Day Itineraries in Tbilisi

Day 1: Old Tbilisi Highlights

Morning (9am-12pm):

• Start at Freedom Square, walk down Shavteli Street to Gabriadze Clock Tower (catch hourly show)
• Explore Old Tbilisi winding streets, wooden balconies, hidden courtyards
• Visit Anchiskhati Basilica (oldest church) and nearby Shardeni Street
• Coffee break at atmospheric Old Town cafe

Midday (12pm-2pm):

• Lunch at traditional restaurant (khinkali and khachapuri essential)
• Walk through Meidan Square area to sulfur baths district

Afternoon (2pm-6pm):

• Take cable car from Rike Park to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views
• Explore fortress ruins and Mother Georgia statue
• Descend through Botanical Garden (beautiful alternative to cable car down)
• Visit Abanotubani sulfur baths - book private room for authentic experience (2 hours)

Evening (6pm onwards):

• Stroll across Bridge of Peace at sunset
• Walk along Mtkvari River embankment to Metekhi Church for photos
• Dinner at Shardeni Street restaurant with outdoor seating
• Return to Bridge of Peace for evening light show

Day 2: Culture & Museums

Morning (10am-1pm):

• Visit Georgian National Museum - focus on Gold Treasury and archaeological exhibits
• Explore Museum of Soviet Occupation (same building complex)
• Walk along Rustaveli Avenue, admiring architecture

Afternoon (1pm-5pm):

• Lunch at restaurant near Rustaveli
• Visit Rustaveli Theatre or Opera House (exterior and lobby)
• Explore Dry Bridge Flea Market for Soviet souvenirs and antiques (best on weekends)
• Coffee at Fabrika creative hub, explore artist studios and street art

Evening (5pm onwards):

• Take funicular to Mtatsminda Park for sunset views
• Dinner at panoramic restaurant atop the hill
• Optional: Attend Georgian folk dance performance at theater (book in advance)

Day 3: Mtskheta & Wine Day

Morning (9am-12pm):

• Travel to Mtskheta (20km, 30 minutes by marshrutka or taxi)
• Visit Jvari Monastery on hilltop - spectacular views of river confluence
• Explore Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta town center
• Walk through old town, visit craft shops

Afternoon (12pm-6pm):

• Return to Tbilisi, lunch break
• Afternoon wine tasting experience at wine bar (G.Vino, Vino Underground, or Wine Underground)
• Learn about Georgian wine traditions, qvevri method, and grape varieties
• Alternative: Join organized half-day tour to Kakheti wine region if time permits

Evening:

• Leisurely dinner at wine-focused restaurant
• Evening stroll through Vera district's elegant streets

Day 4: Modern Tbilisi & Cooking

Morning (9am-12pm):

• Visit Dezerter Bazaar - explore spices, produce, churchkhela
• Metro to Avlabari station for Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
• Explore cathedral complex and grounds with city views

Afternoon (12pm-5pm):

• Join Georgian cooking class (book in advance)
• Learn to make khachapuri, khinkali, and traditional dishes
• Enjoy lunch of your prepared meal with wine

Evening (5pm onwards):

• Visit Rike Park and futuristic architecture
• Walk to nearby Metekhi Church area for golden hour photos
• Dinner at modern Georgian restaurant showcasing contemporary interpretations
• Optional: Experience Tbilisi's nightlife in Fabrika or Bassiani club

Day 5: Nature & Relaxation

Morning (9am-1pm):

• Taxi to Open Air Museum of Ethnography near Turtle Lake
• Explore traditional Georgian architecture from different regions (2-3 hours)
• Walk to Turtle Lake for lakeside relaxation

Afternoon (1pm-5pm):

• Picnic lunch at Turtle Lake or restaurant meal
• Optional activities: paddle boat rental, hiking trails, or simply relaxing by water
• Return to city via cable car for aerial views

Evening (5pm onwards):

• Final sulfur bath experience if not done earlier
• Farewell dinner at best restaurant (Shavi Lomi, Barbarestan, or Café Gabriadze)
• Last evening walk through illuminated Old Tbilisi
• Souvenir shopping on Shardeni Street