5 Georgia Country Itineraries (From 3 Days to 3 Weeks)
Travelers to Georgia will find a culture that has been welcoming visitors since the days of the Silk Road. With majestic landscapes, delicious and unique cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and endless outdoor activities, the country of Georgia offers something for every traveler.
No matter whether you have 3 days or 3 weeks to visit Georgia, I’ve got you covered in this post with the perfect Georgia itinerary for your trip!
I’m a digital nomad who has traveled Georgia extensively for months at a time – so you can trust that I know this wonderful country in Europe from top to bottom. I even made a video version of this guide, which you can watch here:
This Georgia itinerary and travel guide will give you the basic information you need to know to make the most of your trip to Georgia, but you should also bookmark my other guides to the best places to visit in Georgia and what to do in Georgia.
Table of Contents
- 5 Georgia Travel Itineraries
- When to Visit Georgia
- How Many Days in Georgia Should You Spend?
- Georgia Itinerary Stops
- Tours of Georgia
- Transportation in Georgia
- Travel Tips for Georgia
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5 Georgia Travel Itineraries
I’ve been over 65 countries and when people ask which is my favorite, I now respond with one word: GEORGIA!
There are a lot of incredible places in this world, but I’ve yet to find one that encapsulates as many experiences into a single place as the stunning country of Georgia. Simply put, if you have the opportunity, go to Georgia and go now! I promise you won’t regret it.
Your perfect Georgia travel itinerary is going to depend on how many days you spend in Georgia. With that in mind, I’ve created some suggested travel itineraries based on various lengths of stay in the country of Georgia:
Itinerary 1: Georgia in 3 Days
With only three days in Georgia, you’ll likely want to stick to Tbilisi and use it as a base for day trips.
Day 1: Tbilisi
If you arrive in time, take a walking tour of the Old Town. Either way, in the evening enjoy a your first dish of khachapuri and some Georgian wine in the Old Town.
Day 2: Tbilisi (Day Trip to Kazbegi)
Take one of the many organized tours on offer in Old Town Tbilisi to Kazbegi. Highlights include the Trinity Church and a stopover along the way at the Ananuri fortress.
Day 3: Tbilisi (Day Trip to Kakheti)
Explore the Kakheti region as part of another day trip. Opt for a wine tasting tour if you’re in the mood to imbibe, or a trip to the David Gareja monastery complex if you’d prefer some history. Back in Tbilisi in the evening, end your night with a cocktail at the excellent Rooms Hotel.
Itinerary 2: Georgia in 7 Days
A full week in Georgia offers you more of a chance to explore what the country has to offer, and a chance to get outside of just Tbilisi and to my favorite place in the world: Svaneti!
Day 1-2: Tbilisi
Explore the Old Town on foot one day, and take a day trip to either Kakheti or Kazbegi the other day.
Days 3-5: Svaneti
On day 3, make the journey to Mestia.
If you can book far in advance, catch a flight there (see my Svaneti Georgia guide for more info). Otherwise, settle in for the long 8 hour bus ride. It’ll be well worth, I promise.
On day 4, hire a 4×4 to take you up to the magical village of Ushguli for an overnight stay.
On day 5, make your way back to Mestia, taking in the gorgeous scenery along the way and perhaps going for a short hike. Enjoy a meal with new friends at the excellent Nino’s Guesthouse (booking ahead highly recommended as this is the epicenter of Mestia’s trekking culture).
Day 6-7: Kutaisi
After a long bus ride to Kutaisi, enjoy a night of fine dining in town (I suggest Sister’s restaurant – but you’ll need to book ahead).
The next day, get up for a day trip to one of the natural wonders of the area – the Prometheus Caves and the Martvili Canyon are popular options. Spend your evening at Baia’s Winery enjoying a traditional Georgian supra.
Arrange in advance to fly home directly from Kutaisi (check Wizz air for cheap international flights) or head back to Tbilisi for your return flight.
Itinerary 3 – Georgia in 10 Days
Complete Days 1-5 of the One Week in Georgia Itinerary, but allow yourself an extra day to soak in Svaneti. Then:
Day 7: Batumi
Catch a bus from Mestia to Batumi (likely with a change in Zugdidi). You’ll get to Batumi in time to watch the sunset light up the moving statute of Ali and Nino.
Day 8: Batumi
On your second day in Batumi, explore the Botanical Gardens and take a boat ride to see the skyline from the water.
