5 Days In Georgia Itinerary List - Make Most Of Your Trip

For the second time, I felt like a real tourist in Georgia.

Let me explain - I have been living in Georgia for more than 5 years, thus for the past two years I'm spending the Summer months in Latvia.

This year we were absent from Georgia for about 6 months, and when returned - we had no choice but to travel a lot across the country, as the friends of my partner joined us during our journey back home to Tbilisi. 

We booked our flight back to Georgia (Tbilisi) already at the start of August (back then I was still busy with brick-and-mortar things performing home remodeling works). Friends of my partner planned to visit Georgia for the very first time. Our flight was on the same day, on the same plane. Instead of a typical week of doing nothing, after return, we had a very busy first 5 days in Georgia.

Our story starts at Tbilisi airport, I had called before to my driver and asked him to pick us up at the airport, but as it might happen in Georgia, he was late for some 30 minutes, and I had a chance to listen to almost all taxi drivers tempting offers, promising to take us to the city center starting 50 GEL (TIP: the normal fare to pay for a taxi driver from the airport to the city center is about 30 GEL).

Day 1: Arriving in Tbilisi

We have a nice apartment in Tbilisi, and we kept it renting even during our absence, the chances are, if you are a newcomer to Georgia, you will need to find a hotel/hostel, I'm not a hotel export regarding Tbilisi, but take a look on following listings: Top 10 Boutique / Luxury Hotels in Tbilisi (Georgia)

We bought some eggs and sausages at the local Avlabari night shop, during our ride from the airport, and prepared fresh breakfasts at 5:00 AM, gosh, it was good to be home again. After breakfast, we had a sleep for a few hours as we agreed to spend the first day in Tbilisi.

The first sightseeing started at Tbilisi Old Town and of course Narikala fortress. From the fortress amazing pictures can be taken, so we spent here some time, and later climbed down for a lunch, which we had at, probably the most tourist place in the city -  Samikitno / Machakhela Restaurant on Meidan Square. I took our guests to another great Chebureki place, run by a lady from Belarus in the Abanotubani district - Sachebureke Abanotubanshi (Cheburek Cafe on Abanotubani)

A must-have activity during our trip to the Old to was to visit the famous Tbilisi Sulphur baths, so we agreed to visit them just shortly after our lunch. One hour at bathhouses will cost you about 30 GEL, and most probably will be enough. (I sometimes prefer to take 2 hours, but it depends).

Now, after bathing in healthy Tbilisi sulfur waters we took a street taxi and headed back to the apartment, to have some rest, as tomorrow promises to be a really long day! Oh, almost forgot - the tasty shaurma on Tamar Mephe street was a dot on I, for this evening.

Day 2: Borjomi, Akhaltsikhe, and Vardzia

Now, let me be clear - this trip is possible in one day, but it's recommended to plan at least two or even three days for this trip.

Our driver arrived early in the morning and we left for Borjomi, making a stop at a Jvari monastery. It was planned to visit Mtskheta also, but since we had a lot to drive today, we agreed to visit Mtskheta in the evening (we didn't make it after all).

The next stop is a Green monastery (skulls and bones). From here a short visit to Borjomi Mineral water park and a drive by the cable car.

The next stop is Akhaltsikhe town and visits the Rabati fortress (entrance fee 5GEL). Plan a few hours here, as there is a lot to see. Prior to Rabati, we ordered shaslik at the nearby roadside cafeteria - Sergo Duqani (trust me..the best shashlik across the country). The owners are simple and friendly people. If you will talk to them a little bit Sergo will make you a little chacha-tasting tour, for sure.

In about one hour's drive from Akhaltsikhe town, there is a Vardzia Cave Town - The caves stretch along the cliff for some five hundred meters and in up to nineteen tiers. The Church of the Dormition, dating to the 1180s during the golden age of Tamar and Rustaveli, has an important series of wall paintings. The site was largely abandoned after the Ottoman takeover in the sixteenth century. 

It was dark already, we ordered a few bottles of Georgian wine at a local restaurant near Vardzia (they have ridiculously cheap wine 15 GEL per bottle) and the funniest part of the trip started. We were back to Tbilisi around 2:00 AM, drunk and hungry. The best place to have a meal I insisted was restaurant Tiflis (Saarbrucken square). I have no clue how much we paid here, but we ate a lot, and our guests even started making Georgian tosts. Gaumarjos Sakartvelo!

