Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
After landing, allow time for immigration, baggage, and the drive into town before planning anything: Tbilisi International Airport is about 30–45 minutes from the centre by taxi in ordinary traffic, but allow longer at busy times. Use the official taxi desk or a ride-hailing app such as Bolt; agree the destination and check the fare in-app. Drop your bags and check in, then take an easy 30-minute first stroll around Freedom Square. It’s a handy central landmark for getting oriented, not a major sightseeing stop in itself.
From the square, walk downhill into Tbilisi Old Town, around Kala, for an unhurried hour among narrow lanes, balconies, and small courtyards. The streets can be steep and uneven, so comfortable shoes help; pause for coffee if you’re feeling the flight rather than trying to cover every lane.
Continue to Abanotubani for a private sulfur-bath room and a proper post-flight reset. Reserve ahead, especially for an early-evening slot, and confirm the room length and what’s included; private rooms commonly cost around GEL 50–150 or more depending on size and time, with towels and scrub services sometimes extra. Allow 1–1.5 hours, and bring swimwear if you prefer it—bathhouse customs and facilities vary.
For dinner, walk to Sakhli #11 in the Old Town and settle in over Georgian dishes and wine; budget roughly GEL 50–90 per person. Reservations are sensible, particularly at popular dinner times. Keep the first night relaxed: Tbilisi’s lanes are lovely after dark, but save a longer wander for when you’re rested.
Start with Narikala Fortress, above Abanotubani. Check with your hotel that the fortress paths are open and safe that morning: winter weather or maintenance can limit access. If conditions are poor, enjoy the views from the accessible lower paths rather than attempting icy steps. Allow about an hour, including the uphill walk; wear shoes with good grip.
Head down into Old Town for the short gorge walk to Leghvtakhevi Waterfall. Budget around 45 minutes, and take the steps slowly—February can leave the path slick, and high water or ice may affect access. From here, cross the river to Avlabari for Metekhi Church; allow about 45 minutes to look around and take in the view back across the old town. Walking between these stops is manageable, but a taxi or ride-hailing car can save time if the weather turns.
Finish at Cafe Leila, near Anchiskhati Basilica, for Georgian vegetarian dishes in its distinctive interior. Set aside about an hour; expect roughly GEL 30–55 per person. Check its hours on the day before setting out, as schedules can change, and keep a little flexibility for the walk over from Metekhi Church.
Give the Georgian National Museum about two hours for its archaeology and history displays. It’s on Rustaveli Avenue; check the museum’s current opening days, hours, and exhibition access before setting out, as schedules can change. Budget roughly GEL 20–30 for admission, subject to current pricing. If it’s closed, don’t assume the National Gallery will be open too—check both schedules before committing to the museum-focused day.
Walk along Rustaveli Avenue to the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre. Allow around 30 minutes to admire its ornate façade; for a performance, check the programme and book ahead rather than relying on same-day availability. Continue on foot to the National Gallery, a compact stop for Georgian art that usually takes about an hour. Confirm its hours and admission in advance; allow roughly GEL 15–25, depending on the current ticket and exhibitions.
Head to Pasanauri on Rustaveli Avenue for khinkali and other Georgian staples; plan on 1–1.5 hours and around GEL 35–65 per person. It’s an easy end to a museum-and-architecture day, with no need to cross town—just check the branch’s current hours and consider booking if you want a table at a busy dinner time.
Set off from Tbilisi in the morning with your driver so you have daylight for the mountain road and its stops. The drive to Stepantsminda usually takes about 3.5–5 hours before sightseeing, and winter weather can add delays or close sections of the Georgian Military Highway; check conditions with your driver before leaving and keep the schedule flexible.
First stop at Jvari Monastery above Mtskheta for the hilltop view over the river confluence. Allow around 45 minutes, but skip the exposed paths if they’re icy or access is restricted. Continue north to Ananuri Fortress beside the Aragvi reservoir, where 45–60 minutes is enough to explore the historic complex; watch your footing on stone steps, which can be slippery in February. These stops add meaningful time, so expect to reach Stepantsminda later in the afternoon rather than treating this as a direct transfer.
