Georgia in 7 Days: The Perfect First-Timer’s Itinerary

Seven days is the minimum to understand Georgia. Not to see everything — that would take a lifetime — but to grasp why this small country between the Caucasus and the Black Sea stops travellers in their tracks and refuses to let them go.

This itinerary is what I recommend to every international visitor, honed over years of hosting WHO colleagues, academic guests, and friends from Paris and Geneva who ask “where should I actually go?”

Day 1–2: Tbilisi — Ancient Capital, Modern Energy

Arrive in Tbilisi. The Old Town (Abanotubani) is your base: narrow cobblestone streets, sulphur bath domes, balconied houses in various states of elegant decay. Narikala fortress above, Metekhi church on the cliff, the Bridge of Peace connecting old and new.

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On your second day: the National Museum (Georgian gold and Bronze Age treasures), the Dry Bridge market (antiques, Soviet memorabilia, local art), and dinner on Leselidze Street. Wine: any wine bar in the Old Town will serve you excellent natural Georgian wine for 8–12 GEL a glass.

Day 3: Mtskheta — Where Georgia Was Baptised

30km from Tbilisi, at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, Mtskheta is the spiritual capital of Georgia. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century, UNESCO World Heritage) and Jvari Monastery (6th century, UNESCO) in the same half-day. Return to Tbilisi for the evening.

Day 4: Kazbegi — The Caucasus in a Day

Early start. Drive the Georgian Military Highway north — one of the world’s great mountain roads — stopping at Ananuri fortress and the Zhinvali reservoir. Arrive Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) and hike or drive to Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,170m, with Mt Kazbek (5,047m) behind it. This is the image that makes people book flights to Georgia. See it in person.

Day 5–6: Kakheti — Wine, History, Landscape

Drive east to Kakheti, Georgia’s wine country. Day 5: Sighnaghi (the “city of love” — walled hilltop town), Bodbe Monastery (where St. Nino is buried), and an evening at a family winery in Vardisubani. Day 6: Telavi (Erekle II’s palace), Alaverdi Cathedral (11th century, one of Georgia’s tallest), and qvevri wine tasting. Stay overnight in a guesthouse among the vines.

Day 7: Return to Tbilisi — Markets & Departure

Morning at the Dezerter Bazaar (Tbilisi’s main market — chaotic, colourful, completely Georgian). Buy churchkhela, dried fruit, spices, and local honey to take home. Afternoon at leisure. Evening flight, or stay another night.

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Practical Notes

• Budget: €60–100/day for mid-range travel (accommodation, food, transport, wine)
• Transport: Private car with driver recommended for Kazbegi and Kakheti days (~€80–120/day for a private car)
• Language: English is widely spoken in Tbilisi and tourist areas; Russian is useful in smaller towns
• Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL). 1 EUR ≈ 2.9 GEL. Cards accepted in cities; cash useful in villages