Day 3: Mount Kazbegi and Gergeti Church

This morning started just as the previous (except a really little hangover) - our driver was at our place around 8:00 AM and we left for Gergeti Church, driving Georgian military road, making stops at Zhinvali Water Reservoir, Ananuri castle complex, and pretty impressive Russia - Georgia friendship monument. At the evening we had a nice Georgian style supra at a very good roadside restaurant near Natakhtari - see Chashnagiri Restaurant Review in Natakhtari.

In the evening before arriving at the apartment we made a stop at Tbilisi Mall to buy some ingredients for breakfast.

The head picture of this article is taken in the footsteps of mount Kazbegi, near Gergeti Church - let's name it - A walk in the clouds!

Day 4: Kakheti trip, Sighnaghi, Wine tasting and more

Today was a pretty cloudy day, and we didn't have a chance to see the true beauty of Kakheti (Alazani valley), but still, we had a route to do. I have crafted this route separately, see Day Trip to Kakheti in Georgia, we did basically the same route with some minor changes.

We took a lovely breakfast at some of the roadside cafeteria somewhere near Sagarejo, after which visited Bodbe monastery near Sighnaghi (bought some souvenirs here). The town of Sighnaghi was covered in mist, and we actually didn't see anything form the beauty of Sighnaghi, I bought a bottle of Georgian brandy and offered to visit at least Sighnaghi museum (Pirosmani works are exhibited here). After few sips of 10-year-old Georgian brandy - I discovered I really like this guy and his naive painting style.

Next stop - impressive wine tunnel near Kvareli, see: Wine Tunnel Near Kvareli in Georgia (Winery Khareba),  It features not only exotic manmade tunnel built in the rocks, but it also has a large territory offering interesting attractions related to Georgian heritage. Guests can book a wine tasting tour here and will be provided with best selection wines from winery Khareba. We took the guided tour for 7 Lari without wine tasting here. As we will taste wine in another winery - Kindzmarauli Corporation Wine House in Kvareli, Georgia (here for 8 lari is offered both wine tasting and a short excursion to the winery).

At this point it felt, it's too many impressions already and let's leave back for Tbilisi, but my good old friend - driver insisted let's go to the Nekresi monastery and after to Gremi Church (we had no option, but to agree). Thus we skipped Nekresi, as it was already getting late, and we got scammed a little bit after bought tickets for a minivan (there is a minivan service taking tourists to Nekresi) - we had to wait in the line for more than one hour - the weather wasn't the best, we were just too tired..and we just skipped Nekresi (don't be like us were, take Nekresi - it is one of the most beautiful monastery complexes in Georgia). 

From Gremi we headed to Telavi, making stop at local khinkali place Cafe Bari - Zodiako, just khinkali and beer served here. Cheap and tasty. A little bit neglected as well. Paid a short visit to Telavi market (really good market) and returned back home to Tbilisi. The driver was kind of pity we didn't visit Nekresi and wanted to show us something more (but trust me, our batteries were off - and all I could think about was getting back to Tbilisi and have some sleep), and then he proposed - would you love to see the tree? No!, we instantly replied. The driver lowered his shoulders, and did what a real Georgian man does - he took us to the Giant Plane tree in Telavi. Amazing.

Late in the evening we went to the delicious Azerbaijani restaurant Agha near circus in Tbilisi.

Day 5: Last evening in Tbilisi

In was actually planned to have a fishing tour today, but since our guests had a flight back home tonight, we canceled the fishing tour and decided to have a calm day in Tbilisi. For a fishing trip, it was planed go to Jandari lake.

On that day preparations for Tbilisi city festival Tbilisoba started. 

In the morning we left for Turtle lake, enjoying morning coffee at Intelligentsia Coffee Bar, after some time we left to another great Tbilisi restaurant - Racha, enjoying finest quality wines and mcvadi (grilled meat). From here on we catch a street taxi, returned to the apartment, had some rest and in the evening made the last sightseeings around Tbilisi Old Town. 

The bridge of Piece, Rike Park, are just a few to name.

Book an individual tour in Georgia now!

So here you go - 36 amazing places to visit in Georgia in just 5 days. See All about Georgia for more cool attractions or take a look, why Georgia is the most beautiful country in the World

The Bottom Line

I would name this trip - Georgia on steroids, as instead, we visited a lot in just 5 days, and frankly speaking, it was a pretty good pace for me (as I'm pretty familiar with Georgia already), but speaking of first-time visitors, it might be an overkill. Here is my suggestion - enjoy Georgia slowly! But as it's said - it's possible to squeeze most of the three Georgian regions in just 5 days.