After checking in and warming up, have dinner at the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi restaurant, with mountain views when the weather cooperates. Allow 1–1.5 hours and budget roughly GEL 50–100 per person; check opening hours and reserve ahead if possible, especially in winter when hours or services may vary. If the road or stops run late, call ahead to confirm the kitchen is still serving.
Ask your guesthouse or hotel to check the road and weather before you set out for Gergeti Trinity Church. In February, snow and ice can make the steep road unsafe; hire a local 4WD driver rather than driving yourself, and go only if the driver confirms it’s passable. Allow about 2–3 hours round trip, including time at the church. The exposed site can be bitterly cold, so bring warm layers and shoes with good grip. If conditions are poor, admire the church from town instead of trying to reach it.
Back in Stepantsminda town center, take an easy 45-minute wander and pause for the mountain views if the clouds lift. Keep the walk flexible: paths and pavements may be icy, and visibility can change quickly. Warm up with a coffee or tea at a local café before heading farther along the valley.
Consider Gveleti Waterfall near Dariali Gorge only after checking the access road and trail locally. Allow 1.5–2 hours including the walk, but skip it if there’s heavy snow, ice, or poor visibility—the trail can be slippery in winter. You’ll need a vehicle to reach the trailhead; ask your driver or accommodation to confirm access and agree on the return pickup before setting off.
Head back to Shorena’s Bar for a casual Georgian dinner and a warm seat after the day outdoors. Allow about 1–1.5 hours and budget roughly GEL 30–60 per person. Winter conditions can disrupt the whole day, so keep the waterfall and church plans optional rather than trying to make up missed stops after dark.
Leave Stepantsminda in the morning with your pre-arranged driver, after checking the Georgian Military Highway’s status with your hotel. The drive to Tbilisi is usually around 3.5–5 hours, but winter conditions can add delays; allow extra time for the Mtskheta stop rather than trying to keep a tight schedule.
If the road and timing cooperate, pause in Mtskheta for about 45 minutes at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Keep the visit flexible: check locally for current opening arrangements, dress modestly, and be mindful that services may affect access. From the cathedral, continue toward Tbilisi; traffic and the stop can push your arrival well into the afternoon.
Once you reach the city, head to the Chronicle of Georgia, near Tbilisi Sea, for a roughly 45-minute look at the monumental stone columns and broad views. It’s an outdoor site, so bring a warm layer and expect uneven steps; a taxi or ride-hailing car is the simplest way to reach it from central Tbilisi. Finish in Chughureti at Mapshalia for hearty, casual Georgian food—budget about GEL 25–45 per person. After a long winter drive, confirm the restaurant’s hours before setting out and keep the evening unhurried.
Start at Dry Bridge Market, beside Saarbrücken Square, and give yourself about an hour to browse paintings, old Soviet-era objects, jewelry, and handmade pieces. Stall numbers and opening patterns vary with the day and winter weather, so don’t count on every vendor being out; cash in small Georgian lari notes is useful, and a friendly haggle is normal. From there, walk about 10–15 minutes to Dedaena Park for an easy 45-minute riverside wander along the Mtkvari.
Continue across the river to Fabrika Tbilisi in Chughureti—roughly a 15–20-minute walk from the park, or a short taxi ride if it’s cold or wet. Set aside around 1.5 hours for the courtyard and independent shops; the cafés and indoor spaces make this a comfortable stop in February. Shops keep their own schedules, so treat browsing as flexible rather than a guaranteed shopping session. Have a light lunch here, then take time to explore the surrounding neighborhood at an unhurried pace.
Stay in Chughureti for dinner at Shavi Lomi, a warmly atmospheric restaurant in a converted house serving modern Georgian food. Book ahead if you can, especially for a popular evening; allow about 1.5 hours and budget roughly GEL 50–90 per person. It’s a pleasant end to the day after the market and park—if the walk back feels chilly, a taxi to your hotel is an easy option.
