Arrive at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) — clear immigration and collect luggage; take a pre-booked airport transfer or Bolt taxi to the old town (approx. 20-30 minutes).
Check in or drop bags at your hotel in Old Tbilisi (suggested: Rooms Hotel Tbilisi or Stamba Hotel if available); freshen up and grab a quick espresso.
Stroll through Freedom Square towards Rustaveli Avenue to get your first feel for the city’s architecture and vibe, passing the Parliament and National Gallery.
Explore the Narikala Fortress viewpoint — take the cable car from Rike Park for panoramic views of the city and the Kura (Mtkvari) River; enjoy photo stops and a short walk around the ramparts.
Descend into the Sulphur Bath district (Abanotubani) and wander the labyrinthine streets; admire the domed bathhouses and local handicraft shops.
Lunch at Samikitno or Café Gabriadze — try khachapuri, khinkali, and a seasonal salad; relax and soak up the old-town atmosphere.
Visit the Gabriadze Puppet Theatre and clock tower — enjoy the whimsical architecture and, if timing allows, watch the short clock show for a charming local moment.
Walk across the Bridge of Peace and continue to Rike Park for a riverside stroll; consider a brief stop at the modern Tbilisi Concert Hall / Exhibition spaces.
Coffee break at Prospero's Books & Café (or Café Leila) — browse books and try a piece of Georgian cake or svetlina (light snack) while planning the afternoon.
Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) — short taxi ride to admire its scale, mosaics and city views from the cathedral hill.
Return to Old Town for a leisurely walk down Erekle II and Shavteli streets to see wine bars, boutiques and galleries; stop at a local wine shop such as Vino Underground for tasting suggestions.
Rest at your hotel to unpack and refresh; if jet-lagged, take a short nap or enjoy the hotel bar/lounge (Rooms Hotel bar recommended for ambiance).
Dinner at Shavi Lomi or Barbarestan — sample modern Georgian dishes and regional specialties; ask for recommended local wines by the sommelier.
Evening walk along the lit-up old town and the riverfront — soak in views of Narikala and Sameba; stop for a digestif at 9 Mta or a cozy wine bar like 8000 Vintages.
Optional: enjoy live Georgian folk music or a small concert — check listings for events at Fabrika or local venues; otherwise return to the hotel to relax.
Wind down at your hotel — prepare for an early start tomorrow to explore Tbilisi’s deeper heritage sites and begin the journey to Mtskheta and Kakheti the next day.
Breakfast at your hotel or nearby Café Leila — enjoy strong Georgian coffee, fresh pastries, and a cheese-filled khachapuri to fuel a full day of sightseeing.
Walk to Metekhi Church and the surrounding viewpoint — take in early-morning views of the old city and the Kura River while learning about this medieval riverside site.
Cross the Bridge of Peace and head toward the Rike Park cable car — ride up to Narikala Fortress for a closer exploration of the ramparts and sweeping city panoramas.
Stroll through the Narikala grounds and descend to the botanical garden path — explore the quiet terraces and enjoy the autumn foliage that October brings.
Visit the Anchiskhati Basilica and wander the narrow lanes of Old Town — appreciate early Georgian church architecture and pop into local souvenir shops for handicrafts.
Lunch at Café Gabriadze or Restaurant Shavi Lomi for traditional dishes — order khinkali (x6 to share), mtsvadi (grilled meat), and a glass of dry Georgian wine recommended by the waiter.
Tour the Georgian National Museum on Rustaveli Avenue — focus on the archaeological and medieval collections to understand Georgia’s layered history.
Coffee break at Prospero’s Books & Café or Rooms Hotel lobby — relax with a pastry and plan the afternoon while flipping through local guidebooks.
Visit the iconic Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) — take a short taxi up to Sameba, walk the interior and climb nearby viewpoints for a skyline perspective.
Head to the Fabrika area — explore the repurposed Soviet fabric factory’s street art, boutique shops, and artisan studios; stop for a craft beer or natural wine at a courtyard bar.
Join a 60-90 minute guided walking tour focused on Tbilisi’s culinary scene (book in advance) — sample local cheeses, churchkhela (nut sweets), and short wine tastings at Vino Underground.
Return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner — take a brief rest or enjoy the hotel lounge (Rooms Hotel bar recommended for atmosphere).
