum winter hours before visiting).
Enjoy a contemporary take on Georgian cuisine at Shavi Lomi or the traditional, chef-curated menu at Barbarestan; both provide a memorable first-night dinner. Check festive hours around holidays (restaurants may have special menus).
Quick hotel breakfast before a full day east to Kakheti; aim to depart early to maximize daylight for vineyards and Sighnaghi. Confirm your driver or tour departure time.
Scenic drive through Kakheti, arriving in the 'City of Love' with views over the Alazani Valley — roads are driveable in winter but check weather before departure.
Walk the restored Sighnaghi wall for sweeping valley panoramas and visit local shops and church; small museums usually open 10:00–17:00 but verify winter hours.
Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch paired with indigenous qvevri wines at Pheasant's Tears, or head to Tsinandali Estate for an historic house tour plus wine tasting; winery tours often require reservations and have set hours.
Visit Alexander Chavchavadze’s Tsinandali house and wine cellars or Kvareli wineries for cellar tours and tastings; tours typically run 10:00–18:00 — pre-book to secure a slot.
Relax in a private or public bathhouse in the historic sulfur district — baths typically operate 8:00–22:00 but private rooms should be reserved in advance, especially in winter.
Browse the Dry Bridge flea market for Soviet-era finds and local art, then walk to Freedom Square and nearby shops; markets run daytimes but stall availability can be reduced in winter.
Enjoy a special holiday dinner at a beloved Tbilisi restaurant; many places may have special menus so reserve in advance and confirm opening hours for Dec 24.
Visit the hilltop Jvari Monastery for views and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral to see the spiritual heart of Georgia; both are UNESCO sites — many sites open ~9:00–17:00, check seasonal times.
Early breakfast and scenic drive north along the Military Highway toward Kazbegi, with winter road conditions possible — use a 4x4 or experienced driver.
Walk or take a vehicle to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church for stunning views of Mt. Kazbek; the church and trail are open year-round but weather can make the route challenging — check conditions.
After breakfast head back along the Military Highway to the Gudauri ski area; winter weather and passes may affect travel times so plan an early start.
Enjoy winter sports or take the gondola for views and short hikes; cable car and lift operating hours are typically ~9:00–16:00 in winter but confirm on the day.
Lunch on the slopes or in Gudauri village with warming mountain cuisine and soups; many slope restaurants close earlier in winter so check service hours.
Return via the Military Highway with photo stops (Dariali Gorge viewpoint, Russia border vistas); winter light is dramatic but weather can restrict visibility.
Drive back to Tbilisi for a shorter transit next morning, or stay another night in the Kazbegi area if you prefer less driving the next day. Confirm lodging availability as holiday season fills fast.
Long travel day: depart Tbilisi early for Borjomi to maximize daylight for Rabati and Vardzia; roads in winter are passable but expect variable conditions and allow extra time.
Continue to Akhaltsikhe to visit the restored Rabati Fortress complex — buildings, museums and viewpoints offer a mixture of medieval and Ottoman-era architecture; many parts open ~10:00–18:00, verify seasonal hours.
Head southeast to the extraordinary cave complex of Vardzia — the drive and visit can be long; winter daylight is short so aim to arrive while sites are open and safe to explore. Check Vardzia opening times in advance.
Walk the accessible levels of the cave city and see its frescoed churches; in winter some paths may be icy and sections closed, so follow local guidance.
Visit the medieval Bagrati Cathedral (viewpoint) and Gelati Monastery (UNESCO) to experience Georgia’s medieval architecture; check museum and monastery visiting hours in winter months.
Take a guided tour through the spectacular Prometheus Cave with underground rivers and light displays — cave tours usually operate ~10:00–17:00 and are an ideal afternoon activity in winter.
Dinner in town sampling Imeretian specialties like Imeruli khachapuri and lobiani; winter evenings are cozy and restaurants are often quiet — check holiday opening times.
Stroll the long seaside promenade, see the moving 'Ali and Nino' sculpture and relax at cafés along the boulevard; outdoor walking is pleasant though coastal winds can be bracing in winter.
Take the Argo cable car for bay views and visit the Venetian-style Piazza square for coffee; cable car winter hours vary — confirm opening times and seasonal schedules.
Dine at a higher-end place with sea views or at a classic Batumi restaurant to celebrate the start of the holiday period; make reservations for holiday nights.
Slow start with breakfast and plan your New Year's Eve reservations and logistics; many attractions and restaurants have special hours for Dec 31 so confirm in advance.
Visit Gonio Fortress for coastal history or the Batumi Botanical Garden (check winter opening hours) for the best green views along the coast; the garden may close earlier in winter, so check times.
Attend a special NYE dinner and street or hotel celebration — many restaurants and hotels offer gala dinners and events, so book well ahead and confirm start/end times for festivities.
Take a final walk on the boulevard, pick up souvenirs, and prepare for onward travel or airport transfer — confirm transport availability on the holiday morning.
Check out and depart Batumi by car, train or flight depending on your onward itinerary; winter holiday transit may require pre-booked transfer/tickets.