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Latest update: 16 April 2025
Tbilisi is de perfecte uitvalsbasis om veelzijdig Georgië te ontdekken. Heb je geen tijd voor een complete roadtrip? Or plus more. Met deze vijf dagtrips vanuit Tbilisi krijg je een goede eerste indruk van wat Georgië te bieden heeft.
Uplistsikhe: where history is carved in rock
In central Georgia, about an hour and a half drive from Tbilisi, one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus awaits your visit. Uplistsikhe reminds me of a cross between a lunar landscape and the Flintstones set.
Thousands of years ago, people carved an entire city out of rocks without modern equipment – what an achievement! During your visit, you’ll walk along rock paths that were once busy streets. You’ll find carved-out spaces on both sides that once served as theaters, temples, and even a pharmacy. The central part you visit, Shica Qalaqi, covers about 40,000 m² (430,000 sq ft) – just half of what the city once was! In its heyday, about 20,000 people lived here.
Read more about how to visit Uplistsikhe
Kazbegi: mountain adventure on the Military Highway
Locals talking about “Kazbegi” mean Stepantsminda – a small mountain town in northern Georgia. Kazbegi is surrounded by mountains reaching up to 4,100 meters (13,450 feet) high.
The journey there is just as impressive as the destination itself. The Georgian Military Highway, an ancient route toward Russia, offers beautiful vistas and several worthwhile stops:
- The Zhinvali reservoir is a lake created during the Soviet era. Did you know there’s a 12th-century church underwater? When the water is low, you can sometimes see the roof.
- The Ananuri fortress majestically towers over the lake. Take time to check out the two small churches within the fortress walls – but be careful of slippery surfaces in winter.
- At Pasanauri, you can admire a special natural phenomenon: the confluence of the white and black Aragvi rivers. With the right light, you can clearly see where the different streams meet.
- Gudauri is Georgia’s favorite winter sports destination. Even non-skiers can enjoy the winter landscape by taking the ski lift (14 GEL, about $5.25 or €4.80). It is much quieter and more affordable than the Alps!
If the weather gods are favorable, you’ll eventually reach Kazbegi itself. The iconic Tsminda Sameba church (also known as Gergeti Trinity Church) awaits on a mountaintop, with a view you won’t soon forget.
Keep in mind: in winter, the last stretch of the road to Kazbegi may be closed due to snowfall. Sometimes for a few hours, sometimes for a whole day – unfortunately, you’ll only find out on the way. But even if you don’t make it to Kazbegi itself, the road leading there is more than worth the effort.
Discover the complete route to Kazbegi
Signagi: romance among the vineyards
About two hours from Tbilisi lies a small, charming town called the “City of Love.” Why? In Signagi (or Sighnaghi – both spellings are used), you can get married 24 hours a day! But don’t worry, this isn’t a kitschy Georgian version of Las Vegas. On the contrary, Signagi is a picturesque place with fewer than 2,000 residents, narrow streets, and beautiful viewpoints.
One of the attractions is the impressive, largely intact city wall. With a length of 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and 28 towers, the city could once be effectively defended. Each tower is named after a surrounding village that was connected to Signagi.
Since Signagi is in the heart of Georgia’s Kakheti wine region, it would be a shame not to taste some wine. The local vineyards produce wine using the traditional qvevri method – a technique where the wine ferments in large earthenware jars buried in the ground. This method gives an entirely different taste than what we’re used to in Western Europe – it takes some getting used to!
Definitely visit the Bodbe Monastery, which is dedicated to Saint Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia. The basilica is beautiful, and you have a fantastic view of the valley.
Discover everything about charming Signagi
Davit Gareja: spirituality in no man’s land
If you’re looking for a place where silence is almost tangible, the Davit Gareja cave monastery is a perfect choice. Located in a desert-like landscape near the border with Azerbaijan, it feels like another world.
In the 6th century, monks decided this remote mountain wall was the ideal place to establish a monastery complex. Using primitive tools, they carved spaces out of the rocks.
What makes Davit Gareja so special is the location and the fact that monks still live there. The complex actually consists of fifteen different monasteries spread over a large area. Most visitors limit themselves to the Lavra monastery.
For the adventurous, there’s a walk of about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) to the Udabno monastery, known for its beautiful frescoes. Be careful though: this part is very close to the border with Azerbaijan, and border guards may ask you to turn back or show your passport. So check the current situation before you depart.
The surroundings are just as impressive as the monastery itself: endless rolling hills and the so-called “rainbow mountains” – mountains that show the colors of the rainbow in the right light.
It’s about 1.5 to 2 hours’ drive from Tbilisi. Take plenty of water, especially in the summer months, as it can get extremely hot and there are hardly any facilities.
Read more about the Davit Gareja cave monastery
Mtskheta: spiritual heart a stone’s throw away
Just a half-hour drive from Tbilisi lies Mtskheta, Georgia’s former capital and religious center. Christianity entered the country in the 4th century, and you can still feel it everywhere.
The beating heart of Mtskheta is undoubtedly the impressive Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. This is one of Georgia’s most important religious buildings, with its enormous walls and richly decorated interior. According to tradition, Jesus’ mantle is buried under this church, making the cathedral an important pilgrimage destination.
High above the city stands the Jvari Church. This cross-shaped church from the 6th century offers a glimpse into early Georgian church architecture and a fantastic view of the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. According to local stories, praying three times in this church is equivalent to a visit to Jerusalem.
After soaking up the culture, it’s time for some culinary pleasure. Visit Iago’s Winery on the outskirts, where you can see how traditional qvevri wine is made.
Half a day is enough for the main attractions, but if you also want to have lunch and do a wine tasting, you can easily fill a whole day.
Discover more about historic Mtskheta
Practical tips for your day trips from Tbilisi
There are different ways to make these day trips, depending on your travel preference:
Self-driving
A rental car gives you maximum freedom to stop where and when you want. In winter, be aware of slippery roads, especially in mountainous areas. I often rent from Discover Cars as they have lots of options, but check out prices and insurance coverage at Rentalcars.com, too.
Private driver
This might sound a bit excessive, but it’s surprisingly affordable in Georgia! It’s often cheaper than individual tour tickets, especially if you’re traveling with 3-4 people. Through GoTrip, you can create your own route and see the price immediately. A big advantage: no parking or driving stress and local knowledge at your fingertips.
Organized tours
Numerous tours depart daily from Tbilisi to all the destinations mentioned. They usually offer transportation, an English-speaking guide, and sometimes lunch or wine tastings. Compare providers on GetYourGuide or Viator, and be sure to read the reviews before booking.
More Georgia travel inspiration?
Useful links for your Georgia trip
- Accommodation. Favorite remains Booking.com. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. Book the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide, Klook, and Viator. ‘Free’ walking tours can be booked at Freetour.com or GuruWalk.
- Car rental. If you want to compare prices and insurance coverage, try Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com. In Georgia, a private transfer or tour with a private driver is often very affordable. Use GoTrip for this.
- Reading tip. If you like reading, I recommend buying this fantastic book: The Eighth Life (for Brilka). It is about generations of women living and suffering in Georgia. More than 1000 pages, so get cozy and comfortable!
- Travel guides. I like paper travel guides to browse through, for sale at Amazon, among others.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high phone and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Train and Bus Travel by train or bus through Georgia with Busbud, 12Go, or Omio.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Start your search at Expedia or CheapOair.
- Yoga retreat. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Georgia.
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