📜 Introduction.

They often call it the “Balcony of Europe“, but Georgia is so much more: it is the land of wine, bread, and love. This amazing country, rich in history and culture, is defined by delicious food, incredible hosts, and even an actual “City of Love”.

I spent more than a week exploring this magnificent land, discovering a place of striking contrasts. I marveled at iconic ancient landmarks standing beside modern buildings, discovered the country’s cultural capital, and ventured into remote villages and natural wonders.

In this intense 8-day itinerary, I will take you from the Black Sea coast to the heart of the Caucasus. Following this plan, you will explore the futuristic skyline of Batumi, the historic charm of Tbilisi, and the ancient heritage of Kutaisi. Along the way, you will sip your way through a wine tour in the Kakheti province and hike the breathtaking landscapes of Okatse and Martvili to truly discover the land of wine, bread, and love.

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Day 1: Arrival in Batumi.

My journey began from Sofia, Bulgaria, where I was living at the time. To get here, I took a night train to Istanbul followed by a Pegasus Airlines flight from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, touching down in Batumi around 6 PM. Remember to set your watch: Georgia is UTC+4!

Entering the country was a breeze. As an Italian citizen, I didn’t need a visa, and the border process was incredibly fast. I picked up a local SIM card right at the airport and ordered a Bolt taxi to drop me off at my hostel.

As evening approached, I headed straight for the famous promenade to catch the sunset over Batumi Beach. The city transforms at night; I spent hours admiring the moving Ali & Nino statues and the futuristic skyline of Miracle Park, with the iconic Batumi Tower glowing against the dark sky. Since this was a budget trip, I skipped the restaurants for my first night, grabbing some groceries at a supermarket to cook a simple dinner in the hostel kitchen.

• h 18.00 – arrival in Batumi
• h 19.00 – enjoy the sunset at Batumi Beach
• h 20.00 – admire the Ali & Nino statues and futuristc skyline of Miracle Park at night

Day 2: Batumi.

I started my second day early, heading straight for the famous Batumi Botanical Garden. It’s a massive, lush paradise that is easily accessible by public transport. After a morning of hiking through exotic plants and cliffside views, I headed back to the city.

For lunch, I treated myself to a meal at a restaurant near the city center, enjoying a beautiful view of the sea. The rest of the afternoon was pure relaxation: I soaked up the sun at the beach and took a leisurely stroll through the park of Batumi Boulevard, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of Batumi.

• h 09.30 – departure to Batumi Botanical Garden
• h 14.00 – lunch at Black Sea Restarunt
• h 15.00 – relax at Batumi Beach
• h 18.00 – explore Batumi Boulevard (Batumi Tower Ferris Wheel, Bamboo Grove, Collonades, Summer Theater)
• h 20.00 – dinner

Day 3: Batumi.

I spent the daylight hours exploring Batumi properly, visiting the city’s most iconic squares and buildings. Lunch was a challenge I happily accepted: tackling a massive Khachapuri all by myself.

Back at the hostel, I met a solo traveller from Belgium. I generally keep my guard up with strangers, but he was open and friendly (and his mention of being gay/bisexual made me feel more at ease). We hit it off and decided to grab a drink at the Radisson Blu Hotel terrace. The cocktails and the view were top-notch.

Spurred on by the drinks, we hunted down a party and ended up at a cool garden club with a live Georgian rock band. The vibe was electric, but we quickly realised we were the “grandpas” of the group! We were surrounded by 15 or 16-year-olds who were, ironically, dressed head-to-toe in vintage 1980s fashion. It was a surreal moment: two people from the 90s feeling old amongst teenagers dressed like they belonged in Stranger Things.

• h 09.00 – explore the city (Batumi Theater, Neptune Fountain, Europe Square, Astronomical Clock)
• h 13.00 – lunch at Acharuli Khachapuri House
• h 14.00 – walk along the promenade to discover the modern buildings such as Alliance Palace
• h 19.00 – have a nice cocktail at Radisson Blu Hotel

Day 4: From Batumi to Tbilisi.

The consequences of our 80s-themed party night hit me hard the next morning. Not only did I wake up with a terrible hangover, but I also realised I had lost my Freestyle Libre sensor. To make matters worse, I hadn’t brought a backup glucometer and I missed my scheduled train to Tbilisi. It was the perfect storm of travel mishaps.

Thankfully, Georgia is easy to navigate even when things go wrong. Thus, I managed to sort everything out quickly: I bought a cheap glucometer at a pharmacy and booked a seat on the next train to Tbilisi for a very reasonable price.

I arrived in the capital a bit later than planned, so I went straight for comfort food. I ended the chaotic day with a fantastic traditional dinner at Maspindzelo, a lovely restaurant that gave me my first true taste of Tbilisi hospitality.

• h 14.00 – train from Batumi to Tbilisi
• h 20.00 – dinner at Maspindzelo

Day 5: Kakheti Region and Wine Tour.

For my second day in Tbilisi, I actually booked a tour to the Kakheti region, the heartland of Georgian wine. The journey was a feast for the senses right from the start. We stopped at a local shop for a free tasting of wine, chacha, cognac, churchkhela, and honey. We also paused to taste freshly baked Georgian bread (Shotis Puri), watching in fascination as the bakers stuck the dough onto the hot stone walls of a massive deep clay oven. It was absolutely delicious.

We then proceeded to the Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe, a Georgian Orthodox complex and the seat of the Bishops of Bodbe. From there, we visited Sighnaghi, known as the “City of Love”. It is one of Georgia’s smallest towns but arguably its most picturesque, featuring pastel-coloured houses, narrow cobbled streets, and stunning views over the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. We even climbed the town’s massive defensive wall, the largest in Georgia.

Later, we headed towards Telavi, the capital of the region, for lunch at a local wine cellar. On the way back to Tbilisi, we made a final stop at Ujarma, an ancient fortress known for its strategic position and historical significance.

• h 08.00 – tour starts
• h 09.00 – visit the Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe
• h 11.00 – explore Sighnaghi
• h 13.00 – lunch
• h 15.00 – discover Telavi
• h 17.00 – visit Ujarma Fortress
• h 19.00 – back to Tbilisi
• h 20.00 – dinner

Day 6: Tbilisi.

I started my morning with a visit to the iconic Chronicles of Georgia. Since I had a packed schedule, I opted for a taxi (about 20 minutes from the centre). While you can go by public transport, it takes over an hour and involves a 30-minute walk uphill from the bus stop (time I couldn’t afford to lose). The monument is an impressive open-air structure, and best of all, there is no entrance fee.

Back in the city, I reunited with my Belgian friend, who happened to be staying at my hostel in Tbilisi as well. We explored the city centre, grabbed some lunch, and even made a spontaneous decision to get tattoos to commemorate the trip.

At 5.00 PM, the real fun began: I joined a traditional cooking workshop. I learnt the art of twisting Khinkali and baking cheesy Khachapuri. My dinner was sorted. I brought my handmade creations back to the hostel and shared a feast with the other backpackers.

• h 09.00 – visit the Chronicles of Georgia
• h 11.00 – explore Tblisi old town (Meidan Bazar, Juma Mosque, Chreli Abano, Leghvtakhevi Waterfall)
• h 13.00 – lunch
• h 15.00 – keep exploring the city (Liberty Square and Narikala Fortress)
• h 17.00 – cooking workshop
• h 20.00 – dinner

Day 7: From Tbilisi to Kutaisi.

Saying goodbye to my new friends in Tbilisi, I took a 10.00 AM bus to Kutaisi. To save both time and money, I grabbed a takeaway lunch to eat on the bus. This strategy paid off: as soon as I arrived, I was energised and ready to go. I dropped my bags at the hostel and spent the afternoon exploring the city’s historic streets and Gelati Monastery. I wrapped up the day with a well-deserved dinner at a lovely local restaurant.

• h 10.00 – bus from Tbilisi to Kutaisi
• h 15.00 – arrival in Kutaisi
• h 16.00 – visit the Gelati Monastery
• h 18.00 – explore the city centre of Kutaisi
• h 20.00 – dinner at Agerari

Day 8: Kutaisi.

For my final day in Georgia, I booked a tour from Kutaisi to explore some of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders. Our first destination was the majestic Okatse Canyon, famous for its hanging bridges and skywalks that offer unparalleled views of the gorge below.

Next, we proceeded to the Martvili Canyon, where we took a kayak tour to explore its emerald waters and waterfalls from deep within the rock walls. Finally, we descended into Prometheus Cave. This massive cave system is located 80 metres below the surface, and the walking route stretches for 1.4 km through stunning stalactites and stalagmites. There is even a “Hall of Love” inside, where couples actually get married underground!

Back in Kutaisi, I decided to end the trip on a high note. I treated myself to dinner at a fancy restaurant to celebrate an incredible journey before my flight home the next morning.

• h 08.00 – tour starts
• h 10.00 – Okatse canyon
• h 12.00 – Martvili Canyon
• h 13.30 – lunch
• h 15.00 – Prometheus Cave
• h 18.00 – tour ends
• h 20.00 – dinner at Magnolia

🛏️ Where to Stay in Batumi, Tbilisi and Kutaisi.

In Batumi, I stayed for three nights at the Batumi Surf Hostel, spending €28. My personal experience was positive: clean rooms and a spacious kitchen- However, I have noticed recent reviews are less favourable, and it has disappeared from major booking platforms, so do your research before booking!

While in Tblisi, I stayed for three nights at Fabrika Hostel & Suites for €26. This isn’t just a hostel: it’s a destination. The huge courtyard is filled with bars and restaurants and is open to the public, creating a fantastic social atmosphere for connecting with other backpackers.

Finally, in Kutaisi I stayed for two nights at Bao Hostel, for €15. It was a simpler experience compared to Fabrika, but very comfortable, with a useful kitchen and lovely staff

🎁Use the refer code below to register on Trip.com to unlock your €10 discount 🎁

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🍜 What to Eat in Georgia.

If you love bold flavours, Georgia will feel like paradise. The local cuisine is dominated by three main ingredients: bread, cheese, and walnuts, and consists of a masterful blend of European textures and Middle Eastern spices.

Moreover, Georgia is widely recognised as the birthplace of wine, with an unbroken tradition stretching back 8000 years. The real magic happens underground in Qvevri. It is a massive clay vessels where the wine ferments on grape skins, creating the country’s signature deep amber wines that are unlike anything else in the world.

Most iconic dishes.

• Khachapuri. This is the country’s national dish: a warm, soft bread filled with melting cheese (usually Imeruli and Sulguni). There are regional varieties you must try. Adjarian: the most famous version, boat-shaped and topped with a raw egg and butter. Imeruli: the classic circular bread stuffed with cheese. Mingrelian: similar to the Imeruli, but topped with even more cheese before baking and without eggs. Try the Adjarian version at Acharuli Khachapuri House, 72 Gorgasali, Batumi.
• Kinkhali. Juicy, twisted dumplings usually filled with spiced meat and broth. You eat them by hand holding the top “knob” (which you don’t eat) and sucking the juices first. Try them at Agerari, Tsereteli 1, Kutaisi.
• Badrijani Nigvzit. Fried slices of aubergine rolled up with a savoury walnut and garlic paste, often topped with pomegranate seeds. Try them with a fresh fish or seafood at Black Sea, Baku Street, 33 E70, Batumi.

Less popular dishes.

• Churchkhela. Often called “Georgian Snickers,” this candle-shaped sweet is made by threading walnuts or hazelnuts onto a string and dipping them repeatedly in thickened grape juice. Try them at Badagi, 4 Roman Miminoshvili St, Tbilisi.
• Pkhali. A colourful appetiser made of minced vegetables (like spinach, beetroot, or beans) mixed with a rich, spiced walnut and herb paste. Try them at Pkhali Khinkali, 133 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave, Tbilisi.
• Lobiani. A savoury flatbread similar to Khachapuri but filled with seasoned, mashed kidney beans instead of cheese. Try it at Salobie Bia, 17 Shota Rustavelii Avenue, Tbilisi.
• Chkmeruli. A rustic and incredibly fragrant dish of crispy fried chicken simmered in a creamy, bubbling garlic and milk sauce. Try this dish at Magnolia, G.Tabidze, 1, Kutaisi.
• Chvishtari. A speciality of the Svaneti region, these are dense, delicious cornmeal patties filled with chunks of local cheese that melt when fried. Try them at Maspindzelo, Gorgasali st., 7, Tbilisi.

🎫 Where to Buy Tickets.

For most attractions, I purchased tickets directly on-site. However, for organised tours and workshops, I used TripAdvisor and GetYourGuide to book in advance.

• Batumi Botanical Garden = €10 (purchased on-site)
• Chronicles of Georgia = free entrance
• Kakheti Region Tour (Bodbe, Sighnaghi, Telavi) with Wine Tour from Tbilisi = €18
• Canyon and Caves Tour (Okatse, Martvili and Prometheus) from Kutaisi = €25 (additional fees are added to visit the Canyon and Caves)
• Cooking Workshop = €24
• Train from Batumi to Tbilisi = €12 (I booked this directly through the official Georgian Railway website.)
• Bus from Tbilisi to Kutaisi =€11 (I booked via 12Go. I chose the bus because the train station in Kutaisi is located near the airport, whereas the bus drops you closer to the city centre).

💡 Travel Tips.

Georgia is an incredibly functional and safe country. Transport is efficient: you can often pay for buses with just a tap of your credit card. Regarding the best time to go, I was there in July, and I found the summer heat surprisingly bearable.

For solo female travellers, do be aware that staring can happen, but I found the country to be safe overall.

Finally, a specific warning for Kutaisi Airport: when I travelled, they strictly required a printed boarding pass. If nothing has changed, your airline will likely email you about this, so make sure to find a printer before heading to the departure gate!

🎈 Conclusion.

As I looked back on my 8 days in this incredible country, I realised that Georgia is not a place you simply visit; it is a place you feel. From the futuristic skyline of Batumi to the ancient cobblestones of Tbilisi and the wild canyons of Kutaisi, every moment was a discovery.

But beyond the stunning landscapes and the history, it was the spirit of the people that stayed with me. Whether I was sharing a Khachapuri with a stranger or toasting with amber wine, I felt welcomed in a way that is rare to find.

If you are looking for a travel experience that will feed both your stomach and your soul, pack your bags for Georgia. It truly lives up to its name as the land of wine, bread, and love.

💬 And you? ave you ever heard of this amazing Country?

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