How to Spend 8 Days in Georgia

• By: NomadSam
• Feb 13, 2026

Planning a trip to Georgia? This detailed 8-day Georgia itinerary covers Tbilisi, Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), Gudauri, Kutaisi, Mestia (Svaneti), Batumi, and back to Tbilisi — with travel tips, food recommendations, and practical advice.

Day 1: Arrive in Tbilisi – Explore the Old Town

Stay: Old Tbilisi
Best for: First impressions, architecture, culture

Start your Georgia trip in Tbilisi’s charming Old Town.

Things to Do:

• Wander through cobblestone streets and colorful wooden balconies
• Take the cable car to Narikala Fortress for panoramic city views
• Walk across the Bridge of Peace
• Visit Abanotubani sulfur bath district
• Explore Metekhi Church and Rike Park

Evening:

• Enjoy traditional Georgian dinner (try khinkali and khachapuri)
• Wine tasting experience — Georgia is the birthplace of wine

Tip: Exchange small cash for taxis or use the Bolt app.

Day 2: Tbilisi – Culture and Hidden Gems

Best for: History, markets, viewpoints

Morning:

• Visit Chronicles of Georgia monument
• Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
• Mtatsminda Park for views over the city

Afternoon:

• Dry Bridge Flea Market (souvenirs and antiques)
• Rustaveli Avenue walk (cafés, Opera House, Parliament building)

Optional: Day trip to Mtskheta (UNESCO site, 30 minutes away)

Day 3: Tbilisi to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)

Drive time: 3–4 hours
Route: Georgian Military Highway

This is one of the most scenic drives in the Caucasus.

Stops on the Way:

• Zhinvali Reservoir
• Ananuri Fortress
• Gudauri Viewpoint (Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument)

In Kazbegi:

• Visit Gergeti Trinity Church (4WD or hike)
• Sunset views of Mount Kazbek
• Relax in a mountain guesthouse

Tip: Leave early to avoid fog and traffic.

Day 4: Gudauri – Adventure and Mountain Views

Drive: Kazbegi to Gudauri (about 1.5 hours)

Things to Do:

• Paragliding over the Caucasus
• Skiing (winter season)
• Panorama viewpoint photos
• Scenic coffee stops with mountain views

Return to Tbilisi in the evening or stay overnight in Gudauri.

Day 5: Kutaisi – Caves and Canyons

Travel: Flight, train, or 4–5 hour drive from Tbilisi

Kutaisi is one of Georgia’s oldest cities.

Highlights:

• Bagrati Cathedral
• Prometheus Cave (guided underground tour)
• Martvili Canyon boat ride
• Kutaisi city center stroll

Stay: Kutaisi city center

Day 6: Mestia – Svaneti Region

Drive time: 4–5 hours from Kutaisi
Scenic but mountainous roads

Mestia is famous for medieval Svan towers and alpine scenery.

Things to Do:

• Svaneti Museum of History
• Walk around Mestia old town
• Viewpoints of Mount Ushba

Optional: Day trip to Ushguli (one of Europe’s highest villages)

Tip: Roads can be rough — consider a 4WD vehicle.

Day 7: Batumi – Black Sea Escape

Drive: 5–6 hours from Mestia

Batumi offers a modern seaside vibe.

Top Attractions:

• Batumi Boulevard walk
• Ali and Nino moving statue
• Alphabet Tower
• Batumi Botanical Garden
• Beach sunset

Night: Lively nightlife and seaside dining

Day 8: Return to Tbilisi

Options:

• Domestic flight from Batumi (fastest)
• 5–6 hour drive
• Train option available

Last Day Ideas:

• Café hopping in Vera district
• Souvenir shopping (wine, churchkhela sweets)
• Final Georgian feast

Practical Travel Tips for Georgia

• Best Time to Visit: May–June and September–October
• Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
• Transport: Rent a car for flexibility
• Budget: Affordable compared to Western Europe
• Language: English widely spoken in tourist areas

Summary of Route

Tbilisi (2 nights) → Kazbegi (1 night) → Gudauri (1 night or stop) → Kutaisi (1 night) → Mestia (1 night) → Batumi (1 night) → Tbilisi (final night)

This 8-day Georgia itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want a mix of culture, mountains, history, and coastline in one unforgettable trip.