Start your trip by exploring the vibrant city of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. In the morning, visit the historical district of Old Town and marvel at its charming cobblestone streets and grand architecture. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to the Narikala Fortress for panoramic views of the city. As the evening sets in, indulge in Georgian cuisine at a local restaurant and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Rustaveli Avenue.
Old Town: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
Narikala Fortress: Estimated cost - GEL 2 for cable car ride, Time spent - 2 hours
Rustaveli Avenue: Estimated cost - Varies based on activities, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
In the morning, start your day with a delicious breakfast at the cozy Café Leila. Enjoy their fresh pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 10 GEL per person.
For a tasty lunch, head to Shatre, a charming restaurant offering a variety of authentic Georgian dishes. Try their khinkali, a traditional Georgian dumpling. Average cost for a meal is about 20 GEL per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Shavi Lomi, a hidden gem in Tbilisi known for its innovative fusion cuisine. Indulge in their creative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 60 GEL per person.
Monday, December 4: Wine Tour in Kakheti
Embark on a full-day wine tour in the beautiful region of Kakheti, known for its vineyards and wineries. Start your morning with a visit to the historical town of Sighnaghi and explore its picturesque streets. In the afternoon, indulge in wine tastings at local wineries and learn about the traditional winemaking process. Conclude the day with dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant and savor the flavors of the region.
Sighnaghi: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
Wine tastings: Estimated cost - GEL 50 per person, Time spent - 4 hours
Traditional dinner: Estimated cost - GEL 30 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Leila located in the heart of Sighnaghi. This cozy cafe offers a variety of delicious pastries and coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 10 GEL per person.
For lunch, try Pheasant's Tears in Sighnaghi, known for its farm-to-table menu. Enjoy traditional Georgian dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 30 GEL per person.
In the evening, dine at Chateau Mere, a stunning restaurant situated in the vineyards of Kakheti. This restaurant offers a blend of Georgian and European cuisine, paired with their own wines. Average cost for a meal is about 50 GEL per person.
Tuesday, December 5: Winter Adventure in Gudauri
Experience the beauty of the Georgian winter in the mountain resort town of Gudauri. Spend the morning skiing or snowboarding down the pristine slopes. After a thrilling morning on the slopes, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local café. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the Ananuri Fortress and marvel at its medieval architecture. End the day with a relaxing evening at your hotel, enjoying the cozy ambiance of the mountains.
Skiing/Snowboarding: Estimated cost - GEL 70 per person for lift pass, Time spent - 4 hours
Lunch: Estimated cost - GEL 20 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café 103. This cozy café offers a variety of breakfast options ranging from traditional Georgian dishes to international favorites. Average cost for a meal is about 20 GEL per person.
For lunch, head to Panorama Restaurant and enjoy stunning views of the mountains while savoring delicious Georgian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 30 GEL per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi. This upscale restaurant offers a sophisticated menu featuring both Georgian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 80 GEL per person.
Wednesday, December 6: Batumi Beaches and Boulevard
Escape the winter chill and head to the coastal city of Batumi. Spend the morning relaxing on the beautiful beaches, soaking up the sun and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. In the afternoon, take a stroll along Batumi Boulevard, lined with palm trees and colorful flowers. Explore the various attractions along the boulevard, including the Alphabetic Tower and the Batumi Ferris Wheel. As the evening approaches, savor a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant.
Attractions along the boulevard: Estimated cost - Varies based on activities, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Literaturuli, known for its cozy atmosphere and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 10 GEL per person.
For lunch, head to Treesteps Batumi, a charming restaurant offering a variety of international and Georgian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 20 GEL per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Chacha Tower Restaurant, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city while savoring traditional Georgian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 50 GEL per person.
Thursday, December 7: Vardzia Cave Monastery
Explore the ancient cave monastery of Vardzia, located in the mountains of southern Georgia. Start your day with a scenic drive to Vardzia and embark on a guided tour of the monastery complex. Marvel at the rock-cut chambers and church frescoes dating back to the 12th century. After the tour, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning natural surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Rabati Castle and learn about its rich history.
Vardzia Cave Monastery: Estimated cost - GEL 10 per person, Time spent - 4 hours
Picnic lunch: Estimated cost - GEL 15 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Rabati Castle: Estimated cost - GEL 5 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Café Leila in Borjomi, which offers a variety of fresh pastries and traditional Georgian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 10 GEL per person.
For lunch, head to Restaurant Aragvi in Akhaltsikhe, where you can enjoy authentic Georgian cuisine with a modern twist. The average cost for a meal is about 25 GEL per person.
For dinner, visit the cozy Gourmet Corner in Akhaltsikhe, known for its delicious grilled meats and flavorful sauces. The average cost for a meal is about 30 GEL per person.
Friday, December 8: Winter Wonderland in Stepantsminda
Experience the enchanting beauty of Stepantsminda in winter. Begin your day with a visit to the Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on a hilltop with spectacular views of Mount Kazbek. In the afternoon, embark on a snowshoeing adventure in the snowy landscapes surrounding Stepantsminda. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and capture breathtaking winter photographs. Finish the day with a hearty traditional dinner at a local guesthouse.
Snowshoeing: Estimated cost - GEL 20 per person, Time spent - 4 hours
Traditional dinner: Estimated cost - GEL 25 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe 504 for a delicious spread of freshly baked pastries and hearty breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try Restaurant Gurieli for traditional Georgian cuisine with a modern twist. The menu offers a variety of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a feast at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi. This upscale restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and innovative dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Saturday, December 9: Cultural Immersion in Mtskheta
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Jvari Monastery and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture and religious significance. In the afternoon, take a walk through the narrow streets of the town and browse through local souvenir shops. End the day with a traditional Georgian dinner accompanied by live folk music.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral: Estimated cost - GEL 5 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Exploring the town: Estimated cost - Varies based on activities, Time spent - 2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Georgia, don't miss the chance to discover some off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals. Visit Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave city carved into the rocks, and explore its fascinating architecture. Head to the charming town of Svaneti and hike in the stunning Caucasus Mountains. Don't forget to try khachapuri, a traditional Georgian cheese-filled bread, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals.