Tbilisi is one of Europe and Asia’s great crossroads—a city of vine-draped balconies, domed bathhouses, and frescoed churches, all stitched together by the meandering Mtkvari River. Founded in the 5th century, it has worn Persian, Russian, and European influences like a patchwork quilt. Today it’s equal parts historic and creative: crumbling caravanserais sit steps from contemporary galleries and buzzy wine bars pouring amber qvevri wines.

Georgian hospitality is legendary, and you’ll taste it in every supra feast. Expect pillowy khinkali dumplings, molten khachapuri cheese boats, fragrant herbs, and natural wines that have fermented in clay for millennia. The city’s spa tradition runs deep—those sulfur baths have soothed travelers for centuries.

Practical notes: the currency is the Georgian lari (GEL), cards are widely accepted, and a reloadable transport card makes metro and buses easy (rides ~1 GEL). Spring and autumn are ideal for this itinerary. Pack layers for mountain day trips and book popular sulfur baths and restaurants a few days ahead.

Tbilisi

With Art Nouveau facades in Sololaki, the cliff-hugging Metekhi Church, and the Narikala Fortress crowning a ridge, Tbilisi rewards slow wandering. Pause for a Turkish coffee, then get lost in lanes where pomegranate sellers and bakers share the street with designers and bookshops.

• Top sights: Old Tbilisi, Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church, Sameba Cathedral, Dry Bridge flea market, Chronicles of Georgia monument, and the Abanotubani sulfur baths.
• Can’t-miss flavors: Khinkali, Adjarian khachapuri, lobio (beans in clay), pkhali herb-walnut spreads, mtsvadi (grilled pork), and qvevri-made wines.
• Fun facts: Legend says Tbilisi’s hot springs (tbili = “warm”) inspired its founding. Georgia’s 8,000-year wine tradition is among the world’s oldest.

Where to stay (Tbilisi):

• Stamba Hotel (design-forward, leafy courtyard; ideal for style lovers). Book via Hotels.com: Stamba Hotel
• Rooms Hotel Tbilisi (industrial-chic, lively lounge; great for couples and creatives). Book via Hotels.com: Rooms Hotel Tbilisi
• Fabrika Hostel & Suites (hip complex with studios, bars, and murals; perfect for social travelers). Book via Hotels.com: Fabrika Hostel & Suites
• Compare more stays: Hotels.com – Tbilisi | Apartment stays: VRBO – Tbilisi

Getting there: Tbilisi (TBS) is 2–3 hours from Istanbul or Dubai, ~4 hours from central Europe (often via Istanbul, Warsaw, or Vienna). Search fares on Omio (flights to/from Europe), Trip.com (global flights), or Kiwi.com. Typical one-ways from Istanbul start around $70–150; from Dubai $120–220; from major European hubs $150–300, depending on season. From the airport, a taxi to the center runs ~30–40 GEL (20–30 minutes) or use the 24/7 Bus 337 (~1 GEL).

Day 1: Arrival, Rustaveli to Sololaki, and a Georgian Feast

Afternoon: Land in Tbilisi and check into your hotel. Stretch your legs along Rustaveli Avenue—peek into the Opera House facade, then dip into Sololaki’s Art Nouveau side streets. Coffee and a cardamom bun at Skola Coffee & Wine Bar set the tone.

Evening: Ease into Georgian cuisine with dinner at Barbarestan (19th‑century recipes revived—try chakapuli lamb stew) or Keto and Kote (terrace views, delicate pkhali, and charcoal-grilled mtsvadi). For a first toast, head to Vino Underground for clay-qvevri amber wines; staff can guide you through unfamiliar grapes like Rkatsiteli and Saperavi.

Night: Take a short stroll to Freedom Square and watch Old Tbilisi glow. Prefer a laid-back scene? Lolita near Rooms Hotel offers a leafy courtyard and wood-fired snacks with late-night cocktails.

Day 2: Old Tbilisi Icons, Cable Car, and Sulfur Baths

Morning: Breakfast at Stamba Café (house-roasted coffee, airy brioche) or Coffee Lab in Vake (meticulous pour-overs). Walk Rike Park and ride the cable car up to Narikala Fortress (pay with your transport card; the ride is just a few GEL). Take in views across the Mtkvari, then descend by foot past the Leghvtakhevi waterfall to the domed bath district.

Afternoon: Join a guided city walk to uncover backstories and bakeries:

Tbilisi Walking Tour Including Cable Car and Traditional Bakery
This 4-hour walking tour of Tbilisi covers top attractions and a traditional bakery stop.

Break for lunch at Salobie Bia (earthy lobio beans in clay pots with mchadi cornbread) or Racha Dukhan (old-school portions, try the shkmeruli garlic chicken).

