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Actualizado: 12 April, 2026
If you’re planning a trip to the Caucasus, in this article you’ll find a 10-day Georgia itinerary covering the country’s must-see spots, based on my experience living there for a year.
This itinerary is perfect for a first trip to Georgia, combining history, nature, and culture. It includes the vibrant capital, stunning mountain landscapes in the Caucasus, and some of the most spectacular places in the country.
This itinerary is designed for a first trip to Georgia, combining history, nature, and culture. It includes the vibrant capital, stunning mountain landscapes in the Caucasus, and some of the most spectacular places in the country.
At the end of the article, I’ve also included a map with all the stops to make planning your trip easier.
How to organize this trip
This 10-day itinerary is designed to start and end in Kutaisi, since it usually has the cheapest flights from Europe.
You can do this route in two ways:
- With organized tours: This is the easiest way to travel around Georgia. Many of the stops on this itinerary—like Kazbegi, Vardzia, or the Kutaisi canyons—can be done as day trips, which will save you time and probably a bit of stress. 😅
- By car: If you prefer to travel independently, renting a car will give you more flexibility, especially for visiting mountain regions like Svaneti. Honestly, for me, it’s the best way to explore Georgia. To rent a car, I recommend this website where you’ll find reliable local companies with great prices.
🤑 If you want to save on your next adventure, use this link from Booking to get 15% off your stay.
10-day Georgia Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Tbilisi
✅ Accommodation: Tbilisi. Ideally in the city center. I recommend Epigraph or Cozy Baity if you prefer an apartment.
✅ Places to visit: walk around the old town.
After your flight, you’ll need to get to Tbilisi. The best options are by car, with this transfer, or by bus, which takes about 4 hours. In this guide on how to get from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi and other places, you’ll find all the details.
Once in Tbilisi, take the chance to get a first feel for this city that blends traditional architecture, modern buildings, and plenty of history.
A great way to start exploring is by walking through the old town, where you’ll find cobblestone streets, houses with wooden balconies, and some of the city’s most iconic spots.
You can start at the quirky Clock Tower and continue toward Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in the city.
Then visit Sioni Cathedral, one of the most important temples. Since you’re already in the area, don’t miss trying something at Caravanserai, a traditional Georgian bakery.
Keep walking toward the Abanotubani area, famous for its historic sulfur baths.
The most eye-catching from the outside are the Gulo baths, with their domes, and the Orbeliani baths, with their beautiful façade. Very close by, you’ll also find the Bridge of Love. Keep walking to the end, where there’s a small waterfall.
👍 Friendly tip: if you have time on another day, I really recommend visiting one of the sulfur baths. It’s a super relaxing experience. I loved Orbeliani—on this website you can book your ticket. It’s a traditional private bath, towels included, and very reasonably priced.
To end the day, have dinner in the area. I recommend Sofiko, which has great views and delicious traditional food. Another option is TurboBurger: even though they specialize in burgers, they also have lobiani and khachapuri. I’ve marked them on the map.
⭐ Related article: 9 Traditional Georgian Food Dishes
Day 2: Tbilisi
✅ Accommodation: Tbilisi. Ideally in the city center. I recommend Epigraph or Cozy Baity if you prefer an apartment.
✅ Places to visit: Cathedral, Dry Bridge Market, Rustaveli Avenue, and theater.
Start your morning by visiting the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Sameba), one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and easily one of the most impressive buildings in the city.
After that, head over to the Dry Bridge Market. For me, it’s one of the best markets in Tbilisi. It’s a quirky open-air market where you’ll find everything from Soviet antiques to collectibles, coins, old cameras, and pieces of art.
While you’re there, it’s a great spot to grab lunch at Cafe Daphna, one of my favorite places in the area. Their khinkali are seriously finger-licking good.
In the afternoon, I recommend taking a walk along Rustaveli Avenue, the city’s main artery. This is where you’ll find the famous Freedom Square and several important buildings like the Georgian National Museum, the Parliament, and the Opera House—which is absolutely stunning.
If you’re into culture, you can visit the Georgian National Museum, which has really interesting exhibitions about the country’s history.
