The perfect 7-day Georgia itinerary

Seven days is the sweet spot in Georgia. Long enough to see the mountains and the coast, short enough to keep the driving sensible. This is the route we drive most often, with realistic times.

Days 1 and 2: Tbilisi and Mtskheta

Land, settle in and spend the first evening in the Old Town: the sulfur baths, the cable car up to Narikala and dinner with a view. On day two add the ancient capital Mtskheta, half an hour away, with Jvari Monastery on the hill above the rivers.

Day 3: the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi

The big day. Ananuri Fortress on its turquoise reservoir, the Friendship Monument above Gudauri, then Gergeti Trinity Church under Mount Kazbek. About three hours each way, so leave early and take it slowly.

Days 4 and 5: Kakheti, the wine country

East to Sighnaghi, the hilltop town above the Alazani Valley, and Bodbe Monastery. The next day, Telavi and Alaverdi Cathedral, or a slow day with long lunches. Tastings are always optional.

Days 6 and 7: the sea or the spa town

Two good endings. Drive west to Batumi for the Black Sea, the boulevard and the waterfalls of Adjara, or take the shorter road to Borjomi for mineral springs and pine forest. Families with small children usually prefer Borjomi; anyone who wants a beach goes to Batumi.

Tips that make this week work

• Do not change hotel every night. Two bases, Tbilisi and one in the west, keep the packing calm.
• Mountain weather changes fast. Keep day 3 flexible and swap it with day 4 if the pass is closed.
• Book the sulfur baths a day ahead on weekends.
• If you only have five days, drop Kakheti. If you have ten, add the caves and canyons around Kutaisi.

Want this exact week?

This is our Classic Georgia package: 7 days, $737 for the whole group, with the van, driver and fuel included. Or build your own version with the days and places you want.

Photo credits: Gergeti Trinity Church and Mt. Kazbeg 01 — Braveheart (CC BY-SA 4.0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under their free licenses.