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One-Week Georgia Itinerary from Tbilisi to Batumi

Day 1 · Fri, May 14
Tbilisi

Arrive in Tbilisi

  1. Rike Park — Old Tbilisi; ease into the city with a gentle riverside walk after arrival, ~30–45 minutes.
  2. Bridge of Peace — Old Tbilisi; cross the Kura River for views of the historic center, ~20 minutes.
  3. Abanotubani — Old Tbilisi; see the distinctive domed sulfur-bath district, ~45 minutes; book a private bath ahead if you want a soak.
  4. Café Leila — Old Tbilisi; enjoy Georgian and vegetarian-friendly dishes in a distinctive historic setting, dinner ~1 hour, approximately 30–55 GEL per person.

After arrival

If you’re coming from the airport, allow roughly 25–40 minutes by taxi to Rike Park, depending on traffic; agree the fare beforehand or use an app. Take an easy 30–45-minute riverside stroll here to shake off the journey, then cross the Bridge of Peace for about 20 minutes of views over the Kura River and the old town. Both are outdoor stops, so you can keep this part flexible if your arrival runs late.

Late afternoon

Walk on to Abanotubani, the old sulfur-bath district, and spend around 45 minutes admiring its domed bathhouse roofs and narrow lanes. If you’d like a soak rather than just a look around, book a private bath ahead—availability and prices vary by bathhouse, and walk-in space isn’t guaranteed. The walk from the bridge takes roughly 10–15 minutes; cobbled, sloping streets make comfortable shoes worthwhile.

Dinner

Finish at Café Leila, a distinctive old-town dining room with Georgian and vegetarian-friendly choices. It’s about a 10–15-minute walk from Abanotubani; allow an hour for dinner and budget around 30–55 GEL per person. Check current hours before setting out, especially if your arrival is late, and keep the evening unhurried—this is a good first taste of Tbilisi without trying to fit in the whole city.

Day 2 · Sat, May 15
Tbilisi

Explore Tbilisi

  1. Dry Bridge Market — Chughureti; browse antiques, art, and local curiosities, morning ~1–1.5 hours (the selection is usually liveliest on weekends).
  2. Georgian National Museum — Rustaveli Avenue; explore Georgian history and archaeology, ~1.5–2 hours; check current exhibits and opening arrangements before visiting.
  3. Barbarestan — Chughureti; try Georgian recipes inspired by a 19th-century cookbook, lunch ~1.5 hours, approximately 70–120 GEL per person; reserve ahead.
  4. Narikala Fortress — Old Tbilisi; take in broad views over the city, late afternoon ~1 hour; check access conditions before setting out.
  5. Shavi Lomi — Chughureti; finish with creative Georgian cooking in a relaxed, home-like restaurant, dinner ~1.5 hours, approximately 60–100 GEL per person; booking recommended.

Morning

Start at Dry Bridge Market in Chughureti around 9:30–10:00, while the weekend stalls are lively and you have time to browse paintings, antiques and small curiosities. Allow 1–1.5 hours; prices are often negotiable, so ask politely and compare a few stalls before buying. From here, take a taxi or walk about 20–25 minutes to the Georgian National Museum on Rustaveli Avenue.

Late morning and lunch

Spend around 1.5–2 hours at the Georgian National Museum, focusing on the history and archaeology galleries that interest you most. It is generally open on Saturdays, but check current hours, exhibitions and any ticket or entry arrangements before setting out. Then take a taxi or walk roughly 15–20 minutes to Barbarestan in Chughureti for a relaxed lunch of Georgian dishes inspired by a 19th-century cookbook. Budget about 70–120 GEL per person and reserve ahead.

Afternoon and evening

After lunch, allow around 20–30 minutes by taxi to Narikala Fortress in Old Tbilisi; walking uphill takes longer, so wear comfortable shoes and check access conditions before you go. Give yourself about an hour for the views and a wander around the fortress. Finish with dinner at Shavi Lomi, back in Chughureti—a taxi is the easiest way to make the cross-town trip. Its creative Georgian cooking and home-like setting make a good end to the day; budget around 60–100 GEL per person and book ahead.

Day 3 · Sun, May 16
Stepantsminda

Mtskheta and the Georgian Military Highway

Getting there from Tbilisi
Private car with driver via the Georgian Military Highway (about 7–9 hours including stops; roughly 300–500 GEL per vehicle). Best for the planned stops in Mtskheta, Ananuri, and Gudauri. Leave early morning; confirm the stops and price with the driver in advance.
Direct marshrutka from Didube station (about 3–4 hours; roughly 20–30 GEL per person). Practical if you skip the sightseeing stops; check departure times locally.
  1. Jvari Monastery — Mtskheta; visit the hilltop church for sweeping views over the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, morning ~45 minutes.
  2. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral — Mtskheta; explore one of Georgia’s most important historic churches, ~1 hour; dress modestly and check any visitor or service restrictions.
  3. Ananuri Fortress — Aragvi valley; see the fortress and church beside the Zhinvali Reservoir, ~1 hour.
  4. Gudauri Friendship Monument — Gudauri; pause for mountain and valley views, ~30–45 minutes, weather permitting.
  5. Rooms Hotel Kazbegi — Stepantsminda; take in the landmark mountain setting from the hotel’s public areas, ~45 minutes; access may depend on hotel policies.
  6. A local Georgian restaurant in Stepantsminda — Town center; try regional dishes such as khinkali after the drive, dinner ~1 hour, approximately 30–60 GEL per person.

