Georgia

Plan your trip to Georgia

Georgia is a compact Caucasus country that packs snow-capped mountains, ancient churches, Black Sea beaches and one of the world's oldest wine cultures into a very affordable trip. Tbilisi's atmospheric old town, the vineyards of Kakheti and the dramatic Svaneti highlands are the headline draws, and distances are short enough to see a lot in a week or two.

Getting there & around

Most visitors fly into Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), with Kutaisi (KUT) a common budget-airline gateway and Batumi (BUS) serving the coast. Marshrutka minibuses and shared taxis connect nearly every town cheaply, and a modern train links Tbilisi with Kutaisi and Batumi. Renting a car gives the most freedom, though mountain roads to Svaneti and Kazbegi are rough and a 4x4 is wise for remote areas.

How long to stay

Plan on 7–10 days to combine Tbilisi, Kakheti's wine country and at least one mountain region; two weeks lets you add Svaneti and the Black Sea coast without rushing.

When to go

May–June and September–October offer warm days, wildflowers or harvest, and clear mountain views; July–August is hot on the coast and busiest in the highlands, while December–March suits skiing but closes many mountain roads.

Suggested itinerary

1. Tbilisi old town — Explore the sulphur baths, Narikala fortress and cobbled Old Town, then ride the cable car and eat khinkali and khachapuri in the evening.
2. Mtskheta & Kazbegi — Visit the ancient capital Mtskheta and its Jvari and Svetitskhoveli churches, then drive the Georgian Military Highway to Stepantsminda beneath Mount Kazbek and Gergeti Trinity Church.
3. Kakheti wine country — Head east into Kakheti to taste qvevri wines around Sighnaghi and Telavi, tour a family winery and see the walled Bodbe Monastery.

Frequently asked questions

Is Georgia worth visiting?

Yes — it offers dramatic mountains, ancient monasteries, a distinctive food and wine culture, and low prices, all in a small area, making it excellent value for a diverse trip.

How many days do you need in Georgia?

A week covers Tbilisi, Kazbegi and Kakheti; 10–14 days lets you add Svaneti, Kutaisi's caves and the Black Sea coast.

Is Georgia safe for tourists?

Georgia is generally very safe with low crime rates and welcoming locals; the main hazards are aggressive driving and unstable mountain roads.

Do I need a visa to visit Georgia?

Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to one year; check your nationality before travelling.

Can you visit Abkhazia from Georgia?

Abkhazia is a breakaway region outside Tbilisi's control and cannot be entered from the rest of Georgia; entering via Russia is considered illegal by Georgian authorities.