A Cultural & Culinary Explorer's 5-Day Journey Through Georgia

Start your morning at this unique spot where baristas hand-draw a personalized portrait sketch onto your takeaway coffee cup while preparing your specialty brew.

Cross this striking pedestrian bridge constructed of undulating steel and glass over the Kura River, connecting the historic old town with Rike Park. It offers fantastic perspectives both during the day and lit up at night.

Visit the delightfully leaning clock tower attached to the Gabriadze Marionette Puppet Theatre. Time your visit for the top of the hour to catch the mechanical angel striking the bell and the brief animated life-cycle puppet show.

Walk through the gorge below the Narikala fortress cliffs right in the middle of Old Tbilisi to reach this secluded natural waterfall, a surprisingly green escape hidden just behind the bathhouses.

Stop into a local tavern to enjoy steaming hot traditional khinkali (Georgian soup dumplings) filled with seasoned minced meat and herbs. Remember to eat them with your hands by biting a small hole first to drink the flavorful broth.

Book a private thermal room at this historic domed bathhouse in Abanotubani. Soak in naturally hot mineral waters and opt for the traditional 'kisa' exfoliating body scrub and bubbly wash.

Known as the Georgian Stonehenge, this colossal monument on the hills overlooking the Tbilisi Sea features massive 30-meter stone pillars intricately sculpted with scenes of Georgian history, kings, queens, and the life of Christ.

Meet your local guide and tour van in central Tbilisi for the scenic journey north into the Greater Caucasus range.

First scenic photo stop along the Aragvi River where vivid turquoise waters fill the mountain valley.

Explore this 13th-century stone fortress complex and church sitting above the water, once home to the feudal Dukes of Aragvi.

Admire the sweeping mountain amphitheater and vibrant Soviet-era mosaic monument perched high on the cliffside near the ski resort of Gudauri.

Perched at 2,170 meters elevation beneath Mount Kazbek, this iconic 14th-century church is one of the most breathtaking landmarks in the Caucasus. Remember that head coverings for women and respectful attire are required inside.

Stop for a hearty mountain feast in Pasanauri, the reputed birthplace of khinkali, to warm up with homemade savory stews and fresh khachapuri.

Begin your Kakheti excursion with traditional hot shoti bread baked against the walls of a tone clay oven and sample signature regional vintages.

Visit the peaceful convent and pilgrimage site surrounded by cypress trees where Saint Nino, the 4th-century female evangelist who brought Christianity to Georgia, is buried.

Stroll the pastel-colored Italianate streets of Sighnaghi, celebrated as the 'City of Love', and climb the preserved defensive watchtowers along the longest fortified fortress wall in Georgia overlooking the Alazani Valley.

Experience an authentic supra (Georgian family-style banquet) with abundant homemade dishes, fiery chacha pomace brandy, and qvevri-aged amber wines hosted by local vintners.

Begin with a stylish lunch tasting freshly boiled and fried khinkali, comforting tatariakhni beef broth, and cheese-stuffed boat-shaped Adjaruli khachapuri with butter and egg yolk.

Try the uniquely Georgian dessert novelty: artisan soft-serve and gelato infused with Saperavi red wine or white Kindzmarauli wine.

Explore this beautifully restored multi-level culinary market hall. Sample a colorful pkhali platter (spinach and walnut spreads), cornbread mchadi, chikhirtma chicken soup, nigvziani badrijani (eggplant walnut rolls), and crisp pear lemonade.

A popular meat-focused casual spot in the city center serving tender roasted pork ribs paired with freshly baked Georgian puri bread.

Conclude your Georgia journey with dinner at this revered Georgian bistro. Taste lobiani (bean pie), ghomi da kharcho (cornmeal polenta with rich beef stew and sulguni cheese), and sizzling skillet ojakhuri (roast pork and potatoes).