Two destinations, two distinct rhythms: the Atlantic sweep of Swansea Bay and the golden valleys of Georgia’s Kakheti wine region. This 7-day itinerary pairs Wales’ first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with Tbilisi’s Silk Road soul, giving you cliffs and castles one day, sulfur baths and khachapuri the next.

Swansea grew from a Norse-named trading port into an industrial powerhouse, later reinventing itself as a cultural hub and gateway to the Gower. Expect sweeping beaches, cliff walks to Three Cliffs Bay, and a trail of Dylan Thomas haunts and pubs. Mumbles, at the bay’s western tip, is where locals go for espresso, oysters, and sunset strolls.

Tbilisi wears its history in layers: Persian baths, 19th‑century balconies, Soviet relics, and a quietly booming food scene. It’s a city of khinkali dumplings, orange‑amber qvevri wines, neighborhood markets, and cable cars to hilltop fortresses. Practical note: currency is GBP in Wales and GEL in Georgia; most cards are accepted in both, though cash helps for markets and small cafés.

Swansea

Anchored to a long crescent of sand, Swansea is the springboard to the Gower Peninsula—home to Rhossili Bay, Worm’s Head, Oxwich, and Three Cliffs Bay. It’s also the city of poet Dylan Thomas and a compact waterfront with museums, galleries, and an easygoing food scene.

• Top sights: National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Marina, Mumbles Pier & Promenade, Oystermouth Castle, Gower Peninsula (Rhossili, Three Cliffs, Oxwich).
• Local bites: Full Welsh breakfasts in Uplands, Joe’s Ice Cream since 1922, seafront Italian treats at Verdi’s in Mumbles, and Welsh lamb or seafood at bayside brasseries.
• Fun fact: Gower was Britain’s first AONB (1956). Rhossili Bay frequently appears on “best beaches in the world” lists.

Where to stay: Browse central apartments near the Marina or beachside homes close to Mumbles on VRBO Swansea or hotels via Hotels.com Swansea. Aim for Marina/Uplands (city access) or Mumbles (coastal vibe).

Getting there: From London Paddington, the direct GWR train to Swansea takes ~2 h 50 m–3 h 15 m (from ~£30–£80; book early) via Omio Trains (Europe). From Cardiff Airport, it’s ~1 h 20 m by train (from ~£15–£25 via Omio). If you’re flying into the UK or from overseas, compare options on Omio Flights, Kiwi.com, or Trip.com Flights.

Day 1 — Arrival in Swansea, Waterfront and Views

Morning: Travel to Swansea. If you’re arriving from London, the mid‑morning GWR puts you in by early afternoon; book via Omio.

Afternoon: Check in, then stretch your legs around Swansea Marina and the National Waterfront Museum (industrial heritage told through interactive exhibits). Coffee at The Kardomah—an old‑school local institution—or seaside scoops at Joe’s Ice Cream.

Evening: Sunset cocktail and panoramic dinner at Grape & Olive atop Meridian Tower (local seafood and Welsh beef with bay views). For a nightcap, duck into No Sign Wine Bar, a Dylan Thomas haunt with snug corners and live music nights.

Day 2 — City Stories and Mumbles

Morning: Fuel up with a hearty “Belly Buster” breakfast at Uplands Diner or a lighter brunch at BrewStone (wood‑fired breads, shakshuka, specialty coffee). Then join the Swansea City Highlights Walking Tour to trace Viking roots, Norman growth, and WWII stories across the compact center.

Afternoon: Tram out to Mumbles. Walk the pier, visit Oystermouth Castle, and linger over affogatos at Verdi’s. If it’s warm, paddle or stroll the promenade to Langland Bay.

Evening: Dinner at The Oyster House (oysters, Welsh day‑boat fish, and Pembrokeshire crab). Sip cask ales at The Pilot of Mumbles, a beloved microbrew spot, before riding back to the city.

Day 3 — Gower Peninsula Day Trip

Take a full day to explore one of Britain’s great coastlines. Join the Gower Scenery Tour for photogenic stops at Worm’s Head, Rhossili Bay, and Three Cliffs Bay with local insights and plenty of time for short walks.

Prefer to focus on one iconic walk? Book the Three Cliffs Bay Circular Walk for a guided route past dunes, salt marsh, and the romantic ruins of Pennard Castle.

Return to Swansea for casual dinner at The Secret Beach Bar & Kitchen on the promenade—great burgers, salads, and sea views.

Tbilisi

Tbilisi is a city of balconies and backstreets, where sulfur steam rises from Abanotubani and cable cars float to Narikala Fortress. Taste qvevri wines, slip into a traditional bath, and wander markets that still feel neighborly.

