5 Days in Georgia: Highlights of the Caucasus
Five days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Georgia — enough time to fall in love with Tbilisi’s chaotic charm, stand beneath the towering peaks of the Caucasus, sip wine in 8,000-year-old vineyards, and explore ancient monasteries. This itinerary takes you from the capital up the legendary Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi, then into the rolling hills of Kakheti wine country, with a final stop at Mtskheta’s UNESCO treasures. Buckle up — you’re in for one of Europe’s most underrated trips.
Your 5-Day Georgia Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Tbilisi Old Town
Morning: Arrive at Tbilisi International Airport. Take a taxi (30–40 GEL) or bus #337 (1 GEL) to the city centre. Check into your accommodation in the Old Town.
Midday: Start exploring the Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi). Visit Anchiskhati Basilica, Sioni Cathedral, and the area around Meidan Square. Admire the colourful wooden balconies that define Old Tbilisi’s architecture.
Afternoon: Ride the cable car (2.50 GEL) up to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views. Walk along the walls and visit the Botanical Garden below.
Evening: Dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant near Meidan. Try khachapuri Adjarian style (boat-shaped bread with egg and cheese) and a plate of pkhali (vegetable walnut pâtés). Budget: 30–50 GEL.
Accommodation: Old Town guesthouse: 80–200 GEL/night. Fabrika Hostel (dorm): 25–40 GEL/night.
Day 2: The Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi
Morning (6:00–7:00): Early start! Take a marshrutka from Didube station to Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi). The journey takes 3–4 hours along the famous Georgian Military Highway — one of the most scenic mountain roads in the world. Cost: 15–20 GEL per person.
En Route: The highway is dotted with spectacular viewpoints. Ask your driver to stop at the Ananuri Fortress complex overlooking the Zhinvali Reservoir — a stunning 17th-century castle reflected in turquoise water. Further on, you’ll pass the Gudauri ski resort and cross the Jvari Pass (2,395 m) with views of the Greater Caucasus range.
Afternoon: Arrive in Stepantsminda. Check into a guesthouse and have lunch (15–25 GEL). Then hike (or take a 4×4 for 30 GEL round trip) up to Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba) at 2,170 metres. The church sits alone against the backdrop of Mount Kazbek (5,047 m) — one of Georgia’s most iconic views.
Evening: Dinner at your guesthouse — most families serve home-cooked Georgian meals. Try kharcho (beef and walnut soup) and local cheese. Budget: 15–25 GEL.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Stepantsminda: 70–150 GEL/night including breakfast.
Day 3: Kakheti Wine Country
Morning: Return marshrutka from Stepantsminda to Tbilisi (15–20 GEL, 3–4 hours). From Tbilisi, take another marshrutka from Samegrelo bus station to Telavi, the capital of Kakheti wine region (13–17 GEL, 2 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the Tsinandali Estate — the beautiful 19th-century home of Georgian poet and prince Alexander Chavchavadze. The estate includes a museum, English-style gardens, and a wine cellar. Entrance: 25 GEL. Tour the grounds and do a wine tasting (included or extra 15–20 GEL).
Late Afternoon: Drive (taxi 20–30 GEL) to the charming hilltop town of Sighnaghi, known as the “City of Love” with its cobblestone streets, terracotta roofs, and incredible views over the Alazani Valley towards the Caucasus mountains.
Evening: Wine tasting at a local family winery (marani). Learn about qvevri (clay pot) winemaking — a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Budget: 20–40 GEL for tasting. Stay overnight in Sighnaghi — the sunset from the city walls is unforgettable.
Accommodation: Sighnaghi guesthouse: 80–150 GEL/night.
Day 4: Mtskheta & Return to Tbilisi
Morning: Take a marshrutka from Sighnaghi back to Tbilisi (13–17 GEL, 2.5 hours). From Didube station, hop on the Mtskheta marshrutka (2–3 GEL, 30 minutes).
Midday: Visit Jvari Monastery (6th century, UNESCO) perched on the hill overlooking the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers — a truly breathtaking spot. Then explore Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), where the robe of Christ is said to be buried.
Lunch: Traditional meal at a Mtskheta family restaurant. Budget: 15–25 GEL.
Afternoon: Visit Samtavro Monastery and Bebris Tsikhe fortress before returning to Tbilisi.
Evening: Explore Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue. Visit the Georgian National Museum (25 GEL, open until 18:00). Farewell dinner at Shavi Lomi or Keto & Kote (50–70 GEL) for a refined Georgian feast.
Day 5: Markets, Mtatsminda & Departure
Morning: Visit the Dry Bridge Flea Market for last-minute souvenirs — Soviet-era medals, vinyl records, traditional daggers, and handmade crafts. Bargain hard! Budget 20–50 GEL for souvenirs.
Late Morning: Ride the vintage funicular to Mtatsminda Park for one last panoramic view of Tbilisi. Walk through the Mtatsminda Pantheon to see graves of Georgian literary giants.
Lunch: Quick lunch in the Vera district — try Retro for excellent khachapuri (5–8 GEL).
Afternoon: Pick up any last items and head to the airport. Allow 40 minutes for the drive from the city centre. Bus #337 goes from Freedom Square to the airport for 1 GEL.
Total Trip Budget (5 days): 900–1,500 GEL per person (≈ $330–550 USD) including accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Flights extra.
Disclaimer: Prices and timings are approximate and may vary by season. Mountain weather on the Military Highway can change rapidly — check conditions before travelling. This guide is for general reference only.