The budget? It depends. You should expect to spend about 200 GEL per day, excluding your hotel (drivers, restaurants an so on)

5 Days In Georgia Itinerary List - Make Most Of Your Trip

Itinerary

Tbilisi Airport

Tbilisi airport is airport where my Georgia's experience started more than 3 years ago - when I first landed here. I found that I have made no article regarding to one of the corner stones where most travels starts in Georgia. So a few…

Narikala Fortress

Ask anybody in Georgia - what are the must have tourist sites to visit while in Tbilisi. Narikala fortress will be a top of the list. And there is a good reason -  an ancient fortress, featuring rich history, overlooking Tbilisi, with some…

Samikitno / Machakhela Restaurant review (Meidan square, Tbilisi)

Samiktno / Machakhela is a restaurant chain located in Tbilisi, Republic of Georga. One of it's prominent restaurants is located at Meidan Square, just in the heart of Tbilisi Old Town offering breathtaking views towards Metekehi church (…

Neighborhoods of Tbilisi - Abanotubani

Abanotubani is one of the most attractive neighborhoods in Tbilisi. It's famous of its public sulfur baths, and very spectacular views. I believe Tbilisi Sulphur bath district is one of the most iconic Tbilisi sights. Personally I doubt…

Sachebureke Abanotubanshi (Cheburek Cafe on Abanotubani)

The other day we were just wandering around Tbilisi sulphur bath (Abanotubani) district doing some cool photography of probably most popular tourist spot in Tbilisi - Abanotubani district. During our wanderings we noticed small doors with…

Jvari Monastery In Georgia

Jvari monastery is a popular tourist destination in Georgia, and I believe there are two reasons of that - first it's located close to the nation's capital Tbilisi and second it offers a really scenic views to nearby city of Mtskheta and…

Green (Mtsvane) Monastery

Green Monastery (The Chitakhevi St. George's Monastery) is located in a picturesque place in the Borjomi valley. People called it lovingly “The Green Monastery”, because all the trees in the valley are of a special green color. The stones…

Borjomi Mineral Water Park in Georgia

Borjomi mineral park which is located in town on Borjomi, some 120 km from nations capital Tbilisi, is a lovely place to enjoy a lazy day, preferable for slow walking and enjoying beautiful aroma coming from pine cons. This park (and…

Borjomi Cable Car (Aerial Tram)

One of the most interesting attractions in Georgian resort town of Borjomi is a cable car leaving from Mineral Water Park and heading uphill offering lovely and scenery views of Mineral Water park. Sometimes it's just enough to take that …

Rabati Fortress Complex in Akhaltsikhe, Georgia

Georgia will never end to surprise you (at least - me). Few years ago a major tourist attraction was renovated and opened to the public, some would call it a Jewel in the Crown, while others would call it a Georgian Disneyland (appealing…

Sergos Duqani restaurant in Akhaltsikhe

Sergos Duqani is a lovely restaurant in Akhaltsikhe, serving traditional Georgian cuisine. Located just in the footsteps of Rabati Fortress complex. We first discovered and met lovely owners of this place, when stayed in hotel in Rabati (…

Vardzia Cave Town Monastery Complex in Georgia

Vardzia cave town is definitely a must have tourist attraction when traveling to Republic of Georgia, located in region of Samtkshe - Javakheti in about one hour drive from Akhaltsikhe town. For years I have been reading and heard a lot of…

Shaurma Club on Tamar Mephe Street (Tbilisi)

Shaurma club on Tamar Mephe street in Tbilisi is among one of the best street food places I have tried in Tbilisi and Georgia. They offer really tasty shaurma's, kabab's and they even have a salad bar. They obey all sanitary norms (work in…

Zhinvali Water Reservoir, Georgia

Zhinvali, also Jinvali, is an artificial water reservoir located on the river Aragvi in Georgia. The building of the hydroelectric dam formed the Zhinvali Reservoir. The dam has been built in 1986. You have probably noticed this perfect…

Ananuri Castle Complex On The Aragvi River, Georgia

Ananuri is a castle complex on the Aragvi River in Georgia, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) from Tbilisi.  Located on the Georgian military road heading to Gudauri and Kazbegi and later to Russia via Upper Lars. Due to its close proximity…

Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument

In fact I had to open a Wikipedia to learn the name of this place, as I mistakenly thought this is just some cool viewing platform located high in the Caucasus mountains, built by Soviets. Turns out it's not only built by Soviets, but…

Gergeti Trinity Church

Gergeti Trinity Church is a must have to visit destination in Georgia. The church is located at an elevation of 2170 meters, under Mount Kazbegi some 160 km North from nations capital Tbilisi. I have visited Gergeti church for some 3 times…

