5 Best Day Trips from Tbilisi, Georgia
In the fruitful valleys between the Caucus mountains lies a city like no other. A city that has been under siege and occupation for most of its existence. A city that now prospers as it elevates itself from the clutches of its Soviet past and is going from strength to strength as international visitors flock to get a taste of Tbilisi.
Georgia is a relatively small country, comparable in size to Sri Lanka. Within a couple of hours from Tbilisi, you can reach majestic mountains, sprawling arid landscapes, and lush green forests. Travelling in Georgia can be broken up into bite-size day trips from the capital, each showcasing the country’s extraordinary culture. Here is a look at some of the best day trips from Tbilisi to ensure you make the most of your time in Georgia.
Mtskheta
The shortest of all the day trips takes you a mere 25 km out of the city. This is Georgia’s ancient capital with a couple of the most important religious sights in the country. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is the second-largest cathedral in the country and its current incarnation has been around since the 11th century.
It is believed that the robe Jesus wore on the cross is buried below the church and its remarkable location was chosen by St. Nino, the patron saint of Georgia. Many of the country’s kings were also buried here making it the holiest of holies for the Orthodox community.
The Jvari Monastery overlooking picturesque Mtskheta. Image: Denis Arslanbekov
The area around the cathedral is dotted with quaint shops selling wine and traditional treats. The cobbled streets give it the allure of an old French village where a slow pace of life reigns supreme.
On a hilltop overlooking Mtskheta and the valley is Jvari Monastery. Although it is less impressive in size and history, the monastery has one of the most spectacular views you can imagine. The confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers with their distinct blue and milky brown hues is a sight to behold.
On the way out of town is a food stop that should not be missed. ‘House of Beans’ is an iconic outlet serving a selection of local dishes of which their ‘beans in a pot’ is the clear winner.
Kazbegi
The Georgian military highway runs due north from Tbilisi all the way into Russia. The highway winds its way through the valleys and up the mountains to the foot of the dramatic Caucus mountains. The last town before the Russian border is Kazbegi. It’s been given a new name – Stepantsminda – but few people call it that.
The small town is a sleepy affair with only one main attraction: the magnificent Mount Kazbek. But the trip to Kazbegi is more about the trip than the destination. Along the unbelievably scenic highway, you will find a slew of photo opportunities that will fill your day.
The Georgian-Russian Friendship Monument. Image: Jairph
One of the most popular stops on the way is the Georgian-Russian Friendship Monument. This massive cement structure is covered in intricate mosaics depicting familiar folk tales from both countries. It sits on a cliffside outside the ski-town of Gudauri overlooking a verdant valley.
Outside Kazbegi is the tiny village of Sno, that many might brush off as an unnecessary stop. But at the entrance of the village is a sculpture garden of sorts with several gigantic stone faces watching you from the road. Each face represents a Georgian poet, king, or literary figure and the installation is an ongoing art project by artist Merab Piranishvili.
The highlight in Kazbegi is a trip up to Gergeti Trinity Church. The church was once inaccessible by car, but the newly paved road ensures everyone can have a fast and pleasant journey to the top. The church sits high on a hilltop in the shadow of the magnificent Mount Kazbek, the third highest in the country at 5,023 m.
Gori
A trip west of Tbilisi to Gori is one that history buffs particularly enjoy. The town of Gori is a quaint setup, and it can be reached in just over an hour from Tbilisi. It is most notable as being the birthplace of Joseph Stalin and all around the town you can see his legacy live on through rose-tinted glasses.
The Stalin Museum gives a look at the life of the dictator as a boy and politician (albeit one-sidedly) and is loaded with personal objects that once belonged to him. The home in which he was born has been moved to the museum grounds and is also open for a visit. You can also see his armoured train carriage and the darkest of all the attractions, his death mask.
The remains of the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe. Image: © Petr Pohudka
If you want to head all the way back to the Bronze Age, drive to Uplistsikhe, a cave city around 14 km from Gori. The city dates back to around 1000BC and was inhabited well into the 13th century. The city once housed more than 20,000 people and many of the rooms and chambers are still intact.
