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
Explore Georgia vacation packages
Tbilisi and Caucasus landscape in Georgia
Georgia: Tbilisi, wine country and mountains

Essential travel information

All About Georgia

Find practical information about Georgia’s regions, seasons, transport, lari currency, language and current travel-planning requirements.

Georgian architecture and mountain landscapeGeorgia 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.

TbilisiOld Tbilisi, sulfur baths, museums, restaurants and hillside viewpoints define the capital.
KakhetiVineyards, monasteries and traditional qvevri winemaking make eastern Georgia the country’s signature wine region.
Kazbegi and Greater CaucasusMountain roads, Gergeti Trinity Church and alpine landscapes create a dramatic northern route.
Kutaisi and ImeretiHistoric monasteries, caves and canyons make Kutaisi a major western gateway.
Batumi and AdjaraBlack Sea beaches, contemporary architecture and subtropical scenery characterize the southwest.
Svaneti and High MountainsRemote valleys, medieval towers and trekking offer a more adventurous extension.

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.

Georgia countryside in spring or autumnBest 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.

Georgian food and hospitality sceneTipping 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.

Kutaisi and western Georgia transport gatewayGetting 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.

Train travelRail is useful between Tbilisi and several western cities, including the Black Sea corridor.
Marshrutkas and busesMinibuses and coaches provide extensive intercity coverage, though departure arrangements vary.
Private driversA driver is highly practical for Kakheti, Kazbegi and regional sightseeing.
Rental carsDriving adds flexibility, but mountain roads and local conditions require careful planning.

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.

Kutaisi city and historic architecture in Georgia

Imereti

Kutaisi

Kutaisi is one of Georgia’s oldest cities and a gateway to monasteries, caves, canyons and western regions.

Explore Kutaisi
Batumi skyline on the Black Sea coast

Adjara

Batumi

Batumi combines a long Black Sea promenade, beaches, subtropical gardens and contemporary architecture.

Explore Batumi

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.

Continue exploring destinations, regions and practical travel information across Asia with Tripmasters.

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