Caucasus peaks, ancient wine culture and historic Tbilisi

Georgia Travel Guide

Explore Georgia from Tbilisi's old quarters and sulfur baths to the Black Sea city of Batumi, ancient Kutaisi, wine country in Kakheti and dramatic mountain landscapes in the Greater Caucasus.

  • Tbilisi Old Town
  • Kakheti wine country
  • Kazbegi and Caucasus mountains
  • Batumi and the Black Sea
Explore Georgia vacation packages
Tbilisi and Caucasus landscape in Georgia
Tbilisi and the Caucasus

Essential travel information

All About Georgia

Find practical information about Georgia's regions, seasons, transportation, currency, language and current entry-planning requirements before your Caucasus vacation.

Historic Georgian architecture and Caucasus landscape Georgia FAQ Learn what Georgia is known for, where to visit, how long to stay and what currency and language travelers can expect.

What is Georgia known for?

Georgia is known for ancient Christian monasteries, a wine tradition stretching back thousands of years, dramatic Caucasus scenery, distinctive cuisine and the layered architecture of Tbilisi.

Travel experiences range from mountain hiking and wine tasting to cave towns, Black Sea resorts, historic churches and lively urban culture.

What are the best places to visit in Georgia?

Tbilisi is the principal gateway, with western Georgia and the mountain regions rewarding additional overnights.

TbilisiExplore Old Tbilisi, sulfur baths, churches, museums, contemporary restaurants and hillside viewpoints.
KakhetiGeorgia's best-known wine region combines vineyards, monasteries, historic towns and traditional qvevri winemaking.
Kazbegi and the Greater CaucasusTravel north for mountain roads, Gergeti Trinity Church and some of Georgia's most dramatic alpine scenery.
Kutaisi and ImeretiUse Georgia's historic western city for monasteries, caves, canyons and routes toward Svaneti or the Black Sea.
Batumi and AdjaraCombine subtropical Black Sea scenery, beaches, modern architecture and mountain excursions in southwestern Georgia.
Svaneti and High MountainsRemote valleys, medieval defensive towers and high-altitude trekking create one of the country's most adventurous regions.

How many days should I spend in Georgia?

Approximately 7-10 days works well for Tbilisi plus Kakheti and one additional region. Add more time for Svaneti, Batumi or long mountain routes because road travel can be slow.

Tripmasters vacation packages are customizable, allowing travelers to select nights, hotels, transportation and activities in each destination.

What currency is used in Georgia?

Georgia uses the Georgian lari, abbreviated GEL. The lari is the legal tender for ordinary transactions; card payments are common in cities but cash remains useful in rural areas.

Do people speak English in Georgia?

Georgian is the official language and uses its own script. English is increasingly common in Tbilisi and tourism businesses, while Russian is also widely understood.

Seasonal mountain landscape in Georgia Best Time to Visit Georgia Compare Georgia's seasons according to mountain access, wine-country weather, Black Sea conditions and visitor demand.

When is the best time to visit Georgia?

Late spring and early autumn are excellent for combining Tbilisi, wine country and mountain routes. Summer is warm in the lowlands but supports high-mountain travel, while winter brings snow to ski areas.

December – February

Winter

Cities remain visitable, but mountain areas can receive snow and some rural attractions operate shorter schedules.

Best for: Museums, winter city breaks and mountain scenery.

March – May

Spring

Temperatures rise, landscapes turn green and shoulder-season conditions are well suited to cultural sightseeing and road trips.

Best for: Historic cities, outdoor sightseeing and lighter crowds.

June – August

Summer

Warm to hot weather brings the busiest tourism period, with long days and the broadest range of outdoor activities.

Best for: Festivals, mountain excursions and long sightseeing days.

September – November

Autumn

Early autumn is often comfortable and less crowded before cooler, wetter conditions arrive later in the season.

Best for: Quieter cities, cultural travel and autumn landscapes.

Georgian food and hospitality scene Tipping in Georgia Understand gratuities in restaurants, hotels, taxis and guided tours while traveling in Georgia.

Is tipping customary in Georgia?