Day 9: Tbilisi
Take the modern, 4-hour train directly back to Tbilisi. You’ll arrive in time to enjoy another night of great dining in Tbilisi.
Day 10: Tbilisi (Day Trip)
If you have time before your flight, take one last day trip – either to Kazbegi or Kakheti, whichever you missed on the front end.
Itinerary 4: Georgia in 2 Weeks
Now we are talking! With two weeks, you really have a chance to soak in Georgian culture!
Days 1-3: Tbilisi
Take your time to explore every facet of this charming city. If you get bored or are eager to check out the wine, take a day trip to Kakheti.
Days 4-5: Stepantsmida
Head on up to the Kazbegi region and find a nice guesthouse or homestay so that you can begin to get a taste of mountain life in Georgia. Hike up to the Trinity Church early one morning to beat the crowds.
Day 6: Kutaisi
Make your way down to Kutaisi for a night, allowing you to break up the journey around the functionally independent area of South Ossetia to Svaneti.
Days 7-10: Svaneti
Take a minibus up to Mestia on Day 7, then work your way up to Ushguli for a couple nights of stunning hiking and tranquility.
Return to Mestia on Day 10 to allow yourself to acclimate back from mountain life back to modern society.
Days 11-13: Batumi
Enough of this peace, nature, and tranquility – it’s time to get your party on. Spend your days soaking in some summer rays and your nights celebrating over a few shots of chacha – a powerful brandy liquor that will leave you reeling in the morning.
Day 14: Tbilisi/Kutaisi
Return to Tbilisi via train, or Kutaisi via minibus to catch your outbound flight. You saved some chacha for the flight right?
Itinerary 5: Georgia in 3+ Weeks
Congrats on making the excellent choice to give Georgia the time it deserves. With three weeks or more, you should be sure that you cover all of the Two Weeks in Georgia itinerary.
But you’ll also have time to slow down a bit along the way, as well as to add one some truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
I have a few suggestions for your third week in Georgia:
- Explore stunning Tusheti – Near the Russian border and still a bit off the beaten path, you’ll love the ancient watchtowers and the classic feel of this almost unreal mountain region.
- Extend your time in Svaneti to a week and do the classic trek from Mestia to Ushguli. It takes four days to do, and is only available during the summer, but receives rave reviews.
- Brave a visit to Abkhazia – This isn’t an endeavor that’s right for every traveler, but I had an incredibly memorable experience in Abkhazia. You’ll need to arrange a “visa” in advance and be sure that you’re aware of the latest safety situation there. Check out my Abkhazia Travel Guide for more info.
When to Visit Georgia
The best time to visit the country of Georgia is between May and October (which is of course also generally the best time to visit Europe), though if you’re into winter sports you can visit the country of Georgia at any time of the year.
Though Georgia is a small country, its climate varies considerably among its various regions, owing to the huge changes in elevation that you’ll find within this Caucasian country.
The best time to visit Tbilisi — the capital city, which receives by far the most tourists in the country — is a bit longer: between about April and November. But Tbilisi is a pleasant place to visit year around, though some may find the temperatures too cold from December to February.
The best time to visit Batumi, Georgia is definitely during the hot summer months of June to August, when Batumi fills with sun-seekers. Visit Batumi during another time of the year, and you might find it a bit like a ghost town.
The best time to visit Georgia for serious hiking or trekking in Georgia is also during the summer months, and especially July and August, as Georgia’s mountain passes can be closed off by snow even as late as early June.
How Many Days in Georgia Should You Spend?
How many days in Georgia you need will be different for every traveler depending on their time and financial resources, as well as their travel goals.
Personally, I recommend spending at least 10 to 14 days in Georgia.
This will give you enough time to explore a few different regions of this wonderful country and really appreciate it from every angle.
With that said, I fully understand that not everyone has that long to spend in Georgia.
But, fortunately, it’s possible to craft a solid itinerary for Georgia of just about any length (see below for suggestions).
If you only have a few days, Tbilisi’s strategic location still offers you the chance to sample the countryside via day trips. If you want to explore the country in more depth, however, Georgia’s many isolated mountain communities and diversity of options can keep you occupied for a month or more.
Georgia Itinerary Stops
When deciding on a Georgia travel itinerary, you are spoiled for choice. There is so much to see that it can be hard to choose. But here are the most important points of interest for any Georgia itinerary:
1. Tbilisi
Georgia’s capital is likely to fit on every itinerary and, for some, may be the only place they stay in Georgia.
The city offers first-class services, including accommodation options ranging from high-end hotels to budget hostels, as well as excellent dining and nightlife. Oh, and there are a ton of great things to do in Tbilisi. Don’t miss a walking tour of the charming Old Town (or, alternatively, explore Tbilisi’s Soviet architecture).
Oh, and go read my blog post on why I loved Tbilisi so much (and why you will too).
2. Batumi
As I wrote in my blog post on Batumi Georgia, this resort town on the Black Sea is part Singapore, part Atlantic City, part Dubai — but much smaller than any of those.
Quiet for most of the year, Batumi comes alive in the summer, when beach bums lay out on its kilometers of endless pebbles and party-goers flock to its throbbing clubs.
3. Svaneti
My favorite area of Georgia, Svaneti is a magical region with its own unique culture and a fierce people who have somehow fought off some of the largest armies in history.
Nestled high in the mountains, Svaneti isn’t easy to reach unless you can snag one of the few subsidized flights from Tbilisi.
👉 Check out my Ultimate Guide to Svaneti, Georgia and bookmark it for planning your trip to Svaneti later (but be sure to read the part about booking flights in advance now!).
4. Kazbegi
The Trinity Church stands high on a hillside in front of Mount Kazbegi, overlooking this charming region in the northern part of Georgia. Though it can be visited as part of a day trip, staying a night or two will let you soak in the culture — and take a few hikes through the inviting landscape.
5. Kakheti
The region to the east of Tbilisi is most famous for one thing: wine. If you’re a lover of the vino, you’ll definitely want to visit one of the many vineyards and wineries on offer here. History lovers might also enjoy a visit to the David Gareja monastery complex.
6. Kutaisi
Georgia’s second capital is home to its legislature, a number of gorgeous churches, and a growing food and dining scene.
Though much tamer than Tbilisi, Kutaisi is still worth a visit if you have the time, or if you have to fly in or out of here on one of the increasing number of budget flights headed here.
7. Tusheti
I have yet to make it Tusheti, but on my next visit to Georgia (hopefully in the late summer of 2019!), I’m going to make a beeline here.
Like Svaneti, it’s a historic mountain area filled with ancient villages guarded by stone watchtowers.
But, as it’s located on the far eastern side of the country, it’s offer a good alternative to Svaneti if you don’t quite have the time needed to make it all the way to the western part of Georgia.
8. Abkhazia
Ok, so the first thing you need to know here is that even calling Abkhazia part of Georgia is a bit controversial.
The area considers itself an independent nation and, since the Russian invasion in 2008, has been functionally separate from the rest of Georgia.
But most countries still consider it part of Georgia and, if you are brave enough to be one of the very few travelers to go here, it can be very rewarding. Check out my guide on what to do in Abkhazia for more information.
9. Gori
The highlight of Gori is definitely the 5,000 year old cave dwellings of Uplistsikhe, located just a few kilometers out of town.
You can also visit the birthplace of Stalin, as well as an interesting fortress that overlooks the city of Gori.
Honestly, Gori isn’t going to be the most interesting stop on your Georgia country itinerary. But it’s got a strategic location between Tbilisi and Kutaisi that means you’re going to be passing through here anyway at some point.
Tours of Georgia
Personally, I feel that Georgia is a perfectly fine country to travel independently, but I recognize that it is probably a bit outside the the comfort zone for a lot of travelers.
Do you want to let someone else do the work of handling trip logistics – but still have the freedom and flexibility to pick your own stops on your Georgia itinerary?
Then I’d suggest checking out JayWay Travel’s Georgia program.
I traveled with JayWay as part of a sponsored travel blogger trip in summer 2019 to Kutaisi and Svaneti, and I love their approach, which they call “semi-independent travel.”
That basically means they run all their tours as private tours: they handle the logistics but you have a lot of control over where you travel, where you to stay, and the annoying details of your Georgia itinerary you may not have the time to plan out.
There are also many day trip operators working out of Tblisi’s Old Town and many tours can be arranged while in country if you’re the spontaneous type of explorer (“what’s west of Westeros, anyone?”).
Transportation in Georgia
Georgia is a compact country and is relatively easy to get around. But the winding mountain roads can make for some lengthy travel times.
- Train: there is a modern train connecting Batumi and Tbilisi. Trains are also available for onward travel from Georgia to Armenia.
