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Georgia

Wine born in qvevri, Caucasus trekking, and Tbilisi's sulfur baths. Khachapuri, mountain Svaneti towers, and Black Sea Batumi. As part of Caucasus in Europe, Georgia suits travelers drawn to mountains, wine & food, historic, and big cities. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Georgia

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: May – Oct

Tbilisi

Plan at least a full day in Tbilisi to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Kazbegi

Plan at least a full day in Kazbegi to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Svaneti

Plan at least a full day in Svaneti to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Batumi

Batumi is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Georgia, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Kakheti

Plan at least a full day in Kakheti to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

What it is known for
facts
  • Wine fermented in qvevri clay vessels for 8,000 years
  • Tbilisi sulfur baths in the Abanotubani district
  • Svaneti stone defensive towers in the Caucasus
  • Khachapuri cheese bread in boat and adjarian styles
  • Gergeti Trinity Church below Mount Kazbek
key City
name
Tbilisi
label
Capital
why
Narikala Fortress overlooks a city of balconied houses, wine bars, and the starting point for Kakheti vineyards and mountain Svaneti.
Places to visit
  • area
    Tbilisi
    attractions
    • name
      Narikala Fortress
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Bridge of Peace
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Sameba Cathedral
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Abanotubani Sulfur Baths
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Kazbegi
    attractions
    • name
      Gergeti Trinity Church
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Mount Kazbek Viewpoint
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Same-day tickets often available; book 3-7 days ahead on weekends.
    • name
      Ananuri Fortress
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Gudauri Ski Resort
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Svaneti
    attractions
    • name
      Ushguli Village
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Mestia Svaneti Museum
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
    • name
      Chalaadi Glacier
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Tetnuldi Ski Resort
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Batumi
    attractions
    • name
      Batumi Boulevard
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Alphabetic Tower
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Same-day tickets often available; book 3-7 days ahead on weekends.
    • name
      Batumi Botanical Garden
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Buy day tickets on-site or online 3-7 days ahead on busy weekends.
    • name
      Gonio Fortress
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Georgia Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Tbilisi
    • Kazbegi
    • Svaneti
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Tbilisi
    • Full day discovering Kazbegi
    • Full day discovering Svaneti
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Tbilisi
      description
      Land in Tbilisi, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Georgia trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Kazbegi
      description
      Dedicate the day to Kazbegi: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Svaneti and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Svaneti visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Georgia
    duration
    10 days
    locations
    • Tbilisi
    • Kazbegi
    • Svaneti
    • Batumi
    • Kakheti
    highlights
    • Cover Tbilisi and Kazbegi
    • Explore Svaneti
    • Explore Batumi
    • Explore Kakheti
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Tbilisi
      description
      Land in Tbilisi, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Georgia trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Kazbegi
      description
      Dedicate the day to Kazbegi: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Svaneti
      description
      Dedicate the day to Svaneti: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Explore Batumi
      description
      Dedicate the day to Batumi: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      5
      title
      Kakheti and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Kakheti visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Georgia Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Tbilisi
    • Kazbegi
    • Svaneti
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Tbilisi
    • Coastal day in Kazbegi
    • Coastal day in Svaneti
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Tbilisi
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Tbilisi.
    • day
      2
      title
      Kazbegi coast
      description
      Spend the day on Kazbegi's shoreline: Gergeti Trinity Church, Mount Kazbek Viewpoint, Ananuri Fortress, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Svaneti and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Svaneti, visiting Ushguli Village, Mestia Svaneti Museum, Chalaadi Glacier before you depart Georgia.
  • title
    Georgia Countryside
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Tbilisi
    • Kazbegi
    • Svaneti
    • Batumi
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Tbilisi
    • Rural stop: Kazbegi
    • Rural stop: Svaneti
    • Rural stop: Batumi
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Tbilisi
      description
      Reach Tbilisi, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Kazbegi countryside
      description
      Explore Kazbegi at an easy pace: Gergeti Trinity Church, Mount Kazbek Viewpoint, Ananuri Fortress with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Svaneti countryside
      description
      Explore Svaneti at an easy pace: Ushguli Village, Mestia Svaneti Museum, Chalaadi Glacier with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Batumi and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Batumi, stopping at Batumi Boulevard, Alphabetic Tower, Batumi Botanical Garden before heading home.
  • title
    Georgia Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Tbilisi
    • Kazbegi
    • Batumi
    • Svaneti
    highlights
    • Must-see: Narikala Fortress
    • Must-see: Bridge of Peace
    • Must-see: Gergeti Trinity Church
    • Must-see: Mount Kazbek Viewpoint
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Tbilisi
      description
      Start in Tbilisi with Narikala Fortress, Bridge of Peace, Sameba Cathedral, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Kazbegi monuments
      description
      Focus on Kazbegi's tourist favorites: Gergeti Trinity Church, Mount Kazbek Viewpoint, Ananuri Fortress with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Batumi monuments
      description
      Focus on Batumi's tourist favorites: Batumi Boulevard, Alphabetic Tower, Batumi Botanical Garden with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      4
      title
      Svaneti landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Svaneti, including Ushguli Village, Mestia Svaneti Museum, Chalaadi Glacier, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
May through October suits Georgia's wine country, Tbilisi sulfur baths, and Caucasus trekking from Kazbegi to Svaneti. Autumn harvest festivals in Kakheti and golden valleys peak in September-October.
typical Weather
Tbilisi May-Oct: highs 22-30°C (72-86°F), lows 12-18°C (54-64°F), 40-60 mm rain. Kazbegi mountains 8-12°C cooler. Batumi coast humid, 24-28°C (75-82°F).
details
  • Jul-Aug hot in Tbilisi; mountains are escape.
  • Oct wine harvest in Kakheti; Rtveli festivals draw crowds.
  • Dec-Mar cold with snow in mountains; Gudauri ski Dec-Apr.
  • Svaneti roads snow-bound Nov-Apr.
most Affordable
period
Nov – Mar
summary
Winter outside ski peaks brings Georgia's lowest Tbilisi and wine country rates when international tourism thins and guesthouses in Kakheti discount between harvest and spring.
details
  • Tbilisi boutique hotels discount 25-35% in winter.
  • Kakheti wine guesthouses cut rates outside harvest season.
  • Batumi seaside hotels off-season promotions Nov-Mar.
  • Wizz Air fares to Kutaisi cheapest in winter months.
most Expensive
period
Jul – Aug
summary
Summer holiday peak and wine harvest buildup drive Georgia's highest prices when Tbilisi escapes to Kazbegi and Batumi beach resorts fill with domestic and regional travelers.
details
  • Kazbegi and Svaneti guesthouses premium in Jul-Aug holidays.
  • Batumi beach hotels sell out at peak summer rates.
  • Rtveli harvest season (Sep-Oct) also spikes Kakheti demand.
  • Tbilisi hotels fill when locals vacation in mountains.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Tbilisi International Airport is the main gateway, with Kutaisi for budget carriers.
airports
  • name
    Tbilisi International Airport
    code
    TBS
    location
    Tbilisi
    distance From Center
    17 km (11 mi) southeast of central Tbilisi
    transfer Note
    Buses and taxis reach Rustaveli Avenue
  • name
    Kutaisi International Airport
    code
    KUT
    location
    Kutaisi
    distance From Center
    23 km (14 mi) west of Kutaisi
    transfer Note
    Buses connect to Tbilisi and Batumi
Getting around
overview
Georgians use Georgian Railway, Tbilisi metro, and marshrutka minibuses; Bolt and Yandex Go operate.
trains
  • name
    Georgian Railway
    description
    National rail linking Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi.
    ticketing
    Buy at railway.ge or station counters.
ferries
    subways
    • name
      Tbilisi Metro
      description
      Tbilisi underground serving the capital.
      ticketing
      Use Metromoney card at gates.
    public Transit
    • name
      Tbilisi Bus
      kind
      public
      description
      Capital bus network.
      ticketing
      Use Metromoney card when boarding.
    ride Share
    • name
      Bolt
      kind
      rideshare
      description
      Ride-hailing in Tbilisi and Batumi.
      ticketing
      Book via Bolt app.
    • name
      Yandex Go
      kind
      taxi-app
      description
      Ride-hailing in Tbilisi.
      ticketing
      Book via Yandex Go app.
    Currency
    code
    GEL
    name
    lari
    symbol
    ₾
    note
    Carry some lari in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

