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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 Travel 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.

Continent: Europe/Asia (transcontinental)
Country: Georgia
Area: 69,700 km² (26,900 mi²)
Population: ~3.7 million (2024 est.)
Density: ~53 people/km²
Capital: Tbilisi
Regions/Subregions: Adjara, Kakheti, Samegrelo, Svaneti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Imereti, Samtskhe–Javakheti
Language(s): Georgian (official), regional languages (e.g., Mingrelian, Svan)
Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
Time Zone(s): GMT+4
Airports: Tbilisi (TBS), Kutaisi (KUT), Batumi (BUS)
Climate: Continental and alpine mix; hot summers, cold winters; subtropical along the Black Sea
Known For: Caucasus mountains, monasteries, winemaking, sulfur baths, ancient history, warm hospitality

Georgia offers one of the most liberal visa policies in the region, welcoming digital nomads and tourists alike.
Visa-free access: Up to 365 days for citizens of 95+ countries including the EU, UK, U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most of Latin America.
E-visa: Available for 60+ countries via https://evisa.gov.ge.
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.

Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid (especially for rural travel)
Healthcare: Decent in Tbilisi; limited in remote mountain regions
Travel health updates — get coverage here
Stay Informed with Official Updates: World Health Organization – International Travel and Health | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Global Travel Health

Georgia is generally safe and welcoming for tourists
Avoid South Ossetia and Abkhazia — entry is illegal via Georgia, and politically sensitive
Demonstrations may occur in Tbilisi; stay informed during national events
Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice

Jan 1: New Year’s Day
Jan 7: Orthodox Christmas
May 26: Independence Day
Oct 14: Svetitskhovloba (religious holiday in Mtskheta)
Nov 23: St. George’s Day (national religious celebration)

Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
Cards: Accepted in cities and tourist zones; bring cash to rural areas
Tipping: Not mandatory but common (5–10%)
Duty-Free: Up to 4 liters of alcohol and 200 cigarettes

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.

Marshrutkas (shared minivans) are common and cheap for intercity travel
Trains connect major cities like Tbilisi, Batumi, Zugdidi
Buses, Bolt, Yandex available in Tbilisi
Roads can be rugged in the mountains — hire a 4WD for Svaneti or Kazbegi regions

SIM cards: Magti, Beeline, Silknet — affordable and fast data
Coverage: Excellent in cities; limited in high mountains
Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels, cafes, hostels

Drinking age: 18
Dress modestly in churches and monasteries
LGBTQ+ travelers: Legal but conservative culture; low visibility outside Tbilisi
Custom: Toasts (supra) are central to Georgian hospitality — follow the tamada (toastmaster)

Emergency Numbers: 112 (all services)
U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi: https://ge.usembassy.gov

Best time to visit: May–June and September–October (pleasant, dry)
Summer: Hot in lowlands, ideal for mountain hikes
Winter: Skiing in Gudauri, Bakuriani
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.

Explore our Armenia Travel Guide, Turkey Travel Guide, Greece Travel Guide, and UAE Travel Guide to plan your next steps.