Ten days let you see Georgia from the Caucasus to the Black Sea: the capital, Kazbegi, Imereti's canyons and caves, legendary Svaneti and Batumi. The route is linear, east to west, so it's easiest to fly into Tbilisi and out of Batumi or Kutaisi (or the reverse). Here's a day-by-day plan with logistics and tips.
Route at a glance
| Day | Where | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tbilisi old town | Tbilisi |
| 2 | Tbilisi, Mtskheta | Tbilisi |
| 3 | Georgian Military Road, Ananuri | Stepantsminda |
| 4 | Gergeti, Truso or Juta | Stepantsminda |
| 5 | Transfer to Kutaisi via Tbilisi | Kutaisi |
| 6 | Martvili and Okatse canyons, Prometheus Cave | Kutaisi |
| 7 | Transfer to Mestia (Svaneti) | Mestia |
| 8 | Ushguli | Mestia |
| 9 | Transfer to Batumi | Batumi |
| 10 | Batumi, Botanical Garden, departure | — |
Days 1–2. Tbilisi and Mtskheta
Day 1. The old town: Abanotubani and the sulphur baths, the Leghvtakhevi gorge, Narikala (by cable car), the Bridge of Peace and Shardeni Street.
Day 2. Morning: the National Museum and Sololaki. Afternoon: Mtskheta (30 minutes) — Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Evening: dinner with wine in Tbilisi.
Days 3–4. Kazbegi
Day 3. Along the Georgian Military Road: Zhinvali, Ananuri, Gudauri, the Friendship Monument and the Jvari Pass. Overnight in Stepantsminda.
Day 4. Sunrise at Gergeti with views of Kazbek. In the afternoon, Truso Valley (travertines, mineral springs) or Juta (a hike to the foot of Chaukhi). Evening in the mountains.
Day 5. Transfer to Kutaisi
In the morning head back to Tbilisi (about 3 hours), then on to Kutaisi (about 3.5–4 hours by car, or by train/minibus). It's a long day, so consider stopping at Gori and Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town on the way.
Alternative: return to Tbilisi on the evening of day 4 and start day 5 early.
Day 6. Imereti and Samegrelo
The classic day trip from Kutaisi:
- Martvili Canyon — boat rides on emerald water;
- Okatse Canyon — a hanging walkway above the gorge;
- Prometheus Cave — illuminated underground halls.
If time allows, add Gelati Monastery (UNESCO) and Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi.
Day 7. Svaneti
Transfer Kutaisi → Zugdidi → Mestia (about 5–6 hours by car or minibus). The road along the Enguri River and past the Enguri dam is very scenic. In the evening, stroll Mestia and admire the Svan towers.
By air: when flights operate, you can fly to Mestia from Tbilisi or Kutaisi — check the current schedule in advance, as flights depend on the weather.
Day 8. Ushguli
A trip to Ushguli (about 2 hours by 4x4) — one of Europe's highest permanently inhabited settlements, with towers set against Shkhara, Georgia's highest peak. Back in Mestia, visit the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography.
With a spare day: hike to the Chalaadi Glacier or up to Koruldi for views of Ushba.
Day 9. Batumi
Transfer Mestia → Zugdidi → Batumi (about 6–7 hours). Spend the evening on the seafront: the "Ali and Nino" statue, the Alphabetic Tower and sunset over the sea.
Day 10. Batumi and departure
- the Botanical Garden at Green Cape — subtropical plants with sea views;
- Old Batumi and Piazza;
- Adjarian khachapuri for lunch;
- fly out of Batumi or transfer to Kutaisi/Tbilisi.
Transport
- Car — the best option for this route. Mind the mountain roads in Svaneti and Kazbegi; avoid driving switchbacks at night.
- Minibuses — connect every point: Tbilisi–Stepantsminda (from Didube), Tbilisi–Kutaisi, Kutaisi–Mestia, Zugdidi–Batumi.
- Trains — Tbilisi–Kutaisi (direct or with a change, depending on the timetable), Tbilisi–Batumi, Tbilisi–Zugdidi.
- Drivers and tours — hiring a driver for the day is convenient for Ushguli, Martvili and Okatse.
Budget per person (indicative)
- accommodation: $30–100 per night per room;
- food: $20–40 a day;
- transport: $80–150 by minibus and train; $400–700 for a car for 10 days (plus fuel);
- entry fees, excursions and 4x4s: $80–150.
When to go
- June to September is best: all mountain roads are open and Batumi has its swimming season.
- May and October bring fewer tourists, but it can be cold in the mountains and snowy in Ushguli.
- Winter changes the route: Svaneti and Gudauri become ski resorts, while Batumi is quiet and rainy.
Shortening or extending
- 8 days: drop Kazbegi or cut Batumi to an evening.
- 12–14 days: add Kakheti (2 days), Borjomi and Vardzia (1–2 days) or Tusheti (summer, 3 days).
Tips
- Book accommodation in Mestia and Batumi early in July–August.
- Allow extra time for transfers — mountain roads are slow.
- Pack warm layers even in summer: Ushguli and Kazbegi get chilly in the evening.
- Carry cash in lari in the mountains — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
In short
Ten days is enough to cross Georgia from east to west: Tbilisi and Mtskheta, Kazbegi with Gergeti, Kutaisi with its canyons and caves, Mestia and Ushguli in Svaneti, and Batumi by the sea. Fly into Tbilisi, out of Batumi or Kutaisi, allow time for the roads — and you'll see Georgia's many faces in a single trip.
