Five days is the ideal length for a first visit to Georgia: enough time to go deep into the mountains, explore the wine country, and still have unhurried evenings in Tbilisi. This itinerary covers the country's greatest highlights — 4 distinct regions, 3 different cuisines, and landscapes that range from ancient cave cities to 5000-metre Caucasus peaks — without feeling rushed.
Day-by-Day Programme
Day 1 — Tbilisi Old Town
We begin where every Georgia journey should start: Tbilisi. The sulphur baths of Abanotubani, the wooden-balconied streets of the old town, Narikala Fortress with its panoramic views, the modern Bridge of Peace, and the Dezertir Market where Georgia's extraordinary food culture — spices, churchkhela, tklapi, fresh herbs, dozens of cheeses — comes alive in one colourful bazaar. The evening is free: Rustaveli Avenue, wine bars in Fabrika, or simply walking the lit-up old town.
Day 2 — Mtskheta and Gori
Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains two extraordinary churches. Jvari Monastery sits on a cliff above the confluence of two great rivers — the Aragvi and the Mtkvari — and was immortalised in Lermontov's poem Mtsyri. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, built in the 11th century over the burial site of Christ's robe, is the most sacred church in Georgia and the burial place of Georgian kings. After Mtskheta we drive west to Gori for the Stalin Museum — a strange and unmissable monument to the most powerful man of the 20th century, born in this small Georgian town.
Day 3 — Kazbegi and the Georgian Military Highway
North along the Georgian Military Highway, one of the world's great mountain roads. We stop at Ananuri Fortress (16th century) above the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir, then climb through increasingly dramatic scenery past Gudauri ski resort (2196m) and the Jvari Pass (2379m) — the crossing point of the Greater Caucasus range. In Stepantsminda we ascend to the Gergeti Trinity Church at 2170m, with Mount Kazbek (5047m) towering directly behind it. On a clear morning the peak appears to float above the church.
Day 4 — Kakheti Wine Region
Kakheti produces 70% of Georgia's wine and is home to the world's oldest winemaking tradition — 8,000 years of continuous practice. We visit Sighnaghi, a hilltop town completely enclosed by medieval walls with sweeping views of the Alazani Valley. Then Bodbe Monastery, where Saint Nino of Georgia is buried. The afternoon brings a family winery for qvevri wine tasting — the amber wine fermented in clay pots buried underground, a method UNESCO recognised as part of humanity's intangible cultural heritage. Lunch in the Alazani Valley.
Day 5 — Tbilisi and Departure
Final morning in Tbilisi — the Dezertir Market for last-minute spices and churchkhela, the Narikala area, souvenir shopping on Rustaveli Avenue, or a final Georgian breakfast of khachapuri and fresh matsoni yoghurt. Airport transfer included.
