Mountains, Monasteries & Mosaics: The 15 Best Day Trips from Tbilisi in 2025

Looking for the very best day trips from Tbilisi, Georgia? This guide features independent Tbilisi day trips and organised Tbilisi day tours for every interest and budget – from hiking and cycling to medieval cave monasteries, castles, wine degustations, and more.

I could happily spend a lifetime walking Tbilisi’s charming streets and hopping between cafes and restaurants. But for first-time visitors to Georgia’s capital, I recommend incorporating a few day excursions into your itinerary as well.

There are mountains, monasteries, mosaics and marani cellars all waiting to be discovered right on Tbilisi’s doorstep – and many can be visited in a day using budget-friendly marshrutka minivans and affordable private transfers to get around.

As someone who has travelled all around Georgia and now lives here full-time, I have experienced almost every day trip option that exists. This curated list brings together 15 of my personal favourite Georgia day tours, including typical itineraries and more adventurous alternatives.

Transport information and prices have all been updated for 2025.

How to organise a day trip from Tbilisi

Here is a quick overview of the main options available. In the next section, you will find detailed transport tips for each destination.

Public transport (marshrutka van or train)

There are a variety of day trips you can do from Tbilisi using ‘public transport’ – i.e. marshrutka minivans or regional trains. This is definitely the most affordable way to travel, but schedules are limited and you will need to be flexible with your plans.

Road safety is a serious consideration in Georgia, so I only recommend using marshrutka vans for shorter distances. Always double-check times and fares locally. Many vans depart from Tbilisi’s main bus terminal at Didube – prepare for your trip by watching my video tour of the station.

Western Georgia has a basic railway network, but be warned that many short-distance trains from Tbilisi are slow and uncomfortable. There are only one or two day trips from Tbilisi that you can do by train. Double-check times on the Georgian Railways website and pre-purchase tickets for some routes using the official website.

Organised day tours from Tbilisi

Joining a small group or private tour with a local guide is a great option for visiting harder-to-reach places. Having a local guide can enrich your experience immensely, especially if your day trip is focused on culture or history. Additionally, most day trip itineraries combine multiple stops, so you can fit a lot more in.

I personally use Get Your Guide to find and book day tours in Georgia. It’s a reliable platform with a huge range of offerings and a generous refund policy. Viator is also popular in Georgia and has a nice range of itineraries.

My preferred tour company in Tbilisi is Friendly.ge. They have creative itineraries, thoughtful guides, and consistently great reviews. I have partnered with them to offer my readers a 10% discount on day tours – use the promocode wanderlush at checkout.

Some regions are better done with a specialised guide. For wine tours in Kakheti, I recommend Eat This! Tours (use wanderlush for 5% off), and for hiking near Tbilisi, I recommend Timothy’s Tours.

Hiring a private driver

GoTrip Georgia is a godsend for travellers who want maximum flexibility but prefer to travel independently rather than with a guide or a group.

GoTrip is essentially a long-distance Uber – you can use the website to book a transfer (one-way or return) with multiple stops, and you have a 24-hour window to complete the trip, meaning you can make as many pit stops as you like. Drivers and cars are vetted for safety, and prices are fixed in advance.

GoTrip is perfect for longer day trips and routes where there are lots of points of interest along the way, such as the Georgian Military Highway. Read my personal review of GoTrip here.

→ Visit the GoTrip website to design your own Tbilisi day trip itinerary

Renting a car in Tbilisi

There is no real need to hire a car for Tbilisi – having a car can be a liability, as driving in the city is extremely stressful. If you want complete freedom, though, you could look into hiring a car for the day. Just be sure to organise pick-up on the outskirts of the city.

I recommend using the Local Rent website to search and compare offerings from independent agents. Manual and auto, sedans and 4WDs are all available, usually for a very reasonable daily rate.

Before you hit the road, make sure you read up on my tips for driving in Georgia.

A quick note about road safety in Georgia

Road safety is a serious issue in Georgia and something you should be mindful of at all times – both when using marshrutka vans and when selecting day tours.

There are local tour companies in Tbilisi that are notorious for pushing their drivers to the limit, overfilling vans, and cutting corners. Combined with treacherous mountain roads, this can be a recipe for disaster. There is usually at least one tragic accident every season involving tourists.

However you plan to travel, I highly recommend you avoid travelling after dark whenever possible, avoid very long day trips (4 hours on the road is the maximum covered here), and consider private cars or tours for longer journeys and more challenging roads.

Due to long travel times and demanding roads, I do not recommend visiting these places on a day trip from Tbilisi: Khevsureti, Tusheti, and Vashlovani National Park.

Top 5 most popular day trips from Tbilisi

1. Mtskheta: Georgia’s UNESCO-Listed ancient capital

• Distance from Tbilisi: 25 kilometres (15.5 miles)
• Travel time: 45 minutes one-way
• Best for: History & culture
• When to go: Year-round
• How to get there: Marshrutka, Bolt taxi or guided tour
• Read my guide: 10 things to do in Mtskheta

Why visit Mtskheta?

Under an hour’s drive from Tbilisi, Mtskheta is the easiest day trip (or half-day trip) on this list. The nation’s former capital and cradle of Christianity is home to a collection of churches, convents and monasteries collectively known as the Ancient Monuments of Mtskheta – one of four UNESO sites in Georgia.

Svetitiskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery – two of the country’s most important religious sites – are both located in Mtskheta, making this a must-visit for history buffs and cultural travellers. Signage is limited, so for an in-depth experience, it’s best to visit with a guide.

This day trip also features stunning river views, an optional hike, smaller monasteries and fortresses to explore, plus lunch and/or a boat trip on the river.

Mtskheta is located off the main highway, so you can easily combine it with Gori and Uplistsikhe (see #4 below) to make this an extended day trip.

Highlights of a day trip to Mtskheta

Mtskheta’s main attractions are all located in the city centre, making it easy to explore the area by foot. Keep in mind that you will need a car to reach the further-flung hilltop monasteries.

• Drive (or hike) to the hilltop Jvari Monastery, one of Georgia’s most iconic churches, for a view overlooking the confluence of the turquoise Mtkvari River and inky blue Aragvi River
• Find the ‘Holy Pillar’ inside the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of Georgia’s oldest Orthodox churches and the second-largest in the country after Sameba Cathedral in Tbilisi
• Admire the intricate bas-relief carvings at the 4th-century Samtavros Convent
• Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town (but avoid the touristy markets!)
• Eat lunch at Ornament Express or Tsiskvili
• Ride deeper into the hills around Mtskheta to visit Shiomghvime and Zedazeni, two more hilltop monasteries established by the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers

→ For more ideas, see my full list of things to do in Mtskheta.

How to get to Mtskheta by marshrutka or taxi

Minivans to Mtskheta depart from Tbilisi’s Didube Station every 20 minutes throughout the day, starting from around 6am in summer. Tickets cost 2 GEL per person and can be purchased at the cash desk inside the station, located here. Vans stop in the centre of Mtskheta, near Svetitiskhoveli Cathedral. The trip takes around 45-60 minutes.

Alternatively, a taxi to Mtskheta from Freedom Square will cost you 30 GEL. Always use the Bolt app for booking taxis in Georgia.

Jvari Monastery is another 14 kilometres by road. To get to the church, you can either use the hiking trail or hire a taxi from in front of Svetitskhoveli. The going rate is approximately 40 GEL per car return, including waiting time at the top.

To get back to Tbilisi from Mtskheta, vans depart from this bus stop approximately every 20 minutes. The last departure of the day is at approximately 8.30pm in summer. Vans are often full by this point, so if you want a seat, try walking further north along the same road and flagging down a driver there.

Mtskheta day tours from Tbilisi

Top choice: Friendly.ge offers an in-depth private half-day tour to Mtskheta from Tbilisi that includes door to door transfers and an expert guide. I love this itinerary because it focuses exclusively on the ancient capital for a more in-depth look at the UNESCO Monuments. The tour has an option for lunch on the river, and concludes with a visit to the Chronicles of Georgia monument on the way back to Tbilisi.

→ Book direct and use the code wanderlush to get 10% off

→ Check prices & availability here on Get Your Guide

→ Friendly.ge also offers a combined Mtskheta-Gori-Uplistsikhe tour

Group tour: If you’re on a budget or you prefer to explore with other travellers, Gamarjoba Georgia Tours offers a full-day Mtskheta-Jvari Gori-Uplistsikhe tour. It’s a packed itinerary and more superficial because it only visits two spots in Mtskheta. But if your aim is to fit a lot into one day, it is a good option.

DIY day trip with GoTrip

GoTrip offers an unguided transfer to Mtskheta starting from just 90 GEL per car with Jvari, Svetitiskhoveli and Samtavro, plus transfers to and from your accommodation in Tbilisi. Alternatively, this Mtskheta itinerary I designed also includes Zedazeni and Shiomghvime.

2. Kazbegi & the Georgian Military Highway: The Greater Caucasus mountains

Why visit Kazbegi?

Kazbegi (AKA Stepantsminda) is the most accessible mountain destination in Georgia. So if you want an up-close look at the incredible Greater Caucasus without having to travel too far from Tbilisi, this is your best option.

While it’s preferable to spend at least one night in Kazbegi so you can go hiking in the nearby Juta and Truso Valleys and enjoy the region’s burgeoning food scene, it is still possible to visit Kazbegi as a (long) day trip from Tbilisi.

Setting eyes upon the magnificent Gergeti Trinity Church – the church on the hill that has become the symbol of Georgian tourism – is the highlight of a day trip to Kazbegi. But really, it’s all about the journey. The Georgian Military Highway – the only open road connection between Georgia and Russia – is one of the most jaw-dropping (and at times, nail-biting) stretches of highway in the entire country, dotted with viewpoints, monasteries, mosaics, sweet villages, and other points of interest.

I highly recommend springing for a private driver for this trip both for safety and comfort, and so you can make as many photo stops as possible. The Jvari Pass between Gudauri and Kazbegi often closes in winter, thus I recommend you avoid doing this day trip between the months of December and March.

Highlights of a day trip to Kazbegi

• Climb the tower at Ananuri Fortress, admire the mosaic-clad Russian-Georgian Friendship Monument, and fill your bottle at a travertine mineral spring
• Stop for lunch in Pasanauri village (I recommend Restaurant Korbuda)
• Ride the four-stage cable car from New Gudauri to Kobi for epic views of Mount Kazbegi (summer and winter only)
• Photograph the intriguing ‘Giant Heads’ in Sno
• Overshoot Kazbegi to see the dramatic Dariali Gorge on the Russian border
• Drive or hike to Georgia’s most iconic church, Gergeti Trinity
• Have a drink on the terrace at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi

→ For more ideas, my Kazbegi guide includes more things to do in town and my full guide to the Georgian Military Highway covers more than a dozen epic places to stop along the way.

Kazbegi day tours from Tbilisi

Tip: When booking an organised day trip to Kazbegi from Tbilisi, be sure to check whether transport to Gergeti Trinity Church is included. Some companies charge an additional fee.

Top choice: This private tour to Kazbegi that includes pickup in Tbilisi, a professional guide, lunch, and transport to Gergeti. You get to go all the way to the Russian border to visit the Gveleti Waterfalls and Dariali Gorge – two spots that most itineraries miss. This tour is excellent value for money and of all the many itineraries available, it’s my top choice.

→ Check prices & availability here on Viator

Private tour: Friendly.ge offers a very comprehensive Military Highway tour that includes most of the stops mentioned in my guide. It’s a little pricier, but it’s the most comprehensive itinerary I’ve been able to find.

→ Book direct and use the code wanderlush to get 10% off

4X4 tour with Truso Valley: If you want to soak up even more of the spectacular scenery around Kazbegi, this small group 4×4 tour to Juta and Truso with Friendly.ge is great for adventure and off-roading. It visits abandoned villages, ancient watchtowers and hidden mineral springs. If you’re travelling with family or a group, it is also available as a private tour.

→ Book direct and use the code wanderlush for 10% off

Budget-friendly group tour: If you’re on a budget, this affordable group tour with Gamarjoba Georgia includes several stops on the way to Kazbegi plus a visit to Rooms Hotel. Transport to Gergeti, though, must be paid for separately.

→ Check prices & availability here on Get Your Guide

DIY day trip with GoTrip

While the above mentioned tours are all great, they don’t include all the possible stops on the Military Highway. If you want to see some of the more obscure mosaics and statues, I suggest organising a round-trip transfer with GoTrip.

This GoTrip itinerary I designed includes all the major tourist stops plus my favourite ‘hidden gems’ along the Military Road. You can easily edit the route or add additional stops on the day. Prices start from a very reasonable 250 GEL per car, including door-to-door pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi.

It is possible to take a marshrutka to Kazbegi from Tbilisi, but this isn’t really suitable for a day trip.

3. Kakheti: The Georgian Wine Route

Why visit Kakheti Wine Region?

Georgians are incredibly proud of their qvevri winemaking traditions, which go back 8,000 years and are recognised by UNESCO. Grapes are grown and pressed all over the country, but Kakheti in Eastern Georgia is considered the heart of the wine industry.

The fertile Alazani River Valley is home to dozens of microzones and hundreds (if not thousands) of vineyards. When travelling the Wine Route, it’s a good idea to visit a mix of small family marani cellars and larger-scale commercial wineries (e.g. Winery Khareba, the famous ‘wine cave’) for a Georgian-style degustation or perhaps a sit-down supra feast.

Wine is an intrinsic part of culture and life in Georgia. Even if you have no knowledge or interest in wine – and even if you don’t drink – Kakheti is still a worthwhile day trip for the cultural insights and beautiful landscapes. For every vineyard, there is a spectacular church or monastery to match. Alaverdi, Bodbe, Dzveli Shuamta and Ikalto are located on the western side of the valley, and on the eastern side there is Gremi and the hilltop Nekresi.

A day trip to the Wine Region can take many different forms. You can aim for the charming walled town of Sighnaghi, or use the more local city of Telavi, with its vibrant bazaar and fortress, as a base. For something different, Gurjaani combines wineries with Soviet-era architecture.

Since things are quite spread out, it is best to visit Kakheti with a driver and/or guide. While this region is beautiful throughout the seasons, it is most atmospheric in September-October when the Rtveli wine vintage takes place.

Highlights of a day trip to the Wine Region

• Visit a small family-run wine cellar to learn about Georgia’s qvevri winemaking methods
• Tour Winery Khareba, a massive subterranean cellar inside an old nuclear shelter
• Drop into a qvevri workshop to see how the magnificent clay amphora are built by hand
• Climb the city walls in Sighnaghi for a view of the Alazani Valley and Greater Caucasus
• Visit the Sighnaghi National Museum to see paintings by Georgia’s national artist, Pirosmani
• See the flower gardens at Bodbe Convent and buy homemade products from the nuns
• Explore the undercover bazaar in Telavi
• Tour the historic enoteca at the Tsinandali Estate
• Visit Alaverdi, one of the most impressive monasteries in Georgia

→ For more ideas, see my detailed Kakheti travel guide.

Kakheti day tours from Tbilisi

Tip: There are certain things to look out for when comparing wine tours in Kakheti. Here are my top tips for choosing a quality tour.

Top choice: Eat This! Tours partners with small, family-owned wineries and professional sommelier-guides to offer in-depth, immersive wine tours from Tbilisi. Groups are small, or you can request a private excursion. Of all the tours I have done in Georgia (wine and non-wine), nothing compares to the experience this company offers.

Eat This! have several pre-designed itineraries. My top pick is the Telavi-focused Vines & Mountains Tour, which strikes the perfect balance between wine-focused and non-wine sightseeing (including a visit to the Telavi Bazaar and meeting a clay qvevri maker). They also host an excursion to Sighnaghi and several wineries in the area.

→ Book the Vines & Villages Tour direct and use the promocode wanderlust to get a 5% discount

Budget-friendly group tour: If you don’t mind sticking to the bigger commercial wineries, this group tour from Tbilisi includes some of Kakheti’s most popular cellar doors. There’s also time to visit Bodbe Monastery and walk around Sighnaghi. I have personally done this tour and I quite enjoyed it – guides definitely focus on bringing the fun, which explains the huge number of positive reviews!

→ Check prices & availability here on Get Your Guide

→ Check prices & availability here on Viator

DIY day trip with GoTrip or marshrutka

If you’re only looking for a quick taste of the Wine Region, a DIY excursion with GoTrip is a fine option. This pre-designed itinerary includes Bodbe, Sighnaghi, Winery Khareba and Gremi church, and starts from 200 GEL per car.

If you’re really on a budget, it is possible to travel to Sighnaghi, Telavi or Gurjaani by marshrutka van then strike our on your own from there. If you are using public transport, Telavi is the best option for a day trip – the city has frequent transport connections, and there are several wineries in the centre.

Full details, including schedules and fares, can be found in my transport guide for getting to Kakheti from Tbilisi.

4. Gori & Uplistsikhe: Stalin’s birthplace & beyond

Why visit Gori?

Gori is Georgia’s leading dark tourism destination thanks to its connection to Joseph Stalin. The dictator was born here in 1878, and is commemorated at the Joseph Stalin State Museum, Gori’s #1 tourist attraction. The guided museum tour – which also includes Stalin’s childhood home and armoured railway carriage – is an interesting experience to say the least.

Gori is a departure point for conversations about Georgia’s complicated relationship with its past. Anyone who has even a passing interest in world history will find it a fascinating place. The Great Patriotic War Museum is also worth a visit – it explores Georgia’s most recent 2008 conflict in addition to WWII.

Aside from its museums, this former stop on the Silk Road has a lot to offer, including a charming Old Town and an impressive fortress that cascades down the hillside.

Georgia’s oldest cave city, Uplistsikhe, is located 14 kilometres outside Gori and can be reached by van or taxi. The sprawling complex of chambers and tunnels cut from the cliffs above the Mtkvari River dates back to the Bronze Age and was once a self-sustaining community with its own municipal services. Uplistsikhe is better set up for tourists than Davit Gareji and much easier to get to than Vardzia.

Highlights of a day trip to Gori & Uplistsikhe

• Tour the Stalin Museum, paying special attention to the guide’s narration and what is ‘missing’ from the script
• Stroll down Stalin Avenue and stop for a coffee at Cafe 22
• Sign up for the Gori Soviet Tour with Zhana Odiashvili (of Gori Free Walking Tour) and explore the city’s Soviet-era landmarks by Lada
• Find Gori’s street art, including the very poignant mural that addresses ‘border creep’
• Photograph the Memorial of Georgian War Heroes then summit the ruins of Gori Fortress for a view
• Eat cutleti, a Gori delicacy, at the lovely Shin da Gori restaurant
• Do the audio tour at Uplistsikhe

→ For more ideas, see my list of 15 things to do in Gori besides the Stalin Museum.

How to get to Gori by marshrutka, taxi or train

Since a guide for the Stalin Museum comes included in the ticket price, and the audio guide at Uplistsikhe is very good, there is no real need to join a group tour. Vans to Gori from Tbilisi are frequent and easy to navigate, and you can easily explore the city centre by foot.

Marshrutka vans to Gori depart from Didube Station every 30 minutes or so throughout the day, starting from 7am. Tickets cost 3 GEL and can be purchased at the cash desk located here (this is also the spot for boarding). In Gori, vans terminate at the bus station on the outskirts of the city, a 30-minute walk or short city bus ride from the Stalin Museum. The Bolt app works in Gori, so you can always order a taxi. If you want to get dropped off directly at the Stalin Museum, take a shared taxi (5 GEL per seat) from Didube instead.

Find full details in my Gori Guide.

There are at least three daily trains to Gori from Tbilisi’s Central Station. Travel time is one hour, and tickets start from 12 GEL. Check times and purchase tickets online here on the official website. Gori’s railway station is located on the opposite side of the river, a 30-minute walk from the Stalin Museum.

Uplistsikhe is located east of Gori and can be reached by minivan or taxi from the city. Taxis can be found at the bus station or at the Chinebuli Restaurant behind the Stalin Museum. Expect to pay 30-50 GEL round trip, including waiting time. There are two buses to Uplistsikhe from Gori Bus Station at around 9am and 12pm, returning at 3pm. Double-check times locally.

To get back to Tbilisi, marshrutka vans depart from the same bus station in Gori every 30 minutes until late, with the last departure at approximately 7pm. You can find shared taxis to Tbilisi at the bus station and in front of the Drama Theatre.

Gori day tours from Tbilisi

Top choice: This day trip with Gamarjoba Georgia Tours includes a walking tour of Uplistsikhe and a guided tour of the Stalin Museum. On the way, you also visit Mtskheta and Jvari Monastery – essentially this is two day trips rolled into one.

→ Check prices & availability here on Get Your Guide

Private tour: This private tour to Gori, Mtskheta and Uplistsikhe with Friendly.ge follows a similar itinerary but also includes a stop at the Chronicles of Georgia monument in Tbilisi.

→ Book direct and use wanderlush for a 10% discount

→ Check prices & availability here on Viator

5. Borjomi & Bakuriani: Hot springs & Romanov history

Why visit Borjomi & Bakuriani?

If you’re craving some fresh air and green space, Borjomi might be the best day trip from Tbilisi for you. The resort town was first developed in the Romanov era and rose to fame in the Soviet period, largely thanks to its mineral water springs. Borjomi Water is still bottled here and exported all over Georgia and the world.

Outside of the busy summer season, Borjomi is a peaceful little town with a sprawling Central Park and a retro cable car. While the Romanov Palace in nearby Likani remains permanently closed to visitors, the local museum and original bottling plant both explore this period of history.

Under an hour’s drive from Borjomi, Bakuriani is Georgia’s oldest ski resort. Its coniferous forests are beautiful throughout the year, especially in winter. Whitewater rafting and hiking are available from late spring until autumn in the nearby Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.

Highlights of a day trip to Borjomi

• Drink Borjomi’s famous mineral water directly from Ekaterine Spring
• Swim in the hot springs at the restored Tsar’s Baths, a 40-minute walk through the forest
• Photograph the Golden Tulip Hotel
• Urbex at the incredible Libani Sanatorium
• Ride the chairlifts at Bakuriani Ski Resort and wander through Amirani’s Park
• Eat lunch at Cafe Iggy in Borjomi
• Track down the lovely Mtsvane Monastery inside Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

→ For more inspiration, see my full guide to the best of Borjomi and my dedicated guide to visiting Bakuriani in winter.

How to get to Borjomi by train or marshrutka

Most organised day tours combine Borjomi with Vardzia and Akhaltsikhe (see #13 below), which really doesn’t give you much time at all for Borjomi. There are no itineraries that I know of that allow time for the hot springs, for example. For this reason, I think it’s better to do Borjomi-Bakuriani DIY.

Arriving at the heritage Borjomi Park Railway Station is quite a memorable experience. There are two daily trains from Tbilisi to Borjomi, including an early morning departure at around 6.30am. The ‘retro’ electric train takes about four hours and costs just 2 GEL. Purchase tickets at Tbilisi Central Station or on board using the coin machine.

Alternatively, marshrutka vans to Borjomi depart from Didube Station every hour between 7am and 7pm. A ticket costs around 12 GEL per person, and the journey by road takes 3 hours.

See my detailed Borjomi Transport Guide for more tips and advice on the return journey.

The Kukushka scenic train between Borjomi and Bakuriani was sadly suspended in 2020 and has not started up again. To get to the resort, you can take a marshrutka (3 GEL) or a taxi (60 GEL) from Borjomi Bus Station.

To get to Likani and the National Park office from Borjomi, use the green bus that stops in front of City Hall.

Borjomi hiking tour from Tbilisi

Hiking in Borjomi: If you want to explore the gorgeous Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, this alternative hiking-focused day trip includes transfers from Tbilisi and a guide who will accompany you on the popular Footprint Trail (13 kilometres).

→ Check prices & availability here on Viator

Top 3 alternative day trips from Tbilisi

6. Rustavi: Soviet throwbacks in a former monotown

• Distance from Tbilisi: 30 kilometres (19 miles)
• Travel time: 45 minutes one-way
• Best for: Soviet architecture & history
• When to go: Year-round
• How to get there: Marshrutka/city bus
• Read my guide: 12 things to do in Rustavi

Why visit Rustavi?

Rustavi is a purpose-built industrial city south of Tbilisi that dates to the Soviet period. While a day trip to Rustavi might be a little unconventional, I highly recommend it for fans of socialist architecture and Soviet history. This city is a time capsule in many ways, and it is truly a playground for photographers and ‘time travellers’. I must admit that it is one of my favourite underrated places to visit in Georgia.

Rustavi has all the trappings: Monolithic apartment blocks, mosaics, memorials, and a magnificent (still-operational) steel works. The third-largest city in Georgia by population (bigger even than Kutaisi), Rustavi also has great local restaurants, a big leafy park, and plenty of street art.

Getting to Rustavi from Tbilisi by bus is very straightforward and affordable, making it one of the easiest DIY day trips on this list.

Highlights of a day trip to Rustavi

• Walk between the colourful nine-storey apartment buildings that dominate New Rustavi, keeping an eye out for preserved Soviet-era decorations on the restored facades
• Pop into the lobby of the imposing Hotel Rustavi for a gander at the 80s decor
• Admire the handsome Soviet-style buildings over the river, including the Mayor’s Office and Theatre
• Stop by the Metallurgy Factory to see the relief sculptures and mosaics
• Eat lunch at social enterprise cafe Cafune
• Visit the History Museum to learn more about the metalworks
• Watch the sunset from the fortress ruins inside Rustavi’s Park of Culture and Rest

→ Find more ideas and a map inside my Rustavi city guide.

How to get to Rustavi by bus or taxi

There is now an extensive network of minivans and city buses that ply the route between Tbilisi and Rustavi. I usually take the minibus from outside Tbilisi Central Railway Station. Departures are constant throughout the day, and the fare is 2.5 GEL. In Rustavi, alight at the roundabout with the Shota Rustaveli Monument.

To get back to Tbilisi, simply flag down a van travelling the opposite way from any of the bus stands along the main road.

A Bolt taxi to Rustavi from Freedom Square (or vice versa) costs around 50 GEL.

7. Asureti, Birtvisi & Didgori (Kvemo Kartli region): Canyons & culture

Why visit Kvemo Kartli region?

Kvemo Kartli region south-west of Tbilisi is one of the least-visited but most interesting parts of Georgia. There is a whole world of day trip opportunities here for all interests – from day hikes to world-class archaeological museums. One idea is to stick to the top ‘half’ of the region and do a loop around the national parks and canyons between Asureti and Manglisi.

This day trip has a lot of variety. Asureti is a great place to immerse yourself in the story of the Swabian Germans who were settled in Georgia in the early 19th century. Formerly known as Elisabethtal, it boasts a restored Lutheran church and a main street lined with half-timbered houses. Some of the families who live here today speak German.

Birtvisi Canyon is a spectacular rocky outcrop that conceals an ancient fortress. Follow the route mapped on Wikiloc to complete the hike in around two hours. The drive into the Didgori Valley is one of the most scenic in Georgia. One of the most epic battles in modern Georgian history, when David the Builder faced off against the Seljuk Army, was staged on these rolling hills, and is commemorated with the impressive Didgori Battle Memorial.

Highlights of a day trip to Kvemo Kartli

• See the Lutheran church and Fachwerk half-timbered houses in Asureti, a former German colony
• Eat lunch at Bahnhof Station, a German-style beer garden in Asureti
• Hike through the majestic Birtvisi Canyon to visit Birtvisi Fortress before it is developed into a ticketed tourist site
• Visit the 6th-century Manglisi Holy Dormition Cathedral, one of Georgia’s oldest churches
• Drive the gorgeous ribbon road to the Didgori Battle Memorial and photograph the stirring monuments at sunset

→ For more ideas, see my extended guide to Kvemo Kartli region.

DIY day trip with GoTrip

Parts of Kvemo Kartli (Asureti, Tsalka) can be reached by marshrtuka van, but you’ll need your own car to get around once you’re there. Some locations including Didgori can only be visited with a car.

I recommend hiring a private driver for the day using GoTrip. Here is an itinerary I created for the above mentioned locations.

8. Bolnisi & Dmanisi: German heritage & archaeological finds

• Distance from Tbilisi: 100 kilometres (62 miles)
• Travel time: 2 hours one-way
• Best for: Wine, German heritage & history
• When to go: April-October
• How to get there: GoTrip
• Read my guide: How to visit Bolnisi and Dmanisi from Tbilisi (published soon)

Why visit Bolnisi & Dmanisi?

