5 Georgia Country Itineraries (From 3 Days to 3 Weeks)

Day 9: Tbilisi

Take the modern, 4-hour coach directly back to Tbilisi. You’ll arrive in time to enjoy another evening of exceptional dining in Tbilisi.

Day 10: Tbilisi (Day Trip)

If time exists before the flight, take one last day trip – either to Kazbegi or Kakheti, whichever was missed at the beginning.

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 exploring every facet of this charming city. If boredom strikes or you want to check out the wine, consider a day trip to Kakheti.

Days 4-5: Stepantsmida

The challenging route starts at the pier in Los Machos Beach and crosses through Medio Mundo Beach, the mangrove channels within the Ceiba State Forest, and the Medio Mundo Channel before reaching Cayo Piñero.

Day 6: Kutaisi 

Making your way down to Kutaisi for an overnight allows 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 adjust back from mountain life back to modern society.

Days 11-13: Batumi 

Enough with this amicability, nature, and quiet – it’s an ideal opportunity to get your gathering directly. Spend your days soaking in some summer beams and your evenings celebrating over a couple of shots of chacha – a compelling hard liquor that will abandon you reeling in the first part of the day.

Day 14: Tbilisi/Kutaisi 

Return to Tbilisi via train, or Kutaisi via minibus to catch your outbound flight. You saved some chacha for the journey right?

Itinerary 5: Georgia in 3+ Weeks

Congrats on making the sensible decision to dedicate Georgia the time it deserves. With three weeks or more, you should be sure to cover the full Two Weeks in Georgia itinerary.

But you’ll also have time to slow down occasionally along the way, as well as to add some truly once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

I have a few recommendations for your third week in Georgia:

1. Explore stunning Tusheti – Near the Russian boundary and still a bit detached from the well-trodden route, you’ll cherish the antiquated towers and the classical sense of this almost unreal mountain locale.
2. Extend your time in Svaneti to a week and do the classic trek from Mestia to Ushguli. It takes four days to accomplish, and is only accessible during the summer, but receives rave reviews.
3. Face undertaking a travel to Abkhazia – This experience is not suitable for every traveler, but I had an extremely memorable time in Abkhazia. You’ll need to arrange an “entry visa” in advance and be sure that you’re aware of the latest safety situation there. Check out my Abkhazia Travel Guide for additional information.

When to Visit Georgia

The ideal period to visit Georgia lies between May and October (which also characteristically ), though if you’re interested in winter activities 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 variations in elevation that you’ll find within this Caucasian country.

The optimal time to visit Tbilisi – the capital which hosts most tourists in the country – lasts a bit longer: roughly from April to November. However, Tbilisi remains a pleasant destination year-round, though some may find temperatures too frigid from December to February.

The peak time to visit Batumi, Georgia is unquestionably during the warm summer months of June to August, when Batumi fills with sun-seekers. Go to Batumi during another time of the year, and you might find it a bit deserted.

The optimum time to visit Georgia for serious hiking or trekking in Georgia is also during the summer months, and notably 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?

The number of days needed in Georgia will differ depending on factors like time, money, and travel aims for each traveler.

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.

While mentioning that, I fully grasp that not everybody has that much time to spend in Georgia.

Fortunately, it is possible to create a strong plan for Georgia no matter the desired length (see below for suggestions).

If limited to only a few days, Tbilisi’s strategic location still allows sampling the countryside through day trips. However, to more deeply explore the country, Georgia’s many isolated mountain communities and diversity of options can occupy travelers for a month or longer.

Georgia Itinerary Stops

Those inhabiting the Southern Hemisphere can benefit from improved conditions with an extended season of the Milky Way visible in the night sky along with expanded areas away from light that obscures starlight.

1. Tbilisi

The capital city is likely to be included on every plan and, for some, may be the only location they stay in Georgia.

