11 Best Tours from Tbilisi

Updated: August 1, 2024

The best excursions from Tbilisi that you can do in 1 day and return to sleep in Tbilisi.

One of the advantages of Georgia is that it is a small country that with 1 week or 10 days you can see many places, because it also has enough to offer for all tastes.

If you travel to Georgia, Tbilisi is the best place to base yourself and from there make 1-day visits.

In this article I will tell you about cultural visits full of history, nature of overwhelming beauty and of course in the land of wine you cannot miss some wine and gastronomic visit.

At the end of the article I leave you a map with each of these excursions from Tbilisi.

1. Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia

Mtskheta was the capital of the kingdom of Georgia before Tbilisi was the capital.

This small city just 20 km from Tbilisi is a must-see for tourists, especially if you like visits steeped in history.

In Mtskheta it was the first place where Christianity was adopted in Georgia, in the year 317, and is the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

Today it is a site of religious pilgrimage important.

What to see there?

Mtskheta has 3 declared historical buildings UNESCO World Heritage Site by UNESCO which are:

• The Svetitstkhoveli Cathedral, a place where kings have been crowned and Jesus' robe is kept.
• The Samtavro monastery which is where the remains of Saint Gabriel rest, a saint much loved by Georgians who is said to have healing powers.
• The Jvari monastery which stands majestically on a hill overlooking the city of Mtskheta and the confluence of two rivers. A monastery with a lot of history that is connected by underground tunnels to the cathedral.

👍 Friend's tip: Mtskheta Cathedral is also one of the Favorite places for Georgians to get married, especially on weekends. I saw several couples and one of them was both wearing traditional clothes, below you can see the photo of the bride. 👰

How to get to Mtskheta from Tbilisi?

To go to Mtskheta you can go by bus or drive. In case you go to rent a car in Georgia I recommend this search engine that has good prices and is trustworthy.

However, the most practical alternative is to go with a field trip like this one that also takes you to Gori and the cave city of Uplistsikhe, which I will tell you about below in point 6.

⭐ Here you can read in detail about What to do in Mtskheta: 8 must-visit places., with recommendations for eating and alternatives to get there.

2. Kazbegi with its mountain landscapes

The visit to Kazbegi is the most popular in all of Georgia for its picturesque mountain landscapes. If you are a nature lover or you like climbing, hiking and trekking, you will love this place.

Georgia is a mountainous country in itself, but the highest are those of the Greater Caucasus, with peaks that exceed 5,000 m in height, which are the mountains that are on the border with Russia.

In this Caucasus mountain range you will find another region famous for its beautiful landscapes, Svaneti, which I tell you about below in point 9.

However, Kazbegi has one great advantage and that is its easy access from Tbilisi by highway.

What to see and do in Kazbegi?

The best thing about Kazbegi is its fantastic mountain landscapes, with waterfalls, forests, valleys and glaciers where you can go hiking or trekking.

The good thing about the region is that there are routes for all levels, even if you are not used to walking much.

Also in the Kazbegi region is the most photographed place in the country, the Guergueti church.

The church itself is quite average, but its location at the top of the mountain, with Mount Kazbez behind it, is truly spectacular.

How to get to Kazbegi from Tbilisi?

One of the best ways to visit Kazbegi is to go by car, because public transport is scarce, there is only one for the main towns.

But, if you have little time, I can recommend going with this excursion that includes the most interesting places and it is very well priced. Below you can see availability and book.

⭐ If you want to take advantage of seeing all its best places, I recommend reading this Complete Guide to Kazbegi and Ananuri where I talk in detail about each place, when to go and the transportation alternatives to each place I mention.

3. Skiing in Gudauri and Paragliding

Gudauri is one of the most popular stops on the visit to Kazbegi from the previous point, mainly because of its Friendship Monument, which is located on a cliff at 2,384 m high.

Although Gudauri is even more famous because it is the main ski destination in Georgia, although it is not the only one, there are 4 other places to ski.

The advantages of Gudauri as a ski and other winter sports resort are:

• Has tracks for all levels including the most advanced ones;
• It is an area where there is no shortage of snow in winter unlike Bakuriani;
• It is an area of easy road access unlike the ski slopes in Svaneti which can sometimes cut off roads.