A second option for Kvemo Kartli is to head further south towards the Armenian border. This area is a bit more developed for tourism, particularly the town of Bolnisi which is an emerging destination for wine tourism.

Bolnisi (formerly Katharinefeld) is another example of a Swabian settlement. There are even more examples of German architecture here, and many of the houses have been converted into guesthouses, restaurants and wine cellars that you can visit.

Between April and October approximately, the Dmanisi Archaeological Reserve welcomes guests to tour the site where Zezva and Mzia, the oldest European hominids, were unearthed.

Highlights of a day trip to Bolnisi

• Stop for lunch at the Tea House in Marneuli, a city with a large Azerbaijani population after photographing the monument They Will Grow on the outskirts
• Explore Kolagiri Fortress and Chapala Castle off the highway
• Visit the outstanding Bolnisi Museum
• Wander the streets of Bolnisi, photographing the unique architecture and the old wine factory
• Do a wine tasting at Brother’s Cellar
• Drive up to the 5th-century Bolnisi Sioni Cathedral
• Tour the archaeological site and accompanying museum in Dmanisi

DIY day trip with GoTrip

With very few reputable organised day trips available, your best option for getting to Bolnisi and Dmanisi is to book a private transfer. Here is a GoTrip itinerary that I created.

Seasonal day trips from Tbilisi

9. Best day trip from Tbilisi in spring: David Gareji & Udabno

Why visit David Gareji & Udabno?

David Gareji (AKA Davit Gareji / David Gareja) is a 6th-century cave monastery complex located on the Georgia-Azerbaijan border. This part of Kakheti Region, known as Udabno or ‘Desert’ in Georgian, is arid and very exposed, which makes it almost impossible to visit in summer. The best time to go is from mid-March until the end of May, when temperatures are mild and the almond orchards and wild cherry trees are in bloom.

Udabno is best known for Davit Gareja, but there are in fact half a dozen different monasteries – both active and abandoned – dotted around the area. These clandestine hideouts were founded by the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers.

The surrounding landscape of undulating ‘rainbow hills’ is painted with shades of pink and rust by mineral deposits. Hiking in this area is great fun – there are no marked trails, but you can find maps on Wikiloc.

When I first visited David Gareji back in 2017, I was allowed to walk along the ridge and view a set of frescoes painted inside domed caves. As of 2025, the upper Udabno Monastery is unfortunately closed to tourists due to a border dispute (don’t worry though, this area is completely safe for tourists). It is still worth visiting to see the lower rock-hewn Lavra Monastery and the other sights in the area.

→ Read my recent Davit Gareji trip report to see what’s still open and what’s closed.

The fully sealed road makes it easy to get to the main David Gareja complex from Tbilisi in under 2 hours. A 4WD is required for some of the other monasteries, and for the unpaved road that approaches the complex from the west via Rustavi.

Highlights of a day trip to Udabno

• Explore the lower Lavra Monastery, which consists of dozens of chambers hewn from a rock wall
• Drive off-road to the lesser-visited Natlismtsemeli, Kolagiri and Sabereebi Monasteries
• Hike in the rainbow hills around Mravaltskaro Reservoir
• See the blossoming almond orchards at Udabno Farm, a regenerative agriculture project by Adjara Group
• Enjoy a meal at the Oasis Club, a Polish-run hostel/restaurant in Udabno

Udabno day tours from Tbilisi

Top choice: This Off-Road Tour is Friendly.ge’s most popular group tour and the best way to get a good overview of the area. It visits David Gareji via unpaved roads and is definitely more adventurous than the usual path well travelled. It also includes a 4-kilometre hike in the rainbow hills and visiting a couple of true hidden gems!

→ Book direct and use wanderlush for a 10% discount

→ Check prices & availability here on Get Your Guide

Kakheti combo tour: Alternatively, Friendly.ge’s David Gareji Sighnaghi Tour leads with a visit to the cave monastery and an optional hike before continuing to Sighnaghi (Kakheti Wine Region) for a short walk around the walled town and a spot of wine tasting.

→ Book direct and use wanderlush for a 10% discount

→ Check prices & availability here on Get Your Guide

Gareji Line shuttle bus

There is no marshrutka service to David Gareji, but there is a tourist shuttle bus called Gareji Line. Vans depart from Freedom Square (Pushkin Park) every morning at 10.45am in the high season (usually from May 1 until the end of September) and on-demand during low and shoulder season.

No reservations are required, but you can message them on Facebook to enquire about availability. They require a minimum of two people, so if you’re a solo traveller, definitely contact them in advance. A seat costs 40 GEL return.

This isn’t an organised tour – there is no guide, and when we travelled, the driver didn’t speak English. Guests get an A4 map of the complex with some basic information, which is useful given there’s no signage onsite. The itinerary allows for around three hours at David Gareji and includes a stop at the Oasis Club for dinner on the way back to Tbilisi.

DIY day trip with GoTrip

Alternatively, a private car and driver for the day starts from 150 GEL when booked through GoTrip. This is only suitable for visiting the main monastery (not for off-roading). If you wish to explore the area to the fullest, I recommend hiring your own car.

10. Best day trip from Tbilisi in summer: Tsalka, Paravani Lake & the Javakheti Plateau

• Distance from Tbilisi: 130 kilometres (80 miles)
• Travel time: 2.5 hours one-way
• Best for: Volcanic landscapes, birdwatching & minority cultures
• When to go: July-September
• How to get there: GoTrip
• Read my guide: Things to do in Tsalka and Javakheti

Why visit Javakheti?

