10-Day Georgia Itinerary (Expert Trip Planner + Map)
👉 Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 | Map | Getting Around | Tips | FAQ | Get Printable Version
I’ve traveled all across Georgia on several occasions and have often stayed for multiple months at a time. Based on my extensive experiences, I put together this 10-day guide to seeing the country’s best.
This bespoke itinerary takes you to my favorite places to stay in Georgia, from the mountains to the sea and more. I also share tips on how to get around, save money, and adapt to the local culture. This is the only guide you need to ensure a fantastic trip to this hidden gem country!
Before we dive in, Nate also made a video to help you plan your Georgia itinerary, which you can watch here:
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10-Day Georgia Itinerary
🖨️ Get a printable version of this itinerary
Day 1 – Tbilisi
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Where to Stay in Tbilisi
In the morning, start your tour at Liberty Square, one of the best attractions in Tbilisi. From here, you can head down the winding roads of Old Tbilisi, get coffee at a local cafe, and explore historic sites such as the magnificent Sioni Cathedral.
Then, cross the river and take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress for excellent views of the city center. After that, head down to the Tbilisi Botanical Garden. Return to Old Tbilisi for lunch at one of the many authentic Georgian restaurants lining the streets.
In the afternoon, delve into Georgia’s rich history and culture at the National Museum of Georgia. Learn about the wonders of ancient Georgian goldsmithing, the country’s vibrant cultural renaissance of the 19th century, and more. Follow this up with a visit to the Museum of Modern Art, then a hike up to the Mamadaviti Monastery for excellent views of the city.
Wrap up the evening with dinner at one of the many restaurants lining Rustaveli Avenue or Orbeliani Square. Get drinks at one of the many fantastic wine bars in the Sololaki neighborhood. Or, if you’re feeling extra classy, attend a performance at the lavish Tbilisi Opera House.
🛎️ Where to Stay – Old Town Mtatsminda ($$, affordable and charming) • Radisson Blu Iveria ($$$, luxury and great views) • Folk Boutique Hotel ($$, unique local aesthetic)
🍽️ Where to Eat – Funicular ($$), Pasanauri ($$), Khinkali House on Rustaveli ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Warszawa, Black Dog Bar, 8000 Vintages
Day 2 – Day Trip to Kazbegi
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Day Trips from Tbilisi
Today, you’ll explore some of the best day trip options from Tbilisi. I highly recommend you visit Kazbegi, a massive mountain overlooking the cozy village of Stepantsminda. A guided tour is the best way to see this place, and many depart early in the morning.
The trip will take several hours so by the time you return to Tbilisi, it will already be well into the afternoon. Catch the last few hours of the Dry Bridge Market, where you can browse a diverse collection of antiques and handicrafts from local merchants. It usually wraps around 5 pm and weekends tend to see more vendors.
Tonight, take a stroll along Marjanishvili Avenue, where you can find a number of Georgian and Turkish restaurants. Wind down the day with a dip in the famous Sulphur Baths back in Old Tbilisi before retiring for the night.
Day 3 – Day Trip to Kakheti
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Things to Do in Kakheti
Start off your day by heading towards the scenic town of Sighnaghi. I recommend either a private taxi or a guided tour for today. There is adequate public transportation between destinations in Kakheti, but you might be pushing it a little if you’re doing this as a day trip.
Minibuses depart regularly from Tbilisi’s Isani and Samgori metros, if you choose this option.
Upon arrival, take a walk around the quiet streets of the city and keep an eye out for vistas of the surrounding Alazani Valley. Stop by the Pheasant’s Tears Winery for a light lunch and top-quality organic wines.
Then, in the afternoon, take a walk in the tranquil gardens of Bodbe Monastery before heading on to the Alaverdi Monastery. Your best bet, again, is via a private transfer. After Alaverdi, take some time to explore the nearby town of Telavi.
Telavi is home to the Schumann Winery, one of the largest and oldest. But there are tons of smaller, family-run establishments, too. I recommend visiting one of these places for your dinner plans, especially if they offer a Georgian supra experience. After dinner, head back to Tbilisi for some rest before the next day’s adventures.
📚 Related Reading: I’d recommend using public transportation and private transfers on your first trip to Georgia. Driving here is quite different from what we’re used to in the West. If you do decide to rent a car in Tbilisi, check out my guide to driving in Georgia.
Day 4 – Kutaisi
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Things to Do in Kutaisi
Now, it’s time to head west. There are a few ways to get to Kutaisi, but I suggest you take the train from Station Square. It’s more expensive (yet still cheap by Western standards), but the fastest and most comfortable way to travel.
The train arrives at the Kutaisi Airport, so catch a minibus or private transfer to get you into the city. Grab a quick lunch at one of the restaurants in the city center, then head to the Prometheus Caves for an underground adventure in the largest cavern in the country.
After that, head back to town to explore the city. Kutaisi, though small, has a charming collection of street art, Soviet-era monuments, and other unique features to discover. Be sure to visit Bagrati Cathedral in the early evening for the best golden-hour photography in the area.
