Itinerary ● Highlights of Georgia in 2 Weeks.
Captivating Georgia is positioned at the heart of the Caucasus Region; a continental crossroads where diverse cultures coalesce.
Georgia has a rich and enchanting history that has endured for thousands of years. Follow this itinerary for inspiration as we shed light on a few of Georgia’s most wondrous destinations.
Your travels will take you to mystifying relics of the past, idyllic alpine landscapes, and cities abuzz with life.
Begin by exploring the incredible capital city of Tbilisi, with its splendid architecture, energetic atmosphere, and top-notch restaurants. Given time to soak in the modern day culture of Georgia, you will ascend to mountainous regions of Kazbegi and Svaneti.
📚 Resources.
Tbilisi ● 3 nights.
In the throes of long overdue renaissance, Tbilisi is emerging as an electrifying underdog with unbridled potential to impress. Exquisite yet subtle in its beauty, the Georgian capital proudly wears its heart on its sleeve; scars and all.
Weathered by wars past, beauty permeates far beyond the lack of glossy sheen; instead it shines through a unique homespun style of architecture and the genuine kindness of its people.
Standing guard over the city, Narikala Fortress is an imposing stronghold, peering down upon Tbilisi from its strategic position high above the skyline. Protruding from the surrounding rubble, St Nicholas Church is a replica built upon the ashes of its predecessor. Across the river, Metekhi Church is a glowing beacon and defining symbol of the Georgia’s post-independence prosperity.
History aside, making the journey to the site is well-worth the effort for the beautiful views that sprawl out across the city, framed within the distant glow of the horizon. On pleasant afternoons, you may wish to forsake the convenience of the famous cable car in favour of a leisurely hike to the summit.
A small cluster of red-brick domes crowd around the site of a geothermal spring, offering far more than just a glimpse into the past. Still in operation, intrigued visitors enter these bathhouses with some degree of trepidation, forewarned of an alarming sulphur stench — hence the name Sulfur Baths —accompanied by merciless massage techniques.
Towering above the Elia neighbourhood, Holy Trinity Cathedral (📷) is a modern masterwork that channels antique Georgian architecture found in monasteries throughout the country. One of the largest churches in the entire world, standing in the presence of this monolithic structure may induce a religious epiphany in the most stubborn of non-believers.
Nestled amidst the Sololaki Mountain Range at the foot of Narkala, the National Botanical Garden is a wonderland for fanatics of all things floral. A prized possession among locals, this expansive green space has a heritage that dates back centuries as a pleasure park for royalty.
Nowadays, these lovingly manicured gardens are open to the public, who ramble through winding pathways as they criss-cross the premises.
🔼 Above: Sunlight fills Sioni Cathedral (📷).
Burrowed inside of a steep gorge, Leghvtakhevi Waterfall is a focal point for photographers who capture the cascade as it tumbles from above.
Straddling the River Kura, the Bridge of Peace may be one of the newer additions to Tbilisi, but it has quickly become a cherished landmark since its unveiling in 2010.
As practical as it is pretty, the unconventional design of this walkway contributes a sleek modernity to the city. When the sun disappears from view, thousands of LED light fixtures ignite across the bridge and glisten atop the water.
On the cusp of a world-beating cultural revolution, generations of Georgians have pursued their newfound freedoms with profound passion, ushering in a new frontier for nightlife in the region.
Embracing individuality and creativity with a distinct funky flair, the after-hours scene in Tbilisi knows no bounds, ranging from dingy dive bars and techno townhouses to sophisticated speakeasies and wine cellars stocking the finest selection of Georgian wine.
To the surprise of the uninitiated, Georgian cuisine is absolutely fantastic across the board; a delight to be enjoyed in even the most unsuspecting of venues. Drawing on centuries of traditional recipes and ingredients, there’s a burgeoning gastronomy scene underway here, with countless streets teeming with trendy eateries that infuse modern sensibilities with tradition.
Hooked on Tbilisi?
There’s so much more to uncover. Keep our handy pocket guide close at hand for more information on the city’s dining, nightlife, and cultural experiences.
Transforming an old factory into an exciting cultural hub. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and bars, look no further for a sociable stay.
💰 Dorms from £6.00 per night
Embodies artistic charisma with ornate décor, boutique ambiance and a cosy fireplace in the lounge.
💰 Rooms from £35.00 per night.
🎒 Day trips.
Once a mighty force in the region, Mtskheta is Georgia’s former capital city, located less than 30 minutes from the centre of Tbilisi. Throughout centuries, the shape of the town has changed drastically. Encased in imposing walls during medieval times, the city has transformed into a peaceful place where visitors enjoy a stroll through cobbled streets.
