Quick Navigation show

Georgia Travel Guide: Wine Valleys, Mountains & Timeless Cities

Intro to Georgia Travel Guide

Georgia is where Europe and Asia blur — a land of dramatic mountains, soulful cuisine, ancient traditions, and vibrant hospitality. From Tbilisi’s artsy alleyways to the cloud-piercing peaks of the Caucasus, Georgia delivers big landscapes and even bigger heart.

Travel here means drinking wine from clay pots, dancing at mountain feasts, climbing to hilltop churches, and exploring cave cities that once held entire kingdoms. Despite its long history, Georgia feels alive and open — a destination for slow mornings, wild roads, and heartfelt toasts.

Start planning your journey with our complete Georgia Tour Guide — featuring region-by-region breakdowns, food and wine experiences, transport, costs, and the best things to do across this culturally rich, naturally diverse nation.

Where to Go in Georgia

💡Quick Facts:
Destination: Georgia
Continent: Europe (bordering Asia)
Country: Georgia (Country)
Administrative Division: 9 regions, 1 capital city (Tbilisi), 2 autonomous republics (Adjara and Abkhazia*)
Area: 69,700 km² (26,911 mi²)
Population: ~3.7 million
Density: ~53 people/km²
Capital: Tbilisi
Regions/Subregions: Tbilisi, Kakheti (wine country), Adjara (Batumi), Svaneti (Caucasus Mountains), Samegrelo, Kartli, Imereti, Racha
Official & Regional Languages: Georgian (official); Russian and English widely spoken in tourism; Mingrelian and Svan used regionally
Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
Time Zone(s): Georgia Standard Time (GMT+4); no daylight saving
Airports: Tbilisi (TBS), Kutaisi (KUT), Batumi (BUS)
Climate: Varies – subtropical on the Black Sea coast, continental in valleys, alpine in Caucasus mountains
Known For: Ancient churches, Caucasus Mountains, winemaking heritage, sulfur baths, Black Sea beaches, diverse cuisine, UNESCO monasteries

🛂Arrival Info:
– Visa-free entry for 365 days for 90+ countries including EU, UK, U.S., Canada, Australia
– No visa required for most travelers; digital nomad-friendly
– Passport must be valid for duration of stay
– Main international gateways: Tbilisi (TBS) and Kutaisi (KUT)
– Land borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Russia (partial restrictions)
– E-visa
Visa-on-arrival: Not generally offered—use visa-free or e-visa routes.
Stay limit: Most visa-free travelers can stay up to 1 year continuously.

💉Health Info:
– No required vaccines
– Recommended: Hepatitis A, routine immunizations
– Tap water safe in Tbilisi and most towns; bottled water preferred in rural areas
– Medical care in Tbilisi is high quality; limited services in remote regions
– Travel insurance advised, especially for hikers and skiers in mountain areas
✅ Check travel insurance options for travel emergencies, delays, and medical needs abroad — Get coverage here
✅ Stay Informed with Official Updates: WHO – International Travel & Health | CDC – Travel health updates

🚨Travel Advisory:
– Georgia is generally safe for travelers; low violent crime rate
– Minor scams (e.g., taxi overcharging) can occur in cities
– Political protests may occur in Tbilisi – avoid large gatherings
– Avoid Abkhazia and South Ossetia – travel to these regions is restricted and discouraged
✅ Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice

📅Holidays:
– Independence Day: May 26
– Orthodox Christmas: January 7
– Easter: Orthodox calendar (April–May)
– Tbilisoba (Tbilisi City Festival): October
– Rtveli (Wine Harvest): September–October (varies by region)
Many businesses may close or reduce hours during Orthodox holidays.

💰Visitor Info:
– Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL); 1 GEL ≈ $0.36 USD
– Cards accepted in cities and tourist towns; cash preferred in villages
– Tipping: 10% at restaurants and to guides/drivers is appreciated
– ATMs widely available; avoid Euronet (higher fees)
– Georgia is a budget-friendly destination with great value for transport, wine, and dining

Daily Budget Estimates:
– Budget: $30–50/day – guesthouses, khinkali meals, marshrutkas
– Mid-range: $70–120/day – boutique hotels, wine tastings, driver-hired tours
– Luxury: $200+/day – mountain resorts, fine dining, private excursions

✈️Airports:
Georgia is served by several international and regional airports:
– Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) – Main gateway ~17 km southeast of the capital.
– Carriers: Georgian Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Wizz Air.
– Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) – Budget gateway for Europe-bound travelers.
– Batumi Airport (BUS) – Serves the Black Sea coast.
– All three have international connections, with Kutaisi and Batumi focused on tourism.
✅ Delayed or canceled flight? Check if you’re eligible for compensation

🚍Transport:
– Marshrutkas (minibuses): Main intercity option; cheap but not always comfortable
– Trains: Operate between Tbilisi, Batumi, Zugdidi, and Kutaisi
– Buses & taxis: Bolt app works well in Tbilisi and Batumi
– Rental cars: Good for Kakheti and mountain routes, but road signage may be in Georgian only
– Cable cars: Found in Tbilisi and some mountain towns
✅ Book reliable airport transfers and in-city rides in advance. Reserve your ride here

