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14-Day Winter Loop of Georgia: Tbilisi, Kakheti, Kazbegi, Svaneti, Batumi & Vardzia (Dec 1–14, 2025)

Viewed by 312 travelers

Day 1: Arrive & Explore

Tbilisi, Georgia on December 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Stamba / Rooms Hotel Café

Start with a relaxed breakfast at Stamba or Rooms Hotel café to soak up modern Georgian design and quality coffee; both are popular and open from ~8:00am. Check current opening hours before you go.
GEL35, 1h0m

10:30am

Old Town walking tour

Self-guided stroll through Avlabari, Meidan Bazaar and narrow streets to see colorful balconies and historic architecture; great orientation walk for first-time visitors.
GEL0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Gabriadze

Casual Georgian lunch near the famous Gabriadze Puppet Theatre offering traditional dishes in a cozy setting; kitchen typically open midday (11:00am–4:00pm).
GEL45, 1h0m

3:00pm

Narikala Fortress & Cable Car

Ride the cable car up to Narikala for panoramic views over Tbilisi and walk through the fortress ruins; cable car hours vary in winter (roughly 10:00am–6:00pm), so confirm on the day.
GEL3, 1h0m

5:00pm

Sulfur Bath (Abanotubani)

Relax after travel in a traditional sulfur bathhouse or a private room — a quintessential Tbilisi experience; many bathhouses operate late but check advance booking requirements.
GEL50, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Shavi Lomi

Contemporary Georgian cuisine in a warm atmosphere with creative regional dishes; popular in the evenings so reserve ahead, open until ~11:00pm.
GEL80, 1h30m

Day 2: Kakheti Day 1

Telavi / Sighnaghi, Georgia on December 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fabrika or local café

Grab a quick hearty breakfast before departure; many cafés open from 8:00am — Fabrika is central and lively.
GEL25, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Telavi (private car)

Scenic 1.5–2h drive east into Kakheti wine country with mountain and vineyard views; private driver/day hire usually recommended for wineries and comfort in December.
GEL180, 2h0m

11:30am

Tsinandali House & Museum

Historic estate of Prince Chavchavadze with a winery and museum showcasing Georgian wine culture; typically open 10:00am–5:00pm—confirm before visiting.
GEL25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch & Wine Tasting at Pheasant's Tears (Sighnaghi)

Traditional dishes and organic Qvevri wines in a Sighnaghi-based winery-restaurant; excellent introduction to Kakheti wine styles — tastings usually available daily by reservation.
GEL60, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk Sighnaghi town walls

Explore this charming 'Town of Love' with restored defensive walls and views over the Alazani Valley; open-air attraction, accessible any time though visibility is better by daylight.
GEL0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at OKRO in Sighnaghi

Comfortable dinner with a focus on regional produce and slow-cooked meats; cozy spot for a winter evening — check closing time (around 10:00pm).
GEL55, 1h30m

Day 3: Kakheti Wineries

Telavi / Sighnaghi, Georgia on December 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at your guesthouse

Slow start with a local breakfast and views of the Alazani Valley; many guesthouses serve from 8:00am–10:00am.
GEL20, 0h45m

9:30am

Wine tour: Napareuli / Tsinandali / local qvevri

Visit a couple of family wineries to see traditional qvevri winemaking and taste Saperavi and Rkatsiteli varieties; wineries usually welcome visitors by appointment — book tastings in advance.
GEL40, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at a farmhouse (guesthouse)

Home-style Kakhetian feast (khachapuri, mtsvadi) paired with local wines — experience authentic hospitality; many hosts serve midday meals by prearrangement.
GEL45, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return drive to Tbilisi

2h drive back to Tbilisi with time for a short rest before evening activities; arrive mid-afternoon to allow a relaxed evening.
GEL150, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Keto and Kote

Classic Georgian cuisine in a refined atmosphere close to Rustaveli — popular for traditional dishes with a modern touch; check reservations.
GEL70, 1h30m