Paragliding in Gudauri

If you are going to travel to Georgia at a time other than winter and especially in summer, the Gudauri area is perfect for paragliding with the most beautiful landscapes. An adventure experience that will not leave you indifferent.

I recommend this one paragliding flight They are very professional people.

How to get to Gudauri from Tbilisi?

You can go to Gudauri by car without many complications, because public transport is limited and there is only as far as Gudauri, then you would need to get around by taxi.

Therefore, the most practical alternative is to go with a ski tour which take you to Gudauri and also make a couple of additional stops at Ananuri Fort and Jinvali Reservoir.

4. David Gareja and the surrounding area

The David Gareja Monastery is a complex located right on the border of Georgia with Azerbaijan and was listed as one of the wonders of the world by Lonely Planet.

In addition, it was requested to be included as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

David Gareja was one of the 13 Assyrian fathers sent to Georgia in the 6th century to Christianize, who built this monastery along with at least 21 hermitages in the area.

What to see there?

In the David Gareja monastery it is divided into 2 parts, one on each side of the border:

• Lavra On the Georgian side, it has a monastery area carved into the mountain, with monks' cells that are still in operation.
• Udabno on the Azeri side, with the most important frescoes in the entire complex.

Then in the area you can visit other monasteries, reservoirs and the beautiful rainbow hills.

At the moment land borders with Azerbaijan are closed at least for now, due to COVID, according to Azeri authorities.

Likewise, Udabno could no longer be visited a little before the pandemic, it is because of the dispute over this area between Georgia and Azerbaijan. But it's not dangerous.

How to get to David Gareja

If you are going to drive, keep in mind that a good part of the route is on dirt roads, a 4×4 is not necessary, but if it has rained recently there are areas that are impassable.

The most practical is a full day tour in 4×4, like this one from the link I made that takes you to the most interesting places in the area.

But this other excursion which is just to see David Gareja and the rainbow mountains.

⭐ In this article you can read in detail about the Visit to the David Gareja Monastery and surroundings, which includes the best time to go and all the alternatives to get there.

5. Borjomi, thermal resort and forests

Borjomi is a charming little town in the valley built next to the Borjomula River.

The village became famous in the times of the Russian Empire when its springs were discovered, because its waters have beneficial properties for the body and have received several international awards.

Today, several spas and resorts continue to operate, as do some public hot spring baths in the middle of the forest which only costs 5 lari (1.82 euros) to enter.

What to see and do in Borjomi?

• Can drink directly from its famous mineral water springs They sell water internationally and bring you free water.
• Walk the Central Park Built next to the river gorge and with an extensive forested area.
• Take photos of your iconic and picturesque buildings, including the Golden Tulip a construction with a strong Persian influence.
• Get on the cable car to admire the town from above.
• Do any of the 12 routes hiking through Borjomi Kharagauli Park, the largest protected green space in Georgia.

How to get to Borjomi from Tbilisi?

To go to Mtskheta you can go by bus or drive. In case you go to rent a car in Georgia I recommend this search engine that has good prices and is trustworthy.

If you have little time you can visit it with a excursion like this which is the one I went to, they also take you to Vardzia and Rabati at point 8.

⭐ In this article you can read about everything What to see in Borjomi: 11 essentials, where to eat and the different transportation alternatives.

6. Gori, the hometown of Stalin and Uplistsikhe

Gori and Uplistisikhe are two visits that are often combined because They are only 10 km from each other. In addition, they are two completely different visits that make the day more enjoyable.

On the one hand, Gori is Stalin's hometown where visit the Museum, the house where he lived his childhood and the train car where he traveled in luxury during his mandate in the USSR.

Then, Uplistisikhe is a cave city similar to the ones you will find in Cappadocia but much smaller.

Uplistisikhe was inhabited since the Iron Age, until its end with the Mongol invasion in the 15th century.

How to get to Gori?

Gori is well connected by road to Tbilisi.

There are also buses and trains to get there, to see schedules and book tickets Without moving I recommend this website.

The most practical alternative is to go with a full day excursion such as the link with a guide in Spanish that includes other stops in Mtskheta and the Jvari Monastery.