Take your pre-booked shared minivan from Tbilisi to Yerevan; allow 5–7 hours door to door, including the border crossing and transfers at either end. Choose a morning departure, confirm the pickup point and border arrangements with the operator the day before, and keep your passport handy. Border queues and winter road conditions can stretch the journey, so plan only a gentle first evening.
After checking in, walk around Republic Square for about 45 minutes. It’s an easy place to get your bearings, with broad pavements and handsome pink-stone buildings; if you arrive after dark, the illuminated architecture makes a pleasant first impression too. Then stroll along Northern Avenue, a pedestrian boulevard lined with cafés and shops. Allow about 45 minutes, and stop for coffee if you need to warm up.
Have dinner at Lavash Restaurant, near Northern Avenue, for Armenian favourites such as tolma, grilled meats and lavash baked in a tonir oven. Budget roughly AMD 8,000–15,000 per person; it’s popular, so booking ahead is sensible, especially at peak dinner time. If the road day runs late, keep the walk short and check the restaurant’s current hours before heading over.
Spend about two hours at the History Museum of Armenia on Republic Square, where the collections trace the country’s archaeology and cultural history. Check current opening hours, exhibitions and ticket prices before you go; schedules can change. From central hotels, it’s an easy walk or a short taxi ride. Allow a little extra time at the entrance if there’s a queue.
Walk over to Vernissage Market, near the square, for about an hour of browsing—handmade crafts, artwork and souvenirs are the main draw. The number of stalls can vary with the day, season and weather, so treat it as a relaxed browse rather than a guaranteed full market. Bring some Armenian dram for smaller purchases, and compare a few stalls before buying.
Continue by taxi or on foot, depending on where you’re staying, to the Blue Mosque. Set aside around 45 minutes and check access arrangements locally before you go, as visiting conditions can vary. Dress modestly and keep your voice low; it’s an active place of worship, not just a historic building.
Head to Tavern Yerevan in the Amiryan Street area for dinner. Expect a lively room and Armenian comfort-food favourites; budget roughly AMD 9,000–17,000 per person. It’s worth reserving ahead if you have a particular dinner time in mind, and a taxi is convenient afterward if you’re staying outside the central area.
Start at Cascade Complex in Kentron and give yourself 1–1.5 hours for the broad steps, terraces and views across the city toward Mount Ararat when the sky is clear. The outdoor complex is free; the climb is steep, so wear shoes with good grip, especially if it’s icy. Indoor escalators can spare your legs, but access and operating hours may vary—check locally before relying on them.
Explore the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, built into the Cascade, for contemporary art and sculpture. Allow about 1.5 hours, and check which galleries are open and whether any exhibitions require a ticket; the outdoor sculptures are an easy extra if the weather cooperates. From here, continue uphill on foot to Matenadaran, a short walk away, for its remarkable collection of Armenian manuscripts. Plan about 1.5 hours, and check opening hours, admission and whether guided visits need to be arranged in advance.
Finish with a relaxed break or early meal at The Green Bean near the Cascade—budget roughly AMD 4,000–8,000 per person. Check which branch is most convenient and its hours before heading over. The day’s stops are close together and walkable, but a taxi or ride-hailing car is handy if the steps or winter pavements feel slippery.
Take a taxi from central Yerevan to Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial; allow about 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Set aside roughly two hours for the memorial, museum and quiet walk through the grounds. The museum’s opening days and hours can vary, so check before setting out; if it’s closed, you can still visit the outdoor memorial. Dress warmly—the hilltop can be windy in February—and allow time for a reflective, unhurried visit.
Continue by taxi to Victory Park (around 10–15 minutes from the memorial). Spend about an hour walking the paths and taking in the city views, adjusting the route to the weather: paths may be icy, and some park attractions may not be operating in winter. From there, walk to Mother Armenia, the landmark statue within the park, for its broad outlook over Yerevan; allow 30–45 minutes, including the walk. Wear shoes with good grip, and don’t count on clear views if the sky is hazy.
