Beyond the Capital: 3 Best Day Trips from Tbilisi You Can’t Miss

While the cobblestone streets of Sololaki and the sulfur baths of Abanotubani could keep you busy for weeks, the real magic of Georgia often lies just a few hours outside the city limits. If you’ve been following my Tbilisi Travel Guide, you know I love the city’s energy, but even I need a mountain breeze or an ancient ruin every once in a while.

In this guide, we’re heading out on the most iconic routes: the spiritual heart of Mtskheta, the “Cave City” of Uplistsikhe, to the Kazbegi mountains – one of the best day trips from Tbilisi and for the end we’ll have some relaxing wine time on a Kakheti Wine Tour.

Why I Recommend a Guided Mtskheta & Uplistsikhe Day Trip

For these specific locations, I highly recommend booking a guided excursion. We went with a local agency through GetYourGuide, and our guide, Konstantin, was walking encyclopedia. Without a local expert, you’re just looking at rocks and old stones; with a guide, those stones start to tell stories about kings, silk roads, and empires.

Traveler Tip: Look for tours led by locals. They don’t just give you dates; they give you the “soul” of Georgia. You can book the exact tour I took here: Mtskheta, Jvari, Gori & Uplistsikhe Day Trip.

Stop 1: Mtskheta – Where Georgia’s Story Begins

Our first stop was the UNESCO World Heritage city of Mtskheta. But before entering the town, we wound our way up the hill to the Jvari Monastery.

Jvari Monastery: The View of Two Rivers

Standing at Jvari is a rite of passage. This 6th-century church is perched on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. You can clearly see the two different colors of the water merging below.

• Why it matters: This is where St. Nino, the female evangelist who brought Christianity to Georgia, erected a large wooden cross on the site of a pagan temple. The architecture of the church itself is a masterpiece of the “Early Medieval” period and has influenced church building across the entire Caucasus.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral: A Piece of History

Back down in the center of Mtskheta, we visited Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. This is the spiritual heart of the country.

• The Legend: It is said that a piece of Jesus’s robe is buried beneath the cathedral, brought here by a local Jew named Elias.
• The Royal Crypt: As you walk across the ancient stone floors, look down. You are walking over the burial sites of Georgia’s greatest kings, including Erekle II and Vakhtang Gorgasali (the founder of Tbilisi).

We took a short, pleasant walk through the renovated center of Mtskheta—perfect for photos—before hopping back in the bus for a journey further back in time.

Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers

Jvary Monastery

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Stop 2: Uplistsikhe – The Ancient City in the Rocks

About an hour’s drive away lies Uplistsikhe, one of the oldest urban settlements in the Caucasus.

The Museum Introduction

Before climbing the rocks, Konstantin took us to the small on-site museum (tickets are around 5 EUR).

• What’s inside: Don’t skip this! It houses incredible gold and bronze jewelry, ceramics, and tools found during excavations. It gives you the “human” context of who lived in these caves before you see the ruins themselves.

Exploring the Cave City

Walking through Uplistsikhe is like stepping onto a different planet. Carved into the sandstone, you’ll find ancient pharmacies, bakeries, and even a theater.

• The History: This city survived for centuries as a major point on the Silk Road until a massive earthquake and the Mongol invasions eventually led to its abandonment.
• Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes! The rocks can be slippery and uneven. There is a secret tunnel used for escapes and water supply that you can still walk through today—it’s a highlight of the climb.

Stop 3: Gori & the Stalin Museum

After a quick lunch break (which, to be honest, left a bit to be desired in terms of price and flavor—I’d recommend packing a few snacks just in case!), we headed into Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin.

The Stalin Museum: A Time Capsule

The visit to the Stalin Museum is optional but most travelers choose to see it. Entry is approximately 5 EUR for a guided tour.

• The Exhibition: It is a massive, solemn building containing thousands of personal items, photos and even his original childhood home (encased in a temple-like structure) and his private armored train carriage.
• The Experience: We took the English tour. While the artifacts are fascinating, the tour itself was a bit “by the numbers” – our museum guide mostly pointed at photos identifying relatives. However, the history is so rich that I still recommend going; you might have better luck with a more storytelling-oriented guide on your visit!

Behind the Scenes: The Pros and Cons of Group Tours

I always want to give you the “Road Sips” honest truth. No tour is perfect, and here is what you should know before you book:

The Logistics

• The “Late” Factor: Our tour started over an hour late because we had to wait for two people who didn’t show up on time. While I understand a 10-minute grace period, waiting an hour was a bit frustrating for the rest of us who were punctual.
• The Language Mix: In Georgia, it’s common for tours to be “bilingual.” We spent the day listening to the guide repeat everything in English and then Russian. It can be a bit draining on your energy (and the guide’s!), so keep this in mind if you prefer a single-language experience.

