Since you arrive today and it's already late morning, ease into Tbilisi with a relaxed stroll through the leafy Vake Park followed by a coffee at a nearby café on Chavchavadze Avenue to acclimatize and watch local life. Then head to the National Botanical Garden for a gentle walk among winter pines and terraces, with great viewpoints back toward Old Tbilisi—perfect for light sightseeing without overpacking your first day.
After a restful morning, take a short taxi to Old Tbilisi and wander the charming streets of the Sulfur Baths district, popping into a historic bathhouse courtyard for photos and atmosphere, then continue to the ornate Sioni Cathedral and the nearby Anchiskhati Basilica to glimpse Georgia’s religious art. Finish with a wintry cable-car ride up to the Narikala Fortress ruins for panoramic views over the city at golden-hour, then descend to enjoy a warming khinkali dinner at a nearby family-run restaurant in the Old Town.
As twilight deepens, stroll along Rustaveli Avenue toward the illuminated Parliament and stop for aperitifs and small plates at the cozy Barbarestan Bistro to taste refined Georgian classics in a historic setting. After dinner, take a short walk to the Rike Park pedestrian bridge and enjoy the city lights reflected on the Kura River, then warm up with a glass of Georgian chacha or local red wine at a nearby wine bar before calling it a night.
Begin your day with a hearty Georgian breakfast at the bustling Dry Bridge Market area, then cross to the Metekhi Church overlooking the Mtkvari River for morning light and views of the cityscape. Continue to the nearby Open Air Museum of Ethnography to wander traditional houses from across Georgia and finish the morning with a guided tasting at a specialist wine shop in the Vera neighborhood to sample lesser-known regional wines and learn about qvevri traditions.
After a morning of museums and wine, take a short taxi to the lively Meidan Bazaar area and stroll through the colorful Fabrika creative hub to browse local design shops and warm up with specialty coffee. Continue to the nearby Dry Bridge flea-market (if you missed earlier) or, alternatively, cross to the Sololaki neighborhood to admire elegant 19th-century facades, then stop for a late lunch of chakapuli or shkmeruli at a popular Sololaki tavern before taking a relaxed walk up to the tranquil Mtatsminda Pantheon viewpoint for sweeping winter light over Tbilisi.
As dusk falls, head to the contemporary tasting menu at Shavi Lomi for a creative twist on Georgian flavors, then walk down to the atmospheric Liberty Square area to catch street performers and the glow of historic facades. Finish the night with live jazz and a glass of Saperavi at Jazz Cafe Singer near the grand puppet theatre, soaking in a warm, local evening before returning to your hotel.
Leave Tbilisi after an early breakfast and head north along the Georgian Military Highway, stopping at the Soviet-era Gudauri viewpoint for breath-taking winter panoramas and a quick hot tea; continue to the Ananuri fortress complex to explore its riverside towers and chapel before the crowds arrive. Press on toward Stepantsminda with a scenic photo stop at the Jvari (Cross) pass overlook, then arrive in the village to settle into your guesthouse and take a short acclimatizing walk to the Chapel of St. Nino for your first close-up views of Mount Kazbek framed by frosted pines.
After settling into your guesthouse, take a short drive to the Gveleti Waterfall trail for a brisk, snowy walk to the cascade and the nearby old stone bridge—stop at a rustic hilltop café en route for hot soup and local chacha to warm up. Later, visit the small ethnographic museum in Stepantsminda to learn about highland life, then finish the afternoon with panoramic views from the village viewpoint opposite Mount Kazbek as the light softens, followed by a cozy dinner of lamb stew at a family-run tavern.
After your hearty highland dinner, wander down to the River Terek promenade for a peaceful, snowy riverside stroll and watch the village lights twinkle beneath Mount Kazbek. Then warm up at Café Laila with their spiced mulled tea and honey cakes while sharing stories with locals, or head to the Panorama Lounge at your guesthouse for a nightcap and star-filled views of the massif before turning in.