Nicknamed the ‘Georgian Arctic’ because of its tundra-like landscapes and long, hard winters, the Javakheti Plateau is a great place to visit in summer if you want to escape from the heat of Tbilisi. The volcanic plateau that runs along the Armenian and Turkish borders sits at a high elevation, and is home to a chain of gorgeous gemstone lakes that are preserved under the Javakheti Protected Areas.

This is definitely a more adventurous, off-beat day trip. Outdoor activities include birdwatching, cycling around the lakes and day hikes, or you can opt for a more culture-focused day out by visiting the region’s towns and monasteries. Javakheti is extremely diverse, with Georgian, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Pontic Greek and Doukhobor communities.

Tsalka Canyon (AKA Dashbashi Canyon) is one of the most popular attractions in this region, but it is not exactly a place I would recommend visiting. There are other ‘wild’ waterfalls and landscapes in the area that have not yet been touched by tourism.

Highlights of a day trip to Javakheti

• Find the Mesolithic petroglyphs in Tsalka, and visit the nearby Beshtasheni Canyon and Waterfall
• Stop at the mysterious Chikiani Menhir and the basalt fields
• Visit the church on the edge of Georgia’s largest lake, Paravani Lake, and stop at the nearby Poka St. Nino’s Convent to buy natural food and beauty products crafted by the nuns
• Hop between the smaller lakes (Bughdasheni Managed Reserve is my favourite) and spot migratory and endemic birds – including grey flamingos
• Hike to the summit of Shaori Mountain to see the megalithic fortress
• Eat lunch at Family Corner near Saghamo Lake, a cosy tavern with incredible Armenian food run by one of the sweetest couples you’ll ever meet
• See the famous ‘blue house’ in Gorelovka, one of several villages in the area founded by members of the Doukhobor religious sect

→ For more ideas, refer to my guide to Tsalka and Javakheti.

How to get to Javakheti by car

Marshrutka services in this part of Georgia are quite limited, and there are no day tours to Javakheti that I would recommend. The best way to visit this region is by hiring a driver for the day. This round-trip GoTrip itinerary that I created starts from 200 GEL per car.

Javakheti’s quiet roads are ideal for self-driving, so another option is to hire your own car. This route features in my Georgia Road Trip Itinerary.

11. Best day trip from Tbilisi in autumn: The Rkoni Valley

• Distance from Tbilisi: 75 kilometres (47 miles)
• Travel time: 2 hours one-way
• Best for: Easy off-season hiking & autumn colours
• When to go: Late October-November
• How to get there: GoTrip
• Read my guide: How to spend a day in the Rkoni Valley (published soon)

Why visit the Rkoni Valley?

One of several valleys in Shida Kartli region between Tbilisi and Gori, Rkoni is an often-overlooked but extremely picturesque part of the country. The lowlands are great for off-season hiking, and this valley in particularly is known for its vibrant autumn foliage.

The main hiking trail in Rkoni leads from the village centre to the Rkoni Monastery and the Queen Tamar Bridge. It is an easy, mostly flat path that you can complete within a couple of hours. I recently did the hike with my dad.

In addition, there are a handful of other churches in the area that you can reach either by foot or car.

Highlights of a day trip to the Rkoni Valley

• Hike to Rkoni Monastery and see the elegant arched stone bridge
• Walk up the hill to Ikvi Church to see the vivid blue frescoes
• Hike to the valley below Drisi Castle (Tamar’s Fortress)
• Eat lunch at the wonderful Chateau Mephis Kalaki
• See the latest exhibition at Art-Villa Garikula
• Taste Kartli wine at Chapidon Winery

How to get to Rkoni by car

While minivans to Rkoni are available from Gori, there are limited connections to Tbilisi. For a day trip, you will need to go with your own car. The road into Rkoni is partially unpaved, so a car with high undercarriage clearance (preferably a 4WD) is required.

One option is to book a private transfer to Rkoni through GoTrip and ask the driver to wait while you hike to the monastery and explore the surrounding area. You can also request to stop at some of the other churches en route.

If you prefer to travel with a guide, I recommend Timothy’s Tours. Tim has great knowledge of this area and the hiking trails, and can put together a nice day itinerary for you that includes transfers from Tbilisi. Our recent trip to Rkoni was organised and led by Tim.

12. Best day trip from Tbilisi in winter: Sabaduri Forest & Gudauri

Why visit Sabaduri & Gudauri?

Sabaduri is famous within Georgia for being one of the country’s most picturesque pockets of forest. The patch of tall, slender trees sits on the edge of Tbilisi National Park, and can be reached in under and hour from the city centre. In autumn, people flock here to see the colourful foliage. But the best time to visit Sabaduri is definitely in winter, when it transforms into a fairytale snow forest.

Since it rarely snows in Tbilisi, this is one of the best places to see fresh snow during a winter city break in the capital. This day trip is particularly fun for families and kids, especially when you visit the bears at the nearby wildlife sanctuary – one of the very few ethical animal encounters available in Georgia.

You can easily connect to the Georgian Military Highway from Sabaduri, thus I recommend combining it with a visit to Gudauri Ski Resort. Gudauri is very seasonal and there is not much to do here outside of winter, so ski season is definitely the best time to go. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, Georgia’s most popular winter resort has a range of other seasonal activities on offer. My top suggestion is to ride the Gudauri-Kobi Cable Car, which has some of the best mountain views in the country.

Highlights of a day trip to Sabaduri & Gudauri

• Drive under a canopy of snowy trees in Sabaduri before stopping at the clearing to play in the fresh snow
• Feed the residents at the Zoological Centre, a sanctuary for more than 20 Caucasian brown bears
• Stop off at key points of interest on the Georgian Military Highway, including Ananuri Fortress
• Ride the four-stage enclosed gondola from New Gudauri to Kobi village, stopping to walk around each midway station for amazing views of the Greater Caucasus
• Eat lunch at Ati Ambavi in Gudauri

Sabaduri day tours from Tbilisi

Top choice: I have personally participated in Friendly.ge’s private winter tour to Sabaduri and Gudauri, and I highly recommend it. Travellers have the option of returning to Tbilisi at the end of the day, or you can use the tour as a one-way transfer to Gudauri.