    Convert your travel budget ↗

    Visas & official entry links
    Local customs
    summary
    Georgia is legendary for supra feasts, wine toasts, and Orthodox hospitality. Guests are sacred; refusing all food can offend. Tbilisi is liberal compared with rural Svaneti and Kakheti villages.
    customs
    • Tamada toastmaster leads multiple toasts at supras; sip when honored.
    • Older guests are greeted first.
    • Wine is cultural, not only nightlife; declining a taste is fine with polite words.
    dos
    • Remove shoes in many homes and churches where indicated.
    • Dress modestly at monasteries like Gergeti and Svetitskhoveli.
    • Use gamarjoba and madloba for hello and thanks.
    • Accept at least a little food when hosts insist.
    • Use Bolt or official taxis in Tbilisi at night.
    donts
    • Do not discuss Abkhazia or South Ossetia provocatively with strangers.
    • Do not refuse every toast rudely at a supra; a small sip suffices.
    • Do not photograph monks or church interiors where prohibited.
    • Do not assume Russian is welcome; Georgian language efforts matter.
    • Do not fly drones near airports or border zones without permits.
    Useful travel phrases
    language
    Georgian
    phrases
    • english
      Please
      local
      გთხოვთ
      pronunciation
      Gtkhovt
    • english
      Thank you
      local
      მადლობა
      pronunciation
      Madloba
    • english
      Yes
      local
      კი
      pronunciation
      Ki
    • english
      No
      local
      არა
      pronunciation
      Ara
    • english
      How much?
      local
      რა ღირს?
      pronunciation
      Ra ghirs?
    • english
      Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
      local
      სად არის უახლოესი რესტორანი ან ბარი?
      pronunciation
      Sad aris uakhloesi restorani an bari?
    • english
      Where is the airport?
      local
      სად არის აეროპორტი?
      pronunciation
      Sad aris aeroporti?
    • english
      I need help
      local
      დამეხმარეთ
      pronunciation
      Damekhmareet
    • english
      I need a hospital
      local
      მჭირდება საავადმყოფო
      pronunciation
      Mchirdeba saavamoqpo
    • english
      Call the police
      local
      დარეკეთ პოლიციაში
      pronunciation
      Dareket politsiashi
    Longer stays
    visa Summary
    U.S. citizens may enter Georgia visa-free for up to one year for tourism, business, or remote work under current policy. Temporary residence permits are available for work, study, property ownership, and family reunification through the Public Service Development Agency. Georgia has expanded visa-free access and digital nomad-friendly policies in recent years, but rules can change by government decree, so verify before relocating.

    Practical tips.

    • Use Bolt or Yandex Go in Tbilisi and Batumi for reliable fares because unmetered taxis often overcharge tourists.
    • Carry lari in cash for mountain guesthouses along the Military Highway where card terminals fail frequently.
    • Try Georgian wine in Kakheti with a designated driver or booked transport because rural roads are narrow and winding.
    More travel tips ↗

    Locate Georgia.

    Location map of Georgia

    Before you go.

    Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Georgia ↗