To wrap up the day, a great option is to catch a performance at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater. That way, you’ll also get to see the inside (which is gorgeous), and tickets are usually surprisingly affordable. In my guide to Tbilisi’s must-sees I share more details.
For dinner, I recommend 8000 Vintages—perfect if you want to try Georgian wines. They also have food boards; the Georgian one is delicious and pretty generous.
Day 3: Kazbegi
✅ Accommodation: Tbilisi. Ideally in the city center. I recommend Epigraph or Cozy Baity if you prefer an apartment.
✅ Places to visit: Jinvali Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress, Gudauri, and Kazbegi.
On your third day, I recommend doing one of the most spectacular day-trips in Georgia: driving along the Georgian Military Highway all the way to the Kazbegi region, right in the heart of the Caucasus.
This tour crosses some of the most impressive mountain landscapes in the country and usually includes several interesting stops along the way.
The first stop is the Jinvali Reservoir, where you can enjoy the views, followed by Ananuri Fortress, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the country.
The road then continues climbing toward the Gudauri ski resort, where you’ll find the famous Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument, set on a viewpoint with incredible mountain views.
The final destination is Stepantsminda, the main town in the Kazbegi region. From here, you can head up to the Gergeti Trinity Church, one of the most photographed spots in Georgia, sitting at over 2,000 meters with Mount Kazbek as a backdrop. Truly a jaw-dropping place!
You can do this trip by car or with this full-day tour, which is the one I did—and it’s very budget-friendly.
⭐ Related articles: How to rent and drive a car in Georgia and Guide to Visiting Kazbegi and Ananuri.
👍 My two cents: If you want to stay connected in Georgia, 🤳 I recommend getting this eSIM for Georgia. Click on that links for a 5% discount.
Day 4: Mtskheta and Tbilisi
✅ Accommodation: Tbilisi. Ideally in the city center. I recommend Epigraph or Cozy Baity if you prefer an apartment.
✅ Places to visit: Mtskheta, Narikala Fortress, and a Georgian feast.
Start the day by visiting Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and one of the country’s most important religious centers. Here, you can visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Depending on how you’re getting around, you can also take the opportunity to visit other must-sees in Mtskheta, like Jvari Monastery, where you’ll get beautiful views of the rivers meeting point.
A very practical way to do this visit is with this day-trip —it’s very affordable and includes Mtskheta, Jvari, and the Chronicles of Georgia, one of the most impressive monuments in the country
Back in Tbilisi, cross the beautiful Bridge of Peace toward Rike Park and take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
To wrap up the day, I recommend this traditional Georgian feast with folk dancing. It’s a must-do experience in Georgia, both for the food and the atmosphere.
Day 5: Vardzia and Rabati
✅ Accommodation: Tbilisi. Ideally in the city center. I recommend Epigraph or Cozy Baity if you prefer an apartment.
✅ Places to visit: Vardzia cave city and Rabati Castle
This day, I recommend another of Georgia’s most impressive excursions: visiting Vardzia, a spectacular cave city carved into the side of a mountain.
Vardzia was built in the 12th century during the reign of Queen Tamar as a defensive complex and monastery. At its peak, it had over 6,000 caves spread across multiple levels, where monks and locals lived, seeking refuge from invaders.
Although part of the complex was exposed after an earthquake, many caves, tunnels, stairways, and rock-carved rooms are still preserved and can be visited today.
Not far away, you’ll find Rabati Castle in the city of Akhaltsikhe, which is also well worth a visit. This fortified complex blends different architectural styles and cultures, with a mix of church, mosque, and historic buildings within its walls.
To visit Vardzia and Rabati in one day, you’ll need to drive or join a tour. If you prefer the second option, I recommend this excursion—it’s how I did it. Keep in mind they’re quite far away, and driving for that many hours can be exhausting. Plus, the tour includes a stop in Borjomi, famous for its natural mineral water and national park.
⭐ Related articles: Guide to visiting Vardzia in Georgia, Visit to Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe and What to see in Borjomi.
Day 6: Kutaisi
✅ Accommodation: Kutaisi. . Ideally in the old town. I recommend Newport or Makos if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.
