Flexible Georgia Travel Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Your Flexible & Adjustable Georgia Itinerary

3-Day Georgia Itinerary: Tbilisi and a Day Trip

If you’re planning a Georgia itinerary, Tbilisi is the perfect place to begin. With its mix of history, architecture, markets, food, and scenic views, the capital offers a great introduction to Georgian culture. 

This Tbilisi itinerary forms the base of every Georgia travel itinerary, so even if you’re staying longer, it’s important not to skip over it. Here’s how to spend 3 perfect days in Tbilisi.

Day 1

Start your trip with some of Tbilisi’s most important cultural and religious landmarks. Begin at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Sameba), one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Its golden dome can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.

From there, head to the Queen Darejani Palace, a lesser-known gem with beautiful views over the Mtkvari River. Continue walking toward the Old Town and stop at Meidan Bazar, an underground market filled with Georgian wine, spices, and handmade souvenirs.

Next, visit the Sioni Cathedral of the Dormition, one of the city’s oldest churches, before stop by the Bridge of Peace. Don’t miss the Clock Tower if you are looking for the most Instagrammable places in Tbilisi.

For lunch, stop at Pasanauri on Baratashvili Street for traditional khinkali, or try Leila, a cozy café serving vegetarian-friendly Georgian dishes in a stylish setting.

After lunch, walk to Liberty Square, then head down Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s main boulevard lined with theaters, cafes, and museums. End your first day with a ride up the funicular to the top of Mtatsminda for dinner at the Funicular Restaurant.

🏨 If you need a place to stay, you will love these Tbilisi boutique hotels.

Day 2

Day two starts with a visit to the famous Sulphur Baths in the Abanotubani district. If you’re looking for a private room with a beautifully tiled interior, Orbeliani Baths is a great choice. It’s one of the best things to do in Tbilisi.

After a relaxing soak, hike or take the cable car to Narikala Fortress. From the top, you’ll get one of the best views of the Old Town and the Mtkvari River. Just a short walk away is the Mother of Georgia statue, an iconic symbol of the city.

In the afternoon, head to Wine Gallery and Fabrika, a former Soviet sewing factory turned into a hip multi-use space. Don’t miss the nearby Art Palace, and enjoy dinner at Ninia’s Garden or Rigi, some of the top Tbilisi restaurants.

If you’d rather explore outside the center, swap the afternoon for a visit to the Chronicle of Georgia, a massive hilltop monument often called Georgia’s “Stonehenge.” For dinner in that area, Kakhelebi is a local favorite serving delicious regional dishes and more wine.

Day 3: Day Trip from Tbilisi

No Georgia travel itinerary is complete without a day trip from Tbilisi. There are a few great options depending on your interests.

• Kazbegi (Stepantsminda): This is a long day, but worth it for the mountain views and the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church.
• Kakheti wine region: Visit the charming town of Sighnaghi or the wineries around Telavi. It’s perfect for wine lovers.
• Mtskheta: Just 30 minutes from Tbilisi, this ancient city is home to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery, both UNESCO sites.

One Week Georgia Itinerary for Wine Lovers (With Car)

3 Days in Tbilisi

The first 3 days of your itinerary remain the same, so please refer to the previous chapters. However, considering the rest of the plan, you can plan a day trip to Kazbegi or Mtskheta. We will keep Kakheti for the self-driving Georgia itinerary.

Drive Through Wine Region – 3 to 4 Days in Kakheti

For this adjustable Georgia itinerary, spending a few days in the Kakheti wine region is a must. Just a couple of hours from Tbilisi, this area is perfect for wine lovers, culture seekers, and anyone wanting to slow down and enjoy the countryside.

Here’s how to plan 3 unforgettable days in Kakheti, with an optional adventure on Day 4. If you choose to follow this route of itinerary, I highly recommend reading this Kakheti travel guide.

Day 1: Sighnaghi & Bodbe Monastery

Start your Kakheti road trip by driving from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi, a picturesque hilltop town known as the City of Love (about 2 hours). Wander through its cobbled streets, enjoy the views over the Alazani Valley, and feel the laid-back charm of this small town.

Stop for lunch at Amo Sighnaghi, a cozy spot with traditional dishes and a view. Afterward, visit the Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe, a peaceful religious site surrounded by cypress trees and vineyards.

Optional: Take a short stroll along the city walls or stop for a glass at Okro’s Wine Restaurant & Cellar, known for its natural qvevri wines.

Day 2: Telavi, Tsinandali & Dzveli Shuamta

After breakfast, drive to Telavi, the heart of the Kakheti region. It’s a quiet town, perfect for a morning stroll or a quick visit to the local market.

Next, head to the elegant Tsinandali Estate, once home to Georgian poet Alexander Chavchavadze. The palace and gardens are well-kept and peaceful, and you can also try some estate-produced wine here.

Optional: In the afternoon, take a short drive to the forested ruins of Dzveli Shuamta Monastery, one of Kakheti’s hidden gems.

Return to your vineyard hotel to relax and enjoy a home-cooked dinner and wine tasting. Watching the sun set over the vines with a glass of Saperavi is one of the best experiences in Georgia.

