The question about the top travel destinations in Georgia is often asked by travellers who are visiting this beautiful country for the first time and want to find out about its most important attractions. This information is also of interest to travelers who want to explore the country individually, with or without a guide, as self-driver.
In response to this, we have created a text in which we list 20 particularly beautiful monuments and places that we warmly recommend to new visitors to Georgia.
To present the information to you even more clearly and concisely, we have divided the attractions into two categories:
We are happy to give you ten recommendations for cultural attractions and ten for natural sites that we consider to be among the best travel destinations in Georgia.
We would like to point out that this is only a small selection and that Georgia has many more beautiful places to offer that are worth discovering.
If you require more information, please use the contact form at the end of the text to send us your specific questions. We look forward to hearing from you and will be happy to help.
A very special highlight among the top travel destinations in Georgia is the charming old town of Tbilisi. A typical city tour in Tbilisi usually takes about three hours and takes you to various unique places that will inspire you.
During this tour, we will visit some of the city’s most beautiful attractions, such as the sulphur baths, Narikala Fortress, the Metekhi Church, Freedom Square, the Peace Bridge, the Fig Gorge with its impressive waterfall, a mosque and much more.
Guests will also take the cable car to the statue of Mother Georgia and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from there. This city tour offers our guests a wonderful opportunity to learn a lot of interesting and useful information about the history, culture and modern times of the city.
If you have a little more time, we can recommend a visit to the impressive Botanical Garden of Tbilisi. This is also one of the city’s tourist highlights and is definitely worth a visit.
If you have a little more time, we can recommend the town of Mtskheta. It is about 25 km from Tbilisi and really worth a visit. Until the 5th century, before Tbilisi became the capital, Mtskheta had the honour of serving as the capital city and king’s seat of Iberia, an ancient Georgian country in present-day eastern Georgia. This city has a very special significance for the country, as it is the site of the most important historical and religious events.
Mtskheta is a city with an impressive wealth of cultural and historical monuments. However, it is two impressive Christian structures in particular that have made the city famous worldwide: the 12th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the 6th-7th-century Jvari Church.
Both buildings are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and wonderful examples of the rich and unique Georgian culture and architecture. Mtskheta is a very special city, deeply revered by Georgians. It is an absolute highlight and one of the top travel destinations in Georgia.
This impressive 14th-century church is located in the picturesque mountain region of Georgia, in Stepantsminda/Kazbeg, and is certainly one of the most beautiful and popular travel destinations in Georgia. The wonderful building, which is perched on a 2200-metre-high mountain, inspires visitors above all with its unique and breathtaking location. The church, surrounded by the majestic Mount Mkinvari, which rises a proud 5047 metres into the sky, is a highlight not to be missed.
Almost every time you see promotional material about Georgia, you will see this unique combination of the church and the mountain in pictures or videos. You can reach the church by different routes. You can, for example, take a nice hike there or drive by car. We recommend that you experience the wonderful mountain atmosphere while hiking. From the church, there is an impressive view of the valley and the settlement of Stepantsminda.
Vardzia is an impressive cave city from the 12th century in southern Georgia in the valley of the Kura River. It is a unique and beautiful structure that takes us back to the time of the golden age of Georgia. The complex includes several hundred rooms and halls, including living areas, a pharmacy, a wine cellar, churches and water reservoirs. These rooms are connected by tunnels that can still be visited today.
A particular highlight of the monument is a chapel carved into the rock, with impressive frescoes and murals. Inside the chapel is a very special fresco of Queen Tamara, which can also be seen in three other churches in the country. The unique location of the complex allows visitors to simultaneously enjoy the beauty of the Lesser Caucasus.
The tour of the complex takes at least an hour and ends with a walk through a low tunnel. Visitors of tall stature should watch their heads as they pass through.
This mysterious ancient city, which was built between the 6th and 4th century BC in the beautiful region of Inner Kartli, is located right on the Kura River, near the charming town of Gori. In pre-Christian times, it was an important, if not the most important, political and religious centre in Georgia and had a highly developed infrastructure.