⭐ Here you can read in detail about the Visit to Gori and Uplistsikhe from Tbilisi, with recommendations where to eat and all transportation alternatives.

7. Chiatura with its cable cars and the Katskhi Pillar

Chiatura is a mining town built in the valley next to the Kvirila River. This town in recent years has become famous among photographers and urban lovers for its Abandoned Soviet cable cars.

However, recently many of the cable cars have been removed and very few remain.

Likewise, it is worth visiting Chiatura for other attractions such as its soviet mosaics and the Mgvimevi Convent with its main altar in a huge cave.

Another of the greatest attractions of the area is the Katskhi Pillar, which is a tiny church built on a 40 m stone column Tall.

How to get to Chiatura from Tbilisi?

This is an area that you can reach without problems by marshrutka (minibus) or by car.

Although there are some areas of the road, they are in very bad condition and I would not recommend driving there at night, because there is not good lighting either.

So, if you don't want to complicate things, you can go with a excursion like the one in the link which includes a visit to the Katskhi Pillar and now has a discount.

Another alternative is this 2 day urbex excursion which includes Chiatura, Gori, Kutaisi and Tskaltubo, the latter being the best place to visit if you like urbex (exploration of abandoned places).

⭐ You may also be interested in this detailed article on Visit to Chiatura with its Soviet cable cars, with transportation alternatives and this Visit Guide to Tskaltubo.

8. Vardzia, the city carved into the mountain and Rabati Castle

Vardzia is one of the best excursions from TbilisiIf I had to recommend only 3 excursions, this would be one of them.

This cave city is dug into the mountain and its construction started in the 12th century as a way to protect themselves from the feared Mongols who invaded the area.

At the time, It once had 6,000 interconnected caves, that part of them fell with an earthquake. Likewise, they are still impressive today.

👍 Friend's tip: If you drive there, keep in mind that in Georgia there are two Vardzia, the caves are near the border with Türkiye.

Then, in the area near Vardzia the most important city is Akhaltsikhe where you can visit Rabati castle.

A place that I honestly would not have visited on my own if it weren't for the fact that it was included in the excursion I went on and I have to tell you that it is very worth it.

It's about the ancient fortified royal city with the most varied buildings, such as: a church, a mosque and the madrassa.

Furthermore, the name Rabati refers to the Jewish shopping district, all evidence of the influence of different cultures.

Yoga Retreat next to Vardzia

If you have more time and want to combine the trip with a yoga retreat, I recommend this link with daily yoga, meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises) classes.

The retreat includes accommodation, all meals, visit to the Vardzia caves and other visits to the area.

How to get to Vardzia and Akhaltsikhe from Tbilisi?

To get there, the car is the best way because public transportation takes a long time and you will need to stay a night in the area.

The most practical alternative is to go with an excursion like the one in the link which is the one I went with, which includes the two sites and Borjomi.

⭐ You may also be interested in this Guide to visiting Vardzia in Georgia and in this other one about the Visit to Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe.

9. The mountainous region of Svaneti

Svaneti is one of the most popular mountain regions of Georgia for its incomparable landscapes that will take your breath away with its high mountain lakes, glaciers and waterfalls.

Ushguli, World Heritage Site

The main mountain town in Svaneti is Mestia, which is the perfect place if you want to go on excursions in the area, as well as trekking like the popular route linking Mestia with Ushguli.

Ushguli is the highest human settlement in Europe, a declared town UNESCO World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its medieval tower houses.

A type of construction unique to Svaneti that It served as housing and defense at the same time.

Trekking in Svaneti

This trekking route is quite demanding and is usually done in 3 or 4 days, an area that is not recommended to go alone or without knowing the area.

A good alternative is to join this excursion 4-day trekking from Mestia to Ushguli.

How to get to Svaneti from Tbilisi?

The public transportation alternatives are to go by marshrutka or by plane, if you cannot drive, although in this area it is not recommended due to its dangerous roads.

Once there you will need to drive or take a taxi, which are quite expensive in the area. If you can't join a tour from Mestia like this one from the link that takes you to Ushguli.

Another alternative is that you go to Kutaisi, which is well connected to Tbilisi, and from there you join this 2-day Svaneti tour which is very worthwhile.