- Plane: The Vanilla Sky airline offers seasonal flights from Tbilisi to Mestia. They are cheap, but require booking far in advance.
- Marshrutka: These are essentially shared taxis that locals used to get around long distances. They often wait to leave when full, but can be an economical way to get around Georgia.
- Minibus: The most popular way for many tourists to cover long distances, these are more comfortable and predictable than marshrutkas. Your guesthouse, hotel, or hostel should have information on timetables.
- Taxis: Within Tbilisi and Batumi, taxis are an affordable option to get around. Uber is available in Tbilisi.
Travel Tips for Georgia
What Languages are Spoken in Georgia?
Georgian is the official language in Georgia. Much of the population speaks Russian, owing to its time as part of the USSR.
But English prevalence is growing quickly, especially in Tbilisi and with the younger generation.
What Money is Used in Georgia?
Georgia’s currency is called the Lari (often abbreviated as “GEL”). As of the time of this writing, 1 USD buys about 2.8 Laris.
Note that in Abkhazia only Russian rubles are used.
Is Georgia Safe?
Yes, generally Georgia is a very safe place to visit, despite the very brief conflict in 2008 between Russia and Georgia.
When I personally need travel insurance, I trust World Nomads. Coverage is simple and flexible, and you can get a quote in minutes.
But it is still a good idea to research whether travel insurance for Georgia is right for you. I personally used World Nomads, but of course do your own research.
In 2008, Russia invaded Georgia (again). Today Russia continues to occupy the areas of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
The war is still very fresh in the memories of many Georgians, and is a major reason why its tourism industry is only now starting to boom.
Is it Cheap to Travel Georgia?
Yes, Georgia is an incredibly affordable destination by European standards – an excellent example of a country where you can travel the world cheaply.
Even in Tbilisi, the most expensive part of the country, it’s possible to find a hostel bed for 10-15 Lari, and a quality budget hotel room for 60-70 Lari. Dinner even at a restaurant often runs less than 10 Lari, while a beer can be had for a few Lari.
How Long Can I Stay in Georgia?
To see how long you can stay in Georgia, you’ll need to check with your embassy, but Georgia has a very permissive immigration policy for tourists. Many nationalities, including EU and US citizens, are permitted to travel for up to 360 days!
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Need more inspiration for your trip to Georgia? Be sure to check out my Georgia Travel Resource Center!
Need help or have questions about crafting your own Georgia travel itinerary?
Scroll down and leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help!
Thank you for all the information on Georgia, If you only have 2 weeks and want to also travel the silk route, what do you recommend to do and how many days in each place? I think I would like to go to Baku as well. Is it safe to travel 2 women alone? or should we get on an organized tour? i really don’t like big crowds. Many thanks for your help.
Georgia is generally very safe and I saw lots of solo female travelers there. I’ve not been to Baku, but I have heard it is safe as well.
For an itinerary, I’d really suggest getting up to the mountains! Svaneti if you can! Definitely no crowds there.
Between Baku and Georgia (maybe Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Svaneti), that’s already a pretty full two weeks. But you could also add in Yerevan if you were intent on covering a bit more.
What an exciting adventure. Please do keep me updated and let me know if I can help.
Cheers,
Nate
Thank you for great information!
My husband & I would like to visit Georgia on a private tour for 2 weeks in September.
Please let me know what you can provide .
Ilene Cohen
Hi Ilene – I don’t provide tours of Georgia, but I suggest checking out JayWay, which is great.
Cheers,
Nate
If you had 2-3 weeks and wanted to go from Georgia to another country in Europe for part of your trip, what would you recommend? I was recommended France or Amsterdam as a cheaper option than Italy for example (specifically for flights). Thank you for any advice/opinions/tips!
Hi Nicole! Amsterdam may be cheap for flights, but you’ll spend many times more once you are there. Totally depends what you are looking for, but there are lots of lovely countries to consider. As long as you’re near Georgia, you might check out Armenia – it’s a fascinating place that’s just over the border. Greece, France, and Italy are certainly all great too if you want a more popular route. Just depends what you’re looking for. Have fun in Europe!
Hello Thank you for the great review! I am visiting Georgia this May with my husband and 6 month year old baby. So I would like for this trip to be very convenient. I am staying in Batumi for 4 days. Should we go to Borjomi and Bakuriani / or Zugdidi for the rest of the trip? I will stay 8 days in Georgia. My target on this trip is to enjoy nature. I am planning to rent a car *I will arrive and leave from Batumi International Airport.
