Georgia is a diverse country, where its nine regions have their own cuisine, customs, and traditions. Covering a territory of 69,700 square kilometers (26,911 sq. miles) offers a broad array of sights to its visitors. Even though one week is not enough to see the most of the country, we still tried to come up with the best places for your itinerary.
Day one: Capital – Tbilisi
Photo Source: Against The Compass
Tbilisi is the city of contrasts offering a blend of old and new architecture, diverse cafe landscapes, historical sites and natural hot springs.
Start your day exploring the Rustaveli Avenue, the main street full of decades old, but newly-reconstructed buildings along your way towards the Liberty Square. The square is a ‘border’ between old and new parts of the city, so continue your way downwards to Kote Afkhazi street to reach the Old Town. Explore Narikala Fortress, visit Botanical Garden, admire wooden curved colorful balconies at Betlemi street and in the evening indulge in sulfur baths to relax.
Day two: Highlights of Kakheti – David Gareji & Sighnaghi
Photo Source: Foreign Policy Research Institute
The David Gareji monastery complex borders with Azerbaijan and was founded by one of the 13 Assyrian Fathers in the 6th-century. This cave monastery complex is a great example of that time architecture and art shown in its impressive frescos.
Photo Source: Gallop Around The Globe
Sighnaghi is a small town nested on the hilltop. With its magnificent architecture from the 18th-19th-centuries, Sighnaghi is considered to be one of the most attractive towns in Georgia. Its red roofs and timber houses are fascinating to see. And to top it all, the town offers breathtaking views over Alazani Valley with the Caucasus Mountain range as its background.
Day Three: Mtskheta, Uplistsikhe, and Gori
Photo Source: Georgia Travel
Mtskheta, the former capital, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located only 30-minute drive from the capital. Even though the city doesn’t have much to offer in terms of the attractions, it’s still worth a visit to admire Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the best example of the Early Middle Ages architecture.
Photo Source: Advantour
Uplistsikhe is another cave town quite close to the capital. The name translates into English as ‘the lord’s fortress’ and contains several structures from the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages. The place is notable for the unique blend of different styles of rock-cut cultures from Anatolia and Iran.
Photo Source: Viator
The birthplace of Joseph Stalin, Gori, is a must stop town of your travels across the country. Visit his house-museum to learn more about his family, childhood, and highlights of his reign. One of the unique items that museum showcase is the private train carriage he used to travel around with.
Day Four: Stepantsminda
Photo Source: Northtrotter
Stepantsminda, or Kazbegi as it’s also known among many locals, is a small town situated at the foot of Mount Kazbegi. Even though there’s not much to see and do, the area is quite popular. This is because of the Gergeti Trinity Church, located at 2,170 meters (7,119 feet) above the sea level offering splendid views of Stepantsminda and the Kazbegi Mountain.
Day 5: Capital of Imereti region – Kutaisi
Photo Source: Tour To Georgia
Just like Mtskheta, Kutaisi is a former capital of Georgia offering another UNESCO World Heritage Site – Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery Complex. However, if you are not a big fan of visiting churches, you can explore Sataplia Nature Reserve and Prometheus Cave, as well as a stroll down the streets of the city admiring newly renovated buildings and the futuristic construction for the Parliament of Georgia.
Day Six and Seven: Explore the Coastal city – Batumi
Photo Source: Travels Illustrated
The capital of Adjara region, Batumi is one of the most popular summer destinations for the locals. With its modern architecture and bustling nightlife, Batumi does attract many visitors. Most of the sites are within the walking distance, making it a pleasant walk along the coast. Make sure not to miss Ali and Nino monument, Alphabet Towe, Chacha Tower, and the Boulevard to name a few. Once here, don’t forget to visit Batumi Botanical Garden too for its unique flora and breathtaking views over the Black Sea.