Day 4: Mtskheta & To Kazbegi

Mtskheta → Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Georgia on December 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Tbilisi (hotel/café)

Fuel up with a substantial breakfast; most hotels and cafés open from 7:30–8:00am.
GEL20, 0h45m

9:00am

Stop in Mtskheta: Svetitskhoveli & Jvari

Short 30–40 minute stop to see UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery with excellent views; both sites are generally open 9:00am–6:00pm, but check seasonal hours.
GEL5, 1h30m

11:30am

Drive via Georgian Military Highway — Ananuri stop

Drive the scenic route north with a photo stop at Ananuri fortress overlooking Zhinvali Reservoir; the fortress grounds are open in daylight hours.
GEL0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch near Gudauri

Casual lunch at a mountain café with local soups and hearty fare before continuing to Stepantsminda; mountain cafés typically serve midday.
GEL35, 1h0m

4:00pm

Arrive Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) & check in

Settle into your mountain hotel with views of Mount Kazbek; winter here is cold — choose accommodation with heating and confirm heater/utility availability.
GEL0, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi or local guesthouse

Enjoy dinner with a view at the hotel restaurant or a local tavern serving mountain-style cuisine; restaurants generally open in the evening — reserve on weekends.
GEL80, 1h30m

Day 5: Gergeti & Trails

Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Georgia on December 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Hot breakfast to prepare for cold-weather hiking or 4x4 excursions; hotels usually serve from 8:00am–10:00am.
GEL25, 0h45m

9:30am

4x4 to Gergeti Trinity Church

Drive up to Gergeti Trinity (if weather/road allow) in a local 4x4 for stunning views of Mount Kazbek; 4x4 availability depends on snow and is typically arranged locally, confirm in advance.
GEL80, 1h0m

11:30am

Optional short hike or photography session

Explore the plateau around the church or take a short hike for different vantage points; hiking times depend on conditions — allow 1–2 hours.
GEL0, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch in Stepantsminda

Hearty local lunch (khinkali, stews) at a family-run café to warm up after a morning outdoors; many places open midday until early evening.
GEL40, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Gveleti Waterfall (weather permitting)

Short drive and walk to a nearby waterfall — accessible in winter but trail conditions vary, so check with local guides and dress warmly.
GEL0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner & relax at hotel

Comfortable dinner back at your hotel with local specialties and downtime to enjoy mountain views and crisp air.
GEL70, 1h30m

Day 6: Gudauri Ski or Transfer

Gudauri → Kutaisi, Georgia on December 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & checkout

Early breakfast and check-out; if you want to ski, plan a half-day at Gudauri (lifts may open mid-December—confirm season start).
GEL20, 0h45m

9:00am

Optional: Morning ski / snow activities in Gudauri

Ski or book a snowmobile/paragliding session (paragliding seasonal) — lift operations vary, so check current status and book equipment or guides in advance.
GEL120, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gudauri mountain café

Quick hearty lunch before starting the long drive west to Kutaisi; mountain cafés typically serve soups and grilled items.
GEL35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Kutaisi (long day across country)

Approximately 5–6 hour drive to Kutaisi; consider stopping en route for coffee and photos. This is a long transfer—private transfer recommended for comfort.
GEL240, 5h0m

8:30pm

Dinner in Kutaisi

Dinner at a local restaurant near the old town to sample Imeretian specialties; many restaurants open until ~10:00pm.
GEL60, 1h30m

Day 7: Kutaisi & Caves

Kutaisi / Prometheus Cave, Georgia on December 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Get a good breakfast before a day of sightseeing in and around Kutaisi; hotel breakfasts usually start early.
GEL20, 0h45m

9:30am

Bagrati Cathedral & Gelati Monastery

Visit UNESCO-era monuments: Bagrati Cathedral (view) and Gelati Monastery (important medieval complex); Gelati typically open 10:00am–5:00pm—confirm opening times.
GEL10, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Kutaisi market area

