Georgia is one of the last genuinely cheap countries in Europe's extended neighbourhood. A week-long trip including flights from Istanbul, a private room in a guesthouse, three meals a day, and multiple day trips will set you back around $200-220 total. Here's how.
Day 1–2: Tbilisi
Arrive in Tbilisi and spend two full days in the capital. The city is walkable — Old Town (Kala), the Peace Bridge, Narikala Fortress, and the sulphur baths in Abanotubani are all within 2km of each other. Budget $10–15/day here including a hostel dorm (~$10), street food meals, and the baths ($5–8).
Don't miss the Natural History Museum of Georgia (free on Sundays) and the Dry Bridge flea market on weekends for Soviet-era memorabilia.
Day 3: Mtskheta Day Trip
Take a marshrutka (shared minibus) from Didube bus station to Mtskheta — Georgia's ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fare is under $1 each way. The Jvari Monastery sits on a hill overlooking the confluence of two rivers. Spend 3–4 hours here and return for dinner.
Day 4: Gori & Stalin Museum
Another marshrutka day — Gori is 1.5 hours from Tbilisi (under $2 each way). The Stalin Museum is genuinely fascinating and costs about $5. The town is functional and there's no reason to stay overnight. Return in time for khinkali (Georgian dumplings) in Tbilisi — around $3–5 for a full meal.
Day 5–6: Kakheti Wine Region
Kakheti is Georgia's wine heartland and one of the world's oldest winemaking regions. Marshrutkas run from Tbilisi's Samgori station to Telavi ($3, 2hrs). Stay at a family guesthouse ($15–20, usually includes dinner and wine). Visit Alaverdi Monastery, Tsinandali estate, and taste amber wine directly from the qvevri (clay vessels). Two days here is ideal.
Day 7: Free Day in Tbilisi
Return to Tbilisi, hit the Fabrika creative hub for coffee ($1.50), browse the Dezerter Bazaar, and catch your flight or bus onward.
Budget Breakdown for 7 Days
- Accommodation: 4 nights hostel ($10) + 2 nights guesthouse ($15) = $70
- Food: $8/day average = $56
- Transport (internal): $20
- Activities: $25
- Miscellaneous: $15
- Total: ~$186
Flights are extra — from Istanbul or Dubai you can often find connections for $50–100 return.