Dinner at Barbarestan or Azarphesha — reserve ahead to try refined, home-style Georgian specialties and a curated list of regional wines; ask the sommelier for Kakheti recommendations.
After-dinner digestif at 9 Mta or 8000 Vintages — sample chacha (Georgian pomace brandy) or a glass of amber wine while absorbing the evening ambiance.
Leisurely evening walk along the illuminated Mtkvari River and through Shavteli Street — enjoy the night views of Narikala and Sameba before returning to your hotel.
Return to hotel and reflect on the day’s discoveries — prepare your bags and notes for tomorrow’s day trip to Mtskheta and the Kakheti wine region.
Early breakfast at your Tbilisi hotel (Rooms Hotel or local cafe) with strong Georgian coffee and a cheese khachapuri to fuel a full day; meet your driver or join the pre-booked small-group tour for the Mtskheta-Kakheti loop.
Drive north-east to UNESCO-listed Mtskheta (approx. 30-40 minutes) while your guide gives an overview of Georgia’s Christian heritage and regional highlights.
Visit Jvari Monastery perched above the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers; walk the terrace for sweeping views and learn the story of Christianity’s arrival in Georgia.
Descend into Mtskheta town and tour Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, exploring the 11th-century interior, relic legends, and the atmospheric churchyard with your guide.
Stroll through Mtskheta’s pedestrian lanes, pop into a local bakery for fresh pastries or churchkhela, and browse stalls selling religious icons and handicrafts.
Drive toward Kakheti wine region (Sighnaghi area or a chosen winery near Telavi), enjoying autumnal countryside scenery — journey time ~1.5-2 hours depending on stops.
Arrive at a selected estate such as Pheasant’s Tears (near Sighnaghi) or Schuchmann Wines Chateau in Kvareli; begin with a cellar tour to learn about qvevri (clay amphora) winemaking traditions.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the winery restaurant (Pheasant’s Tears or Schuchmann) featuring regional dishes — try mtsvadi, lobio (bean stew) and fresh salads paired with local wines.
Guided tasting of several Georgian wines including amber and qvevri varieties; the sommelier will explain grape varieties like Saperavi and Rkatsiteli and traditional fermentation methods.
Short scenic drive to Sighnaghi, the 'City of Love' — wander the charming ramparts, cobbled streets and galleries, and enjoy panoramic views across the Alazani Valley toward the Caucasus.
Coffee or dessert stop at Pheasant’s Tears cafe or a Sighnaghi patisserie — savor churchkhela or a slice of local cake while watching sunset light on the vineyards.
Begin the return drive to Tbilisi (approx. 1.5-2 hours), with optional short photo stops; relax in the car and review your favorite tastings from the afternoon.
Arrive back in Tbilisi and return to your hotel to freshen up; if you purchased bottles at the winery, drop them at reception for collection later or in-room storage.
Dinner reservation in Tbilisi at Shavi Lomi or Barbarestan to continue exploring regional cuisine — order small plates to complement the wines you tasted earlier in Kakheti.
Optional evening: visit 8000 Vintages or Vino Underground for a nightcap and to sample any Georgian varietals you missed during the day; otherwise return to the hotel to rest.
Back at the hotel: log tasting notes, organize any winery purchases, and prepare for tomorrow’s scenic drive to Kazbegi — set alarms for an early departure.
Early wake-up and quick breakfast at your Tbilisi hotel (Rooms Hotel or Stamba) — grab a strong Georgian coffee, a cheese khachapuri to go, and confirm your driver/transfer for the Kazbegi route.
Depart Tbilisi with a private driver or small-group minivan; take the Georgian Military Highway north toward Stepantsminda, enjoying early-morning light on the hills as your guide points out historical landmarks.
Stop at Ananuri Fortress complex — stretch your legs while touring the 17th-century churches and ramparts on the Aragvi River, and take photos of the lakeside views.
Continue the scenic drive through Jinvali Reservoir with commentary from your driver about Kakheti and Kazbegi geography; brief photo stop at the reservoir viewpoint for crisp mountain reflections.
Arrive at the Jvari Pass viewpoint area (near the Russia-Georgia border stretches) — pause to admire panoramic views of the Greater Caucasus and the highland villages below, feeling the altitude change.