Perched precariously close to the edge of a dramatic cliff, Jvari Monastery overlooks Mtskheta from an incredible vantage point. A pilgrimage place for Georgian Orthodox Christians, Jvari retains deep spiritual significance to devotees for its pertinent history and spellbinding location at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.
Giant stone monoliths arise from the far-flung outskirts of Tbilisi, luring curious explorers to uncover an unfinished masterpiece. Zurab Tsereteli had an ambitious vision to etch effigies of Georgia’s great rulers into these towering totems; alas, the project was not to be fully completed.
To the extent his dreams were realised, the Chronicle of Georgia still wows with its sheer scale and incredible detail.
Tbilisi National Park is a lovely forested park to the north. As the nation’s first protected area, these peaceful woodlands have been an important getaway destination where residents of the capital re-charge and amble around in nature.
Kazbegi ● 2 nights.
Mount Kazbek looms over the sleepy rural town of Stepantsminda. This will be your base for exploring the staggering beauty of Kazbegi National Park.
Amidst the grandeur, Gergeti Trinity Church rises high above the town. So high, in fact, that it is occasionally obscured by a misty shroud, slowly shuffling by. A unanimous symbol of Kazbegi, the church has become a heartfelt treasure among Georgians across the country.
Although a newly paved road allows access by vehicle, many opt to make the experience more alike a pilgrimage, hiking uphill for around 90 minutes. Words struggle to convey the sheer elegance of the panorama that surrounds. With every turn, the vastness of the Caucasus Mountains unfolds.
🔼 Above: Piercing the skies, Gergeti Trinity Church (📷) is a diamond in the crown of the Caucasus.
Nestled in the mountains to the west, Gudauri is a tiny, placid village for most of the year. With the arrival of winter, the settlement snaps into action and transforms into Georgia’s premier ski resort. Close by, the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument doubles as an observation deck with impressive views. Built in the 1980s, the monument is a stone concave of colourful murals which portray iconic figures in both Georgian and Russian history.
Located between these two tourist towns, an untouched alpine valley fans out from the foothills of a soaring ridge. This is Truso Gorge (📷); a gorgeous emerald green valley noted for its surreal sulphur travertines. Water flows from the peaks above and spills out from these peculiar rock formations, stained in hues of bright red, yellow, and orange.
At the end of the trail, scant remains of Zakagori Fortress cling to the winding hillsides above the valley floor. Visitors stop at the border with South Ossetia to snap pictures of the dramatic landscape, framed by crumbling walls.
Stylish modern hotel in prime location. Boasts a bar, restaurant, and terraces with unbeatable views.
💰 Rooms from £170.00 per night.
Straightforward and affordable digs with scenic mountain views. Hospitable and genuine staff seal the deal.
💰 Rooms from £22.00 per night.
Juta ● 1 or 2 nights.
Feel like you need a reset? Peaceful isolation awaits in the heavenly Chaukhi Pass (📷). Lush alpine fields unfurl below jagged peaks. Pristine nature at its finest.
Fifth Season is a homely lodge elevated in the heart of the valley, looking onward to its terminus. Deep breaths of fresh mountain air are taken on perfectly-placed hammocks during mystifying nights swaying beneath the stars.
There is no direct passage by road, and so requires travel by taxi and on foot. Stop at Sno Castle as you pass through its namesake valley. When the dirt road ends, a 30-minute hike awaits.
Rustic alpine cabin in a serene setting. Mountain-side rooms fitted with panelled glass windows for optimum views.
💰 Rooms from £48.00 per night.
Tbilisi ● 1 night (recommended).
Return to Tbilisi, where you will spend the night before heading out to the west to Georgia’s flourishing second city. Take time to recuperate and re-adjust to city life after a vitalising stint in nature.
Kutaisi ● 2 nights.
With a rich and enduring history of literary, art, and culinary exports — notably its cheese-making prowess — illustrious Imereti is an essential visit for any authentic Georgian adventure.
Regional capital and cultural focal point, Kutaisi is Georgia’s buzzing second city and among the oldest continually inhabited cities in Eurasia; built upon roots that date back millennia.
Following a faithful reconstruction between 1950 and 1994, Bagrati Cathedral (📷) was rescued from the rubble that it had diminished to. Throughout tumultuous times wherein power struggles gripped Kutaisi, the original structure was whittled away.
