Georgia in 10 Days: A Route Through the Land of Wine and Mountains

🗺 Why 10 days is optimal

7 days aren't enough to venture beyond Tbilisi and Kazbegi. 14 days is excessive without a deeper dive into the regions. 10 days let you cover the capital, the mountains, the wine region, and western Georgia without feeling rushed.

🏙 Days 1–3: Tbilisi

The first three days are spent in the capital. Basic route: the Old Town, Narikala Fortress, the sulfur baths on Abanotubani Street (from 890 rubles per hour in a private cabin), Rustaveli Avenue, and the Dezerter Bazaar for food and spices.

• Cable car ride up Mtatsminda Mountain — about 270 rubles
• Dinner in the Marjanishvili area or on Shardeni Street — khinkali from 35 rubles each
• The Museum of Modern Art and the Nazvali Museum — 180 rubles each

🏛 Day 4: Mtskheta and Gori

A minibus from Tbilisi to Mtskheta costs about 45 rubles and departs from Didube bus station. In Mtskheta — the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) and Jvari Monastery on a cliff above the river confluence. From Mtskheta to Gori — another 45 rubles by minibus. The Stalin Museum — 890 rubles, controversial but popular. Gori Fortress — free.

⛰ Days 5–6: Kazbegi and the Georgian Military Road

A minibus from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) departs from Didube, costs about 360 rubles, and takes 3 hours. Along the way — the Friendship of Nations Monument and the Jvari Pass.

• Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,170 m — a 1.5-hour hike on foot or a jeep ride (about 1,600 rubles per vehicle)
• Accommodation in Stepantsminda — a guesthouse from 2,500 rubles per room
• Trek to the Gergeti Glacier — free, takes a full day

🍷 Days 7–8: Kakheti — wine and monasteries

From Tbilisi to Telavi — a minibus from Samgori bus station, 270 rubles, 2 hours. Kakheti is the country's main wine region.

• Alaverdi Monastery complex (11th century) — free
• Gremi Fortress — entrance 90 rubles
• Tasting at private wineries (marani) — from 450 rubles, often including snacks
• Sighnaghi — the "City of Love," small but picturesque; a minibus from Telavi costs about 90 rubles

🦇 Days 9–10: Kutaisi and caves

A flight from Tbilisi to Kutaisi costs from 4,500 rubles (Wizz Air), or a 5–6 hour minibus ride for 450 rubles. In Kutaisi:

• Prometheus Cave — entrance 1,600 rubles, 1.5 km of illuminated underground galleries
• Sataplia Cave and dinosaur footprints — 890 rubles
• Gelati Monastery (12th century, UNESCO site) — 90 rubles

On day 10 — return to Tbilisi or a direct flight departure from Kutaisi Airport.

✈️ Logistics and practical tips

Mir cards do not work in Georgia. Bring cash in rubles or dollars — currency exchange offices are available in every city with good rates. Withdrawals with Visa/Mastercard cards issued by Georgian banks work, but with a fee.

• A Magti or Geocell SIM card at the airport — about 450 rubles including a data package
• For convenience, set up an eSIM before your flight: e7m.ru, plans from 169 rubles
• The Yandex Go app works in Tbilisi; in other regions, only local taxi drivers are available
• Minibuses are the main means of transport between cities; tickets are purchased from the driver

💰 Approximate trip budget