Best Day Trips from Tbilisi: Georgia Beyond the Capital 

Best day trips from Tbilisi

1. Day trip to Mtskheta from Tbilisi

Mtskheta is one of the easiest and best day trips from Tbilisi. The town is relevant for its historical importance and the impressive Ancient Monuments of Mtskheta. This complex consists of a number of churches, convents, and monasteries.

Depending on your interests, Mtskheta can also be a half-day trip from Tbilisi, especially if you visit Mtskheta with a private tour. Either way, it’s an absolute must when you visit the Georgian capital.

Best things to do in Mtskheta

When visiting Mtskheta, you shouldn’t miss the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Jvari Monastery, which are among the most beautiful places in Georgia.

The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral dates back to the 4th century AD and stands proudly in the old town of Mtskheta. After its construction, it went through several renovations, with the most significant one in 1020, which gave the cathedral its current shape.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is surrounded by beautiful gardens, cobblestone streets, and endless souvenir stalls. I am sure you will want to hang around and do a bit of shopping as well.

Perched on top of a hill, you’ll find the Jvari Monastery blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Jvari is a rare example of an Early Medieval Georgian church that has survived almost unchanged to the present day.

From the hill at Jvari, you get a beautiful view over Mtskheta’s old town and the intersection of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. This is a perfect spot to snap an iconic photo and also appreciate the beauty of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

If you are not afraid of an intense 10-hour day trip, I recommend you combine Mtskheta with Gori and Uplistsikhe. However, leave it to locals and go with a guided tour from Tbilisi. You can also visit the Chronicles of Georgia with this private tour.

How to go to Mtskheta from Tbilisi?

• Take marshrutka from Didube Station (2-5 GEL)
• Get a Bolt or a taxi (20-40 GEL)
• Rent a car
• Book a driver on GoTrip
• Join a guided tour
• Join a private guided tour

2. Day trip to Kazbegi from Tbilisi

Kazbegi is without a doubt one of the top places to visit from Tbilisi. The beauty of the Georgian mountains makes it one of the best Tbilisi day trips for nature lovers. The scenic drive to Kazbegi offers the beauty of the Georgian mountains and countryside.

My recommendation is to visit Kazbegi in the warmer season, from May to October. During cold months, Kazbegi offers a completely different experience, however, some of the roads get blocked, so you need to be flexible with your plans.

Best things to do in Kazbegi

The most relevant sight of Kazbegi (or Stepantsminda) is undoubtedly the spectacular Gergeti Trinity Church. This small church is perched on top of a mountain, and it’s one of the top places to visit from Tbilisi. 

However, the road to the church is definitely part of the charm. On your way to the church, you’ll drive along the Georgian Military Highway and pass through spectacular and diverse landscapes and sights.

One of the mandatory stops is the Ananuri Fortress, a complex located right on a picturesque lake. The fortress showcases typical Georgian architecture, while the landscape is simply picture-perfect, with soft hills surrounding the blue water of the lake.

Another unmissable sight before reaching the church is the Russian-Georgian Friendship Monument. This monument boasts beautiful mosaics and offers a stunning view over the valley. It’s also a hot spot for paragliding.

If you have more time to spend in Stepantsminda, I recommend exploring the surrounding areas. Juta was one of my favorite places in Georgia, and I simply cannot recommend it enough. Consider visiting the area if you are passionate about hiking.

On your way to Juta, you can also stop in Sno, where you’ll find gigantic sculptures by Merab Phiranishvili.

How to reach Kazbegi from Tbilisi?

The best way to visit the Kazbegi area and especially Gergeti Trinity Church is by an organized tour. You can choose between a group tour and a private tour. However, if you end up visiting Gergeti Trinity Church on your own, make sure you read this detailed guide.

3. Tbilisi to Kakheti day trip

Kakheti is a region famous for its wine production, and it’s one of the best day trips from Tbilisi. The drive from the Georgian capital takes you through the scenic Gombori Pass, a beautiful road that reaches its peak in the fall.

While you can easily visit Kakheti on a day trip, I highly recommend planning a 3-4 day stay in the region instead. There is so much to see and do that you certainly won’t get bored. However, if you have a limited time, you can certainly get great insights to Kakheti region.

Best things to do in Kakheti

Located in the heart of the Kakheti wine region, Sighnaghi is one of the most romantic towns in the Caucasus. Known as the “City of Love,” Sighnaghi is surrounded by old city walls, scenic hills, and views of the Alazani Valley.

The town itself is small but full of charm. Cobblestone streets, colorful balconies, and cozy cafes make it perfect for a slow day of walking, wine tasting, and taking photos. You’ll also find plenty of guesthouses offering local wines and home-cooked food.

On your way to town, stop at Bodbe Monastery, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Georgia. This sacred site is dedicated to Saint Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia, and it offers both historical significance and panoramic views.

The area boasts hundreds of vineyards that will welcome you openheartedly to make you try their specialties. Popular options include Kvareli Wine Cave, Marani, Shumi Winery, and smaller boutique producers like Mestvireni Winery.

Tsinandali Estate is a must. The house itself has been beautifully preserved and turned into a museum. The real highlight, though, might be the gardens and wine tasting experience. The property is part of the Radisson Collection Hotel.

How to reach Sighnaghi from Tbilisi?

• Rent a car
• Book a driver on GoTrip
• Join a guided tour
• Join a private guided tour
• Take a marshrutka from Samgori metro (not recommended unless you are staying for more than a day!)

Do you want to hang around for a little longer?

Spend a night at one of the Kakheti wine hotels: Mestvireni Winery, Hotel Qvevrebi, Babaneuris Marani, Vineyard Hotel & Winery, Château Mosmieri Hotel & Winery, Hotel & Wine Cellar ARGE, Chateau Artwine.