The complex includes a variety of rooms, including living rooms, a pharmacy, pantries, sacrificial sites, escape tunnels, temples and even a theatre. The existing gutters and canals prove that the city had a functioning sewage system that kept everything very clean.
As a settlement on the Silk Road, the city experienced a flourishing trade, which made the inhabitants wealthy and rich. However, with the spread of Christianity, the city lost its importance. The Mongol invasion came as a great shock to the city, which unfortunately led to the city being left in a very poor state and burning down.
The tour of the ancient city takes about an hour and a half and also gives you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region. Please be careful during the tour as the city is geologically made of sandstone and can become slippery when it rains.
The Gelati Monastery is a true treasure of Georgian culture, architecture and history. It was built in the 12th century by the magnificent Georgian King David the Fourth to mark the beginning of the country’s Golden Age.
The picturesque monastery is located in a beautiful forest near the charming town of Kutaisi in western Georgia. It housed an impressive infrastructure, including the famous Gelati Academy. This academy was so incredibly prestigious that it was referred to as the ‘second Athos’ in its time.
The wonderful monastery was never destroyed or damaged and you can still admire everything today as it was created back then. In addition to the impressive architecture, the murals play a prominent role. They date from different centuries and show the development of the Georgian school of painting.
A very special gem is the mosaic of the Mother of God in the apse. Today, this wonderful complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited and popular attractions in the country.
When talking about the most beautiful travel tips in Georgia, Svaneti should definitely not be forgotten. Svaneti is one of Georgia’s outstanding attractions. The region inspires with its breathtaking scenic beauty and its unique, protected monuments. The famous Svan towers and medieval residential complexes are very special and unique in the world. Equally fascinating are the chapels in Svaneti, which are decorated with unique wall paintings.
A very special highlight in Svaneti is the small, enchanting village of Chiashi, which lies at an altitude of 2200 metres in the municipality of Ushguli and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The residential complexes, especially the Luschnu-Kor, as well as the towers from the 9th to 13th century, make this village a special place that you must see. In an old tower of the village there is a museum with fascinating artefacts from the past of Uschguli.
Another vibrant destination in Uschguli is the small medieval chapel of Lamaria, which stands next to a tower and forms an imposing motif with the impressive backdrop of the Schkara mountain range. From the beautiful towns of Svaneti – Mestia and Lentechi – you can reach Uschguli via the picturesque passes of Sagaro and Lasdili.
If you are travelling through Kakheti, you should definitely visit the charming little town of Sighnaghi, situated on a hill and featuring enchanting architecture. The town offers breathtaking views of the famous Alazani Plain and the majestic Great Caucasus mountain range. Strolling through the narrow streets of the town is a very special pleasure, especially at sunset, a popular motif for photographers.
A very special highlight is the impressive city wall, which was built in the late Middle Ages and protected the entire city from external threats. Sighnaghi is the only city in Georgia that has such a beautiful wall. The wall is still well preserved today and a section of it can be visited by tourists. Here you can take a short but beautiful walk and enjoy the magnificent view.
Near the town is a beautiful nunnery dedicated to Saint Nino, the enlightener of Georgia. It is definitely worth making a small detour to visit, as it is a place where you can experience a spiritual atmosphere.
Hidden from the eyes of the world in the picturesque steppes of Kakheti, stands the cave monastery of Davit Gareji, founded in the 6th century by Saint Davit, one of the 13 Assyrian monks who came to Georgia as missionaries. The monastery consists of several parts, including the cave where Davit lived, the main chapel, rock caves for living quarters, a wall and a tower.
The most impressive part of the monastery is the cave monastery on the edge of the ridge. It boasts unique wall paintings and offers breathtaking views over the steppes towards both the Georgian and Azerbaijani sides. Even the journey to the monastery is a unique experience that you will never forget.