Start with a hearty mountain breakfast at your Stepantsminda guesthouse, then take a guided snowshoe walk up to the Gergeti Glacier viewpoint for close-up winter views of Mount Kazbek and the glacial cirques; your guide will share local highland stories and point out traditional shepherd routes. After descending, visit a nearby family-run cheese-maker to sample fresh sulguni and watch a short demonstration, then pick up a warming takeaway soup before boarding the mid-morning drive back along the Georgian Military Highway toward Tbilisi, pausing at a riverside café in Pasanauri for a final taste of mountain hospitality.
Spend the afternoon driving down the Military Highway with a stop at the dramatic Sno Gorge for a short, snow-dusted hike to the frozen river and the iconic stone bridge, followed by a warming lunch of khinkali and chakapuli at a roadside guesthouse in Sno village. Continue toward Pasanauri to visit a traditional bakery where locals bake fresh mchadi and lobiani in a wood-fired oven, then relax with tea before resuming the scenic drive back to Tbilisi, arriving in time for an early evening stroll along Rustaveli Avenue.
After the afternoon drive back toward Tbilisi, pause in the mountain town of Zhinvali to visit the serene reservoir viewpoint and stretch with a short walk along the dam before continuing south. Arrive in Tbilisi in the early evening and unwind with a restorative dinner at Tabla, where you can sample refined regional dishes and a tasting flight of Kakheti and Racha wines, followed by a relaxed riverside stroll near the Bridge of Peace to reflect on your highland day.
After a scenic morning drive from Tbilisi, arrive in Batumi and begin with a brisk walk along the Batumi Boulevard promenades, pausing to admire the Ali and Nino statue and the artful alphabet tower. Continue to the Batumi Botanical Garden for a short winter stroll through sheltered Mediterranean terraces and head down to the Gambashidze Park café for warming local tea and Adjara-style cheese pastries before checking into your seaside hotel.
After checking in, head to Piazza Square to soak up the lively café culture and listen to live musicians while sampling Adjarian ajapsandali at a trattoria-style terrace; from there take a short taxi to the Batumi Archaeological Museum to explore ancient Colchian finds and contextualize your coastal visit. Finish the afternoon with a ride on the seaside Ferris wheel at Batumi Boulevard for panoramic views over the Black Sea and the city skyline as the light begins to soften.
As night falls, head to the Boulevard’s seaside amphitheater for a lively outdoor performance or seasonal light show, then wander toward Europe Square to admire the illuminated Medea statue and Art Nouveau façades. Finish with dinner at a waterfront seafood restaurant like 7th Heaven Fish & Grill, sampling freshly caught Black Sea fish and Adjara-style sauces, followed by a slow stroll along the moonlit pier with a warming cup of street-market tkemali or spiced tea.
Wake early for a peaceful stroll through the charming Old Boulevard neighborhood to enjoy morning light on the mosaic-clad Batumi Drama Theatre and pop into a nearby patisserie for fresh Imeretian cheese-filled buns and strong Georgian coffee. Continue with a visit to the Batumi Dolphinarium promenade to watch the calm Black Sea and, time permitting, a quick stop at the Alphabetic Tower observation level for one last elevated view of the coast before returning to your hotel to collect luggage and head to the airport or train station.
After checking out, explore the lively Green Cape (Mtsvane Kontskhi) park trails for sheltered coastal views and a visit to the small fort ruins, then stop at the nearby Café Piano for a warming cup of local walnut coffee and baklava. Continue to the Batumi City Museum to pick up a quick primer on regional history and maritime trade, finish with a relaxed lunch of Adjarian khachapuri at a waterfront eatery near the port before making your way to the station or airport for departure.
Spend your final evening sampling Batumi’s contemporary culinary scene with a seafood tasting menu at Uti's Wine, paired with local Ajara vintages, then wander the nearby Miracle Park to see the moving fountains and futuristic sculptures lit up against the Black Sea. Finish with a nightcap at the rooftop bar of the Hilton Batumi or a cozy drink at the nearby Kulevcha Wine Bar, taking in the glittering skyline before heading to the station or airport for departure.