Ancient wine culture, Caucasus mountains and historic Tbilisi
Georgia Travel Guide
Explore Georgia from Tbilisi’s old quarters and sulfur baths to Kutaisi, Batumi, Kakheti wine country and the dramatic Greater Caucasus. Trains, marshrutkas, private drivers and road transfers connect the principal regions.
- Tbilisi Old Town
- Kakheti wine country
- Kazbegi and Caucasus peaks
- Kutaisi and Batumi

Essential travel information
All About Georgia
Find practical information about Georgia’s regions, seasons, transport, lari currency, language and current travel-planning requirements.
Georgia FAQLearn what Georgia is known for, where to visit, how long to stay and what currency and languages 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 and a distinctive cuisine centered on dishes such as khachapuri and khinkali.
Tbilisi, the Black Sea coast and remote mountain valleys provide very different travel experiences within a relatively compact country.
What are the best places to visit in Georgia?
Tbilisi is the principal gateway, with Kakheti, Kazbegi, Kutaisi and Batumi added according to season and available time.
How many days should I spend in Georgia?
Approximately 7-10 days works well for Tbilisi, Kakheti and one additional region. Add more time for Svaneti or long mountain routes.
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 (GEL). Georgian law requires local goods and services to be paid in lari, although cards are widely used in Tbilisi and larger towns.
Which languages are spoken in Georgia?
Georgian is the official language and uses its own script. English is increasingly common in tourism; Russian is also understood by many people.
Best Time to Visit GeorgiaCompare spring and autumn touring with hot lowland summers and snow-affected mountain winters.
When is the best time to visit Georgia?
April-June and September-October are strong all-around periods for cities, wine country and many mountain routes. Summer favors high elevations; winter supports ski travel but can restrict passes.
April – June
Spring
Mild weather, green valleys and longer days support city sightseeing and regional touring.
Best for: Cities, monasteries, wine regions and hiking.
July – August
Summer
Lowlands can be hot while mountain areas are cooler and better suited to outdoor travel.
Best for: High mountains, lakes and extended road trips.
September – November
Autumn
Comfortable temperatures and harvest season make autumn especially attractive.
Best for: Wine country, culture and mountain scenery.
December – March
Winter
Snow affects mountain routes while cities remain visitable and ski areas enter season.
Best for: Winter culture, skiing and quieter cities.
Tipping in GeorgiaUnderstand gratuities in restaurants, hotels, taxis and guided tours while traveling in Georgia.
Is tipping customary in Georgia?
Tipping is common in tourism-oriented restaurants and services, particularly in Tbilisi, but check bills for included service charges.
Which currency should I use?
Use Georgian lari for ordinary payments and gratuities.
Restaurants, cafes and bars
Check the bill for a service charge first; a modest gratuity is appropriate when local practice supports it and service has been good.
Hotel staff
Small cash gratuities may be offered for luggage, housekeeping or particularly helpful service.
Taxi drivers
Rounding up or leaving a small amount is appropriate where customary; large percentages are not normally necessary.
Tour guides
Guides and private drivers may receive a discretionary gratuity after a well-run excursion.
A modest restaurant gratuity and discretionary guide/driver tips are common when service is good.
Getting Around GeorgiaUse trains on selected intercity routes, marshrutkas and buses for broad coverage, and private drivers or rental cars for mountain and wine routes.
What is the best way to travel around Georgia?
Modern trains connect Tbilisi with key western destinations including Batumi-area routes, while road transport is essential for Kakheti and most high-mountain areas.
What should I verify before traveling?
- Carry valid health and accident insurance meeting Georgia’s current tourist-entry requirements
- Keep policy documentation available in Georgian or English
- Allow extra time on mountain roads
- Check high-altitude weather before travel
- Use Georgian lari for routine 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 stay; verify current official requirements before departure.
Cities and regional gateways
Top Cities in Georgia
Explore Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi, the three destinations currently presented on the Asia-facing Tripmasters guide.

Georgia’s capital
Tbilisi
Tbilisi combines an atmospheric old town, sulfur baths, churches, museums and creative neighborhoods along the Mtkvari River.
- Old Tbilisi
- Narikala Fortress
- Sulfur baths
- Freedom Square

Imereti
Kutaisi
Kutaisi is one of Georgia’s oldest cities and a gateway to monasteries, caves, canyons and western regions.
Explore Kutaisi
Adjara
Batumi
Batumi combines a long Black Sea promenade, beaches, subtropical gardens and contemporary architecture.
Explore BatumiPrepare 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.

Before departure
Air Travel
Review check-in, baggage, airline schedules, connections and other preparations for international and regional flights.

Accommodations
Hotels
Understand hotel categories, room arrangements, check-in procedures and services commonly encountered during a vacation.

Independent travel
Rental Cars
Review rental requirements, vehicle collection, insurance and practical considerations for road travel.

Local connections
Transfers
Learn how airport, hotel and station transfers work and what to verify before meeting a transportation provider.

Rail transportation
Train Travel
Learn about rail tickets, stations, luggage, schedules and connections where train travel forms part of your itinerary.

Activities and experiences
Sightseeing Tours
Review meeting points, vouchers, schedules and practical details associated with booked excursions and activities.
Continue exploring destinations, regions and practical travel information across Asia with Tripmasters.
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