Why Georgia Should Be Your Next Adventure
The first time I stood on the balcony of a Tbilisi guesthouse, watching the sun set over the Narikala Fortress, I knew this country would ruin me for ordinary travel. Georgia packs glaciers, wine, and jaw-dropping hospitality into a space smaller than Scotland. And a Georgia 7 day tour is the perfect way to scratch the surface — but be warned, you'll leave planning your return before the plane even takes off.
This one week Georgia itinerary is designed for travelers who want a mix of city grit, mountain air, and enough wine to make a sommelier blush. We'll cover the classic loop: Tbilisi, Kazbegi, and Kakheti, with a few detours that most tourists miss. I've done this route three times, and every trip has thrown up something new — a hidden church, a village feast, a marshrutka driver who insisted on sharing his churchkhela.
Day 1: Tbilisi - The City That Doesn't Sleep (Or Stop Eating)
Arrive in Tbilisi, drop your bags, and head straight to the Abanotubani sulfur baths district. The smell hits you first — a rotten-egg whiff that somehow becomes comforting by day three. But the real introduction to Georgia is the food. Find a sakhli (traditional eatery) and order khinkali (dumplings) and lobio (bean stew). You'll be asked to drink chacha (grape vodka) by a stranger who becomes your best friend within minutes. Pace yourself — this is a marathon, not a sprint.
Spend the afternoon wandering the cobbled streets of the old town. Don't miss the Anchiskhati Basilica, the city's oldest church, and the quirky clock tower near the puppet theater. For dinner, head to the Fabrika complex — a former Soviet sewing factory turned hipster hub — and grab a table at one of the many eateries. The craft beer scene here is surprisingly good.
Where to Stay in Tbilisi
Book a guesthouse in the Sololaki district for a local feel, or splurge on a boutique hotel near Freedom Square. I stayed at a family-run place where the owner's grandmother made churchkhela (walnut candy) in the hallway. You can't buy that kind of experience.
Day 2: Tbilisi - Churches, Markets, and a Cable Car
Start early at the Sameba Cathedral, a massive gold-domed structure that dominates the skyline. Then take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views. The ride costs less than a dollar and offers the best photo op in the city. Walk down through the botanical gardens and stop at the Chronicles of Georgia monument — a bizarre, massive stone structure that looks like it was built by giants.
For lunch, hit the Dry Bridge Market. It's a flea market where you can buy everything from Soviet medals to antique swords. I picked up a hand-painted enamel brooch for 5 lari. Then spend the afternoon exploring the Georgian National Museum. The gold fund is worth the entry fee alone.
Dinner tip: Book a table at Shavi Lomi, a restaurant tucked away in a residential courtyard. The chkmeruli (chicken in garlic milk sauce) is life-changing. Wash it down with a glass of Rkatsiteli — an amber wine that tastes like dried apricots and sunshine.
Day 3: Kazbegi - Mountains, Monasteries, and a Lot of Sheep
Rent a car or hire a driver for the day (around 150-200 GEL) and head north along the Georgian Military Highway. The landscape shifts from dusty plains to snow-capped peaks within an hour. Stop at the Ananuri Fortress, a postcard-perfect castle on the Zhinvali Reservoir. Then continue to Gudauri, a ski resort that's just as beautiful in summer.
The highlight is Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on a hill above the town of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi). You can hike up in about an hour, or hire a 4x4 for 20 GEL. The view of Mount Kazbek — a 5,000-meter behemoth — is worth every step. I sat there for an hour, just watching the clouds race across the summit.
Practical Tips for Kazbegi
- Bring a jacket — even in July, the wind at the church is biting.
- Try the local khinkali at Shorena's guesthouse. She makes them with mountain herbs.
- If you have time, hike to the Gveleti Waterfall. It's a short, easy walk from the road.
Drive back to Tbilisi in the evening, or stay overnight in Stepantsminda for a quieter experience. I stayed at a guesthouse with a wood-fired sauna — the perfect remedy for tired legs.
Day 4: Kakheti Wine Region - Where Wine Was Born
Head east to Kakheti, the birthplace of wine. Seriously — archaeologists found 8,000-year-old wine residue here. The region is dotted with qvevri — clay vessels buried in the ground — used to ferment wine the traditional way. Book a tour at a family winery like Pheasant's Tears in Sighnaghi or Viniveria near Telavi.
Don't miss the town of Sighnaghi, a hilltop village with pastel-colored houses and views over the Alazani Valley. It's a bit touristy, but the surrounding countryside is pure magic. For lunch, stop at a roadside supra (feast) — you'll be served endless plates of mtsvadi (grilled meat), fresh cheese, and tonis puri (clay-oven bread).
Wine tip: Try the saperavi — a deep, tannic red that will stain your teeth purple. And don't leave without a bottle of chacha. It's the perfect souvenir, if it survives the trip home.
Day 5: Kakheti to Tbilisi - Monasteries and a Last Supra
On your way back to Tbilisi, stop at the Alaverdi Monastery, a 6th-century cathedral with a serene courtyard. Then visit the Gremi Citadel, a ruined fortress that once guarded the Silk Road. If you're traveling with a guide, ask them to arrange a home-cooked lunch at a local family's house. We had khachapuri (cheese bread) straight from the oven, and the grandmother refused to let us leave until we'd eaten three servings.
Back in Tbilisi, spend your last evening doing a final supra at a restaurant like Barbarestan, which serves recipes from a 19th-century cookbook. The satsivi (walnut sauce chicken) is unreal.
Day 6: Mtskheta and Uplistsikhe - Ancient History Fix
Take a day trip to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is a UNESCO site and one of the oldest churches in the country. Then continue to Uplistsikhe, a cave town carved into a cliff. It's like a Georgian version of Petra, minus the crowds. Wear sturdy shoes — the paths are uneven.
On the way back, stop at the Jvari Monastery for sunset views. It's a small church on a hilltop, but the panorama of the confluence of two rivers is spectacular.
Day 7: Tbilisi - Last-Minute Shopping and Farewell
Spend your final morning at the Deserter Market, a chaotic bazaar where you can buy spices, cheese, and tkemali (sour plum sauce) to take home. Then grab a coffee at Erti Kava — the barista will likely ask where you're from and offer recommendations for your next trip.
Before you head to the airport, do one last thing: sit in a park, eat a khachapuri, and watch the city go by. You'll start planning your return before you've even left.
Practical Tips for Your Georgia Itinerary
- Best time to visit: May-June and September-October. July-August is hot in the lowlands but perfect for Kazbegi.
- Currency: Georgian lari (GEL). ATMs are everywhere, but carry cash for rural areas.
- Language: Georgian is notoriously difficult. A few phrases go a long way — gamarjoba (hello) and madloba (thank you).
- Transport: Hire a driver for mountain trips. For city travel, use the metro (a flat 1 GEL) or Bolt (ride-hailing app).
- Food: Vegetarians will struggle, but the cheese and bread options are endless. Try ajapsandali (vegetable stew) and pkhali (walnut paste).
This Georgia itinerary is just a taste. Extend your trip to Svaneti for glacier hikes or to Batumi for Black Sea beaches. But even in a week, you'll understand why Georgians say “Guest is a gift from God.” Just don't be surprised if you leave a piece of your heart in the Caucasus.