Georgia Uncovered: Tbilisi, Gudauri & Kutaisi

Arrive in Tbilisi and settle into your hotel. The capital's historic core is highly walkable, making a late afternoon stroll through the nearby streets the best way to shake off travel fatigue before dinner.

Begin with a walking tour starting at Freedom Square and heading down Rustaveli Avenue. Wind through the historic core to the brick domes of the Abanotubani sulfur bath district and the Metekhi Temple. While the Narikala Fortress undergoes renovations, the route shifts toward the 19th-century Caravanserai, a restored roadside inn built on 15th-century foundations that once housed merchant caravans. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's steep, cobblestone side streets independently.

Head north from Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Highway toward Stepantsminda. Here, switch to a four-wheel-drive vehicle to climb the steep, rugged track to Gergeti Trinity Church, perched at the foot of Mount Kazbek. After taking in the high-altitude views, head back down to meet a local family for a hands-on lesson in folding khinkali—spiced meat dumplings native to these mountains—which serves as lunch. Continue overland to the ski outpost of Gudauri, stopping briefly at the Soviet-era Friendship Monument to look out over the Devil's Valley gorge.

Ride south from the mountains to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. You can visit the complex Soviet-era State Stalin Museum or hike up to the medieval Gori Fortress for views across the valley. From there, travel to Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town dating back to the late Bronze Age. Explore the caves, pagan temples, and Christian stone basilicas carved directly into the sandstone cliffs. End the day's journey in Kutaisi, Georgia's historic second city, with a short orientation walk through the central streets to locate the main plazas and markets.

Travel to Martvili Canyon, where the Abasha River has carved a deep, limestone gorge. Board a small inflatable boat for a short paddle through the canyon's sheer rock walls and waterfalls, then follow a stone walking trail to the village of Inchkhuri. Return to Kutaisi for a free afternoon. Use the downtime to climb the hill to the 11th-century Bagrati Cathedral, a green-domed landmark offering panoramic views over the Rioni River and the city below.

Drive east to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of the early Georgian kingdom. Visit the UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an 11th-century masterpiece of ecclesiastical architecture. Afterward, head to Terragarden, a quiet courtyard restaurant in the heart of Mtskheta, for a regional cooking class and wine tasting hosted by the owners. Finish the loop back to Tbilisi in the afternoon, leaving time for a final walk through the capital's old quarters before the trip concludes.

Pack your bags and depart Tbilisi at any time. Taxis to Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport are easy to arrange locally, or you can extend your stay to explore more of the Caucasus.