To learn more about the history and culture of Georgia, go on an excursion. Where to go and how much do excursions in Georgia cost - we will tell you in this article.
Georgia is a fascinating country that wonderfully combines modernity and antiquity. You can find tourist attractions almost everywhere — both in cities and beyond. At the same time, don’t forget that it’s also great for a beach holiday. So, in any case, a person who visits for at least a week will be able to combine pleasure with benefit: sunbathe, breathe the clean sea breeze, and gain many impressions from exploring Georgian architecture and lifestyle. Before reviewing the best places for excursions, it’s worth noting that the best time to visit Georgia is in spring or autumn when the weather is milder.
How to organize an excursion
You can explore local attractions in Georgia either independently or with a group. Let’s take a closer look at each option.
With taxi Drivers
This option is considered not the best in terms of service and the ability to obtain comprehensive information about tourist attractions. Most of these taxi drivers started their career in the 1990s and have not been able to adapt to the new demands of modern tourists. Their cars are usually heavily smoked, and they are not shy about promoting a particular restaurant that they believe you must visit.
They see all tourists as money bags and try to extract as much money as possible from passengers. It's not recommended to look for taxi drivers directly at tourist spots, such as the Batumi promenade or Maidan Square in Tbilisi. These drivers typically function as regular taxi drivers and are unlikely to position themselves as knowledgeable guides.
There have been cases where they take people to museums or other attractions that are closed, claiming that they were unaware of the closure or operating hours. Moreover, the cost of their services is usually 30-40% higher compared to the methods mentioned below.
Group tours
There are numerous companies in Georgia that organize group tours. These tours typically involve 30 to 50 people, which is quite a large number. However, not all tour companies ensure a high level of service. Limited time is allocated for visiting tourist attractions, so it's rare to obtain comprehensive information and see the maximum number of interesting sights.
The offerings from various tour organizers are mostly similar, with the only difference being the cost. It's important to note that a higher price does not necessarily guarantee better quality. Therefore, relying on personal luck and the integrity of the organizers is crucial in this case.
Private tours
Traveling with a professional guide is the most convenient and informative way to explore Georgia. In this case, all the time allocated for the tour will be dedicated solely to you, and only you will decide where to stay longer and what can be skipped.
Choosing a true professional is very important. In Georgia, many claim to be guides after just a few trips along popular tourist routes. In reality, there are few real professionals in this country, and most of them are constantly busy during the high season. So, if someone approaches you on the street offering guide services – this is not a specialist. A real guide can be found:
through recommendations – from friends and acquaintances who have already used their services;
on specialized websites – where you can learn everything in advance.
Some novice travelers try to find a guide through social networks. This is very easy to do – you just need to join a group about Georgia. However, this method does not always lead to a good result, as there is a risk of encountering an amateur.
Where to buy guided tours
Purchasing guided tours typically follows one of the three most common schemes:
Local Taxi Drivers
This is the least desirable option, as mentioned before. A taxi driver will never be a good guide, and the price for their services will be exorbitant.
Street Agencies
Representatives of questionable agencies often don't bother providing good service and offer poor levels of service at inflated prices. Since they don't need to maintain a good reputation, negative reviews about them don't bother them.
Private Guides
Individuals working for themselves always value their reputation, making this option the most favorable for most visitors. These private guides are more responsible and professional. In the competitive environment, only the best survive, while the rest are filtered out.
Top tours in Georgia
The most popular trips in this sunny country are to Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi. However, besides the cities themselves, there are plenty of other interesting places to explore on a private excursion or a group tour. Our goal is to provide a detailed guide on what you can see and how much it will cost.
On average, group tours in Georgia cost from 10 to 50 EUR per person. The price depends on the type of tour, guide experience, and transportation costs. It’s recommended to start with sightseeing tours in Tbilisi and then continue with the routes listed below.
Trip to Kakheti (private tour)
This wine-region trip covers around 350 km, so it’s better not to recommend it for children or elderly travelers.