Day 3: Alaverdi Monastery & Gombori Pass (Optional Overnight)

Start your final day in Kakheti with a visit to the Alaverdi Monastery, a 6th-century site where monks still produce traditional wine. It’s one of the oldest and most atmospheric monasteries in Georgia.

In the late afternoon, drive back to Tbilisi via the scenic Gombori Pass. If you’re up for more adventure, you can overnight in Udabno or a nearby guesthouse. Otherwise, head straight back to the capital.

Day 4 (Optional): David Gareja Monastery & Rainbow Mountains

If you’re planning 1 week in Georgia and have an extra day to spare, you can include the David Gareja Monastery Complex and Rainbow Mountains.

Start early for this semi-desert route. Once at the monastery, you can hike up to see the frescoed cave chapels and take in the surreal landscape. On your way back to Tbilisi, stop at the colorful Rainbow Mountains for a short walk and unique photos.

Note: This drive is not easy, and unless you’re a very confident driver, I highly recommend visiting David Gareja with a professional guide. A guided day trip from Tbilisi is usually the best option for this part of the country.

One Week in Georgia Without a Rental Car

Don’t want to rent a car in Georgia? No problem. You’ll base yourself in Tbilisi for the full 7 days to explore the Georgian capital and book some of the best day trips from Tbilisi.

Start by following the 2-day Tbilisi itinerary found at the beginning of this Georgia itinerary. Then, book three day trips from Tbilisi and use the rest of your time to discover Tbilisi’s hidden gems, explore the food scene, and enjoy local activities.

I recommend planning day trips to Mtskheta, Kazbegi, and Kakheti. However, there are other great options too. Since we all have different interests and travel styles, be sure to check out this Tbilisi day trip guide and choose the ones that suit you best.

You will also want to read these Tbilisi guides:

• 20 Best Things to Do in Tbilisi
• 15 Best Photo Spots in Tbilisi
• 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Tbilisi
• Tbilisi Food Guide: Where to Eat in Tbilisi

This is one of the most flexible options in any Georgia travel itinerary, ideal for solo travelers or anyone who prefers not to drive.

2-Week Georgia Road Trip Itinerary (With Car)

3 Days in Tbilisi and 3-4 Days in Kakheti or 7 Days in Tbilisi

For your first week, follow the 7-day plan outlined earlier in this Georgia itinerary. You can choose to rent a car from Kakheti and continue with the road trip below, or book day trips from Tbilisi first and start your rental for the second week.

Drive West: Mtskheta, Gori, Borjomi (Overnight Stop)

This part of your Georgia road trip itinerary will take you west from Tbilisi through Mtskheta, Gori, and Borjomi, before continuing to Kutaisi. Spending the night in Borjomi is a great way to break up the journey.

Your first stop is Mtskheta, just 30 minutes from Tbilisi. This UNESCO-listed town is home to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of Georgia’s most sacred churches, and the Jvari Monastery, which sits on a hilltop with sweeping views of the river confluence below. 

Next, drive west to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, so the Stalin Museum is a must. If you have time, climb to the Gori Fortress for views over the city. Just outside Gori, make a short detour to Uplistsikhe.

From Gori, continue to Borjomi, a resort town known for its mineral water and green landscapes. Take a walk in Borjomi Central Park, where you can taste the famous spring water, ride the cable car, or visit the historic Romanov Palace.

🧖‍♀️ Where to stay in Borjomi:

• Borjomi Likani Health & Spa Centre – A luxurious option with full spa services.
• Golden Tulip Borjomi – One of the prettiest hotels in Borjomi.
• Crowne Plaza Borjomi – Right next to the park, with elegant rooms and great facilities.

Kutaisi

On the following day, head to Kutaisi, where you’ll base yourself for the next 3 to 4 days. Spend the first two days discovering the highlights of Kutaisi itself, then use the remaining time to explore the surrounding region with one or two day trips.

Day 1

The first day is all about getting to know central Kutaisi. Start your morning at the iconic Bagrati Cathedral, one of the most famous landmarks in western Georgia. 

Head over to Besik Gabashvili Amusement Park for sweeping views of the city, then take a ride on the Kutaisi Cable Car. Stroll across the White Bridge and take some time to enjoy the riverside installations at the White Bridge Art Park.

For lunch, try the popular Bikentia’s Kebabery, known for its grilled meat dishes, or opt for a more contemporary setting at Palaty, which blends Georgian and European flavors.

In the afternoon, you can either take it slow at the peaceful Kutaisi Botanical Garden or drive out to the Gelati Monastery and Motsameta Monastery, two of the most important cultural sites in the region.

End your day with a hearty dinner and local wine at Toma’s Wine Cellar, a great spot to experience western Georgia’s hospitality.

Day 2

The second day invites you to dig into the city’s cultural layers and hidden corners. If you like slow mornings, start with breakfast or coffee at Tea House Foe-Foe, a cozy café with a vintage feel. 