And make sure you read all about the best things to do in Kakheti together with an adjustable Kakheti itinerary and other useful travel tips that you should know before visiting Kakheti.

4. David Gareja Monastery and the Rainbow Mountains of Georgia

David Gareja Monastery is an ancient monastery complex carved into the rocks of a semi-desert landscape that feels like nowhere else in the country. Or this world. Nearby, you will find Rainbow Mountains of Georgia, which offer a surreal landscape.

Technically, the monastery and mountains are located in the Kakheti region, however, it deserves a separate day trip from Sighnaghi, Telavi, and wineries. Also, getting there takes some time since the road is bumpy and remote, but that’s part of the experience.

For this reason, I don’t recommend renting a car to visit the David Gareja Monastery and the Rainbow Mountains. Public transport is not an option either, so the best way is to book a driver on GoTrip or join a tour.

If you are an adventurous soul, you will love this fun day trip from Tbilisi that includes David Gareja Monastery and Rainbow Mountains of Georgia. This is a great tour for hiking lovers visiting Georgia.

5. Gori & Uplistsikhe from Tbilisi

Gori is famous as the birthplace of the dictator Joseph Stalin, and this has made the city a popular attraction for nostalgics and people who are passionate about history. However, there is more than just Soviet history to discover. 

The city has a long past that dates back to the Hellenistic period. It became a stronghold during the Middle Ages. Just a few kilometers away from Gori is Uplistsikhe, which is home to Georgia’s oldest cave city. You can easily combine two of the top places to visit from Tbilisi.

Best things to do in Gori & Uplistsikhe

If you choose Gori as your day tour from Tbilisi, you will want to start with a visit to the Stalin Museum. The museum is packed with material from the Soviet Union era and traces the life of the Soviet dictator from his birth to his final days.

After visiting the Stalin Museum, you can climb up to Gori Fortress, which dates back to the 7th century and got its current shape in the 18th century. The fortress will take you back in time and offers a chance to enjoy panoramic views of Gori

The Church of the Virgin Mary is another relevant sight in the city, located just a few meters away from the fortress and the Stalin Museum. If your hunger for history is still not satisfied, Gori offers another relevant museum – The Gori Ethnographic Museum.

And finally, Uplistsikhe! It is like an open-air museum made of rocks, caves, and tunnels, and it’s definitely one of the most unique places to visit near Tbilisi. The first settlement of the area dates back to the Iron Age. The complex also offers fantastic panoramic views.

As you already know, you can combine Gori & Uplistsikhe with Mtskheta. Alternatively, you can make a stop in Gori on your way to Borjomi or vice versa, considering that you will pass through Gori to reach the resort town famous for its miraculous water.

How to visit Gori & Uplistsikhe from Tbilisi?

Marshrutka (from Didube Station), as always, is the cheapest option, however, it is not recommended as it only brings you to Gori. The best option is to get a driver on GoTrip, rent a car, or join a guided tour.

6. Borjomi

Famous for its springs and green spaces, Borjomi is an unmissable and easy day trip from Tbilisi. Borjomi is a resort town located 160 km away from the capital, and it is famous for its water. Borjomi water is a national Georgian heritage, as much as wine or khachapuri.

A visit to Borjomi is a bit more of an off-the-beaten-path day trip from Tbilisi compared to Kazbegi, so it’s ideal to relax and breathe some fresh air. Keep in mind that, being a resort town, it gets busy only during the summer season.

Best things to do in Borjomi

The first thing you need to do is visit the Ekaterine Spring and drink the water directly at the source. While the taste of the water might not be for everyone (I don’t like it, but my partner loves it), its benefits for the body are surprising.

The good effects of the water can also be found at the Borjomi Sulfur Pools. Just a few minutes away from the central part of town, these small pools are a great place for a dip. To reach the pools, you’ll need to hike about 4 km or park the car 500 meters away. 

Another unmissable spot in Borjomi is the vintage Soviet cable car. If you’re not scared of heights, consider taking a ride to enjoy the beautiful view over the mountainous landscape around Borjomi.

Enjoying a walk along the river and through the parks is another pleasant activity in Borjomi. When it is time for a break, my recommendation is Café Inka. It is located in a picturesque wooden and stone building and serves traditional local food & sweets.

Want to see more? Bakuriani is located only one hour away from Borjomi and is the perfect destination if you’re into skiing and winter sports in general. Bakuriani is, in fact, the oldest ski resort in Georgia, and the surrounding landscapes are truly fantastic.

How to visit Borjomi from Tbilisi?

You can take a marshrutka (from Didube Station), train (too long for a day trip!), get a driver on GoTrip, rent a car, or join a guided tour.

7. Armenia: Is it possible to visit Armenia from Tbilisi on a day trip?

If you’re looking to add something different to your Georgia itinerary, a day trip from Tbilisi to Armenia is absolutely possible. You won’t be able to reach the capital, but you will still discover some of the most beautiful places in Armenia.

I don’t recommend a DIY tour, so leave it to professionals instead. This Day Trip to Armenia from Tbilisi takes you across the border to visit a few historic sites and includes a homemade Armenian lunch. It’s a long day (around 12 hours), but very much worth it.

The first stop is Akhtala Monastery, a beautiful and peaceful place known for its impressive frescoes. The church dates back to the 13th century and has a unique vibe that really sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Then you’ll head to Haghpat Monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and probably the highlight of the tour. It’s perched on a hill with amazing views and surrounded by green landscapes.

One of the best parts of this tour is the homemade lunch with a local Armenian family. You’ll try traditional dishes and get to know more about daily life in Armenia. It’s one of those small details that make this one of the most authentic day trips from Tbilisi with local guides.