Head back to central Yerevan by taxi for dinner at Dargett Craft Beer. It’s a relaxed place to sample Armenian craft brews alongside a casual meal; budget roughly AMD 7,000–14,000 per person. Allow about 1.5 hours, and check current opening hours before you go.
Leave Yerevan early enough to reach Sevanavank Monastery in daylight; the drive to the lake area is roughly an hour, but winter roads can add time. Your driver can wait while you visit, so agree on the stop and any waiting charges in advance. Allow about an hour for the monastery and its views over Lake Sevan. The steps and paths can be icy in February—wear grippy shoes and skip the climb if conditions are unsafe.
Pause along the Lake Sevan shoreline for 30–45 minutes to take in the winter landscape and warm up with a hot drink if a café is open; lakeside businesses may have reduced winter hours. Continue to Dilijan, allowing extra time for road conditions and stops. The full drive, not counting sightseeing or extended breaks, is about 2.5–3.5 hours. On arrival, check in and leave time to settle before dinner.
Have dinner at Kchuch Restaurant in Dilijan, a cosy choice for Armenian dishes after the drive. Budget roughly AMD 6,000–12,000 per person and allow 1–1.5 hours; check current opening hours and book ahead if your hotel recommends it, as winter schedules can vary.
Take an easy hour to wander Sharambeyan Street in Dilijan Old Town. Browse the small craft shops at an unhurried pace; in February, opening times can be shorter and some shops may be closed, so ask your guesthouse what’s open that morning. Then walk to the Dilijan Local Lore Museum and Art Gallery, also in the Old Town. Allow about an hour, and check its current opening arrangements before setting out—winter hours can vary.
Arrange a taxi or hotel car to Haghartsin Monastery, in the forested hills outside town; allow roughly 20–30 minutes each way, plus about an hour at the monastery. Ask your driver or hotel to check the road before you leave, as snow or ice can affect access, and agree on the return pickup and price in advance. Keep the visit flexible if conditions are poor.
Head back to town for dinner at Toon Armeni, a welcoming choice for Armenian home-style cooking. Budget roughly AMD 6,000–12,000 per person and allow 1–1.5 hours; it’s sensible to confirm opening hours and reserve through your accommodation, especially in the quiet winter season.
Have your driver collect you early from Dilijan for the road to Yerevan; the direct drive is usually around 1.5–2.5 hours, but allow extra time for winter conditions. If you want to include Haghpat Monastery, agree on the detour and waiting costs with the driver in advance, and go only if roads are clear and there’s enough daylight. It’s a substantial diversion: allow about 1.5 hours at the monastery, plus several hours of extra driving. Check the monastery’s access and conditions locally before setting out; if the route looks uncertain, continue directly to Yerevan rather than risk a rushed or unsafe day.
After arriving, check in and take a gentle 45-minute walk around the Cascade neighborhood; keep the rest of the afternoon unplanned after the road journey. For your final dinner, book ahead at Dolmama in central Yerevan for Armenian dishes in a relaxed, atmospheric setting. Allow about 1.5 hours and budget roughly AMD 12,000–22,000 per person; a taxi from the Cascade area is an easy option if you’d rather not walk.
Allow 30–45 minutes to check out of your central Yerevan hotel, settle the bill and collect your luggage. If your flight schedule leaves enough room, head to GUM Market for about 45 minutes: it’s a lively place to pick up packaged dried fruit, nuts, sweets and other gifts. Check labels and customs rules before buying anything you plan to take home, and keep fragile purchases easy to carry.
Take a taxi to Saryan Street for a brief final stroll and coffee nearby. Keep this stop to around 45 minutes and leave a generous buffer rather than trying to squeeze in one more errand; traffic and airport queues can be unpredictable. From central Yerevan, allow roughly 30–60 minutes by taxi to Zvartnots International Airport. Set off according to your airline’s check-in recommendation, adding time for traffic and the airport process.
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