→ Book direct and use wanderlush for a 10% discount

Budget group tour: This alternative itinerary is a budget-friendly alternative to the private tour. It doesn’t go as far as Gudauri, but instead combines Sabaduri Forest with a visit to Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta and the Chronicles of Georgia monument in Tbilisi.

→ Book direct and use wanderlush for a 10% discount

DIY day trip with GoTrip

If you don’t need a guide, you can easily replicate this itinerary on GoTrip. Here is an itinerary that I created with all the above mentioned stops, including the bear shelter in Tskhvarichamia.

Extended day trips from Tbilisi

13. Vardzia, Rabati Fortress (Akhaltsikhe) & historic Meskheti: Castles, caves & cuisine

Why visit Vardzia & Akhaltsikhe?

Vardzia is a very long day trip from Tbilisi – but if this is your only chance to see the medieval cave city, I do think it’s worth it.

Excavated from Mount Erusheli in 1185, Georgia’s largest cave city, Vardzia, was big enough to shelter a community of 2,000 monks from invading Mongols, and had 6,000-plus apartments set over 13 levels before it was partially destroyed by earthquake. Today, visitors can navigate the caves via a marked trail that leads through tunnels and over steep staircases. Nearby, the Atskuri and Khertvisi Fortresses are also worth seeing.

The closest city to Vardzia, Akhaltsikhe, is home to the weird and wonderful Rabati Fortress. The sprawling castle dates to the 9th century and underwent major restorations in 2011. It’s a bit difficult to tell where history stops and creative license begins – but there’s no disputing that the grounds are beautifully kept, and there are numerous towers to climb up for different views.

The surrounding region, historic Meskheti, is culturally distinct from the rest of Georgia. Whilst you are in Akhaltsikhe, I highly recommend a meal at Old Bar, where Meskhetian regional dishes are served (try the snails and the tatarberaki ‘Georgian pasta’). If you have enough time, Saro is a mystical village near Vardzia with megalithic ruins and a sweet convent-church.

→ For more recommendations, see my Akhaltsike city guide and my guide to Meskheti Region.

How to get to Vardzia & Akhaltsikhe from Tbilisi by marshrutka

Visiting Vardzia in a day from Tbilisi using public transport is possible, but you have to time it perfectly. You might (no, will) feel rushed to make the tight connection, and you won’t have time to visit Rabati or Akhaltsikhe either. For this reason, I recommend either GoTrip or a day tour.

If you do decide to do this DIY, the best option is to take one of two direct vans to Vardzia from Tbilisi’s Bus Station Nige (located inside Didube, to the left as you exit the metro).

Alternatively, you can take an earlier marshrutka to Akhaltsikhe then connect to a marshrutka from Akhaltsikhe bus station to Vardzia. This will get you to the caves at around 2pm, giving you just 60 minutes to walk around before the last van back to Akhaltsikhe leaves. You can buy yourself a bit more time by taking a round-trip taxi from Akhaltsikhe to Vardzia, but in my opinion, this still doesn’t give you enough time to appreciate the caves.

Find full details and prices here in my dedicated Vardzia transport guide.

DIY day trip with GoTrip

If your budget allows, a better option is to book a GoTrip driver. A round-trip transfer to Rabati and Vardzia will give you more time and flexibility, and the benefit of a comfortable car.

Vardzia day tours from Tbilisi

Top choice: This private day tour with Friendly.ge gives you the option to start bright and early – highly recommended for a day trip that involves so much driving. It also includes a stop in Borjomi to break-up the long journey.

→ Book direct and use wanderlush at checkout for 10% off

→ Check prices & availability on Get Your Guide

Why visit Chiatura?

The mining town of Chiatura is better visited as a day trip from Kutaisi. But it is possible to get here and back from Tbilisi in a day using the relatively new road through Sachkhere, which has made travel times a lot shorter.

Similar to Rustavi (see #8 above), Chiatura is a favourite destination for photographers and urbexers. The main attraction is of course the network of cable cars that criss-cross the valley floor. They were built in the Soviet period – apparently on Stalin’s orders – in order to boost productivity in the manganese mines.

The old cable cars closed a few years ago and were replaced by a new network of modern gondolas. In late 2024, the first of several Soviet cable cars relaunched with new cabins and mechanisms. A boon for fans of Brutalist architecture, many of the old station buildings are still intact, along with other reminders of the Soviet period.

Katskhi Pillar is located 11 kilometres from Chiatura and is also a must-visit. Built in the 8th century, the complex consists of two monasteries, one built atop a limestone stylite, Meteora-style. No one is allowed to ascend the ladder, but you can admire the monastery from below.

→ For the latest info on the cable cars and more things to do in Chiatura, see my comprehensive Chiatura travel guide

15. Northern Armenia: Another stamp in the passport

Why visit Northern Armenia?

If you’re eager to add to your collection of passport stamps but you don’t have time for a full Armenia adventure, you can quite easily take a day trip across the border to visit two of the country’s UNESCO-listed monasteries, Haghpat and Sanahin, which lie just 120 kilometres south of Tbilisi.

Most day trip itineraries also include Akhtala Monastery, the Mikoyan Brothers Museum (home of the MIG!), and an Armenian lunch. The drive through Debed Canyon and Alaverdi – an unreal landscape of rocky plateaus, deep gullies and derelict copper factories – is reason enough to embark on a cross-border excursion.

If you’re more interested in scenery than monasteries, you can head south-east from Tbilisi to visit Dilijan National Park and Lake Sevan instead.

Before you go, be sure to read up on the border crossings and entry/visa requirements for entering Armenia and re-entering Georgia overland.

More day trips in Georgia