Tipping has become common in restaurants and tourism businesses, especially in Tbilisi and major visitor destinations.

Which currency should I use?

Use Georgian lari for routine cash payments and gratuities.

Restaurants, cafes and bars

Around 10% is commonly left for good service when a service charge has not already been included.

Hotel staff

Small cash gratuities are appropriate for luggage assistance, housekeeping and exceptional service.

Taxi drivers

Tipping is optional; rounding up is appropriate after a good ride or useful assistance.

Tour guides

Guides and private drivers commonly receive discretionary gratuities after full-day or multi-day excursions.

Check the bill for service charges before adding an additional tip.

Road and mountain landscape in Georgia Getting Around Georgia Compare trains, rental cars, marshrutkas, taxis and private drivers before building your Georgia itinerary.

What is the best way to travel around Georgia?

Georgia combines intercity trains on selected routes with buses and marshrutkas, taxis, rental cars and private drivers. Mountain areas often require road travel and careful seasonal planning.

Train travelModern trains are useful between Tbilisi and major western destinations such as Kutaisi-area stations and Batumi.
Buses and marshrutkasMinibuses and coaches provide broad regional coverage, though departure arrangements can be less standardized.
Rental cars and driversA vehicle adds flexibility for Kakheti and mountain routes; a private driver can reduce the stress of difficult roads.
Tbilisi transportationMetro, buses, taxis and ride services make it unnecessary to keep a rental car while staying in the capital.

What should I verify before traveling?

  • Carry valid health and accident insurance meeting Georgia's current tourist-entry requirements
  • Keep the insurance policy available in Georgian or English
  • Allow extra time for mountain roads
  • Check weather before high-altitude routes
  • Use Georgian lari for ordinary payments
  • Confirm train and marshrutka departure points

Since January 1, 2026, tourists entering Georgia are required to carry valid health and accident insurance covering their full stay, so verify the current policy requirements before departure.

Cities and regional gateways

Top Cities in Georgia

Explore Georgia's capital, historic western center and Black Sea gateway, then continue to wine regions and mountain landscapes.

Old Tbilisi and hillside architecture in Georgia

Georgia's capital

Tbilisi

Tbilisi combines an atmospheric Old Town, sulfur baths, churches, museums, creative neighborhoods and a striking valley setting along the Mtkvari River.

  • Old Tbilisi
  • Narikala Fortress
  • Sulfur baths
  • Freedom Square
Explore Tbilisi
Kutaisi city and historic architecture in Georgia

Imereti

Kutaisi

One of Georgia's oldest cities, Kutaisi is a gateway to Gelati Monastery, caves, canyons and the landscapes of western Georgia.

Explore Kutaisi
Batumi skyline on the Black Sea coast of Georgia

Adjara

Batumi

Batumi mixes a long Black Sea promenade, beaches, subtropical gardens and contemporary architecture with access to the mountains of Adjara.

Explore Batumi
Explore all Georgia vacation packages

Prepare for your vacation

What to Expect While Traveling

Review Tripmasters guides covering flights, accommodations, transportation and sightseeing so you can understand each component of your Georgia vacation.

Passenger airplane flying through the sky

Before departure

Air Travel

Review check-in, baggage, airline schedules, connections and other preparations for international and European flights.
European hotel terrace overlooking a coastal landscape

Accommodations

Hotels

Understand hotel categories, room arrangements, check-in procedures and services commonly encountered during a vacation.
Rental car keys being handed to a traveler

Independent travel

Rental Cars

Review rental requirements, vehicle collection, insurance and practical considerations for road travel in Georgia.
Vehicles prepared for passenger transfer services

Local connections

Transfers

Learn how airport, hotel and station transfers work and what to verify before meeting a transportation provider.
Passenger train traveling through a European landscape

Rail transportation

Train Travel

Learn about rail tickets, stations, luggage, schedules and connections relevant to travel in and around Georgia.
Traveler sightseeing with a city map

Activities and experiences

Sightseeing Tours

Review meeting points, vouchers, schedules and practical details associated with booked excursions and activities.

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