The Verdict

Despite the minor logistical hiccups, I would still do this tour again in a heartbeat. Our guide, Konstantin, was a star. Without his deep knowledge of Georgian traditions and history, we would have missed 90% of the significance of what we were seeing.

Ready to see the “Cave City” for yourself? Check the latest prices and availability for the Mtskheta & Uplistsikhe tour.

Planning to head West? Don’t miss my Ultimate Kutaisi Travel Guide. It’s packed with everything you need to know about Georgia’s ancient capital, from the best Imeretian khachapuri to hidden Soviet mosaics.

The Road to the Clouds: A Kazbegi Day Trip (Even While Pregnant!)

If you’ve seen a single postcard of Georgia, it was likely of the Gergeti Trinity Church perched against the backdrop of the mighty Mount Kazbek. It’s the “holy grail” for travellers in the Caucasus. I was the most excited and I really had big expectations from this day trip.

But as I was planning my trip, I kept seeing the same warning: “Not suitable for pregnant women.” Being five months pregnant at the time, this definitely gave me pause. Was the road too bumpy? Was the altitude a problem? After consulting my doctor and weighing the pros and cons, I decided to go for it.

Here is my honest breakdown of the 12-hour journey from Tbilisi to the mountains, the “tourist traps” to avoid, and my verdict on whether you should drive yourself.

The Journey Up the Georgian Military Highway

Our guide for the day was Giorgi, a fantastic and highly educated local who made the long drive feel much shorter with his stories. We traveled in February, so while the landscape was a winter wonderland, the main roads were luckily kept very clear.

Stop 1: Zhinvali Reservoir & Ananuri Fortress

• Zhinvali Reservoir: This is a quick 20-minute photo op. It’s a beautiful turquoise lake (even in winter), but it’s definitely a “tourist stop.” You’ll find some decorations where you can pay 5 GEL for professional photos, but your own phone will do just fine!
• Ananuri Fortress: This 17th-century castle complex is a must-see. We had about an hour to explore the church and the towers. Pro Tip: There is a small flea market right next to it, but I’d suggest skipping the shopping here—save your time for the history!

The “Mid-Day Slump”: Lunch & Honey Tasting

After Ananuri, we stopped for lunch at 11:30 AM. Like many organized tours, the food was “just okay” and a bit overpriced for what you get. We also had a wine degustation where locals shared the history of Georgian viticulture.

Further up near Gudauri, we had a 30-minute stop for honey tasting. While the honey is delicious, these frequent stops can feel like a bit of a time-sink when you’re dying to see the mountains.

The Main Event: Gergeti Trinity Church

When you finally reach Stepantsminda, the big tour buses stop. Because of the steep, snowy terrain, the group splits into special 4×4 Delica cars with local mountain drivers.

• The Ride: It’s a 10-minute, thrilling dash up the mountain.
• he Church: Standing at 2,170 meters, the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church is truly special. It’s the only cross-cupola church in this part of the country, and seeing it surrounded by snow was breathtaking.
• The Reality Check: We only had 30 minutes at the top. To be honest, for a 12-hour day trip, 30 minutes at the actual destination feels very short. The snow made walking slow, so we really had to hustle to soak it all in.

The Friendship Monument & More Wine

On the way back, we stopped at the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument near Gudauri. The weather turned quite quickly—a full-blown snowstorm!—so we only caught a 10-minute glimpse of the colorful mosaics before heading back.

And because you can never have enough wine in Georgia, there was one more degustation stop on the way back to Tbilisi! Fun Fact: The public toilets at this stop had heating and hot water—a luxury I was very impressed by after a day in the cold!

The Big Question: Can You Do This While Pregnant?

I did this trip in my 5th month of pregnancy, and I felt perfectly fine! No motion sickness, no dizziness and the 4×4 ride wasn’t as scary as the warnings made it sound.

However, everyone is different. Here are my tips if you’re traveling with a bump:

1. Consult your doctor first: Always get the green light, especially regarding the altitude changes.
2. Mind the altitude: You’re going from 700m in Tbilisi to over 2,100m. Take it slow.
3. Winter walking: If you go in February like I did, the ground near the church is very slippery. Wear boots with great grip!

How Should You Visit Kazbegi? (My Honest Recommendations)

1. The “Freedom” Option: Rent a Car

If you are a confident driver, rent a car. The Military Highway is crowded with trucks, but the road quality is actually quite good. Driving yourself allows you to skip the honey tastings and spend 2 hours at the church instead of 30 minutes.

Book Local: I recommend using LocalRent. They have great AWD vehicles that are perfect for the mountains.