The complex network of tunnels is something to behold, and it is unique to the region. At the top of the stone complex is a Christian basilica from the 1100s. Most of the caves look simplistic in nature but many of them were functioning as a bakery, prison, sacrificial room, or amphitheatre.
David Gareja
Cave dwellings are a major part of Georgian history and you will be remiss if you think it is a “seen one, seen them all” situation. David Gareja is a cave monastery complex near the small village of Udabno in the south-east close to the Azerbaijani border, but it spreads out across a massive section of semi-desert landscape.
The most popular part of the monastery lies on the border line and access to the upper part is heavily reliant on the political climate of the day. The lower monastery, Lavra Monastery, is on the Georgian side and is always open to the public. it consists of dozens of prayer rooms, living areas, and chambers carved into the mammoth rock face.
Part of the David Gareja cave monastery complex. Image: Sohadizno
If you have access to a 4WD vehicle it is highly recommended that you make the trip to Natlismtsemeli Monastery to see even more impressive caves.
From the complex, you can climb onto the various desert ridges to see the stunning landscape from above or catch a glimpse into Azerbaijan. The desert here is decorated by vivid stripes in the rock as various mineral deposits have made their way to the surface. Colloquially called the ‘rainbow hills’, it is a natural splendor you won’t soon forget.
Kakheti Wine Region
Georgia’s wine culture is ingrained in every fibre of Georgians’ beings, and it is one of their most treasured practices. Georgia lays claim to the oldest wine-producing tradition in the world, and it dates back more than 8000 years.
Taking a day trip to the Kakheti Region of Georgia is unmissable as this is the birthplace of Qvevri wine, unfiltered wine made in an authentic clay vessel and buried in the ground. This practice has even been recognised by UNESCO for its cultural value.
Sighnaghi is the heart of Georgia’s wine country. Image: © Aliona Birukova
Sighnaghi is a picturesque medieval town not far from Tbilisi from where you can explore much of the wine country. Major wineries like Chateau-Marani Giuaani and Pheasant’s Tears offer the chance to see the wine-making practice up close and savour some of their bottled bliss.
Telavi is the capital of the region but less of a tourist attraction than it is a transportation hub. If you make your way to Telavi you can do wine tastings right in the centre of the city as there are several family cellars like Family Wine Cellar Rostomaant Marani and Togonidze’s Wine Cellar. Tsinandali Estate is the most widely known in the area and has a great museum to learn more about Kakheti.
How to take a Day Trip from Tbilisi
Travelling around Georgia is exceedingly easy for travellers of any age or budget. From the capital, you can reach any destination within a few hours and for a fraction of what you might think it will cost.
Marshrutkas are minivans that cover the expanse of the country for only a couple of dollars. The downside is their approach to road safety is questionable and they are often crowded. This is not the best option if you want to stop and smell the roses.
A sunrise shot of the mighty Mount Kazbek. Image: © Louise Pieterse
There are many tour operators to be found in Tbilisi’s old town, offering good deals on private tours. These tours can come with an English-speaking guide or simply include a driver, but you will reach more stops, safely. There are also organised tour groups focused on expats and older travellers that host regular excursions. ‘Get Your Guide’ is also a popular option if you are looking for a reputable tour guide.
GoTrip Georgia is one of the most popular options for day-trippers. The service operates as a long-distance taxi service, and you can add multiple stops to your route. The booking is for 24 hours, and you can use it one way or return. All the bookings are made online and are convenient and easy to understand.
Renting a car is always an option, except if you are visiting wine country, and you don’t want to miss out on all the tastings! Car rentals in Georgia are very cheap and often don’t require a deposit. There are also many hybrid options available that will save on fuel.
Sculptures at the village of Sno near Kazbegi. Image: © Louise Pieterse
Driving in Georgia can be a little tricky but shouldn’t be a daunting task for experienced drivers. You should however research the terrain you are heading to as there are only a few major road networks in Georgia. Oftentimes, points of interest are off-the-beaten-path, and you will need a 4WD vehicle or someone familiar with the road conditions to complete the journey.
It is worth taking your time to explore Georgia, but time is not a luxury everyone has. So taking day trips from Tbilisi is an excellent way to enjoy small parts of the country and soak up as much of its ancient culture as possible.
Header image: Andrei Bortnikau