Morning

Set off early with your driver so the Mtskheta visits fit before the longer mountain-road stretches; the full day can take 7–9 hours including stops, and traffic or weather may add time. At Jvari Monastery, allow about 45 minutes for the hilltop church and its wide view over the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Continue to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral for roughly an hour. It is an active place of worship, so dress modestly and be prepared for restricted visitor access during Sunday services.

Afternoon

Continue north to Ananuri Fortress, beside the Zhinvali Reservoir, and allow about an hour to explore the church and fortress grounds. Then stop at the Gudauri Friendship Monument for 30–45 minutes of mountain views, weather permitting; wind and cloud can change conditions quickly, so keep a warm layer handy. These are roadside sightseeing stops rather than long hikes, but the winding route makes the day feel full.

Evening

In Stepantsminda, spend around 45 minutes at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi to take in its dramatic mountain setting. Use the public areas only if hotel policy allows visitor access, and check with staff on arrival rather than assuming entry. For dinner, try Kazbegi Good Food in the town center for khinkali and other Georgian comfort dishes; budget about 30–60 GEL per person and allow an hour. You’ll appreciate a relaxed meal after the long drive.

Day 4 · Mon, May 17
Kutaisi

Travel to Kutaisi

Getting there from Stepantsminda
Private car with driver, generally via Tbilisi (about 6–8 hours; roughly 500–800 GEL per vehicle). Leave in the morning and allow for breaks and road conditions; arrange the transfer locally or through your accommodation.
  1. Stepantsminda–Kutaisi road journey — Allow roughly 6–8 hours by car, plus breaks; leave in the morning and confirm the route and road conditions, as travel via the Tbilisi area can be tiring.
  2. White Bridge — Kutaisi center; stretch your legs with a short walk over the Rioni, ~20–30 minutes.
  3. Colchis Fountain — Central Kutaisi; see the prominent fountain and its golden replicas, ~20 minutes.
  4. Palaty — Kutaisi center; settle in for Georgian dishes and a relaxed dinner, ~1–1.5 hours, approximately 35–70 GEL per person.

Morning and arrival

Leave Stepantsminda in the morning as planned; after the long drive and breaks, expect to reach Kutaisi later in the day. Keep the evening light, and ask your driver or accommodation to confirm road conditions and a convenient drop-off point in the center.

Late afternoon and dinner

Once you’ve checked in, walk to White Bridge for a 20–30-minute leg stretch and a look over the Rioni. Continue through central Kutaisi to Colchis Fountain—allow about 20 minutes to see its striking golden replicas. Finish at Palaty for Georgian dishes and an unhurried dinner; budget roughly 35–70 GEL per person. Restaurant hours can change, so check before setting out, especially after a long travel day.

Day 5 · Tue, May 18
Batumi

Kutaisi to Batumi

Getting there from Kutaisi
Marshrutka or minibus from Kutaisi to Batumi (about 2.5–3 hours; roughly 20–30 GEL per person). Depart after your morning visits; check departures and buy tickets at the Kutaisi bus station, as schedules may change.
Georgian Railway via Rioni station (around 2 hours on the train, plus transfers to and from the station; roughly 15–30 GEL). Check the timetable and tickets on Georgian Railway’s website or tkt.ge; service may be limited.
  1. Bagrati Cathedral — Ukimerioni Hill, Kutaisi; visit the city’s hilltop landmark and enjoy the views, morning ~1 hour.
  2. Kutaisi Green Bazaar — Central Kutaisi; browse produce, spices, and local specialties, ~45–60 minutes.
  3. Kutaisi–Batumi transfer — Allow roughly 2–3 hours by car, or more for station access, waiting, and onward transfers by train; check schedules and allow time for arrival check-in.
  4. Piazza Square — Batumi Old Town; explore the lively square and its architecture, late afternoon ~45 minutes.
  5. A Georgian restaurant near Piazza Square — Batumi Old Town; choose a well-reviewed nearby restaurant for dinner, ~1–1.5 hours, approximately 35–70 GEL per person.