Sounds like a great trip to Georgia! Personally, I found Zugdidi less interesting, so I would pick Borjomi, but ultimately it’s a question of what you want to do in Georgia. Enjoy your trip!
Hi Nate Thank you so much for this awesome blog! We are a couple with now two kids (2.5 year and 3 months) and like to travel! We are planning on visiting Georgia for 8-10 days at the beginning of July. Any places you recommend us to avoid with small kids? My main concern is the mountains, we would like to see and experience Georgias amazing nature but can’t hike for miles… any particular place or tour guide you will recommend us?
Thank you so much 😊🙏🏻
Hi Dianne! I haven’t traveled Georgia with children myself, but I think you’ll find it overall a pretty family-friendly place. In terms of getting into the mountains, you definitely don’t HAVE to do a bunch of hiking to enjoy it. Visiting any of the small towns in Kazbegi or Svaneti will put you right in the middle of the mountains. One of the things I like about Svaneti in the summer is that you can enjoy taking the ski lifts up the side of the mountain from right in town.
If you just want a taste of the mountains and are mostly based out of Tbilisi, there are tons of tours you can take that will take you up to Kazbegi for the day. It’s a full day for sure, but a good way to experience it. If you can, though, I’d suggest staying overnight for a night or two, especially considering how much time you have in Georgia.
And, of course, be sure to monitor the ongoing situation with Russia and South Ossetia before you go. I hope all will be well, but it is a tense situation to monitor.
Thank you so much for your detailed answer, all in line with what I was expecting! Hopefully the situation remains stable and then we definitely will go. One more question about the ski lift, assume it will be cold high in the mountains so we need to pack some winter clothes as well?!
Since we have time, I am also wondering how easy it is to cross the border by land/car to Armenia? It might be worth exploring the north and the Yerevan area! Is it also easy to travel with kids? Any major difference we need to be aware off?
Many thanks 🙏🏻 😊
Hi,
I’m planning on going to Georgia with my 15 month old in the summer and wondering if you made it and if you have any tips for travelling in Georgia with little ones?
Thanks!
While I don’t have children, I will say that Georgian culture is very accommodating to families and children, so I think you’ll find it as good a place as any to travel with an infant.
Thank you for your useful review.
I’m planning to travel to Georgia this month. How many weeks do you recommend to stay there as a first visit and the places I should visit? I’m a solo female traveller and would like to know the country and enjoy my time.
And what about the weather there?
Thank you in advance,
Ola
Take as much time as you have in Georgia! The weather in July is hot in Tbilisi and the low lying parts. The mountains are very pleasant and this is the best time to explore the mountains.
Hi Nate,
Thank you for such detailed information about Georgia which is quite fascinating.
My name is Babar and I am from Pakistan. My Wife and I are planning to visit this amazing country for a 10 days vacation in the first week of November this year.
Previously we been to Turkey continuously for 3 years and now want to travel to Bangkok for a week and to Georgia for 10 days.
I shall be grateful if you kindly provide some contact details of a reliable tour operator who could arrange our 10 days trip.
Thank you once again for your time and attention.
Best regards,
Thanks Babar! Best tour company I know is Jay Way Travel. Tell them I sent you. Have fun in Georgia!
Hi thanks for the information. I want to visit Georgia in October, can you recommend places to go for 5 days as a solo traveler.
All of Georgia is very manageable as a solo traveler. In fact, almost all of my travels have been solo. Tbilisi is of course going to be the best place to meet other travelers if you are looking for socializing, but the entire country is safe and easy to navigate as a solo traveler.
Hi…I am planning a short trip of 3 days at Georgia. Which are places you feel should not be missed out during the trip
Hi Stagy – check out my list of places to visit in Georgia!
Hi
Can you tell me which is the train from batumi to tbilisi*
how do i find out about its timings and how to book
Also can you elaborate on what all to see in batumi in a day
Thanks
You can see the Tbilisi > Batumi train schedules here: http://www.railway.ge/en/traffic-general-schedule/
Hey Nate, my husband and I are planning to travel to Georgia in June with our 13 year old daughter and 10 year old son. We have only 4-5 days. What itinerary would you suggest for such a short trip?
Hi Shivani – you could just stay in Tbilisi and do day trips. If you wanted a second stop, I’d suggest Kazbegi, but you can also just visit it as a day trip from Tbilisi.