Visitors to the monastery have the wonderful opportunity to enjoy and photograph the impressive, steppe-like landscapes. With a little luck, you might even be able to spot vultures, foxes or other birds and animals here. This route is perfect for cyclists.
Attention! We would like to point out that poisonous snakes (Macrovipera lebetinus) live in the region. Although they are rarely seen on the path and near the monastery, you should still be especially careful, especially when entering the meadows, whether to take pictures or for any other reason.
This beautiful village is located in South Georgia on a picturesque plateau at an altitude of 1400 metres. It is particularly characterised by its typical South Georgian architecture, which exudes a very special charm. Many beautiful houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, the so-called ‘Mes’churi Darabzi’ or Mes’chi Halls, are located here and continue to impress visitors to this day.
But the village is best known for the impressive ruins of an ancient castle complex dating back to the second millennium BC. This is a testament to the megalithic culture of Georgia. The well-preserved ruins give an idea of how large and magnificent the castle and the culture developed at that time must have been.
The village is now home to a beautiful monastery and an impressive medieval church. From the site, you can enjoy truly stunning views of the beautiful surrounding villages. This unique site is one of the best travel tips in Georgia and is definitely worth a visit.
These two karst caves in the picturesque Imereti region are top destinations in Georgia for anyone who wants to enjoy the real and breathtaking beauty of Georgian nature. There are several similar caves in Western Georgia, but we recommend these two.
The guided tour through the colourfully lit Prometheus Cave takes about an hour. Visitors can admire the unique beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites and experience a very special atmosphere. If the weather plays along and the water level of the underground river allows it, you can end your tour with an impressive boat ride through a natural corridor. If you wish, you can book this wonderful boat trip in addition to your tour.
The Sataplia Cave is a little smaller, but still very impressive and beautiful. The adjacent forest is particularly worth mentioning, as it invites you to take a leisurely 1- to 2-hour walk. From an observation deck, you have a breathtaking view of the beautiful city of Kutaisi and the impressive Zekari Pass.
A special highlight of the park are the dinosaur footprints, which date from the era when these impressive animals inhabited the region. The beautiful Sataplea is located near the charming city of Kutaisi. We are very pleased to report that both sites are designated as protected areas and thus enjoy a special status.
A very special highlight of the country is the so-called Georgian Army Road, which runs from Tbilisi northwards to Russia and ends in the beautiful Dariali Gorge in Stepantsminda. The military road has immense strategic importance and was often used by Georgian kings.
In the 19th century, it was used by Russia for military purposes, which explains the name it still bears today. The route crosses a unique landscape that makes it a very special and fascinating passage. The high mountains and deep gorges of the Caucasus exert a special fascination on all travellers who take this route.
Along the way, there are some wonderful sights that you should definitely see. The impressive Ananuri Castle tells of the power and history of bygone eras.
Another architectural highlight is the Jinvali Dam, an engineering masterpiece that impressively demonstrates how Georgia is leading the way in water supply. From an observation deck, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, which will inspire you with its mountains, forests and rivers.
The beautiful landscape of the Kakheti region is characterised by two very special features: the impressive steppe landscapes of David Gareji and the fertile Alazani plain, which extends at the foot of the majestic Caucasus Mountains. These are, of course, among the best places to visit in Georgia for those who love nature.
If you have a little more time and a 4×4 vehicle, you can discover even more of the beauty of the steppes by taking a few detours. The area is particularly impressive to visit from the beginning of May to the end of June, when the meadows are in bloom and numerous birds can be seen.
The route to the monastery through the steppes is a dream for cyclists. Equestrians can also take some wonderful trips here. In the steppes, there are some beautiful salt lakes that are a dream come true for photographers. Dear travellers,
We would like to point out that this region is home to venomous snakes (Macrovipera lebetinus). Although these are rarely seen on the road and near the monastery, we recommend that you take extra care, especially when entering the meadows, whether you are taking pictures or for any other reason.