✅ Places to visit: Kutaisi old town and Bagrati Cathedral.
Today it’s time to head west and visit Kutaisi, one of the oldest cities in Georgia and the perfect base for exploring some of the country’s most spectacular natural landscapes.
From Tbilisi, the most practical way to get to Kutaisi is by marshrutka (minibus). In my guide on how to get to Kutaisi and get around the area you’ll find all the details and options.
Once you arrive, spend the afternoon wandering around Kutaisi’s old town, which is full of charm and easy to explore on foot.
Some of the most interesting spots to see include:
- The Colchis Fountain, inspired by ancient Georgian goldsmith pieces.
- The White Bridge, one of the city’s symbols.
- A walk along the Rioni River, which runs through Kutaisi.
You can also take the cable car, and if you have time, visit Bagrati Cathedral, one of Georgia’s most important monuments and a historic symbol of the country’s unification.
To end the day, have dinner at one of the restaurants in the center and try some typical Georgian dishes. I recommend Sisters—everything on the menu is delicious.
⭐ Related article: Where to stay in Kutaisi
Day 7: Svaneti
✅ Accommodation: Mestia. I recommend staying at Lamish.
✅ Places to visit: Mestia and the Caucasus mountains.
Day seven kicks off one of the most spectacular parts of the trip: visiting Svaneti, a remote mountain region in the Caucasus, famous for its landscapes and its traditional medieval defensive towers.
The easiest way to visit the area is with his two-day organized tour from Kutaisi—it’s well-priced and you don’t have to worry about a thing.
That said, you can also get there on your own by public transport or car. In my guide to the best day trips from Kutaisi you’ll find all the details.
The journey to Mestia takes several hours, but it passes through some of the most stunning scenery in the country, with mountains, forests, and rivers along the way.
Once in Mestia, you can stroll around the village and spot the Svan towers—medieval stone structures that were used for centuries as homes and protection against invasions.
You can also head up to a nearby viewpoint to take in views of the Greater Caucasus, home to some of the highest peaks in Georgia.
To wrap up the day, I recommend dinner at Vichnashi, a small restaurant serving traditional Georgian food—their khachapuri is seriously good.
Day 8: Ushguli and Kutaisi
✅ Accommodation: Kutaisi. . Ideally in the old town. I recommend Newport or Makos if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.
✅ Places to visit: Ushguli and Svaneti landscapes.
Day eight continues exploring the Svaneti region with a trip to Ushguli, one of the most impressive places in Georgia.
Ushguli is a group of small villages located at over 2,000 meters above sea level, known for being one of the highest inhabited settlements in Europe. It’s famous for its medieval defensive towers and the dramatic mountain scenery all around it.
The journey from Mestia to Ushguli takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and is usually done in 4x4 vehicles due to the road conditions. You can drive or visit it with this tour.
Once there, you can walk around the village, visit the Lamaria Church, and enjoy views of Mount Shkhara, the highest peak in Georgia.
In the afternoon, head back to Kutaisi.
✅ Friendly Tip: Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your next adventure. I recommend Heymondo,—it’s super comprehensive, and with that link, you’ll get 5% off.
Day 9: Caves and Canyons
✅ Accommodation: Kutaisi. . Ideally in the old town. I recommend Newport or Makos if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.
✅ Places to visit: Martvili Canyon, Prometheus Cave, and Okatse Canyon.
The caves and canyons around Kutaisi are some of the most impressive natural landscapes in Georgia, and they’re just a short distance from the city.
This region is known for its turquoise-water canyons and incredible caves, many of which are protected natural monuments.
One of the most popular spots is Martvili Canyon, a narrow canyon surrounded by lush vegetation where you can walk along wooden pathways and, if the water level allows, take a short boat ride.
Another must-see is Prometheus Cave, one of the largest and most spectacular caves in Georgia, with huge chambers filled with illuminated stalactites and stalagmites.
You can also visit Okatse Canyon, famous for its suspended walkway along the cliff, offering amazing views of the landscape.
You can visit these places by car or with this full-day tour —I did it with them, and it was great.