Chashnagiri Restaurant Review in Natakhtari

For many hearing a name of Natakhtari first associations might be related to those tasty Georgian lemonades branded under 'Natakhtari' name. Well, turns out Natakhtari actually is village located in Georgia's region of Mtskheta-Mtianeti,…

Bodbe Monastery

The Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe is a Georgian Orthodox monastic complex and the seat of the Bishops of Bodbe located 2 km from the town of Sighnaghi, Kakheti, Georgia. Originally built in the 9th century, it has been significantly…

Postcards From Sighnaghi

Signhaghi (Region of Kakheti, Republic of Georgia) has always been a special place for us to visit. Probably because it's pretty far away from nations capital Tbilisi, we have been heading rarely, but every visit here has been spectacular…

Sighnagi Museum

The Sighnaghi Museum is located in the charming Sighnagi town, region of Kakheti, Georgia. I have paid many, many visits to Sighnaghi, but for the very first time I visited this museum just at the end of 2016. It was cloudy day, instead of…

Wine Tunnel Near Kvareli in Georgia (Winery Khareba)

Wine Tunnel owned by a winery Khareba is located close to the town of Kvareli, in region of Kakheti, republic of Georgia. It features not only exotic manmade tunnel built in the rocks, but it also has a large territory offering interesting…

Kindzmarauli Corporation Wine House in Kvareli, Georgia

Right here comes another interesting Georgian Wine House, with a super cool name - JSP Kindzmarauli Corporation Wine House, located in the Kakheti, town of Kvareli. I must admit -  I had never heard of tis winery before, on the other hand…

Nekresi Monastery Complex in Georgia

Nekresi once was a town in Kakheti, Georgia. Nowadays Nekresi is a monastery complex located high up in the hill offering breathtaking views to surrounding plateau, not to mention that monastery complex is really interesting by it self. …

Gremi monastery complex in Georgia

Another very interesting tourist attraction in Kakheti close to Kvareli - Meet the Gremi Monastery complex. Features rich history and very spectacular views.  For the first time I visited Gremi monastery complex back in 2014, when we…

Kafe Bari Zodiako in Telavi

Kafe bari Zodiako, most probably in English would sound as Cafe - bar Zodiako, but I really enjoy the Georgian version. Kafe bari Zodiako is located in town of Telavi (Region of Kakheti) in Republic of Georgia. This place was recommended…

Telavi Market (Buy Georgian Churchkhelas , Spices or House Wine)

Oh, I love fresh vegetable markets, especially those located in Georgia. One of my favorite markets in Georgia is located in Telavi. I remember once I pulled our vehicle of the road near Gori, and we bough a box with tomatoes, see: Fresh…

Giant Plane Tree in Telavi

There is a biggest tree in Georgia located in the city center of Telavi (Region of Kakheti). It's not only giant, it is more than 900 years old as well. I discovered this tree back in October , 2015, during a day trip to region of Kakheti…

Azerbaijani Restaurant Agha in Tbilisi

Azerbaijani cuisine restaurant Agha is located near Heroes square (access is from the Circus side) in Tbilisi. After a meal here - I'm already planing my next trip to the land of fire - Azerbaijan. At this restaurant I tried something new…

Turtle lake in Tbilisi

Turtle lake is a direct English translation of Kus Tba (Georgian: კუს ტბა), a small lake at the outskirts of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, so named due to the perceived abundance of turtles living in these places. Those of you who have…

Intelligentsia Coffee Bar Tbilisi

I have spent countless hours at Intelligentsia Coffee Bar near Turtle lake in Tbilisi - this place has been my offsite office in hot Summer days (see: Turtle lake - my working place for today) or starting point before taking a hike (see: …

Rachis Ubani Tbilisi Restaurant Review

I would call Rachis Ubani restaurant probably one of the best restaurants in Tbilisi. This restaurant serves a traditional Georgian Cuisine. It's not even about the great food they are serving here (although food is tremendous here) but…

The Bridge Of Peace In Tbilisi

The Bridge of Peace in Tbilisi is a pedestrian bridge and one of the most famous tourist spots in the city. It connects district of Tbilisi Old Town with Rike Park over a river of Mtkvari. This bridge is relatively young, it was opened for…

Rike Park In Tbilisi

Rike park is a landscaped territory located close to the Tbilisi Old Town. You can enter Rike park either crossing the pedestrian bridge of Peace or from the opposite side using stairways from the Avlabari district. There is an aerial tram…

Shopping in Georgia: Tbilisi Mall

Though I have been living in Georgia for 3 and a half years, I have never talked much about shopping in Georgia or Tbilisi. Starting today I decided to change that. My first recommendation for those who are looking for shopping fun in…