Evening: Book a one-hour private sulfur bath at Chreli-Abano (Orbeliani) or Gulo’s—expect ~70–150 GEL depending on room size, with optional scrub. After your soak, dinner at Shavi Lomi (seasonal plates, herbaceous salads, house wine) or Ezo (courtyard, home-style kuchmachi and roasted vegetables). Nightcaps: 41 Gradus for cocktails or Poliphonia for natural wines and small plates.

Day 3: UNESCO Mtskheta, Jvari, Wine Tasting, and the Chronicles Monument (Day Tour)

Set out beyond the capital to the ancient spiritual heart of Georgia, mixing monasteries, markets, and one of Tbilisi’s most striking modern monuments:

Tbilisi: Mtskheta, Jvari, Bazaar, wine tasting, Chronicles of Georgia
Half-day-plus excursion with two UNESCO sites, local tastings, and the monumental hillside bas-reliefs.

Expect a morning pickup, visits to the 6th‑century Jvari Monastery overlooking the confluence of two rivers, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta. You’ll sample local churchkhela and wines, then cap the trip at the colossal Chronicles of Georgia, whose sculpted kings and saints gaze over the Tbilisi Sea. Back in town, dine at Cafe Littera (garden setting, refined takes on classics) or Azarphesha (hearty plates and a deep Georgian wine list).

Day 4: Jinvali, Ananuri, Gudauri, and Kazbegi in the High Caucasus (Day Tour)

Follow the historic Georgian Military Highway to turquoise reservoirs, watchtowered fortresses, and one of the Caucasus’ most photogenic churches:

Highlights of Caucasus Mountains — Jinvali, Ananuri, Gudauri, Kazbegi (Group tour)
Full-day journey with multiple scenic stops and time in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi).

After photographing Jinvali Reservoir’s teal waters and exploring 17th‑century Ananuri, crest the Jvari Pass to Gudauri’s panoramic Friendship Monument. In Stepantsminda, conditions permitting, 4x4s can carry you up to Gergeti Trinity Church beneath brooding Mount Kazbek. For lunch, try khinkali “mountain-style” and warm kharcho soup at a local tavern, or the terrace at Rooms Kazbegi if time allows. Return to Tbilisi by evening for a relaxed bite at Lolita or a simple khachapuri-and-salad dinner at Sakhachapure №1.

Day 5: Hands-On Cooking, Last Sips, and Departure

Morning: Learn to master Georgia’s greatest hits before you fly:

Small-Group Khinkali and Khachapuri Cooking Class in Tbilisi
Make and eat your own khinkali and khachapuri—plus wine, tips, and recipes to take home.

You’ll finish satisfied and ready to shop.

Afternoon: Browse the Dry Bridge flea market for vintage enamelware, Soviet pins, and hand-painted art. If time remains, stop by 8000 Vintages wine shop-bar for a last tasting flight to zero in on bottles to pack (ask for a crisp Tsolikouri or a structured Saperavi).

Evening (departure day): Aim to reach TBS about 2 hours before your flight. Taxis run ~30–40 GEL, or the 24/7 Bus 337 costs about 1 GEL. If you have a late flight, grab a quick Adjarian khachapuri at Retro (butter-and-egg-topped) or a final espresso at Prospero’s Books & Caliban’s Coffee House.

Optional swap: Kakheti wine country (if you’d like to turn Day 5 into a morning-to-midday tasting run when you have an evening departure):

Day Trip to Kakheti Wine Region Including 9 Wine Tastings
A focused day into Georgia’s signature wine region with cellar visits and local bites.

Note: This is a longer excursion—only choose it if your flight is late evening or next day.

Eating and drinking cheat sheet (Tbilisi): - Breakfast: Stamba Café (house roastery), Coffee Lab (third-wave), Entrée (pastries). - Casual lunch: Salobie Bia (lobio), Mapshalia (Megrelian classics), Sakhachapure №1 (fast, reliable). - Dinner: Barbarestan (heritage recipes), Shavi Lomi (seasonal, creative), Cafe Littera (garden fine-casual), Ezo (home-style courtyard), Keto and Kote (views). - Wine & nightcaps: Vino Underground (qvevri focus), 8000 Vintages (broad selection), Poliphonia (natural wine & small plates), 41 Gradus (craft cocktails).

Local logistics: Pick up a reloadable transport card at any metro station; rides cost around 1 GEL. The metro is clean and frequent; taxis are plentiful—use metered cabs or ride-hailing apps. For regional excursions in winter, bring layers and traction-friendly shoes—weather in Gudauri/Kazbegi can shift quickly.

Flights home: check schedules and prices with Omio (Europe flights), Trip.com, or Kiwi.com based on your route.

Summary: In five days, you’ll have walked Tbilisi’s story from fortress to bathhouse, tasted Georgia’s deep culinary memory, and stood beneath the shadow of Mount Kazbek. It’s a city that lingers—in aromas of tarragon and walnut, in toasts to friendship, and in the warmth of its baths and people.