A Week in Georgia: Exploring Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Gadauri, Kakheti, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Ushguli, and Batumi
Tuesday, September 19: Arrival in Tbilisi
Welcome to Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia! Start your day by exploring the historic district of Old Tbilisi. In the morning, visit the iconic Narikala Fortress, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. Continue to the sulfur baths in Abanotubani to experience a traditional Georgian spa treatment. In the afternoon, wander through the picturesque streets of the Old Town, where you'll find charming cafes, souvenir shops, and ancient churches. As the evening sets in, head to Funicular Complex for a delicious dinner with a view.
Narikala Fortress: Free, 2-3 hours
Sulfur Baths in Abanotubani: Prices vary, 1-2 hours
Exploring Old Town: Free, 3-4 hours
Funicular Complex: Prices vary, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Café Leila, a charming cafe located in the heart of Old Tbilisi. Enjoy their freshly baked pastries, fluffy omelettes, and rich Georgian coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 20 GEL per person.
For lunch, head to Shavi Lomi, a popular restaurant offering a mix of traditional and fusion Georgian cuisine. Indulge in their mouthwatering khachapuri, flavorful kharcho soup, and tender grilled meats. The average cost for a meal is about 40 GEL per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Machakhela Restaurant located near the sulfur baths. This cozy Georgian restaurant specializes in authentic dishes such as chakhokhbili, khinkali, and pkhali. Don't miss their homemade wines. The average cost for a meal is about 50 GEL per person.
Wednesday, September 20: Kazbegi and Gadauri
Embark on a day trip to the stunning mountainous region of Kazbegi. In the morning, drive to the town of Stepantsminda and hike up to Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on a hilltop with breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek. Afterward, continue to the ski resort town of Gadauri for some outdoor activities and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. In the evening, head back to Tbilisi and indulge in some traditional Georgian cuisine.
Gergeti Trinity Church: Free, 3-4 hours
Gadauri Ski Resort: Prices vary, 2-3 hours
Dinner in Tbilisi: Prices vary, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, visit Cafe Littera for a cozy atmosphere and delicious Georgian pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 10 GEL per person.
For lunch, head to Restaurant Barbarestan and try their traditional Georgian dishes with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 30 GEL per person.
For dinner, dine at Shavi Lomi for a unique dining experience in a quirky setting with creative Georgian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 40 GEL per person.
Thursday, September 21: Kakheti Wine Region
Today, explore the famous wine region of Kakheti. Start your morning with a visit to the beautiful town of Sighnaghi, known for its well-preserved city walls and stunning views of the Alazani Valley. Continue to one of the local wineries for a wine tasting experience and learn about Georgia's ancient winemaking traditions. In the afternoon, visit the Bodbe Monastery and enjoy a peaceful stroll through its gardens. Head back to Tbilisi in the evening.
Sighnaghi: Free, 3-4 hours
Wine Tasting in Kakheti: Prices vary, 2-3 hours
Bodbe Monastery: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Nikala in Sighnaghi, a charming cafe offering a wide variety of Georgian pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 10 GEL per person.
For lunch, try Pheasant's Tears Winery Restaurant in Sighnaghi, where you can enjoy traditional Georgian cuisine made with organic ingredients paired with their famous natural wines. Average cost for a meal is about 30 GEL per person.
For dinner, visit Chateau Mere in Telavi, a restaurant set in a beautiful 17th-century castle offering delicious Georgian dishes with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 40 GEL per person.
Friday, September 22: Kutaisi and Sataplia Nature Reserve
Travel to Kutaisi, the second-largest city in Georgia, known for its historical landmarks and natural beauty. Start your day by exploring the UNESCO-listed Bagrati Cathedral, a symbol of the country's medieval past. Afterward, visit the Gelati Monastery, another UNESCO site, famous for its intricate frescoes. In the afternoon, head to the Sataplia Nature Reserve to discover its dinosaur footprints and explore the stunning caves. Return to Tbilisi in the evening.
Bagrati Cathedral: Free, 1-2 hours
Gelati Monastery: Free, 1-2 hours
Sataplia Nature Reserve: Prices vary, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, visit Cafe Opera in Kutaisi, where you can enjoy a variety of delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 10 GEL per person.
