“Georgia is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the world, offering magnificent landscape, fascinating architecture, unique and diverse culture and tradition”
Visiting Georgia in Eastern Europe & Western Asia is probably one of the highlights of my travel Journey in 2023 as this is my first time travelling abroad as a solo backpacker. This trip also leads me to inspire more of wandering the world.
Let’s talk about Georgia
Georgia is a tiny & mighty nation home to Caucasus Mountains and has a lot to offer from magnificent landscape to a unique & diverse culture, tradition as well as folklore. The capital city of Georgia is Tbilisi, its cobblestoned old town reflects a long, complicated history, with periods under Persian and Russian rule. You can get around Georgia with relative ease, moreover, you will experience Europe in a budget friendly but still gets the feeling of a perfect balance of convenience & a sense of adventure.
7 Days Itinerary from Saudi Arabia to Tbilisi, Georgia
Day 1: Flight from Damman to Tblisi, Georgia & check in Hotel
Day 2: Kakheti Wine Tour & Signaghi-The City of Love
Day 3: Diamond Glass & Dashbashi Canyon Excursion
Day 4: MTSKHETA Excursion Tour (Chronicles of Georgia, Sabaduri, Jvari, Svetitskhoveli)
Day 5: Day Trip to Armenia (Separate Blog)
Day 6: Guduari & Kazbegi Excursion
Day 7: Tblisi Tour (DIY), Old Town, Peace Bridge & Narikala Fortress
Day 8: Departure-Flight from Tblisi to Dammam Saudi Arabia
Day 1: Flight from Damman, Saudi Arabia to Tblisi, Georgia
For travel requirements if coming from Saudi Arabia or any GCC country like me, please see refer to below article
Requirements for Entering Georgia from Saudi Arabia or Any GCC Country
By the way my package tour includes free pick-up in the airport going to my hotel chosen, subsequently, my driver is already waiting for me in airport with my name on placard. Again I booked in Envoy Hostel just below Narikala Fortress and walking distance in the Old Town of Tbilisi.
Sim Card:
Although most of hotel accommodation has free wifi, Sim card is required for going outside during your tour and roaming around the city and especially if you want to stay connected with your friends and family. Using mobile data you can contact them as well as for emergency purposes. You also need mobile data when booking a taxi in bolt app when you are outside so you better have one sim card with load.
You can buy a sim in the Airport or you can opt to buy in the city. In my case my tour agency provided me a sim card and set it for me with extra fee almost same in airport (Hallo mobile sim-35 Gel with unlimited data for 7 days). Other sim card recommended are Magti and Beeline.
Helpful basic language you need to learn before going to Georgia
Don’t forget to learn basic Georgian language as it will help you connect with locals. They will appreciate you more and will be happy hearing you speak their own language, moreover, you will gain more holistic view of their culture.
Madloba-Thank You
Arapris (ara-pris) -You are Welcome
Ki / Ara (ki / ara) — Yes / No
Ukatsravad (u-kats-ra-vad) / Excuse Me
Nakhvamdis (na-khvam-dis) / Goodbye
Rogor khar? (ro-gor khar) / How Are You?
ra gkvia/ what is your name
beautiful day-lamazi dghe
Gemrielia (gem-ri-eli-ia) / Delicious
Gvino (gvi-no) / Wine
Ver Gavige (ver ga-vi-ge) / I Don’t Understand
Ra girs? (ra girs) / How Much is This?
Where to stay in Tbilisi, Georgia
My initial plan was to book in a regular hotel in Tbilisi, however, since I wanted to reduce my cost in travelling and would like to try something new, I decided to book in a hostel, besides most of my time will be outdoor activity so only nighttime I will be in hotel to take a rest. Fortunately I found promo in Envoy hostel with 45 SAR per night at that time. This is my first time trying this as I am scared before because of some movie film I watched about hostel (you know what I mean), but I am glad I did it since it was a nice experienced knowing other traveler around the world meeting in one place and sharing ideas. I met and spoke with some people from Saudi, Netherlands, UAE, Germany and France, they are all nice and passionate about their travel experience. In addition, local staff in Envoy Hostel are nice and very accommodating.
You can check booking.com website where I usually book for reserving your hotel accommodation.
Seasons & Months in Georgia
Spring: March to May
Summer: June to August
Autumn: September to November
Winter: December to February
Where I booked my Tours in Georgia
As a first time solo traveler abroad, first thing I did was searched for a tour agency providing trips in Georgia. Fortunately, I saw a page of Filipino Kababayan in Tbilisi Geogia who is also catering for G7 Euro Travel & Tours. After messaging them, I save their whatsapp number and started inquiring about tours they offer. I must say, all their package tours are very good, recommended, well organize and price are reasonable. You have option to join a tour which is cheaper around 40 USD or a private tour around 100 to 120 USD depends on your needs like additional tour guide or only driver. You may contact them if interested for updated prices.
In my case I booked a join tour and some private tour
Advantage of Booking solo: Time is flexible and can easily be change as weather permits. I also completed and finished my tour early so going back to Tbilisi is smooth.
Shout out by the way to all my tour guides and drivers (especially to Markaz) in all my Tours in Georgia from G7 Euro Travel, very nice people and accommodating. Appreciate you all.
For Tour Package Discount in G7 Euro Travel and Tour You can message their FB page: Kabayans and Pinoys in Tbilisi, Georgia or their whatsapp number +995579128007 Use my code when booking so to avail 3% to 20% discount depending on length of stay or number of people booking at same time.
Code: “LAN Wandered with G7 Kabayans in Georgia&Armenia
3 Steps to avail discount:
1. Mention the code above when booking.
2. Screenshot this blog where you read my article
3. Simply like their Facebook Page: Kabayans and Pinoys in Tbilisi, Georgia
Day 2: Kakheti Wine Tour & Signaghi-The City of Love
Travelling to Georgia would not be complete without trying a wine tour. Georgia is known for one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. The abundant valleys and protective slopes of Kakheti were home to grapevine cultivation and old wine production.
Bodbe Monastery
Our first stop was Bodbe Monastery. According to the legend, it is built on the burial place of Saint Nino. The site is very spiritual and has impressive views for taking beautiful pictures.
Signaghi “The City of Love”
Second stop was Sighnaghi, known as The City of Love. Walk around the area and mesmerize with the beautiful European style house and lastly discover “The Great Wall of Georgia.”
Last stop before our lunch was the modern wine storage where we experience wine tasting
Hotel & Wine Chateau Khasmi
We took our lunch in one of the grape vineyard and old wine (photo above) then drove back to Tbilisi.
Day 3: Diamond Glass & Dashbashi Canyon Excursion
Didgori Battle Memorial-Sword Mountain
One tourist attraction that take my breath away when I was in Georgia was Didgori Battle Memorial or let say Sword Mountain with stunning view up the hill. The monument itself is an absolute art unfolding Georgia’s historical event of heroic arc leading to what Georgian historians dubbed as “the miraculous victory”. The Didgori Monument commemorates the Battle of Didgori, a conflict preceded by deadly raids in the Caucasus by the Turks in the 11th century, known in Georgian historiography as the Great Turkish Invasion.
By the way, not all package tours have a side trip to this place, with few tour agency offers this bundled with Diamond Glass & Dashbashi Canyon, one of this is G7 Euro Travel & Tours.
Diamond Glass & Dashbashi Canyon
Diamond Glass Bridge is a newest attraction opened to public in 2022 situated in Tsalka Dashbashi a natural wonder offering spectacular view of the canyon landscapes. The 240-metre-long diamond bridge is part of Algeti National Park which is now open to tourists from all over the world. You also have option to do bike line here which I did, its recommended for someone who is adrenaline jungkie.
Below of Diamond Bridge is the beautiful Dashbashi waterfall hidden in the canyon which can be reached thru trekking or riding a service car. I would advise to pay for riding a service car since the road going down and returning back is really exhausting and note that it is a day tour. I notice how tiresome people going up and asking if they can book service car as well. However, if this is only your activity and you have more time and really like adventure then hiking is good.
Day 4: MTSKHETA Excursion Tour
Chronicles of Georgia
The Chronicles of Georgia is a gigantic bronze, copper and stone sculpture built on a hill in the northern part of Tbilisi with overlooking view of Tbilisi Sea, the largest reservoir and main water source in Georgia. It was designed in 1981 by Georgian Artist & sculpture Zurab Tsereteli, and started construction in 1985 but still partially incomplete. Our group came here early during our tour and was amazed by the structure design. Reaching there requires minor walking to the top.
Bear Sanctuary
The sanctuary is located in a picturesque place near the Sabaduri Forest. Bears of different ages undergo rehabilitation at the facility so they can later return to the wild.
Sabaduri Forest
Sabaduri is one of the most beautiful forest classified as an endangered area within the boundaries of Tbilisi National Park, the oldest national park in Georgia, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region.
You can never go wrong in visiting this forest either Autumn or winter season. During autumn season, this forest is colorful with yellow/orange/red leaves, while, winter season will give you a fairytail vibe.
Jvari Monastery
One of the UNESCO World heritage site you shouldn’t miss to visit in Georgia is Jvari Monastery situated in Mtskheta. The early medieval age church (VI-VII centuries) was built on the top of the hill where St. Nino erected a wooden cross in the 4th century. The church overlooks the convergence of two rivers that amazes its visitors with its stunning landscape.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Another masterpiece and a must to visit in the historic town of Mtskheta is Svetitskhoveli Cathedral known as the Cathedral of the Living Pillar, an Orthodox Christian cathedral recognize by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. This cathedral is currently the second largest church building in Georgia, after the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi.
Day 5: Day Trip to Armenia, Crossing the border from Georgia to Armenia (Separate Blog)
Travelling to the Armenia by land from Georgia is one of the best experience I have done in this trip. I was mesmerize how astonishing the view as we cross the border from Georgia. Upon droving to Armenia you would notice the difference in the landscape as you start to immerse yourself to magnificent Canyons. I visited five major tourist attraction in the Northern Armenia, this includes Hagphat Monastery a UNESCO World heritage site, Sanahin Bridge, Horomayri Cliff & Monastery, Odzun Church and lastly Mendz Er Cave. I will make a separate blog for this namely time travel to Armenia day tour.
Day 6: Guduari & Kazbegi Tour
Travelling to Caucasus Mountains Range in the Gudauri and Kazbegi is the main reason why I was convince to visit Georgia. It is the number 1 tourist attraction in my bucketlist and the main highlights of my tour in Georgia. As an adventure seeker and nature lover, searching for a magnificent landscape and off beaten path is one of my goal and surely this place never disappoint to amaze me.
Let’s see one by one the popular tourist destination we visited along the way to Gudauri & Kazbegi.
Jinvali Water Reservoir
This beautiful turquoise lake dam is located in the Mtskheta-Mtaineti region, Dusheti Municipipality, north of the small town of Zhinvali, in the middle of the Aragvi River is a sight to behold. In 1980, as Tbilisi was rapidly growing, an additional water supply was needed, hence, this dam was constructed in the Aragvi Gorge rich with glacier water making it the perfect spot with a maximum depth of 75 meters.
Aragvi River
Second stop was in Aragvi River in Georgia known for a natural phenomenon where two of its tributaries, the white Aragvi and the black Aragvi, flow side by side without mixing for a certain distance. This phenomenon is caused by the difference in the water’s temperature, speed, and density in the two rivers.
The “white” Aragvi River gets its name from the light-colored sediments and minerals it carries, giving it a milky appearance. The “black” Aragvi River, on the other hand, is darker in color due to the different types of sediments it carries.
Legend says that long ago two sisters with blonde and brunette hair fell in love with a brave knight .The Knight chose the blonde sister to marry, so the brunette-haired one jumped into the gorge, killing herself, not to interfere with sister’s happiness. However, blonde sister could not bear the weight of what happened to her so she killed herself by flinging herself from the cliffs. So, from the tears of these sisters Aragvi was born.
Ananuri Fortified Castle Ensemble
Ananuri fortified castle is located in the Aragvi River about 72 kilometers away from Tbilisi. This castle complex was a scene of numerous epic battles and once a fortress of feudal family residing in Aragvi River who ruled the area from the 13th century.
Russian Georgian Friendship Monument
Make a short stop at Soviet time “People Friendship Monument” with magnificent Mountain View point overlooking a deep gorge of Caucasus mountain range. This location is also the meeting place if you want to experience paragliding
Experience Paragliding in Caucasus Mountain-Gudauri
As an adventure seeker as myself, I did not miss this chance as I have been looking forward to fly like a bird and adore in the breathtaking views of Caucasus mountain from above. Fortunately, the weather is perfect during my time, it was a thrilling and amazing experience that I will never forget. The cost for tandem paragliding experience is 350 Georgian Gel, don’t worry you will be guided by professional pilot.
For more details of my Paragliding Experience, please refer to this link Ultimate Guide for Paragliding in Gudauri, Georgia
Gergeti Trinity Church, Stepantsminda
Gergeti Trinity Church is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Stepantsminda, Georgia also known as the Holy Trinity Church. The Church was constructed in the 14th century by an unknown architect, and is the only cross-cupola church in Khevi province. Its geographical location makes its more dramatic and magnificent as it is built on top of hill surrounded by the massive & stunning mountains of Caucasus with overlooking view of the town of Stepantsminda.
Day 7: Tblisi Tour (DIY)
On my seventh day, although day tour package are available, I opted to do it my own, yes it’s possible especially if you are staying near old town as all historical places are in this area. You can, manage to roam around this popular tourist attraction at your own pace and time.
Narikala Fortress in Tbilisi, Georgia
One of the popular tourist attraction you should never miss to visit in Tbilisi is Narikala an ancient fortress with overlooking view of Tbilisi. This fortress is accessible by walk or by cable car (4 Gel one way). In my case since I am staying in Envoy Hostel which is just below, I opted to ride in cable Car going up and then walk to my hostel going down after.
National Botanical Garden in Georgia
Just below the Narikala Fortress is the Botanical Garden of Tbilisi. It occupies an area of 161 hectares and possesses a different collection of plants and trees. Never miss to visit the famous waterfalls at end side of the garden.
Old Town of TBILISI
Indulge yourself in one of the oldest town in the world and discover its history. Old Tbilisi includes Abanotubani which still functioning as sulfur baths, churches, museums, and lastly Sharden Street, where popular restaurants, open-air cafes, nightclubs, galleries are located. Another main charm of old Tbilisi is the architecture – old street vendors, cobblestone houses, wooden carved houses, and balconies. Metekhi Church
The Bridge of Piece in Tbilisi, Georgia
Close to the old town is the Bridge of Peace a modern pedestrian bridge made of steel and glass stretches 150 meters crossing Kura river and linking to Rike Park. At night this bridge is illuminated with numerous LED lights making it alive and outstanding.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Also known as Sameba is the largest functional church of Georgia and the third biggest Orthodox cathedral in the world. The cathedral is visible in every corner of Tbilisi, situated on the left bank of River Mtkvari, on Ellia Hill, in historic district of Avlabari.
The Leaning Tower of Tbilisi, Georgia-Clock Tower
Built in the side street of old town of Tbilisi is strange tower leaning and a steel beam holding in place with a huge clock sits in the middle.
Day 8: Departure-Flight from Tblisi to Dammam Saudi Arabia
After an amazing days of travelling Georgia, it’s time to return back to my working place. I am looking forward for another visit next time in winter season.
Cost in Travelling to Georgia for 7 Days
| My actual travel cost in Georgia from Saudi | |
| Description | Amount (SAR) |
| Tour Package + Sim Card | 1698 |
| Ticket plus travel insurance (Air Arabia) | 1900 |
| exit-reentry visa | 200 |
| Accommodation (Hostel & Hotel) | 315 |
| Food | 500 |
| Bike line in Dashbashi Canyon | 166 |
| Paragliding (Optional, if you like to try extreme activity | 485 |
| Wine Tasting | 48 |
| WD Vehicle going to Gergeti Church in Kazbegi (for solo traveler) | 138 |
| Total | 5450 |
Tour package price includes 1 Day Armenia Trip, just subtract 180 USD in case Georgia only.
So, have you been to Georgia? Please share your thoughts, I would like to know your experience.
GEORGIA TRAVEL VIDEO
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