2. The “Convenience” Option: Private Driver

If you don’t want to drive but hate the “big bus” schedule, hire a private driver for the day. It’s more expensive, but it’s faster and much more flexible.

3. The “Social” Option: Organized Tour

If you’re a solo traveler or on a budget, an organized tour is great for meeting people. Just be prepared for a few “salesy” stops along the way. Check availability for the Kazbegi day trip here.

The Ultimate Toast: A Day Trip to Kakheti, Georgia’s Wine Heart

If you only have time for one excursion from the capital, many will tell you it has to be Kakheti. This is the birthplace of wine, where the tradition of Qvevri (burying giant clay jars underground) has been alive for over 8,000 years.

Unlike the mountain roads of Kazbegi, this trip is less about “surviving the drive” and more about slowing down, eating incredible cheese, and—of course—tasting some of the best wine in the world. Here is the play-by-play of the most popular wine route.

Stop 1: Badiauri – The Breakfast of Champions

Guide for the day was Aleksandre and I hope you will have a chance to go with him. The day starts in the village of Badiauri. This isn’t just a rest stop; it’s a sensory experience. You will spend here around 20-30 minutes.

• The Highlight: Watching the local women bake Shoti bread in deep clay ovens called Tone.
• The Taste: You’ll get to try the bread while it’s still steaming hot, paired with salty, homemade Georgian cheese. It’s the perfect base for the wine that’s coming later!

Stop 2: Mzisguli – The Warm-Up

Next is Mzisguli for your first official degustation. This is usually a smaller, cozy wine house where you get a guided introduction to the local grapes. You’ll likely try a few varieties (like Rkatsiteli or Saperavi) along with more cheese and maybe some Churchkhela (the “Georgian Snickers” made of grape juice and nuts).

Stop 3: Bodbe Monastery – A Moment of Peace

Before the heavy drinking starts, the tour takes a spiritual turn at Bodbe Monastery.

• The Story: This is the final resting place of Saint Nino, the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century.
• The View: The gardens here are meticulously kept by the nuns, and the view over the Alazani Valley is one of the best in the country. If you have the energy, you can walk down the 600+ steps to the “Healing Spring,” but most people prefer to just soak in the silence of the cathedral.

Stop 4: Sighnaghi – The “City of Love” (1 hour)

This is the most romantic town in Georgia. With its red-tiled roofs and Italian-style architecture, it feels more like Tuscany than the Caucasus.

• Fun Fact: Yes, the rumors are true! Sighnaghi is known as the “City of Love” because the Marriage House in the center is open 24/7. You can literally walk in with your passport and get married at 3:00 AM!
• The Great Wall: Don’t miss the chance to walk a section of the 18th-century defensive wall. It has 28 towers, and the panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains in the distance are breathtaking.

Stop 5: Telavi – The Capital of Kakheti

The final major stop is Telavi, the historic capital of the region. This is where the “heavy lifting” happens:

• The Feast: Most tours stop here for a traditional Georgian lunch.
• The Giant Plane Tree: You’ll see a 900-year-old tree in the center of town that is so big it takes about 10 people holding hands to circle it!
• More Wine: You’ll visit a larger winery (like KTW or a local family cellar) for a more technical tasting. This is your chance to stock up on bottles to take home—the prices at the source are unbeatable.

Road Sips Verdict: To Tour or Not to Tour?

For Kazbegi, I mentioned that renting a car is a great option. For Kakheti, I disagree. Unless you have a designated driver who is willing to stay 100% sober while everyone else is enjoying the “Liquid Gold” of Georgia, an organized tour is the only way to go. Georgian hospitality is famous, and by the time you reach the third winery, you’ll be very glad you have a professional driver and a guide like Georgi or Konstantin to get you back to Tbilisi safely.

Traveler Tip: This trip usually lasts 10–12 hours. It’s a long day, but between the cheese in Badiauri and the 24/7 wedding chapel in Sighnaghi, it’s a day you’ll never forget.

Ready to toast in the Alazani Valley? Book the top-rated Kakheti Wine Tour.

Which Tbilisi Day Trip Should You Choose?

Choosing between the mountains, the wine, and the history is the hardest part of planning a trip to Georgia. If you only have one day, the Kazbegi Day Trip is the most visually stunning. If you want a relaxed, social atmosphere, the Kakheti Wine Tour is unbeatable. And for those who love deep historical roots without a long drive, the Mtskheta day trip is a perfect choice.

Whichever you choose, these Day trips from Tbilisi will show you that the “Soul of Georgia” isn’t just in its cities, but in the ancient stones and high peaks that have stood the test of time.

Don’t forget to book your spot in advance, especially during the peak 2026 season! Using the links in this guide helps me keep “Road Sips” running and bringing you more honest travel advice.

See you in the next article.