Planning a trip to Georgia? This detailed 8-day Georgia itinerary covers Tbilisi, Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), Gudauri, Kutaisi, Mestia (Svaneti), Batumi, and back to Tbilisi — with travel tips, food recommendations, and practical advice.
Day 1: Arrive in Tbilisi – Explore the Old Town
Stay: Old Tbilisi
Best for: First impressions, architecture, culture
Start your Georgia trip in Tbilisi’s charming Old Town.
Things to Do:
- Wander through cobblestone streets and colorful wooden balconies
- Take the cable car to Narikala Fortress for panoramic city views
- Walk across the Bridge of Peace
- Visit Abanotubani sulfur bath district
- Explore Metekhi Church and Rike Park
Evening:
- Enjoy traditional Georgian dinner (try khinkali and khachapuri)
- Wine tasting experience — Georgia is the birthplace of wine
Tip: Exchange small cash for taxis or use the Bolt app.
Day 2: Tbilisi – Culture and Hidden Gems
Best for: History, markets, viewpoints
Morning:
- Visit Chronicles of Georgia monument
- Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
- Mtatsminda Park for views over the city
Afternoon:
- Dry Bridge Flea Market (souvenirs and antiques)
- Rustaveli Avenue walk (cafés, Opera House, Parliament building)
Optional: Day trip to Mtskheta (UNESCO site, 30 minutes away)
Day 3: Tbilisi to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)
Drive time: 3–4 hours
Route: Georgian Military Highway
This is one of the most scenic drives in the Caucasus.
Stops on the Way:
- Zhinvali Reservoir
- Ananuri Fortress
- Gudauri Viewpoint (Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument)
In Kazbegi:
- Visit Gergeti Trinity Church (4WD or hike)
- Sunset views of Mount Kazbek
- Relax in a mountain guesthouse
Tip: Leave early to avoid fog and traffic.
Day 4: Gudauri – Adventure and Mountain Views
Drive: Kazbegi to Gudauri (about 1.5 hours)
Things to Do:
- Paragliding over the Caucasus
- Skiing (winter season)
- Panorama viewpoint photos
- Scenic coffee stops with mountain views
Return to Tbilisi in the evening or stay overnight in Gudauri.
Day 5: Kutaisi – Caves and Canyons
Travel: Flight, train, or 4–5 hour drive from Tbilisi
Kutaisi is one of Georgia’s oldest cities.
Highlights:
- Bagrati Cathedral
- Prometheus Cave (guided underground tour)
- Martvili Canyon boat ride
- Kutaisi city center stroll
Stay: Kutaisi city center
Day 6: Mestia – Svaneti Region
Drive time: 4–5 hours from Kutaisi
Scenic but mountainous roads
Mestia is famous for medieval Svan towers and alpine scenery.
Things to Do:
- Svaneti Museum of History
- Walk around Mestia old town
- Viewpoints of Mount Ushba
Optional: Day trip to Ushguli (one of Europe’s highest villages)
Tip: Roads can be rough — consider a 4WD vehicle.
Day 7: Batumi – Black Sea Escape
Drive: 5–6 hours from Mestia
Batumi offers a modern seaside vibe.
Top Attractions:
- Batumi Boulevard walk
- Ali and Nino moving statue
- Alphabet Tower
- Batumi Botanical Garden
- Beach sunset
Night: Lively nightlife and seaside dining
Day 8: Return to Tbilisi
Options:
- Domestic flight from Batumi (fastest)
- 5–6 hour drive
- Train option available
Last Day Ideas:
- Café hopping in Vera district
- Souvenir shopping (wine, churchkhela sweets)
- Final Georgian feast
Practical Travel Tips for Georgia
- Best Time to Visit: May–June and September–October
- Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
- Transport: Rent a car for flexibility
- Budget: Affordable compared to Western Europe
- Language: English widely spoken in tourist areas
Summary of Route
Tbilisi (2 nights) → Kazbegi (1 night) → Gudauri (1 night or stop) → Kutaisi (1 night) → Mestia (1 night) → Batumi (1 night) → Tbilisi (final night)
This 8-day Georgia itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want a mix of culture, mountains, history, and coastline in one unforgettable trip.