Cost — approximately 170–180 EUR for a group of up to 6 people.
Duration — from 12 to 15 hours.
Departure time — between 8:00 and 8:30.
Meeting point — in Tbilisi, as agreed with the guide.
The tour program includes:
Ujarma Fortress — built in the 4th century AD, partially preserved; entrance — 5 GEL;
Telavi — the old capital of Kakheti, perfect for strolling along its narrow streets;
Ikalto Monastery with the legendary Academy, where Shota Rustaveli studied;
Chavchavadze Estate in Tsinandali; entrance — 7 GEL.
Optionally, the tour can include a visit to a wine factory, where you’ll get a free tour, and wine tasting will cost 10 GEL per person.
Excursion to Mtskheta, Gori, and Uplistsikhe (individual)
This excursion will introduce you to the ancient capital of Georgia and give you the opportunity to visit an ancient pagan city. Children can be taken along on this trip.
Tour price – about 130–140 EUR for a group of 1 to 4 participants.
Duration – 7 hours.
Departure and meeting point – by agreement with the guide.
The trip will not be very tiring but will be quite lengthy, so you might get hungry. Lunch is not included in the tour price, so you should bring some money — approximately 20–30 GEL to have a snack on the way.
The excursion program includes:
Mtskheta – the cradle of Georgian Orthodoxy and the old capital of Georgia;
Jvari – an active Church of the Holy Cross located on a hilltop, offering a great panorama of Mtskheta;
Gori – a city with the Stalin Museum, attracting tourists from all over the world;
the rock-hewn city of Uplistsikhe, built before our era, where you can see how noble people lived at that time.
We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the trip as there will be many uphill and downhill walks.
Excursion to Vardzia and Borjomi (private)
You’ll have the opportunity to visit the region where the famous healing water originates, and see a unique cave city.
Tour cost – 190–200 EUR for a group of 1 to 6 participants.
Travel time – approximately 10 hours.
Start time – between 08:00 and 14:00.
Departure – from Batumi.
The tour program includes:
Borjomi – a walk through a picturesque park, tasting mineral water directly from the spring, and visiting the old Borjomi bottling plant (entrance – only 5 GEL);
Vardzia – an ancient cave city that offers a glimpse into the life of its XII-century inhabitants;
Paravani Lake or Rabati Fortress – visiting one of these attractions should be arranged with the guide in advance during the planning of your trip.
The road to Vardzia is not in the best condition, and there are many sharp hairpin turns along the way. So, if you tend to get carsick – make sure to bring a trusted remedy.
Kazbegi tour (group)
This journey to Kazbegi is one of the most breathtaking, following the Georgian Military Road. As tourists will travel around 340 km, it is not recommended to take small children along.
Tour price – 45–50 EUR per person.
Duration – approximately 9 hours.
Start time – at 09:30.
Meeting point – by agreement with the guide.
The Georgian Military Road is a link between Europe and Asia. During the trip, you will witness otherworldly views and stunning panoramas of the mountains and sky. As the road is not always open, the trip should be arranged with the guide in advance.
During the journey, you will see:
Zhinvali Reservoir – a mountain lake with beautiful surroundings and an unusual turquoise water color;
Ananuri Fortress – learn ancient legends, walk through the fortress, and take photos from the observation platform;
Pasanauri – a unique place where black and white rivers meet; here you’ll enjoy the world’s most delicious khinkali;
Friendship Arch – located in Gudauri, offering the best angles for your panoramic shots;
Narzan Spring – its mineral waters will refresh tired travelers;
Heavenly Church in Kazbegi – ride jeeps to the Holy Trinity Church at the foot of an extinct volcano. The ride costs only 15 GEL.
The tour price usually includes transfer and a 500 ml bottle of water. Lunch (around 30 GEL) is paid separately by the tourist.
Georgia is the perfect destination for full immersion into unspoiled nature and culture. Savor every moment this incredible country offers you.