Reach Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) and check into your guesthouse or hotel (recommended: Rooms Hotel Kazbegi or Hotel Stepantsminda) and drop bags; freshen up briefly before exploring the valley.
Lunch at a local restaurant with mountain views such as Café Zgvarze or Restaurant Rooms Hotel Kazbegi — order khinkali, grilled trout or local stews, and try a glass of local white wine or mineral water.
Begin the walk or jeep transfer to Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba) — if you’re fit, take the 60-90 minute uphill hike for closer views; otherwise hire a 4x4 for the 15-20 minute climb to the church.
Arrive at Gergeti Trinity Church — explore the 14th-century stone church, soak in the iconic view of Mount Kazbek behind the church, and take photos; your guide will share legends about the site.
Descend to Stepantsminda village and enjoy a relaxing coffee or herbal tea at a local café such as Coffee & More while browsing handicrafts and local wool items.
Optional short hike to nearby viewpoints or waterfall trails (e.g., Gveleti Waterfall) — take a 30-60 minute stroll into the subalpine scenery to experience the mountain air and autumn colors.
Return to your hotel to rest and change; enjoy panoramic views from your room or the hotel terrace as dusk settles and mountain shadows lengthen over Kazbek.
Dinner at your hotel restaurant or a recommended local spot such as Black Lion Restaurant — taste highland specialties like kharcho (hearty beef stew), local cheeses, and a dessert of churchkhela.
Evening at leisure: enjoy a digestif in the hotel lounge, chat with fellow travelers about the day’s highlights, or take a short starlit walk near the guesthouse to appreciate the quiet mountain night.
Prepare for tomorrow’s return to Tbilisi — pack any purchases, set an early alarm if you plan to stop again en route, and confirm your pickup time with reception or your driver.
Early wake-up in Stepantsminda; enjoy a light breakfast at your hotel or guesthouse (Rooms Hotel Kazbegi or local café) with Georgian coffee and a cheese khachapuri before checkout.
Check out and meet your driver for the scenic return drive to Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Highway, retracing the route past Jinvali Reservoir and Ananuri Fortress.
Quick photo stop and short stretch at Ananuri Fortress — take in the lakeside views and stretch your legs while your driver prepares for the remainder of the journey.
Continue the drive toward Tbilisi; enjoy the mountain-to-city transition and discuss any last-minute souvenir ideas with your driver or guide.
Arrive in Tbilisi and check in or drop bags at your city hotel (Rooms Hotel Tbilisi, Stamba, or a centrally located guesthouse); freshen up and confirm airport transfer time with reception.
Lunch in Old Town at Café Gabriadze or Shavi Lomi — choose lighter dishes if you have a long evening flight, such as a seasonal salad, grilled vegetables, and a small plate of khinkali.
Stroll along Rustaveli Avenue or the Bridge of Peace for one last walking tour of key sights; pop into Vino Underground or 8000 Vintages if you want to purchase a final bottle of Georgian wine for the journey home.
Return to the hotel to pack, collect belongings and request express checkout if needed; store any wine purchases with reception to be collected later for the airport transfer.
Light afternoon coffee or tea at Prospero's Books & Café or Rooms Hotel lobby while you relax and review travel documents; confirm your airport transfer time (aim to depart for TBS 3 hours before international departure).
Check out and meet your pre-booked airport transfer or Bolt taxi at the hotel lobby; allow 30-60 minutes to reach Tbilisi International Airport depending on traffic.
Arrive at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), complete check-in and security formalities; if time allows, browse the duty-free for last-minute souvenirs like Georgian honey or churchkhela.
Have a light pre-flight meal or snack at one of the airport cafés — choose non-heavy options and a bottle of water to stay hydrated for the long flight to Trivandrum.
Boarding begins for your international flight; ensure passports, boarding passes and any required transit documents are ready, and settle into your seat for departure.
Depart Tbilisi for your flight to Trivandrum (connect as scheduled) — relax, review photos and tasting notes from Kakheti, and plan a quick in-flight review of souvenirs and wine transport arrangements.
Arrival in Trivandrum: clear immigration and customs, collect luggage and any wine purchases. Arrange onward transfer home and rest after a rich five-day exploration of Georgia.