Europe Meets Asia: Discover the Beauty of Georgia

Mtskheta, Georgia, Ananuri, Tbilisi
Mtskheta, Georgia, Ananuri, Tbilisi

Georgia is a stunning transcontinental country situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It’s known for its diverse landscapes – including the Caucasus Mountains, Black Sea coastline, and ancient cave monasteries. 

Capital – Tbilisi

Language – Georgian

Currency – Georgian lari (GEL)

Population – Approx. 39 Lakhs

Best Time to Visit: Late Spring (May)

                               Early Autumn (September – October)

This period is considered ideal due to its pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is the peak tourist season, so expect more crowds and higher prices. If you plan on hiking in the mountains, the summer months (June-August) are generally best, but if you’re interested in cities and culture, the shoulder seasons (May, September) are a good choice.

This article details a 5 night – 6-day itinerary that you can plan in the upcoming season, and discover the beauty of this scenic country, known as Georgia.

Day-wise Travel Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome To Tbilisi, Georgia!

  • Welcome to Tbilisi – Arrival in Tbilisi international airport after clearing custom & immigration procedures followed by baggage collection.
  • Transfer to hotel. Check in at the hotel and stay overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 2: Tbilisi City Tour & Dashbash Canyon & Diamond Bridge

  • Breakfast at the hotel and begin your day trip to Tsalka (Dashbash) Canyon Natural Monument. The Canyon carved by Ktsia (Khrami) River cuts through the volcanogenic rocks of Dashbashi volcanic plateau, distinguished by its rarity and biodiversity.
  • After visiting the lake which gets frozen during the winter, it. Start with Metekhi church and monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi.
  • Walk down to the district of Sulfur bath houses passing by the only mosque in Tbilisi. Then, take the cable car to Narikala Fortress – the best place to release adrenaline, dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins and just feel happy. Charge with emotions and unforgettable memories.
  • After the city tour, we go back to hotel. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 3: Day Trip to Ananuri & Gudauri & Kazbegi

  • Breakfast at the hotel, pick up from the hotel heading to Ananuri Fortress – situated on the foreland by the Aragvi River. It was built by the Dukes of Aragvi and its earliest parts date from the 13th century.
  • The next sightseeing’s the Gudauri Panorama, Georgia – Russia Friendship Monument. The monument was built in 1983 to commemorate 200 years’ anniversary of the Treaty of Georgievsk (1783). What makes this monument so popular among tourist though, is its picturesque location and chance to take some photos that will make your friends sending dozens of questions about the location.
  • Proceed for Sightseeing-Visit Gergeti Trinity Church. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Georgia.
  • Back to the hotel. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 4: Day Trip to Sighnaghi Bodbe & Wine Degustation

  • Start your day 4 with a wholesome breakfast at the hotel and head to the Sighnaghi City, about 1.5h hours away from the capital. Sighnaghi is located on a steep hill and overlooks the vast Alazani Valley, with the Caucasus Mountains visible at a distance. Signagi is known as the “City of Love” as couples can get married here all-year round.
  • Next, proceed to visit the ‘Bodbe Monastery’ of St. Nino, a Georgian Orthodox monastic complex and the seat of the Bishops of Bodbe. The monastery now functions as a nunnery due to its association with St. Nino, the 4th century female evangelist of Georgians.
  • On the way back to Tbilisi, you can cover one of the famous wineries to have a wine degustation. (Georgia is a cradle of wine so while visiting this country, one must get a taste of the local produce – known as the ‘Kvevri Wine’)
  • Head back to hotel and stay overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 5: Tour to Mtskheta & Uphlistsikhe Cave

  • Post having breakfast at the hotel, begin your city tour for the ancient city of Mtskheta – a must-visit place in Georgia. This ancient city is called the ‘Second Jerusalem’.
  • Then, head to two of the greatest shrines of the Christian world – Jvary Monastery, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. The cathedral was the coronation site of the Georgian kings as well as their burial place for centuries and still remains one of the most venerated places of worship for Georgian people.
  • Later, proceed to discover the gorgeous architecture of Uphlistsikhe – meaning ‘The Fortress of Lord’, an ancient cave town which serves as the main center of paganism and represents a complex of halls, caves, theatres, altars, pagan temples, secret tunnels, – all carved out of stone.
  • Stay overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 6: Depart for Home Destination

  • Breakfast at the hotel 12:00 Check out from the hotel It’s time to say good-bye to this beautiful city.
  • Check-out and take a transfer to the airport for your home-bound flight or to an onward destination.

 

Transportation:

A Round-trip Flight travel from Delhi to Tbilisi would cost around INR 45,000/-, for an economy ticket.

Estimated Trip Cost:

If you are a budget traveller, who is visiting Georgia on a solo trip, the approximate cost of a 5-night/6-day trip would cost around INR 1,00,000 – 1,20,000/-.

*incl. of Flights, Accommodation, Sightseeing,, Meals and Entry Tickets.

Visa Details:

  • A tourist visa is the most common type for leisure travel. The Georgian government has also simplified the visa process, allowing for e-visas for Indian citizens.
  • Indian citizens can apply for a Georgian e-Visa online through the official e-VISA PORTAL
  • Total Estimated Cost: USD 35 or approximately INR 3000 (for a single-entry visa).

Things to Remember:

  • Georgia is generally safe for tourists, but it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions, especially in crowded areas and after dark.
  • It’s also important to respect religious sites by dressing modestly. 
  • Georgia is the birthplace of wine, so be sure to try some local wines and enjoy the delectable cuisine. 
  • Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches and monasteries. 
Mtskheta, Georgia, Ananuri, Tbilisi