For dinner, check out the local Imeretian (central/west Georgian) cuisine at local restaurants such as Magnolia or Eldepo.
🛎️ Where to Stay – Kutaisi Inn ($$, affordable luxury) • Sanapiro Hotel ($$, riverside property) • Garden Hotel ($, budget price and peaceful garden)
🍽️ Where to Eat – Palaty ($$), Georgian Cuisine Magnolia ($$), Eldepo ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Mary’s Irish Pub, Pub Barca, Black Bottle
Day 5 – Day Trip to Martvili and Okatse Canyons
In the morning, head to Martvili Canyon for a rafting tour of the turquoise waters of this hidden geological gem. After this tour, take a hike through the lush Okatse Canyon, which is just a short drive from Martvili.
In the afternoon, return to Kutaisi and, after grabbing lunch, spend a little more time exploring the city. The Kutaisi State Historical Museum is small, but it offers a unique glimpse into local life across the centuries. There are also some hidden architectural gems, such as the Holy Annunciation Cathedral and the Kutaisi Synagogue.
Wrap up the day by taking in the sunset again from Bagrati Cathedral before further exploring the local culinary scene.
Day 6 – Mestia
📍 Google Maps | 👉 What to Do in Svaneti
This is where the adventure gets taken to new heights — literally. Minibuses and private transfers are the best way to get from Kutaisi to this lone, lofty alpine area. If you take the minibus, you will have to transfer in the town of Zugdidi at the foot of the mountains. Either way, the trip will likely take all morning.
Upon arrival in Mestia, grab a quick bite at a local cafe, then head out of town to hike at the Chalaadi Glacier. After this expedition, head back into town to refuel at Cafe Laila, famous for its local Svanetian cuisine and bustling atmosphere.
🛎️ Where to Stay – Guesthouse Chela ($, home-like atmosphere) • Beko’s Garden Inn ($$, basic rooms, open garden space) • Hotel Old Seti ($$, alpine aesthetic, on-site restaurant)
🍽️ Where to Eat – Cafe Laila ($$), Vichnashi ($$), Old House ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Lushnu Qor Beer Garden, KRK Bar, Pub & Cinema DEDE
Day 7 – Day Trip to Ushguli
Today, you’ll travel to the remote village of Ushguli, the highest inhabited point in Europe. The best way to do this is via a guided tour, which will allow you to learn the historic secrets that the silent stone towers hide.
The local ethnographic museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts attesting to the ingenuity the locals showed in adapting to the harsh climate.
In the afternoon, once you’re back in Mestia, visit its Ethnographic Museum to further explore the rich cultural history of this lofty, lonely corner of Georgia. Wrap up the day with a hike to the Cross over Mestia to take in the views before heading back down for dinner.
Day 8 – Batumi
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Where to Stay in Batumi
Now, it’s time to head from the mountains to the beach. Catch an early minibus from Mestia to Zugdidi and, from there, to Batumi.
It will be afternoon by the time you arrive, but there will still be time to see a few Batumi attractions. Start with a seaside walk along Batumi Boulevard, then a ride on the Argo Cable Cars to catch the sunset over the Black Sea. Head back down to check out the bar and restaurant scene in Old Batumi.
🛎️ Where to Stay: Piazza Four Colours ($, central location) • Hilton Batumi ($$$, brand-name luxury • Marani Hotel ($, family-run budget property)
🍽️ Where to Eat – Old Boulevard ($$), Grill Town ($$), Heart of Batumi ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – 360 Sky Bar, Sami Ludi
Day 9 – Day Trip to Botanical Garden and Gonio
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Day Trips from Batumi
On your second day in Batumi, explore attractions just outside the city. Start off with a walk through the Batumi Botanical Gardens. After that, head back to town, but then keep going south to the old Roman Fortress in the village of Gonio.
After touring the ruins, head down to the local beach to soak up the sun or go for a swim. The beaches outside Batumi city limits tend to be sandier and quieter (especially during the shoulder seasons, which are the best times to visit Georgia).
Return to Batumi in the evening and head to the top of the Alphabet Tower for a great view of the sunset, plus dinner at the restaurant. Note that it’s open only in the main tourist season, but there are tons of great restaurants nearby if you’re visiting outside peak months.
Wrap up the night with another walk along the Boulevard and be sure to check out the Dancing Fountains, which light up at night.
Day 10 – Return to Tbilisi
On your last day, catch the morning train back to Tbilisi. Upon arrival, use your remaining time to visit the awe-inspiring Chronicle of Georgia before heading back into the heart of the city for a fond farewell to Georgian food.
Depending on the time of your departure, you may want to make tonight an early evening. Or if you’re up for it, stay up until it’s time to go and sleep on the airplane.
Georgia Itinerary Map
Here is a Google Map with all the stops, hotels, and things to do in Georgia we’ve covered in this itinerary. You can click the star to save it to your own maps.
How to Get Around in Georgia
There are several options for getting around in Georgia. Minibuses are the most common, offering faster times than buses, but at a slightly higher price (and they can get more crowded, too).
