Cities of Georgia

Tbilisi is a must-start: the Old Town, the sulfur baths of Abanotubani, and Narikala Fortress. Then Mtskheta — the ancient capital with Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery. For the sea — Batumi, for mountains — Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) with views of Mount Kazbek and Gergeti Trinity Church.

A minimum of 7–10 days: 2–3 days in Tbilisi, 1 day in Mtskheta, 2 days in Kazbegi, and 2–3 days in Batumi. A full itinerary including Kakheti (Sighnaghi, Telavi), Kutaisi, and Svaneti (Mestia) takes 14–18 days. For skiing in Gudauri or Bakuriani, add 3–4 days.

An overnight train and domestic flights connect Tbilisi and Batumi. Marshrutkas (minibuses) link most cities, but schedules are unreliable. For comfort, rent a car via EconomyBookings or Localrent, especially for mountain routes to Mestia and Kazbegi. Airport transfers from Tbilisi (TBS) can be booked via KiwiTaxi.

Kakheti is Georgia's main wine region. Sighnaghi is a romantic town overlooking the Alazani Valley, near Bodbe Monastery. Telavi is the capital of Kakheti, convenient for visiting wineries and Alaverdi Monastery. Don't miss Gremi Citadel and Chavchavadze House Museum. Wine region tours can be booked through GetYourGuide.

Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) is the most accessible mountain town: it offers views of Mount Kazbek, and the hike to Gergeti Trinity Church is iconic. On the way from Tbilisi, stop at Ananuri Fortress and the Friendship Monument. Mestia in Svaneti features Svan Towers, Chalaadi Glacier, Koruldi Lakes, and a trip to Ushguli.

Batumi is Georgia's seaside capital on the Black Sea. Walk along Batumi Boulevard, see the Ali and Nino Statue and Alphabet Tower. For a relaxed day, visit the Botanical Garden and the Roman Gonio Fortress. In the evening, check out Piazza Square and Europe Square. Book accommodation via Booking.com or Trip.com.

Georgia has three international airports. Tbilisi (TBS) is the main hub, convenient for most itineraries. Kutaisi (KUT) often handles budget flights and is great if you're heading to Kutaisi, Svaneti, or Borjomi. Batumi (BUS) works if you're going straight to the coast. Airport transfers are easy to book via Welcome Pickups.

Mtskheta is the spiritual capital and UNESCO site: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Jvari Monastery, Samtavro Monastery. Gori is known for Gori Fortress, the Stalin Museum, and the cave city of Uplistsikhe. Kutaisi — the former capital of the Colchis and Imeretian kingdoms — has Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery (UNESCO).

For canyons and caves — Kutaisi: nearby you'll find Martvili Canyon, Prometheus Cave, and Sataplia Nature Reserve. Borjomi is the gateway to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park with dozens of trekking routes. Mestia offers high-altitude glaciers and lakes of Svaneti. Near Batumi is the subtropical Mtirala National Park.

Georgia is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe. Average budget: €40–70 per day (accommodation, food, transport). Tbilisi and Batumi are slightly pricier, while Gori, Borjomi, and Telavi are very affordable. Restaurant meals cost €5–10. For connectivity, an eSIM from Airalo or Yesim costs just a few dollars per week. Travel insurance is available through Ekta.

May–June and September–October are ideal for most routes: comfortable weather in Tbilisi, Mtskheta, and Kakheti. July–August are great for Batumi (beach season) and mountain towns — Mestia and Kazbegi. Winter (December–March) is ski season in Gudauri and Bakuriani. September–October is harvest and winemaking season in Sighnaghi and Telavi.

Gudauri is the main ski resort, 2 hours from Tbilisi, with elevations up to 3,300 m, excellent freeride opportunities, and affordable prices. Mount Sadzele has some of the best runs. Bakuriani is a family-friendly resort with Kokhta and Didveli slopes, great for beginners. Mestia offers skiing with Svan mountain views — less developed but atmospheric.