Sample local street foods and Imeretian khachapuri at the market — fresh and affordable, usually served midday.
GEL25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Prometheus Cave (Kumistavi)

Explore dramatic cave formations on a guided walk and boat ride inside the cave; Prometheus is generally open 10:00am–6:00pm in winter but check hours and tour availability.
GEL30, 1h30m

5:00pm

Martvili Canyon (if open/seasonal)

Short visit to scenic canyon and boat ride — many canyon activities are seasonal and may be limited in December, so verify opening and conditions before planning.
GEL25, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at a Kutaisi restaurant

Comfortable evening meal sampling regional dishes and winding down after a full day of sightseeing.
GEL60, 1h30m

Day 8: To Svaneti

Zugdidi → Mestia (Svaneti), Georgia on December 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & early checkout

Early start — breakfast and pack for a long scenic drive north towards Zugdidi and onward to Mestia; services may be limited en route in winter.
GEL20, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Zugdidi with a stop (approx 2h)

Head north to Zugdidi; consider a quick stop at Dadiani Palace museum (check opening hours).
GEL0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch in Zugdidi or at roadside

Simple lunch before the longer mountain drive to Mestia; options in town or café stops along the highway.
GEL30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive Zugdidi→Mestia (approx 3.5–4h)

Mountain roads to Mestia offer dramatic scenery; winter road conditions can be challenging so use an experienced driver and check real-time conditions.
GEL200, 4h0m

6:30pm

Check in & dinner in Mestia

Settle into your guesthouse; enjoy a Svaneti-style dinner, often featuring hearty soups and local cheeses — many guesthouses serve dinner by arrangement.
GEL60, 1h30m

Day 9: Mestia & Ushguli

Mestia / Ushguli, Georgia on December 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Warm breakfast to prepare for a day of high-altitude sightseeing; guesthouses often begin service early for excursions.
GEL20, 0h45m

9:00am

Svaneti Museum & Tower walk

Visit the Svaneti Museum in Mestia to learn about local history and then walk to nearby medieval Svan towers — museum usually open 10:00am–6:00pm; check local hours.
GEL10, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Mestia

Hearty mid-day meal — many local eateries serve warming stews and khinkali which are perfect for winter days.
GEL35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Excursion to Ushguli (seasonal/4x4)

Full afternoon trip to UNESCO-listed Ushguli (one of Europe's highest permanently inhabited villages) — road access in December can be restricted and requires a 4x4 and experienced driver, so confirm availability beforehand.
GEL160, 4h0m

8:00pm

Dinner & local storytelling

Return to Mestia and enjoy a relaxed dinner; ask your host about local traditions and Svan songs to round out the cultural experience.
GEL60, 1h30m

Day 10: Zugdidi to Batumi

Zugdidi → Batumi, Georgia on December 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & checkout

Early breakfast and prepare for the journey from the highlands down to the Black Sea; pack layers for warmer coastal weather.
GEL20, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive back to Zugdidi then to Batumi (total ~5h)

Return to Zugdidi and then drive southwest to Batumi along varied landscapes; long transfer but scenic descent to the subtropical coast.
GEL220, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch in Batumi (Boulevard area)

Enjoy fresh seafood or local Adjarian dishes on the seaside boulevard; many restaurants are open midday and through the afternoon.
GEL50, 1h0m

3:00pm

Batumi Botanical Garden

Explore the extensive subtropical botanical garden with panoramic views over the Black Sea; gardens usually open 9:00am–5:00pm but check seasonal hours and path conditions in winter.
GEL10, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner on Batumi Boulevard

Dinner at a seaside restaurant — sample Adjarian khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) with coastal flair; evening promenades are pleasant if weather permits.
GEL70, 1h30m

Day 11: Batumi Sightseeing

Batumi, Georgia on December 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Piazza or local café

Relaxed breakfast in Batumi's central Piazza or a café on the boulevard; many cafés open by 8:30–9:00am.
GEL25, 0h45m

10:30am

Batumi Boulevard & Ali and Nino Statue

Stroll the seaside boulevard, visit the moving Ali and Nino statue and see the modern architecture along the coast; outdoor attraction accessible all day though windy days are common.
GEL0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at a seafood restaurant

Enjoy local Black Sea fish specialities and Adjarian dishes in a popular local spot near the port.
GEL60, 1h0m

3:00pm

Gonio Fortress visit

Short trip to the ancient Roman-era Gonio fortress south of Batumi — usually open 10:00am–6:00pm, check winter hours and site accessibility.
GEL10, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Retro or local wine bar

Dinner in a stylish local restaurant or wine bar showcasing Georgian wines and Adjara-inspired cuisine; book a table for popular spots.
GEL75, 1h30m

Day 12: Akhaltsikhe & Vardzia

Akhaltsikhe → Vardzia, Georgia on December 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & checkout

Breakfast and prepare for a long but fascinating drive southeast toward the historical cave city of Vardzia; expect changing road conditions, so allow extra time.
GEL20, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Akhaltsikhe (approx 3–4h)

Drive inland through varied landscapes to Akhaltsikhe; consider a short stretch stop to stretch and get refreshments.
GEL180, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Akhaltsikhe / Rabati area

Eat near Rabati Castle — a restored complex with cafes and museums; Rabati is typically open 10:00am–7:00pm but check seasonal hours.
GEL40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Rabati Castle

Walk through the restored fortress complex with its museums and overlooks; verify opening times in winter.
GEL15, 1h0m

4:30pm

Short drive to Vardzia area & check in

Settle into accommodation near the Vardzia complex — caves are best seen in daylight so arrive with time to visit the next morning if dusk arrives early.
GEL0, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at local guesthouse

Home-cooked dinner near Vardzia with mountain flavors; many guesthouses will serve evening meals by arrangement.
GEL50, 1h30m

Day 13: Vardzia & Borjomi

Vardzia → Borjomi, Georgia on December 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast & Vardzia visit

Explore the cave monastery complex of Vardzia with its rock-cut churches and tunnels; open times generally 9:00am–5:00pm but confirm in winter and be prepared for chilly conditions in caves.
GEL20, 2h0m

11:30am

Drive to Borjomi (approx 1.5–2h)

Short scenic drive north to the spa town of Borjomi known for its mineral springs and forests.
GEL80, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch in Borjomi

Lunch near the central park sampling local cuisine; many restaurants open through the afternoon.
GEL35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Borjomi Central Park & Mineral Water

Stroll Borjomi Park, taste the famous mineral water at the spring pavilion and consider the cable car for views (check seasonal operation hours).
GEL10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner & spa/relaxation

Relax at a spa hotel or thermal facility in Borjomi and enjoy a leisurely dinner — ideal way to unwind before returning to Tbilisi.
GEL80, 1h30m

Day 14: Return & Departure

Tbilisi, Georgia on December 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & checkout

Final breakfast in Borjomi and prepare for the return drive to Tbilisi; check-out times are typically mid-morning.
GEL20, 0h45m

9:30am

Drive to Tbilisi (approx 2h)

Return to Tbilisi with time for last-minute shopping or a museum visit depending on flight time; traffic can vary so allow extra time for the airport.
GEL100, 2h0m

12:00pm

Quick lunch in Tbilisi (Rustaveli area)

Light lunch and last tastes of Georgian cuisine near central Tbilisi — convenient if you have an afternoon flight.
GEL40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Last-minute shopping or National Museum visit

If time permits visit the Georgian National Museum or browse local craft shops for souvenirs; museum hours commonly 10:00am–6:00pm, check before visiting.
GEL15, 1h30m

4:30pm

Transfer to Tbilisi International Airport

Private transfer to the airport — arrive at least 2 hours before international departures; confirm traffic and airline check-in times.
GEL30, 0h30m
0
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