Day 10: Heading home
✅ Plan for the day: transfer to Kutaisi Airport and flight back home.
Your last day will depend on your flight schedule.
If you have some time before heading to the airport, you can squeeze in one last stroll around Kutaisi, visit the local market, or check out any of Kutaisi must-sees.
If you have time for lunch, I recommend Bikentia’s Kebabery, a traditional spot that’s very popular with local workers.
They only serve one dish: a kind of giant kebab with sauce and bread, eaten standing up. The full menu includes a lemon soda or beer for around 12 lari.
Kutaisi Airport is about 20 km from the city, so you’ll need roughly 30 minutes to get there.
From there, all that’s left is to catch your flight home and say goodbye to Georgia after exploring some of the country’s most spectacular places over these 10 days.
Itinerary Summary
- Day 1 Tbilisi: arrival in Georgia, transfer to Tbilisi, and walk around the old town.
- Day 2 Tbilisi: Sameba Cathedral, Dry Bridge Market, walk along Rustaveli Avenue, and theater.
- Day 3 Kazbegi: trip along the Georgian Military Highway with stops at Ananuri, Gudauri, and Gergeti Church.
- Day 4 Mtskheta and Tbilisi: visit Mtskheta and Jvari Monastery, cable car to Narikala, and Georgian feast.
- Day 5 Vardzia and Rabati: trip to Vardzia cave city, visit Rabati Castle, and stop in Borjomi.
- Day 6 Kutaisi: transfer to Kutaisi and explore the old town and Bagrati Cathedral.
- Day 7 Svaneti: transfer to Mestia and visit the village.
- Day 8 Ushguli: visit Ushguli and return to Kutaisi.
- Day 9 Kutaisi: visit Martvili Canyon, Prometheus Cave, and Okatse Canyon.
- Day 10 Return: transfer to Kutaisi Airport and flight back home.
Map
FAQs
The best times to visit Georgia are spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October), when the weather is pleasant and the Caucasus Mountains look absolutely stunning.
Summer is also a great option, especially if you want to go hiking in Svaneti or Kazbegi.
Ideally, you should spend between 10 and 14 days. That gives you enough time to visit Tbilisi, the Caucasus Mountains in Kazbegi, the Svaneti region, Kutaisi, and the surrounding areas.
If you only have one week, it’s best to focus on Tbilisi, Kazbegi, and maybe a nearby day trip.
Yes, you can absolutely do this route without driving.
Many of the visits can be done with tours like the ones I’ve recommended in this itinerary.
Another option is to use marshrutkas (local minibuses), trains, or taxis to get between cities. In my guide on how to get around Tbilisi, Georgia and visit neighboring countries, you’ll find more details about public transport.
Driving in Georgia is safe, but it does come with a few challenges. Drivers can be quite aggressive, and on some roads it’s common to come across animals like cows or pigs wandering freely.
For this reason, if you don’t have experience driving in these kinds of conditions, it might be more comfortable—and even safer—to join a tour.
You can also check out my guide on how to rent and drive a car in Georgia, where I go into more detail on this topic.
No, Georgia is quite an affordable destination compared to other European countries.
Accommodation, food, and transport are usually budget-friendly, so you can enjoy a pretty complete trip without spending a fortune.
Yes, you can easily combine both countries.
The most common way is to start in Georgia, where you’ll usually find cheaper flights—especially to Kutaisi. From there, you can continue your trip to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
The overland journey between Tbilisi and Yerevan takes around 4 to 5 hours by car or bus. In this guide on how to get from Tbilisi to Yerevan you’ll find all the options and details.
In my Armenia guide you’ll find all my articles about the country, including an itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Georgia is one of the most surprising destinations in the Caucasus. Despite its small size, the country has a huge variety of landscapes and experiences that will leave you amazed. I hope this 10-day Georgia itinerary inspires you.
I’ll leave you with this quote:
“If you don’t climb the mountain, you’ll never enjoy the view..”
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘
More about Georgia
Hi, I’m Andrea, creator and author of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I write about Southeast Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. I’m a full-time traveler, passionate about good food, and always looking for new adventures.