The beautiful Alazani Plain covers much of the Kakheti region and stretches to the border with Azerbaijan along the majestic Greater Caucasus. The beautiful name Alazani is derived from the longest river in Kakheti, which flows through the picturesque plain. This beautiful plain can be seen particularly well from the picturesque town of Sighnaghi. The beautiful town of Telavi and the picturesque villages in the area also offer impressive views of the wide plain. Sunrise and sunset on the plain is a very special experience for all visitors. This is when the landscape, with the imposing Caucasian mountains, presents itself at its most beautiful.
Tusheti, a truly enchanting mountainous region in Eastern Georgia, attracts visitors with its unique villages in the Caucasian mountains, authentic architecture and breathtaking scenery. Even the journey to Tusheti is a wonderful, unforgettable adventure. The route begins in the beautiful village of Alvani, which is located in the Kakheti region. From there, it covers a distance of about 70 kilometres to the centre of Tusheti, Omalo.
The route passes over the impressive Abano Pass, which is at an altitude of about 3000 metres and is only accessible by a four-wheel drive vehicle. Despite the technical challenges, the drive to Tusheti is well worth experiencing the repeated beauty of the region and the Abano Pass. Many visitors travel to Georgia specifically to experience this unique adventure to Tusheti.
We recommend that you take a local taxi driver to make the journey, as the technical difficulties of the route could otherwise make it difficult to drive the route. This way, you can not only travel safely, but also discover the wonderful secrets and treasures of the region from experienced locals.
If you are looking for a very special travel experience, then the region of Javakheti in Georgia is perfect for you. Picturesque mountain lakes and breathtaking scenery await you here. The Lesser Caucasus, which encompasses the southern Georgian regions of Samtskhe and Javakheti, delights with its fascinating scenic beauty. This mysterious and beautiful region delights with numerous volcanic mountains, picturesque rivers and extensive mountain lakes on high plateaus. This unique combination is not found in other parts of Georgia.
A special highlight of this area is the Javakheti National Park, which is located near the small, charming town of Ninozminda. It is a true magnet for birdwatchers, landscape and wildlife photographers, and anyone who appreciates and enjoys magnificent nature. The three most famous lakes in the park are Madatapa, Khanchali and Karzachi. These beautiful waters have great infrastructure that birders will enjoy.
Besides the national park, there are two other beautiful lakes in the region that are a must see: Lake Paravani, which is the largest lake in the country, and Lake Saghamo. These beautiful lakes are very close to each other and are surrounded by impressive volcanic mountains. The route to these dreamlike waters leads over the Paravani Pass, which practically forms a high plateau and lies at an altitude of over 2000 metres.
The beautiful Svaneti region is home to some of the most important mountains and peaks in the Caucasus, including the impressive Ushba, Tetnuli, Lahla and Aila. These majestic peaks are best viewed in Svaneti. It is even possible to hike up to the glacier, as is the case in Uschguli in the Enguri Valley. It is definitely worth a visit and should be at the top of your list of travel tips in Georgia.
The Enguri Valley invites you to walk along a flat and wide hiking trail to the glacier of Shkhara Mountain. This impressive mountain is the highest in Georgia and the source of the Enguri, the most important river in Svaneti. The path is lined with impressive mountain meadows, babbling brooks and thundering waterfalls. Here you will meet many other hikers and riders, with whom you are likely to exchange stories about the beautiful scenery.
The glacier is about 9 km from the village. The last 2 km are a bit more strenuous, as the path runs through a river bed and is rocky. If you don’t want to cover the entire distance, you can also cover the first seven kilometres in a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Where the car journey ends, right by the river, there is a cosy café where you can enjoy a wonderful meal and relax after your journey. Here our guests can order hot or cold drinks and enjoy the impressive mountain atmosphere. It is a wonderful place to take a short break before setting out on the more demanding part of the trail. This is where nature lovers and adventurers meet to enjoy the impressive mountain atmosphere together.