Subsequent work to renovate the cathedral began in the 2010s, marred by controversy. Enlisting an Italian architect, the Georgian Orthodox church was delighted with the results. One entity that was less enthusiastic, however, was UNESCO, who revoked the cathedral’s protected status citing loss of authenticity in its architecture.
Intricate frescoes spiral upwards and crowd the dome of Gelati Monastery, a remnant of the Georgian Golden Age during which the medieval Kingdom of Georgia reached its pinnacle of power.
During this era, Gelati was esteemed as an intellectual hub for philosophers who would stroll these halls to ponder, mingle, and deconstruct the fabric of existence. So renowned was its reputation that the complex was hailed as the spiritual successor to Mount Athos in Greece.
Downhill, visitors would be amiss not to stop by Motsameta, another storied monastery within earshot of Gelati. In a picturesque setting, this church straddles a placid promontory on the Ckalcitela River, connected by a ramshackle stone bridge.
Once thriving, solemn tales recount the plight of incorruptible monks who surrendered their lives to invading Arab conquerers instead of converting to Islam.
🎒 Day trips.
Visitors who venture a slight distance outside of Kutaisi reap rewards in the form of ancient relics that are decreasingly disturbed the further that you stray.
Further afield in neighbouring Racha, Nikortsminda (📷) has stood for over 1,000 years, yet not quite as it appears today.
A somewhat typical outer shell conceals a breath-taking interior with painted murals and palpable ethereal atmosphere.
Daylight dances through the twelve windows carved in its dome. Restoration works are ongoing, and have exposed previously unknown treasures in the process.
A leering limestone monolith casts its striking silhouette on the landscape of rural Imereti, rising 130 feet above the surface.
Fixed to the face of the Katskhi Pillar (📷), a steel ladder facilitates a vertigo-inducing climb up to the top. Public access is not permitted for fear of safety and to avoid disturbance of the resident reclusive monks.
As you can imagine, a landmark of this magnitude lends itself to legend, and tonnes of local folklore is associated with the pillar.
Martvili ● 2 nights.
Under an hour from Kutaisi, you will leave city lights far behind bound for Martvili, a region where rustic charm meets diverse flora draped along rushing rivers and expansive canyons.
Relatively obscure until Georgia’s independence, Gachedili Canyon has become a sought after and mythical destination. Water courses through a tightly-woven network of limestone cliffs for 1.5 miles in this fairy-tale canyon. Gorgeous greenery in seemingly endless shades lingers overhead, regaled in moss and haphazardly hanging ferns.
Traverse through this testament Georgia’s natural splendour on a scenic boat ride. For a gentle stretch of the river, passengers can enjoy a peaceful voyage along this cold-water canyon.
In the vicinity, walkways are suspended high above a gigantic gorge in Okatse Canyon, an unmissable addition to your itinerary. Follow the marked trail as it meanders through a storybook forest en-route to Kinchkha Waterfall. These monumental dual-drop falls cascade down a sheer cliff-face and crash into the pools below. Downstream, the falls rebirth at Toba Waterfall; significantly smaller, yet elegant and enchanting with its crystal-clear plunge pool.
Quirky rural hostel with a distinct communal vibe. Tasteful yet humble digs, the warmth of people here is its best quality.
💰 Dorms from £6.00 per night.
Svaneti ● 3 or 5 nights.
Understandably, hiking in Upper Svaneti is lauded as one of the most rewarding multi-day expeditions in the world. Walkers are smitten by eye-watering peaks which starkly contrast the gently sloping valleys from which they ascend.
Situated almost 5,000 feet above sea level, Mestia has a reputation that exceeds its size. In the shadow of a commanding mountain, the presence of the famous Sven towers stand out and draw attention from afar.
At the time of inception, these strategic ramparts were built to protect this prosperous mountain community from harm. Dotted across the village, each one illuminates the evening sky like medieval streetlights in vast wilderness.
Noted among climbers as the most ferocious peak in the Caucasus, Ushba features a jaw-dropping glacier and a prominent duo of peaks chiseled into the sky. This bold appearance has drawn fair comparison to Switzerland’s famed Matterhorn.
Nestled at the foothills of Shkhara — Georgia’s tallest mountain — quaint Ushguli (📷) is the highest place of human occupation in the Caucasus, being inhabited for thousands of years; albeit sparsely.
Mod cons are not found here, nor are they needed. Simply basking in the wondrous scenery should suffice. Timeworn stone villages suspended in time caress the foothills of gargantuan mountains, where humble guesthouses beckon weary travellers with open arms live off the land.