📶Connectivity:
– Excellent 4G coverage, even in rural areas
– Main carriers: Magti, Geocell, Beeline
– Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs (e.g., Airalo) are affordable and widely used
– Free Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés, and airports
– Speeds suitable for remote work; Georgia is a rising digital nomad hub
✅ Stay connected abroad with affordable eSIM data packs. Get your eSIM here

📜Laws & Etiquette:
– Legal drinking age: 18
– Alcohol is legal and culturally integrated (toasts and wine are common)
– LGBTQ+ travelers welcomed in Tbilisi and Batumi but discretion recommended in rural areas
– Hospitality is central to Georgian culture – guests are treated generously
– Dress modestly in monasteries; headscarves for women may be required inside churches
– Do not refer to Georgia as part of Russia – a sensitive topic

🛡️Emergency Info:
– Emergency: Police – 112 | Ambulance – 113
– U.S. Embassy | UK Embassy
– Tourist Information Centers in Tbilisi, Batumi, Sighnaghi, Stepantsminda
– Mountain rescue services available in Kazbegi, Svaneti, and Gudauri ski zones
✅ Use embassy locator tools: Embassies Worldwide

🌦️Weather:
– Spring (Mar–May): Green hills, wine region blooms – ideal weather
– Summer (Jun–Sep): Hot in lowlands, perfect for beaches and alpine trekking
– Autumn (Oct–Nov): Wine harvest season and fall colors in Kakheti
– Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow in mountains (Gudauri, Bakuriani); Tbilisi remains cool but walkable
– Best time to visit: May–June & September–October
✅ Stay prepared—check the weather forecast for your destination — Weather Forecast

Georgia by Region – Where to Go

Georgia is geographically compact but incredibly diverse — from highland hamlets to subtropical coasts.

Tbilisi & Central Georgia

Tbilisi – The capital is quirky and electric: sulfur baths, pastel balconies, street art, and a fast-changing food scene.
Mtskheta – A UNESCO World Heritage town with ancient churches and Georgian Orthodox spirituality.
Gori – Birthplace of Stalin and home to a Soviet-era museum and nearby Uplistsikhe cave town.

Kazbegi & The Greater Caucasus (Northeast)

Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) – Home to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church beneath Mount Kazbek.
Juta & Sno Valley – Hidden alpine villages with glacier views and hiking trails.
Gudauri – Georgia’s main ski resort, also popular in summer for paragliding.

Kakheti (East Georgia)

Sighnaghi – A hilltop town with vineyards, tiled roofs, and Italy-like views.
Telavi – The heart of Georgia’s wine country and gateway to traditional qvevri winemaking.
Alaverdi Monastery – A spiritual and viticultural icon surrounded by vineyards.

Svaneti (Northwest Georgia)

Mestia – Main hub in highland Svaneti with stone towers and mountain views.
Ushguli – One of Europe’s highest villages, tucked beneath the towering Shkhara glacier.
Chuberi & Lentekhi – Less-visited routes for off-grid adventure.

Adjara (Southwest Georgia)

Batumi – A Black Sea beach city with casinos, botanical gardens, and modern architecture.
Kobuleti & Ureki – Quieter beach alternatives with magnetic sands and local charm.

Samtskhe–Javakheti (South-Central Georgia)

Borjomi – Famed for its mineral water, forest trails, and Romanov-era park.
Vardzia – A breathtaking 12th-century cave monastery carved into the cliffside.
Akhaltsikhe – Home to the Rabati Castle complex and multicultural history.

Top Places to Visit in Georgia

Cultural Cities & Towns

Tbilisi – A dynamic capital blending centuries-old history with youthful energy.
Sighnaghi – The “City of Love” with cobbled streets and winery views.
Mtskheta – Georgia’s spiritual heart with ancient churches and river views.

Mountains & Adventure

Kazbegi – Iconic views, alpine hikes, and Georgia’s most photographed church.
Svaneti – Towering peaks, medieval villages, and off-road trails.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park – Well-maintained trails and eco-huts.

Beaches & Resorts

Batumi – Coastal resort with nightlife and family attractions.
Ureki – Black sand beaches said to have magnetic healing properties.

Ancient Sites

Vardzia – Cave city monastery built into a mountain.
Uplistsikhe – Pre-Christian rock-hewn town near Gori.
Gelati Monastery (Kutaisi) – UNESCO-listed with golden mosaics.

How to Choose Where to Go in Georgia

For food and wine lovers: Head to Kakheti for vineyard tours and rustic meals.
For trekking and mountain culture: Explore Kazbegi, Svaneti, or Tusheti.
For history and religion: Visit Mtskheta, Vardzia, and Tbilisi’s old town.
For the coast: Relax in Batumi or discover Kobuleti’s slower beach vibe.
For local immersion: Stay with families in villages like Ushguli or Racha.