10. Lori, monasteries and mountains of Armenia

Lori is a region of Armenia that is right on the border with Georgia, it is a very nice area of mountains, forests, lakes and with some monasteries that are worth visiting.

I have also included this visit in this other article of the Best excursions from Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.

I visited the area with a 1-day excursion from Tbilisi, because I was living there, and the distance is shorter than from Yerevan.

It is also a good stop if you are going to visit both countries by car.

What to see in the Lori region?

One of the most remarkable things about the area, in addition to its beautiful natural landscapes, are the Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries.

Both monasteries were built between the 10th and 13th centuries, a time of the flourishing of religious architecture in Armenia.

These monastic complexes are declared UNESCO World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1996 and specifically the Haghpat monastery is considered a masterpiece of religious architecture.

Some of the most remarkable things about Haghpat are:

• The St Nshan Church which is the oldest building in the complex, with a square base supported by 4 enormous pillars where the vault rests.
• Your magnificent khachkar, which are stone crosses of exceptional carving.
• They also highlight the low reliefs on the facades.

Although, the Sanahin monastery does not go unnoticed:

• The vestibule of the church of St. Astvatsatsin with its columns is one of the most photographed spaces in the monastery and the country.
• Also highlights the three-story bell tower which was the first of its kind.
• In the enclosure are preserved 50 ancient stone crosses, some with great historical value.

How to get to Lori from Tbilisi?

To get there there is no public transportation, so you will need to drive.

Please note that when crossing the border by car you will need Armenian insurance, there you will find several insurers.

Another alternative is to do the visit with a full day excursion, like this link with the one I went with, with stops at the most important places while you enjoy nature.

In case you are from Spain you will not need a visa to enter Armenia, but If you are from Latin America you will need to request it in advance.

⭐ You can read more about Tips for traveling to Armenia you can read more about visas and other topics.

11. Kakheti, the most important wine region

In Georgia, there are vineyards almost everywhere in the country, but the Kakheti region is the most important.

It is a region of fertile soils with various microclimates with the perfect conditions to grow almost anything, and especially for vineyards.

Furthermore, Georgia is a country with a strong tradition when it comes to wine.

The Georgians were The first to make wine began no less than 8,000 years ago., according to the remains found in some archaeological excavations.

What to see in Kakheti?

Visiting the Kakheti region is much more than wine, some of the most interesting stops you can make are:

• Bodbe Monastery, my favorite visit in the region, a monastery that now functions as a convent and is dedicated to Saint Nino, who introduced Christianity to Georgia.
• Sighnaghi a very charming town known as the city of love by its court that is open 24 hours a day to celebrate ceremonies.
• Telavi, the capital of the region that was populated since the Bronze Age and preserves medieval fortifications from 4 different periods.
• Of course, visit to a winery to learn about the Georgian wine making in huge ceramic vessels, very different from the production in Spain and the rest of the world.

How to go to Kakheti?

To visit Kakheti there are marshrutkas to the main towns, but then there is no connection between them, so it is more practical to go by car.

The most practical alternative is to go with a Kakheti tour like this one that is very popular, because it includes a visit to a winery, which costs less than 35 euros at the moment.

⭐ In this guide you can read in details about the Visit to Kakheti: wine region in Georgia, with all transportation alternatives.

Map of excursions from Tbilisi

On the map I have marked the main place(s), but if you want to see the detailed visit maps, I recommend you go to the specific articles for each place that I have left links for.

* To check the legend for each place, click the button in the top left corner of the map. To view this map on your phone or computer, tap the star on the right side of the title. Then go to Google Maps, select "Your Places" and "Maps" from the menu.

Final Thoughts

These are the best excursions from Tbilisi, is not only the capital of the country, but is located near the most relevant places in the country and a short distance from Armenia.

Georgia is a fascinating country and still little known by tourists, I tell you this from my experience of living in Georgia for 1 year until a few months ago.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to drop me a comment below. And if you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a great trip! 😘

More about Georgia and the Caucasus

• How to get around Tbilisi, Georgia and visit neighboring countries.
• Georgia Road Trip (country): 10 and 14-Day Itinerary
• What to do in Tbilisi: 24 must-visit places.
• What to do in Yerevan: 14 best plans
• Route through Armenia: 1 week itinerary