Georgia Map & Highlights
Most Georgia vacations last between seven and 15 days, with travel undertaken by road, and on more active tours you’ll spend a significant amount of time exploring the countryside on foot, by bike or on horseback. Typically, you’ll start in Tbilisi, before moving on to visit the historical highlights of Davit Gareja, Vardzia and Mtskheta and perhaps the wine producing region of Kakheti. Longer tours will then head for the mountains – usually either the Kazbegi or Svaneti region, or both. If you’re on a trip combining Georgia with its Caucasian neighbours, you’ll enter Georgia via Armenia, usually via the Haghpat monastery and the Sadakhlo border. If moving on to Azerbaijan, you’ll cross the border at Lagodekhi and drive on to the market town of Sheki, in the Caucasus foothills.
1.
Caucasus Mountains
2. Davit Gareja
3. Kakheti
4. Kutaisi
5. Lagodekhi National Park
6. Mtskheta
7. Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
8. Svaneti Region
9. Tbilisi
10. Vardzia
2. Davit Gareja
3. Kakheti
4. Kutaisi
5. Lagodekhi National Park
6. Mtskheta
7. Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
8. Svaneti Region
9. Tbilisi
10. Vardzia
Caucasus Mountains
1. Caucasus Mountains
Hiking over high meadows close to Russia is just one of many reasons why the Caucasus Mountains are held in such high regard with Mount Kazbegi, Tetu Peak and the Abodelauri Pass adding to the endless appeal. Trekking routes are extensive and range from easy to challenging, with overnight mountain camps and white water rafting offering a couple of distinctly different perspectives of life.
Davit Gareja
2. Davit Gareja
Set in a remote, arid landscape alongside the Azerbaijan border, these mysterious cave monasteries were carved out of the cliff face hundreds of years ago and soon became a center of monastic culture. Hundreds of cave structures are tucked away into the mountainside and many hide saints tombs as well as 1,000-year-old murals above the valleys.
Kakheti
3. Kakheti
Wine lovers, look no further. Georgia has one of the oldest wine producing traditions in the world, and it’s at its finest in the Kakheti region, which is gathering increasing attention as the home of natural qvevri wines, which are made using the whole grape (including skin and stems) in an underground clay vessel called a qvevri.
Kutaisi
4. Kutaisi
Georgia’s second largest city features a cultural cornucopia of churches, theatres and UNESCO world heritage sites, including the Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery. Kutaisi in spring is a real pleasure with leafy parks and the swollen banks of the Rioni River matching the agricultural fields and forests that line the foothills of the surrounding mountains
Lagodekhi National Park
5. Lagodekhi National Park
Located in Georgia’s eastern region of Kakheti, Lagodekhi was the country’s first protected natural area and contains some particularly rare varieties of plants and animals including lynx, eagles, wolves, bears and over 150 species of birds. Aside from the wildlife watching you’ll find waterfalls, glacial lakes and sulphur springs as well as an excellent walking trail that crosses the border into Azerbaijan.
Mtskheta
6. Mtskheta
The ancient capital of Georgia, Mtskheta is a beguiling city with a beautiful setting where the Mtkvari and Aragvi Rivers meet. It’s also Georgia’s spiritual heart, where Christianity was established back in 327. The magnificent 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral dominates the skyline and is still the setting for important ceremonies of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
7. Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
Around 150km north of Tbilisi, Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi) is famed for its surrounding scenery which incorporates Dariali Gorge, Mount Kazbek and the Greater Caucasus, alongside the alpine meadows of Kazbegi Nature Reserve. The area is perfect for mountain bikers and hikers with the three-hour, steep trek to Gergeti Trinity Church often preferable to a 30 minute bumpy Jeep ride.
Svaneti Region
8. Svaneti Region
This region of northwest Georgia, part of the southern Caucasus, is like a forested blanket of folds formed by deep gorges and permanent glaciers to create sublime scenery including the twin peaks of Ushba, valued by photographers and climbers alike. Svan heritage is inherent here, with many an impromptu polyphonic song bursting forth from the guesthouses, inns and medieval towers of the highland hamlet of Mestia.
Tbilisi
9. Tbilisi
Georgia’s capital straddles the Mt'k'vari (Kura) River amongst the flourishing hills and vales of the South Caucasus. A tour of the cobbled old town reveals Tbilisi’s reputation for religious tolerance with cathedrals, basilicas, synagogues and mosques standing side by side in the shadow of the Narikala Fortress that overlooks the city just above the waterfalls and springs of the resplendent botanical gardens.
Vardzia
10. Vardzia
Reached by a dramatic 60km drive from Tbilisi through the wilderness, Vardzia is a beautiful medieval city carved into the side of the Erusheti Mountain. The highlight is a grand subterranean church, featuring a number of important historical murals. Monks still live in and oversee the complex.
Our Georgia Vacations
Classic Georgia tour, tailor made
A short journey in fascinating and beautiful Georgia
From
£1525
8 days
ex flights
Georgia cultural vacation
Fascinating cultural tour of Georgia
From
US $2119 to US $2225
9 days
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Georgia wine tour, small group
Discover an ancient history of Georgian wine making.
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£849
6 days
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Georgia tour, jewel of the Caucasus
Mountains, history and culture in a one week trip to Georgia
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£1199 to £1275
8 days
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Georgia small group tour
Medieval fortresses, ancient wine culture & charming locals
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US $2870
12 days
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Georgia cultural vacation, Georgia Explorer
Trek amongst Georgia's untouched villages and mountains
From
US $3244 to US $3406
15 days
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Travel Team
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More about Georgia
The best time to visit Georgia is either side of the summer heat and winter freeze - in May, June and September...
A crossroads of civilisations, the birthplace of wine, bordered by the Caucasus and the Black Sea - Georgia has a long history and incredible hospitality...
Our top things to do in Georgia include walking, cycling and horse riding vacations, plus checking out the country’s rich and varied historical attractions...
Consider combining your trip with a visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan, in the hands of local experts who know exactly what to see, and how to travel smoothly...
If you've always wanted to explore in the furthest reaches of Eastern Europe but didn't know where to start then read on as we explain why visiting Armenia and Georgia together is a really worthwhile experience.
Georgia may not be an obvious destination for kids, but gung-ho types will be in their element. Read our advice and find out what our experts recommend...
Traveling to Georgia deepens understanding of Eastern Europe, especially where the Georgian Orthodox Church is concerned.
Get advice from our Georgia experts on everything from where to stay, local culture, and hiking in the mountains to ensure that your vacation runs smoothly...
Learn how a responsible vacation here can create sustainable incomes, reduce urban migration and help preserve Georgia’s stunning landscapes and traditions...
Wine tasting vacations in Georgia reveal one of the world’s oldest wine producing countries, where tradition still holds sway for the most part over modern techniques.