Most travelers start in Tbilisi, then choose east (Kakheti) for wine, north (Kazbegi) for mountains, or west (Kutaisi, Svaneti, Batumi) for mixed landscapes.

How to Get Around Georgia

Marshrutkas (minibuses): Inexpensive and reliable between cities and towns.
Trains: Scenic options between Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi.
Car Rentals: Excellent for exploring remote regions like Svaneti or Tusheti.
Private Drivers & Taxis: Affordable for day trips; use Bolt app in cities.
Domestic Flights: Flights to Mestia or Batumi exist but are limited.

Tip: Georgian drivers are fast — cautious travelers may prefer private drivers over rental cars in mountain regions.

Travel Budget & Costs in Georgia

Average Daily Costs:

Budget: $25–40/day (guesthouses, marshrutkas, khachapuri)
Mid-range: $60–100/day (3-star hotels, wine tastings, excursions)
Luxury: $150–300/day (private tours, boutique stays, fine dining)

Sample Prices:

Marshrutka from Tbilisi to Kazbegi: $5
Wine tasting in Kakheti: $10–15
Dinner for two with wine: $20–35
Guesthouse with breakfast: $25–50/night
Mountain guide/day: $40–70

Tips to save:

Use shared transport where possible
Eat at local bakeries and “supra” style restaurants
Avoid peak summer in tourist-heavy towns

Best Time to Visit Georgia

Spring (April–June):

Lush green landscapes, wildflowers, and vineyard season

Summer (July–August):

Peak for mountain hiking and coast; hot in Tbilisi

Autumn (September–October):

Grape harvests, fall colors, and warm days

Winter (December–March):

Best for skiing in Gudauri or Bakuriani, plus festive holidays

Must-See Experiences in Georgia

Toast with homemade wine at a family-run vineyard in Kakheti
Stand at Gergeti Church, with Mount Kazbek towering behind
Take a sulfur bath in Tbilisi’s historic Abanotubani district
Hike to Shkhara Glacier from Ushguli
Wander the caves of Vardzia, a forgotten medieval world
Feast at a supra, with songs, toasts, and overflowing dishes
Ride a Soviet cable car in Chiatura
Swim in the Black Sea after strolling Batumi Boulevard

Explore unforgettable Georgia tours and curated things to do in Georgia, from vineyards to glaciers.

Best Travel Itineraries in Georgia

Classic Georgia – 7 Days

Tbilisi → Mtskheta → Kazbegi → Kakheti
Best for first-timers balancing culture, wine, and mountains.

Adventure Loop – 10 Days

Tbilisi → Kazbegi → Juta → Svaneti (via Kutaisi)
Ideal for hikers and photographers.

Wine & Wellness – 8 Days

Tbilisi → Telavi → Sighnaghi → Borjomi
Focus on food, hot springs, and scenic drives.

Georgia + Armenia – 12 Days

Tbilisi → Kazbegi → Dilijan → Yerevan
Explore the Caucasus across two vibrant nations.

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

Georgian food is bold, soulful, and endlessly shareable.

Must-Try Dishes

Khinkali – Juicy meat dumplings; twist and slurp
Khachapuri – Cheese-filled bread; try the Adjarian boat style
Lobio – Stewed beans served with cornbread and pickles
Badrijani Nigvzit – Eggplant rolls with walnut paste
Satsivi – Cold chicken with walnut-garlic sauce
Churchkhela – Nut-stuffed grape must candy

Drinks:

Qvevri Wine – Ancient, unfiltered, and amber-hued
Chacha – Potent local grape brandy
Borjomi Water – Sparkling mineral water with a salty edge

Join a cooking class, dine in a traditional tone bakery, or book a wine tour in Kakheti for the full taste of Georgia.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in Georgia

Safety Overview

Georgia is very safe, even for solo and female travelers.
Petty theft is rare, though use normal precautions in crowds.
Border areas with breakaway regions (Abkhazia, South Ossetia) are off-limits.

Cultural Etiquette

Toasting is serious — be ready to raise a glass often.
Dress modestly in churches; women may need headscarves.
Hospitality is a point of pride — accept food or drink if offered.
Learn a few Georgian phrases — locals appreciate the effort.

Where to Go Next – Pair Georgia with These Destinations

Armenia – Easily combined via land border; cultural, linguistic, and religious contrasts.
Azerbaijan – Tbilisi to Baku train or land crossing; modern vs ancient Silk Road vibes.
Turkey – Drive to Eastern Anatolia via Batumi; explore the Black Sea coast.
Greece – Direct flights connect Tbilisi to Athens for history and island time.
UAE – Fast, affordable flights for Middle East layovers or onward adventures.

Travel inspiration for your next trip

Armenia’s Ancient Roads | Timeless Turkey Wonders | Mythical Greece Escapes | Modern Marvels of UAE | Azerbaijan Travel Guide