Morning

After breakfast, take a taxi up to Bagrati Cathedral on Ukimerioni Hill. Give yourself about an hour to look around the cathedral and take in the wide views over Kutaisi; entry is generally free, though donations are welcome. Then head back down to Kutaisi Green Bazaar for 45–60 minutes among the spice stalls and seasonal produce. It’s a good place to pick up churchkhela or a small snack for the road; bring cash, and ask before photographing vendors.

Early afternoon

Allow a generous window for the Kutaisi–Batumi transfer: the minibus ride is usually around 2.5–3 hours, but station access, waiting for departure and the onward ride to your Batumi accommodation add time. Check the day’s departures and buy your ticket at Kutaisi bus station after the morning visits; schedules can change, so avoid counting on a tight connection. Once in Batumi, check in and take a breather before heading out.

Late afternoon and evening

Walk through Batumi Old Town to Piazza Square, allowing about 45 minutes to admire the architecture and soak up the lively atmosphere. Settle in for dinner at a well-reviewed Georgian restaurant nearby—Heart of Batumi is a convenient option—or choose a spot on the surrounding lanes. Budget roughly 35–70 GEL per person for dinner and allow 1–1.5 hours; in May, evenings can feel cool by the coast, so bring a light layer.

Day 6 · Wed, May 19
Batumi

Explore Batumi

  1. Batumi Botanical Garden — Green Cape, north of the city; explore the coastal gardens and viewpoints, morning ~3 hours; allow extra time for the journey there and back.
  2. Batumi Boulevard — Seafront; walk or cycle a section of the long promenade, afternoon ~1–1.5 hours.
  3. Ali and Nino — Near the seafront boulevard; see the moving sculpture and its seaside setting, ~20–30 minutes.
  4. Batumi Argo Cable Car — Old Town; ride up for panoramic views across the city and coast, ~1–1.5 hours including queues.
  5. Coffeetopia Batumi — Central Batumi; pause for coffee and a light bite, ~45 minutes, approximately 15–35 GEL per person.

Morning

Head north to Batumi Botanical Garden at Green Cape; allow 20–30 minutes by taxi, or take a city bus toward the garden and check the stop and timetable locally. Give yourself about three hours for the coastal paths and viewpoints—the grounds are hilly, so comfortable shoes and water help. Check the garden’s current opening hours and admission price before setting out; hours and fees can change, and an electric shuttle may cost extra.

Afternoon

Return to town for a relaxed stretch along Batumi Boulevard—walk or rent a bike for about 1–1.5 hours, choosing a section rather than trying to cover the whole promenade. Then spend 20–30 minutes at Ali and Nino, the moving sculpture by the seafront; its motion is easiest to appreciate if you pause nearby rather than just passing through.

Evening

From the seafront, make your way to Batumi Argo Cable Car in the Old Town. Allow 1–1.5 hours including any queue, and check operating times and ticket prices on the day; a return ride is typically around 30 GEL, but rates can change. Finish with coffee and a light bite at Coffeetopia Batumi in central Batumi—budget roughly 15–35 GEL per person and about 45 minutes.

Day 7 · Thu, May 20
Batumi

Depart from Batumi

  1. Europe Square — Central Batumi; take a final easy stroll around the square, ~30 minutes.
  2. Batumi Archaeological Museum — Central Batumi; see archaeological finds from the region, ~1–1.5 hours; check current opening arrangements, especially if your departure is early.
  3. 6 May Park — Central Batumi; enjoy a quiet walk and a little downtime before leaving, ~45 minutes.
  4. A well-reviewed café near Batumi Boulevard — Central Batumi; have a light brunch before departure, ~45–60 minutes, approximately 20–40 GEL per person.
  5. Transfer to Batumi International Airport or Batumi railway station — Allow about 15–30 minutes by car to the airport or around 10–20 minutes to the station, plus check-in or boarding time; adjust the earlier stops to your departure time.

Morning

Begin with an easy 30-minute loop around Europe Square, admiring the ornate buildings and the statue at its center while the city is still relatively calm. Walk or take a short taxi ride to the Batumi Archaeological Museum; allow 1–1.5 hours for its regional finds. Check its current Thursday hours before setting out—opening arrangements can change, and this is the stop most likely to need adjusting if your departure is early.

Late morning and brunch

From the museum, head to 6 May Park for a quiet 45-minute wander and a little breathing room before leaving town. Then choose a well-reviewed café near Batumi Boulevard for a light brunch; allow 45–60 minutes and budget roughly 20–40 GEL per person. If you have luggage, ask your hotel to store it or arrange a taxi pickup so you’re not carrying it between stops.

Departure

Allow about 15–30 minutes by car to Batumi International Airport or 10–20 minutes to Batumi railway station, with extra margin for traffic and airport or station formalities. Work backward from your check-in or boarding requirement: if the departure time makes the full sequence tight, keep the strolls short rather than risking a rushed transfer.

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