For lunch, try Taverna Megrul-Lazuri, a popular restaurant in Kutaisi that serves traditional Georgian cuisine. Don't miss the khachapuri, a cheesy bread dish, and the mouth-watering grilled meats. The average cost for a meal is about 20 GEL per person.
For dinner, head to Antre Restaurant in Kutaisi, known for its cozy ambience and delectable European and Georgian dishes. Indulge in their signature khinkali dumplings and enjoy a glass of Georgian wine. The average cost for a meal is about 30 GEL per person.
Saturday, September 23: Zugdidi and Mestia
Take a day trip to Zugdidi, a city located in the western part of Georgia. Start your morning by visiting the Dadiani Palace Museum, known for its impressive collection of art and historical artifacts. Afterward, continue your journey to the picturesque mountain village of Mestia, located in the Svaneti region. Explore the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, and if time allows, embark on a short hike to enjoy the stunning mountain views. Return to Tbilisi in the evening.
Dadiani Palace Museum: Prices vary, 1-2 hours
Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography: Prices vary, 1-2 hours
Hiking in Mestia: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Nana in Zugdidi, where you can enjoy Georgian classics like khachapuri and khinkali. Average cost for a meal is about 10 GEL per person.
For lunch, visit Restaurant Ethno Svaneti in Mestia, where you can savor traditional Svanetian cuisine like kubdari and kada. Average cost for a meal is about 25 GEL per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Nata's Wine Restaurant in Tbilisi, known for its extensive wine list and Georgian dishes with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 40 GEL per person.
Sunday, September 24: Ushguli
Embark on a day trip to Ushguli, one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin your day by driving to Ushguli, enjoying the picturesque landscapes along the way. Explore the village, known for its medieval defensive towers and traditional Svan architecture. Take a hike to Shkhara Glacier for stunning alpine scenery. Return to Tbilisi in the evening.
Exploring Ushguli: Free, 3-4 hours
Hiking to Shkhara Glacier: Free, 3-4 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Leila. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options such as omelettes, pancakes, and pastries. Average cost for a breakfast meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Retro Taste Restaurant. They serve traditional Georgian cuisine with a modern twist. Choose from a selection of mouthwatering dishes like khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), and grilled meats. Average cost for a lunch meal is about $15 per person.
Enjoy a memorable dinner at Shavi Lomi. This trendy restaurant offers a fusion of Georgian and international flavors. Indulge in dishes like lamb stew, cheese fondue, and homemade desserts. Average cost for a dinner meal is about $25 per person.
Monday, September 25: Batumi
Travel to the vibrant coastal city of Batumi, located on the Black Sea coast. Start your day by visiting the Batumi Botanical Garden, home to a diverse collection of flora from around the world. Explore the charming Old Town and stroll along the famous Batumi Boulevard, enjoying the beachfront promenade. In the evening, experience the city's vibrant nightlife and try your luck at the Casino International Batumi. Overnight in Batumi.
Batumi Botanical Garden: Prices vary, 2-3 hours
Exploring Old Town and Batumi Boulevard: Free, 3-4 hours
Casino International Batumi: Prices vary, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast in Batumi, head to Cafe-Restaurant TANUMAI. They offer a wide variety of breakfast options, from traditional Georgian dishes to international classics. The average cost for a meal is about 15 GEL per person.
If you're looking for a tasty lunch spot, check out the cozy restaurant Bon-Appetit. They serve a range of Georgian and European dishes, and their lunch menu includes set meals at affordable prices. The average cost for a meal is about 20 GEL per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, dine at the elegant Chveni Ezo Restaurant. Located in the heart of Batumi's Old Town, this restaurant offers a charming atmosphere and traditional Georgian cuisine with a modern twist. The average cost for a meal is about 40 GEL per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the stunning Vardzia Cave Monastery, carved into the side of a mountain. Explore the ancient cave dwellings and marvel at the beautiful frescoes. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Uplistsikhe Cave Town, an ancient rock-hewn city with fascinating archaeological ruins. Locals love the Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography, where you can learn about Georgia's rich cultural heritage and traditions.