The beautiful waterfall in the picturesque Becho Valley in Svaneti is one of the most impressive natural wonders in Georgia. It is an absolute eye-catcher and a highlight for all nature lovers. The water comes directly from the glacier of Ushba and thus creates a fascinating backdrop that you should definitely see. A beautiful day hike to the waterfall is possible from the picturesque villages in the valley as well as from the charming town of Mestia.
If you start the hike from Mestia, we recommend that you first drive to the valley and continue from there. The trail is rated as semi-difficult and offers an extremely pleasant hiking experience while walking along the wild Dolra River.
Along the way, some charming forest cafes invite you to take a seat and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere. One of these cafés is the Hikers Café, which is located on a bridge and even offers a small artificial lake for swimming. It’s a great place to take a refreshing break and let your mind wander. These cosy rest stops invite you to take a short break, admire the breathtaking natural surroundings and refresh yourself before reaching the impressive natural spectacle of the waterfall.
This impressive mountain, which reaches a height of 5047 metres, towers majestically over Stepantsminda/Kazbeg and captivates both amateur and professional mountaineers alike. However, it is not only mountaineers, but also photographers and visitors who want to experience the beauty of the mountain landscape who come to Stepantsminda to see and photograph this imposing summit. The beautiful Trinity Church serves as a striking foreground for the mountain.
The combination of these two sights creates a unique image that never fails to fascinate visitors. If you want to experience the mountain in all its glory, then come here during sunrise or sunset. The mountain is bathed in the most beautiful colours and the dazzling colours of the sky highlight the majestic backdrop even more intensely.
Stepantsminda is not only a destination for mountaineers, but also a place of inspiration for anyone who wants to experience the captivating beauty of nature in the Kazbegi area. It is said that Prometheus was once imprisoned in this special place.
This stunning place in Kakheti, in the far east of the country, is affectionately known as Little Africa in the Caucasus, which is very fitting. The park presents various beautiful landscapes, with the impressive, steppe-like environments standing out in particular. The diverse flora and fauna make the park a particularly attractive destination and an exciting place for nature lovers.
Among the numerous plant species in the park, the beautiful endemic plant Paeonia tenuifolia L. flowers in May. Another highlight is the hundred-year-old Pistacia mutica and Pistacia atlantica plants. The park is also a paradise for nature photographers, as it is home to several beautiful bird species such as bee-eaters, blue rollers and vultures. It is also home to animals such as bears, wolves and foxes. The population of gazelles on the Samuchi Plain is particularly interesting.
A very special highlight of the park is the Bear Canyon. This is a dry river bed where you can discover beautiful shells in the layers of earth. You can also see mud volcanoes there, which act like small geysers. The most popular activities in the park are jeep tours, horse riding and cycling.
Please be aware that the park is home to venomous snakes (Macrovipera lebetinus). Please be especially careful when you are in the park. Even if you enter the beautiful meadows, be it to take pictures or for any other reason, please be careful. Even if you are on the paths, snakes may lurk under the bushes and trees.
One of the top tourist destinations in Georgia is the Martvili Canyon. In the beautiful village of Gachedili, which belongs to the municipality of Martvili on the Mingrelia / Samegrelo side, visitors can discover this picturesque place at an altitude of 210 metres above sea level. The friendly team at the Martvili Canyon Visitor Centre will welcome you near the entrance to the canyon.
From the visitor centre, a paved footpath starts, which is 700 metres long in total and leads to the historic Dadiani Trail. There you will find two beautiful bridges, three breathtaking panoramic platforms and an impressive historic staircase with 30 steps, built of chalk stone.
Visitors have the wonderful opportunity to take a leisurely stroll or take a boat ride down the beautiful Abasha River. This ‘journey’ is a very special experience and covers about 300 metres (one way). During the trip, visitors can enjoy extremely beautiful and charming views of the river and canyon. In addition, we also offer maritime routes, although we would like to point out that the minimum height for participation is 1 metre.
We are always ready to answer your questions. Please send us a message or call us:
info@reiseziel-kaukasus.de
Tel: +995 599 – 495-595