• Top sights: Old Town (Abanotubani, Betlemi rise), Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church, Dry Bridge Market, Sameba Cathedral, Chronicle of Georgia monument (for sweeping views).
• Eat & drink: Khinkali dumplings, Adjarian khachapuri, mtsvadi (grilled pork), walnut‑laced pkhali, and amber wines from Kakheti and Imereti.
• Good to know: Most residents speak Georgian and often Russian; English is common in tourism. Taxis are inexpensive; walking works for the center, but streets can be steep.

How to get there from Swansea: Morning train Swansea–London Paddington (~3 h via Omio Trains), then an afternoon/evening flight London–Tbilisi. Directs may operate seasonally; common 1‑stop routes take ~7–10 h. Typical one‑way fares range ~$180–$380 depending on season—compare on Omio Flights, Kiwi.com, or Trip.com. Door‑to‑door, expect ~10–12 h.

Where to stay: Design‑forward favorites: Stamba Hotel (lush mid‑century aesthetic), Rooms Hotel Tbilisi (wood‑and‑velvet glamour), or budget‑cool Fabrika Hostel & Suites (creative hub with courtyard bars). Also browse Hotels.com Tbilisi and VRBO Tbilisi for apartments in Sololaki, Vera, or Vake.

Day 4 — Travel Day to Tbilisi, First Taste of the City

Morning: Train from Swansea to London via Omio. Leave enough buffer for airport transfer and security.

Afternoon: Fly to Tbilisi (TBS). Use Omio Flights, Kiwi.com, or Trip.com to compare 1‑stop routes.

Evening: Check in, then an easy Georgian welcome: khachapuri adjaruli and mtsvadi at Shemoikhede Genatsvale (casual) or garden‑set classics at Keto and Kote (reservations recommended). For a nightcap, sample qvevri wines at 8000 Vintages (Vake) or Vino Underground (Sololaki).

Day 5 — Old Town, Fortress Views, Baths, and Tastings

Morning: Coffee and croissants at Skola Coffee & Wine (great flat whites). Walk Metekhi Church terrace for river views, then ride the cable car to Narikala Fortress. Traverse down through Betlemi’s wooden balconies to the sulfur-bath district (Abanotubani) for a look at the tiled Chreli Abano.

Afternoon: Lunch at Salobie Bia (lobio bean pots, mchadi cornbread, and tkemali plum sauces). Browse Dry Bridge Market for vintage curios and Soviet‑era posters. Pop into the Georgian National Museum if rain rolls in.

Evening: Join the Original Tbilisi Food and Drink Walking Tour Including 9 Tastings for a guided graze through Sololaki’s backstreets—think churchkhela, cheese, wines, and family recipes.

Prefer a post‑sunset intro with river breezes? Consider the Tbilisi: Evening Walking & Talking Tour with Wine & Boat Ride.

Day 6 — Kakheti Wine Country Day Trip

Head east to rolling vineyards, monastery terraces, and the pastel balconies of Signagi. Book the Day Trip to Kakheti Wine Region Including 9 Wine Tastings for cellar tours, qvevri methods, and a supra‑style lunch with local cheeses and churchkhela.

Back in town, book a private room at Gulo’s or Chreli Abano for a restorative sulfur soak before dinner at Barbarestan—19th‑century recipes revived with seasonal Georgian produce.

Day 7 — Easy Morning in Tbilisi and Departure

Morning: Light breakfast at Prospero’s Books & Café or coffee at Coffee Lab (Vake). If time allows, taxi to the monumental Chronicle of Georgia for sweeping city and reservoir views, or pick up last‑minute spices and churchkhela at Dezertirebi Market.

Afternoon: Airport transfer and departure. TBS is compact; plan to arrive ~2 hours before your flight. Compare returns on Omio Flights, Kiwi.com, or Trip.com. If you’re heading back to the UK or mainland Europe, onward trains can be found via Omio.

Extra eats and sips to bookmark

• Swansea: The Secret Beach Bar & Kitchen (casual seaside), Langland Brasserie (bayfront grills), BrewStone (brunch and wood‑oven plates), Joe’s Ice Cream (classic parlour).
• Tbilisi: Shavi Lomi (modern Georgian in a leafy courtyard), Cafe Stamba (all‑day classics), Pasanauri (excellent khinkali), Luka Polare (gelato), 8000 Vintages (tastings by the glass).

Trip logistics snapshot

• Local transport: Swansea—walk, local buses, and taxis for Mumbles; Gower needs a tour or car. Tbilisi—walk Old Town, use taxis/rideshares for hills and outlying sights.
• Money & tipping: GBP in Wales, GEL in Georgia; 10% tips appreciated in restaurants in both destinations.
• Packing: Layer for seaside breezes in Wales; comfortable shoes for cobbles and hills in Tbilisi; modest attire for churches/monasteries.

In a single week, you’ll stand atop sea cliffs in Wales and swirl amber wine in Tbilisi’s backstreets. This itinerary balances outdoorsy days with deep‑dive food culture—leaving just enough unplanned time to follow your nose and meet the moment.