Modern double-decker trains connect the major cities (Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi), with slower, older trains connecting the cities with towns and villages.
Private taxis can be found near major minibus hubs, but it’s better to use a private transfer company to ensure a set and fair price.
Vanillasky.ge operates a limited number of flights between Tbilisi and Mestia, plus a few other routes. But the online booking process can be tricky. Your best bet may be to have Georgian friends help you book these tickets upon arrival.
Itinerary Planning Tips
Tip #1 – Plan for unusual flight times
For whatever reason, most flights to and from Tbilisi take place in the wee hours. Far more than likely, you’ll arrive or depart while the sun is far below the horizon. This can be a bit of an inconvenience if, like me, you can’t sleep on planes. Daytime flights are available, but are often a bit more expensive.
Tip #2 – Avoid the airport taxi drivers
Here’s one of my key tips for visiting Georgia: Avoid the taxi drivers waiting around the airport’s arrivals section. Most will charge outrageous amounts (even if relatively cheap by Western standards) for the short drive into town. You’re better off downloading the Bolt or YandexTaxi apps for fair and affordable rates.
Tip #3 – Take it easy on food and drink
Georgians are extremely hospitable and will offer you copious amounts of food and wine. Pace yourself, though, as it is a very rich cuisine. Georgians tend to eat little by little, as opposed to our more “get’er done” approach in the West. Georgians can also hold their drink quite well, so don’t feel obliged to keep pace with them.
Tip # 4 – Expect slower restaurant service
Getting from point A to point B can sometimes be a bit of a time crunch. It might be tempting to think you can just duck into a restaurant to get a quick bite, but many Georgian restaurants are notoriously slow by Western standards. If you’re tight on time, it’s better to grab quick eats from a street bakery or shawarma stand. Either that, or buy some snacks at local grocery stores.
Tip # 5 – Heed the dress code when visiting churches
Many of Georgia’s most famous monuments are churches or monasteries. While they welcome visitors, there is a dress code. Shorts and short skirts are prohibited, and women are asked to put on a head covering. Many of the main churches in Tbilisi have coverings available, but they may not be as well-stocked in the more remote destinations. Even a hat will do in a pinch.
📚 Related Reading: What to Pack for Your Trip to Georgia
Tip #6 – Most signs appear in Georgian and English
The Georgian language has its own unique alphabet, completely unrelated to the Roman alphabet. However, you don’t need to worry because most signs, whether for stores or street directions, are in both Georgian and English. You may need to do a little deciphering of the English from time to time, though.
Tip #7 – Avoid talking about politics
Georgia’s long history as a crossroads of conflict continues to the present day. Its political situation is both sensitive and complicated. You’re not likely to be in any physical danger, but it’s best not to bring up relations with Russia or, in some circles, with Europe. Politics aside, Georgians are still extremely welcoming to respectful visitors.
Tip #8 – Expect several toasts from your host
Toasting in Georgia is much more elaborate than what most Westerners are used to. Expect there to be multiple toasts (the bare minimum is three) throughout the course of an evening. As a foreigner, you’re not expected to match the eloquence of your hosts. A simple expression of thanks is enough, but more is always greatly appreciated.
Tip #9 – Save money via Kutaisi International Airport
If you’re heading to another part of Europe before heading home, the Kutaisi airport might be a more practical last stop. The airport here is a hub for several low-cost European carriers, and you could save a lot if you’re traveling light. The same applies to arrivals.
Tip #10 – Leave room in your luggage
Georgians are extremely generous so even if you’re not planning to take much back, you should leave some extra room in your bags. I’d also recommend flying with more than a carry-on as, more often than not, gifts take the form of wine and spirits. You can pick up cheap luggage near Liberty Square — but while not bad, it’s not the best quality, either.
FAQs About Planning an Itinerary for Georgia
How many days is enough for Georgia?
Ten days is enough to see the most famous Georgian sights and not be rushed. If you have the time, 2 weeks (or more!) is better.
How can I spend 2 weeks in Georgia?
You can spend 2 weeks in Georgia seeing the main destinations, while taking more time to explore them. Plus, you can reach harder-to-reach areas such as Tusheti.
Do many Georgians speak English?
Most of the younger generations (those under mid-30s) speak at least a little English, especially in Tbilisi. The older generations tend to speak Russian as a second language. For the most part, you won’t encounter major language barrier issues when visiting the most popular attractions.
What is the best month to visit Georgia?
September offers the best balance of lower prices, number of activities, and pleasant weather. The mid to later parts of the month are best, because summer crowds have subsided and the grape harvest season (one of the best things in Kakheti) begins.
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🖨️ Get a printable version of this itinerary
You’re all set for your journey to Georgia! Of course, feel free to adjust the itinerary as you see fit — and if you have any questions, leave me a comment. Also, for more itinerary options, check out our guide on how to explore Georgia for up to 3 weeks.
Nate also made a video to help you plan your Georgia itinerary, which you can watch here:
