The Best Day Trips from Tbilisi

Are you an adventure seeker and want to try the peak travel experience in Georgia? Well, Georgia is full of possibilities, and you can explore the nearby treasures from Tbilisi.

We’ll give the list of the best day trips that you can even arrange by yourself. After reading this blog, you’ll have a clear vision of what to see and explore beyond the city on one of the day trips from Tbilisi.

Mtskheta

Mtskheta was the historical and political center of Georgia.  The historical monuments of Mtskheta were inscribed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Mtskheta remained to be the former capital of Georgia until the sixth century. Since then, Tbilisi has been the capital of the country.

Getting there: Mtskheta is placed in the Mtskheta – Mtianeti region, in the eastern part of Georgia, about 10 Kilometers away from Tbilisi. You’ll need 30 – 40 minutes to reach Mtskheta. It’s possible to go by minibus from Didube Bus Station and Station Square. The transportation fee is only 1 GEL. Besides, you can jump on a trail from the Railway Station.

What to see: Mtskheta is a small, but still beautiful and rich city full of landmarks. What you can see in Mtskheta are Svetitstkhoveli Cathedral, Jvari Monastery, and Shiomghvime Monastery Complex.

Jvari is a sixth-century Monastery in the list of a World Heritage List of UNESCO. The Jvari monastery stands on the top of mountain hill at the confluence of Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. You can see the entire city and the heart place, Svetitskhoveli, from The Jvari Monastery.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Svetitskhoveli was the leading cathedral of Georgia in the ancient time. Have you ever heard that Christ’s Mantle is buried in the Svetitskoheveli Cathedral?

Shiomghvime is about 20 minutes away from Mtskheta city. Shio was one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers who built Shiomghime – “the cave of Shio”. The monastery has dome-shaped architecture.

Kakheti

Kakheti is the oldest place for developing the viticulture not only in Georgia but in the whole Transcaucasia. Kakheti has many historical and cultural landmarks, and it is a famous region for having a lot of beautiful destinations there.

Getting there: Kakheti is located in the eastern part of Georgia, about 80 kilometers away from Tbilisi and it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there. You can go to Kakheti by minibus from Didube Bus Station and Station Square. Transportation is available nearby to Samgori Metro as well.

What to see: You may be inspired by the cultural monuments which are placed in the Kakheti region. Despite the fact, that you can see many historical or cultural monuments, what you must see are Bodbe Monastery, Sighnaghi, and Kvareli Lake.  See the full list of destinations of Kakheti.

Bodbe is the monastery of St. Nino and one of the most visited places in Kakheti. St.Nino was the one who preached Christianity in Georgia. This monastery was built when the country declared Christianity as an official religion in the IV century. Bodbe is one of the inspiring destinations in Kakheti, and a lot of tourists visit this place.

Sighnaghi - “A city of Love” is one of the must-see places in Kakheti. If you’re going to visit Kakheti, don’t miss this chance to explore the city with its stunning views. Sighnaghi is 2 KM away from Bodbe. You will be able to go there by walking and enjoy wandering around the city. As Sighnaghi is a small and cozy city, you’d be able to arrange your trip by foot.

Kvareli Lake is for the ones who seek an inspirational and peaceful environment. It’s the truth that the Lake isn’t as big as you can imagine, but the atmosphere there is truly astounding. Around Kvareli Lake, you can savor the views and get involved in the activities.

Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)

Stepantsminda is a popular tourist mountain destination in Georgia. This location is very particular for the ones who love shooting. So, if you love to photography be sure that you’ll fall love into that place in a very short time. Besides, seeing the historical monuments, you can plan other activities as well.

Getting there: Stepantsminda is located in the Kazbegi Municipality, around 150 Km away from Tbilisi. You’ll need about 3 hours to get there. Transportation is available from the Didube Bus Station and Station Square. The travel cost by Mini Bus is 10 Gel one way.

What to See: You can visit historical and cultural monuments and plan hiking as well.

Gergety Trinity Church -  a monastery which is always the center of attention, and gets the appreciation from the visitors. You can get there by feet as well as by car.  If you choose to go by feet, it’ll take more or less 1 hour. Gergety Trinity Church is a famous tourist destination, and thousands of travelers visit this place every year.

Additionally, if you’re an adventure seeker, you can arrange a hiking trip to Gveleti Waterfall, which is 7 Km away from Kazbegi. The hiking path is about 1 Km from the main road.

Borjomi 

Borjomi - a resort town is one of the famous striking places in Georgia.  The travelers and holidaymakers plan their trip here because of the treatment conditions. Borjomi is rich for the mineral water of Borjomi, which is popular all over the world.

Getting there: Borjomi is located in the Meskheti and Trialeti range, about 150 Km away from Tbilisi.

You’ll need about 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there. You can go to Borjomi by minibus from the Didube Bus Station and get there by train from the Railway station.

What to see: You can start your trip by wandering around the town and visiting Borjomi amusement park. Besides, you’d be able to visit Borjomi - Kharagauli National Park and the Green Monastery.

The travelers visit Borjomi amusement park for relaxation purposes. Borjomi Park is situated in the center of the town. Near to park is Cable Car from where you can enjoy the picturesque views of Borjomi.

Borjomi - Kharagauli National Park is one of the biggest in Europe. So, if you want to discover a brand new perspective of the country, love to seek new adventures, you can plan your trip there. You’ll have all the necessary resources which meet your requirements and interests for hiking there. Borjomi - Kharagauli National Park provides you with all the essential things.

From Borjomi - Kharagauli National Park you can go to Green Monastery. You’ll need about 15 minutes to get there. Green Monastery is the IX century historical monument, and hundreds of travelers visit this place. The monastery is built in the heart of the forest. The atmosphere and nature create an environment which will make you feel calm.

Uflistsikhe - Gori

Uflistsikhe -cave town is one of the oldest political center and metropolitan town. You can visit to see a lot of archeological and cultural monuments in the town.

Getting there: Uflistikhe is located around 100 Km away from Tbilisi and 10 Km away from Gori. You won’t be able to travel by minibus from Tbilisi because there is no direct transport available. You can only go to the village, Qvakhvreli from DiDube Bus Station and continue your traveling from there to Ufslistsikhe which will take about 20 minutes.

What to see: you can explore the town, visit Church that is built on the top of the hill and step into the Museum of Uflistsikhe.

After visiting Uflistsikhe you can visit Gori which is the famous historic city of Georgia. It’ll take about 20 minutes to get there.

Gori is one of the important and oldest cities in Georgia. You can visit the Stalin Museum and Gori Fortress that is located on the top of the hill. The strategic location of Gori Fortress played an important role in the history of Georgia.