Later in the morning, explore the elegant Meskhishvili Theater, admire the golden Colchis Fountain, and relax in Kutaisi Park. Around the center, you’ll find several quirky landmarks like the Soviet Sculpture Complex, Mon Plaisir Arch, and Wall of Love.

For lunch, choose between Lilestan, known for its local atmosphere, or Magnolia, which serves Georgian classics in a charming setting.

Spend your afternoon wandering through the busy Green Bazaar, visiting the Kutaisi Holy Annunciation Temple, or learning more about the region at the Kutaisi State Historical Museum. 

Wine lovers might want to wrap up the day with a trip to Baia’s Winery, located just outside the city and known for its organic wines.

Days 3–4

The rest of your time in Kutaisi can be spent exploring the surrounding region or booking one of the many popular Georgia day trips from Kutaisi. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Katskhi Pillar & Chiatura
• Okatse, Martvili, & Prometheus
• Tetra Cave & Sataplia Natural Reserve
• Tskaltubo
• Tskhrajvari & Racha
• Batumi
• Borjomi, Rabati & Vardzia

2-Week Georgia Itinerary Without a Car

If you want to explore Georgia without a car, don’t worry, it’s completely doable. For the first week, follow the plan outlined in One Week in Georgia Without a Rental Car. After that, take public transport to Kutaisi and follow the Kutaisi itinerary above.

Extra Time in Georgia? Visit Batumi for 2-4 Days

If you have extra time in Georgia, head to Batumi, especially in the warmer months. Whether you’re following the best itinerary for Georgia with or without a car, visiting this seaside city on the Black Sea is one of the best things to do in Georgia.

Batumi is ideal for a Batumi beach getaway, but there’s more to enjoy than just sun and sea. You can stroll along the Batumi Boulevard, explore the vibrant local markets, and check out quirky architecture like the Alphabet Tower and the futuristic Batumi Piazza. 

This part of your flexible Georgia travel itinerary is especially perfect for first-time visitors to Georgia who want to experience a bit of everything – nature, history, food, wine, and now, the coast. 

You can reach Batumi easily by train or minibus from Kutaisi or Tbilisi, so no car is needed to enjoy it. Spend 2 to 4 days in Batumi relaxing, taking in the views, and enjoying the laid-back vibe before heading back home.

Read more about Batumi:

• Batumi Food Guide: Where to Eat in Batumi
• 10 Best Photo Spots in Batumi for Stunning Batumi Photos
• 20 Best Things to Do in Batumi: Beaches, Food, and More

Let’s Sum Up Your Georgia Itinerary (With & Without Car)

Duration	Highlights
3 Days	Tbilisi Old Town, Narikala Fortress, Sulphur Baths, Day trip: Kazbegi, Mtskheta, or Kakheti
7 Days (Car)	Tbilisi, Day trip, Kakheti, David Gareja Desert (optional)
7 Days (No Car)	Tbilisi base + Day trips: Kazbegi, Kakheti, Mtskheta, and more
14 Days (Car)	Tbilisi, Kakheti, Mtskheta, Gori, Borjomi, Kutaisi & surroundings, Batumi
14 Days (No Car)	Tbilisi base + Day trips, Kutaisi & surroundings, Batumi

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Georgia Itinerary

How many days do you need in Georgia?

The ideal Georgia travel itinerary depends on your time and interests. You can get a good feel for Tbilisi in 3 days, but to truly explore the country, 10 to 14 days in Georgia is recommended.

Is Georgia suitable for travel without a rental car?

Yes, you can easily enjoy Georgia without a car. Base yourself in Tbilisi and take organized day trips from Tbilisi to places like Mtskheta, Kazbegi, and Kakheti. Many visitors use trains or marshrutkas to visit other regions like Kutaisi and Batumi.

Should I rent a car for a Georgia road trip itinerary?

If you want more flexibility, especially in remote areas or hidden wineries in Kakheti, renting a car is a great option. A Georgia road trip itinerary lets you discover places that are hard to reach by public transport and follow your own schedule.

What is the best Georgia itinerary for first-time visitors?

A flexible Georgia travel itinerary for first-timers includes at least 3 days in Tbilisi, a day trip to Mtskheta or Kazbegi, 2–3 days in Kakheti for wine lovers, and a few days in Kutaisi or Batumi.

When is the best time to visit Georgia?

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are the best times to visit Georgia. The weather is mild, ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and wine tasting. Summer is great for the mountains and beach towns like Batumi.

Is Georgia a good destination for solo travelers?

Yes, Georgia is safe and welcoming for solo travelers. Whether you’re following a 1-week Georgia itinerary without a rental car or exploring more remote regions with a car, you’ll find plenty of tours, transport options, and friendly locals.

What are the top destinations to include in a Georgia travel itinerary?

Key stops in the best itinerary for Georgia include Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kazbegi, Kakheti, Kutaisi, Borjomi, and Batumi. You can adjust based on your interests in wine, mountains, beaches, or culture.

Can I visit Georgia on a budget?

Yes! Georgia is one of the most affordable countries in Europe. You can enjoy traditional meals, comfortable stays, and transport at very reasonable prices. A flexible Georgia itinerary allows you to tailor the trip to your budget.