The city offers top-quality services, including accommodation options ranging from high-end hotels to affordable hostels, as well as excellent dining and nightlife options. In addition, there are many great activities available in Tbilisi. Be sure to include a walking tour of the charming Old Town section (or, alternatively, explore Tbilisi’s architectural landmarks from the Soviet era).

Also read my blog article on why I loved Tbilisi so much (and why you will too).

2. Batumi

As mentioned in my article on my website about Batumi Georgia, this coastal city on the Black Sea can be likened parts to Singapore, Atlantic City, and Dubai—though on a smaller scale than any of those locations.

Generally tranquil throughout much of the year, Batumi comes alive in summer months, when sunbathers spread out across its extensive pebbled beaches and revelers flock to its pulsating nightclubs.

3. Svaneti

One of my favorite areas in Georgia, Svaneti possesses a distinctive culture and hardy populace who have somehow resisted even the largest warring forces in history.

Nestled high in the Caucasus Mountains, Svaneti isn’t simple to access unless you can secure one of the limited subsidized flights from Tbilisi.

👉 Check out my Complete 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 tall 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 area east of Tbilisi is most renowned for one thing: wine. If you enjoy vino, you`ll definitely want to visit one of the numerous vineyards and wineries available here. History buffs may also appreciate a trip to the David Gareja monastery complex.

6. Kutaisi

Georgia’s second capital is home to its legislature, numerous beautiful churches, and a burgeoning food and dining culture.

Though much calmer 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 visit Tusheti, but on my next trip to Georgia (hopefully in the late summer of 2019!), I’m going to make a beeline there.

Comparable to Svaneti, it’s a historic mountainous region filled with ancient villages guarded by stone lookout towers.

However, as it’s situated on the furthest eastern side of the country, it provides a good alternative to Svaneti if you don’t have quite enough time to travel all the way to the western region of Georgia.

8. Abkhazia

Ok, so the first thing you need to understand here is that referring to Abkhazia as part of Georgia is rather contentious.

The region considers itself an independent nation and, since the Russian invasion in 2008, has been functionally separate from the governance of the rest of Georgia.

However, most nations still view it as part of Georgia and, for the daring visitors who make the trip here, it can be highly rewarding. Check out my guide on what to do in Abkhazia for more details.

9. Gori

The highlight of Gori is undoubtedly the 5,000 year old cave dwellings of Uplistsikhe, situated just a few kilometers out of town.

You can also visit the birthplace of Stalin, as well as an intriguing fortress overlooking the city of Gori.

Honestly, Gori isn’t going to be the most interesting stop on your Georgia country itinerary. But it’s strategically located between Tbilisi and Kutaisi that means you’re going to be passing through here anyway at some point.

🚗 Need a Rental Automobile? Check out our guide to renting a car in Tbilisi.

Transportation in Georgia

Georgia is a compact country and traveling within is relatively easy. But the winding mountain roads can make for some lengthy travel periods.

Even if you just have a few days on your Puerto Rico schedule, Cabo Rojo can still be part of your itinerary. You can book a tour to the west of the island.

• Plane: The Vanilla Sky airline provides seasonal flights from Tbilisi to Mestia. They are affordable, but require booking well in advance.
• Marshrutka: These operate similarly to shared taxis that locals use for long-distance travel within Georgia. They tend to depart once full but can offer affordable transportation.
• Minivan: considered one of the most comfortable ways for many travelers to cover long distances efficiently, these provide a smoother ride than marshrutkas. Your lodging should provide information on timetables.
• Taxis: Within Tbilisi and Batumi, cabs are an affordable choice to get around. Uber is accessible 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.

However, prevalence of English is growing rapidly, especially in Tbilisi and amongst younger generations.

What Money is Used in Georgia?

Georgia’s currency is termed the Lari (often abbreviated as “GEL”). As of the time of this writing, 1 USD purchases about 2.8 Laris.

Note that in Abkhazia only Russian rubles are accepted as currency.

Is Georgia Safe?

Generally, Georgia is considered a safe place to visit, despite the brief conflict in 2008 between Russia and Georgia.