Georgia · What it costs, in plain terms
Georgia: Alps-style scenery at a fraction of the price
Georgia offers high-mountain scenery comparable to the Alps at a fraction of Swiss prices. The Greater Caucasus has peaks above five thousand metres, medieval stone-tower villages in Svaneti, a hilltop church beneath Mount Kazbek, an old town in Tbilisi with thermal baths, and wine country in Kakheti. Rooms, meals and local transport cost noticeably less than in Western Europe.
Where the money goes
- 1
The Caucasus peaks
The Greater Caucasus runs along Georgia's northern border and includes peaks higher than anything in the Alps: Kazbek is just over five thousand metres, and Shkhara, Georgia's highest, is higher still. You do not need to climb to enjoy them. Most visitors drive or take a minibus to the mountain towns of Kazbegi and Mestia and hike day trails. Lodging in guesthouses with meals included is one of the main ways the trip stays cheap compared with Switzerland or Austria. Go from June to September for open trails, and expect snow outside that window.
- 2
Gergeti church under Kazbek
Gergeti Trinity Church is a small stone church on a ridge above the town of Stepantsminda, with Mount Kazbek rising behind it. It is the most photographed view in Georgia. The road from Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Road takes about three hours, and the church is reached by a steep walk of an hour or two, or by a 4x4 taxi. Go early for clear skies, since clouds often cover Kazbek by midday. Wear sturdy shoes, bring layers, and expect wind. Women are expected to cover their heads inside, and shoulders and knees should be covered.
- 3
Medieval Svaneti towers
Upper Svaneti, in the far north-west, is a UNESCO World Heritage region of stone villages with tall defensive towers, many of which date back roughly a thousand years. Families used them for protection during feuds and attacks. Mestia is the main base, with guesthouses and a museum, and Ushguli, among the highest villages in Europe, sits at the foot of the mountains. The roads are long and winding, so plan to stay at least two nights. Hike to a glacier viewpoint, and try kubdari, the local meat pie, and Svan salt.
- 4
Tbilisi's old town
Tbilisi, the capital, has an old town of carved wooden balconies, steep lanes, a fortress on the hill and sulfur bathhouses in the Abanotubani district, where hot spring water has been used for centuries. Private bath rooms are the family-friendly choice. Eating is part of the draw: khinkali dumplings, khachapuri cheese bread and grilled meats, and meals cost much less than in Western European capitals. Walk the old town in the evening, ride the cable car to the fortress, and base yourself in a guesthouse in the centre.
- 5
Wine country in Kakheti
Kakheti, in the east, is Georgia's main wine region, and archaeologists have found evidence of winemaking here dating back around eight thousand years. Many producers use the traditional qvevri method, fermenting wine in buried clay vessels. Family-run wineries often offer tastings with lunch, and guesthouses in towns like Sighnaghi, a hilltop town with a long wall, cost far less than a comparable vineyard stay in Western Europe. Hire a driver for the day if you plan to taste, and visit in September or October for the grape harvest.
Plan it
- Best time
- May to June and September to October are the best months for most of the country, with harvest festivals in Kakheti in autumn. July and August are warm in the lowlands and best for high-mountain hiking. Winter closes some mountain roads but opens ski resorts.
- How long
- Seven to ten days is a good plan: three nights in Tbilisi and the wine region, two or three in Kazbegi, and three in Svaneti. Add a few days if you want to hike multi-day routes.
- Getting around
- Shared minibuses called marshrutkas link most towns cheaply, and ride-hailing works well in Tbilisi. Many visitors hire a driver for mountain days. Mountain roads are slow and winding, so allow more time than the distance suggests.
Good to know
- Value in Georgia comes from guesthouses with home cooking and local transport, so skip international hotel chains.
- Carry some cash for villages. Cards work in cities but less in rural areas.
- Check weather and road conditions before heading to Svaneti or Kazbegi outside summer.
Frequently asked
Is Georgia cheaper than Switzerland? +
Yes, by a wide margin. Accommodation, meals and local transport typically cost a fraction of Swiss levels, while the mountain scenery is on a comparable or larger scale. Flights and hiking gear are the main fixed costs.
What is the best time to visit Georgia? +
May to June and September to October are the best all-round months, with mild weather and autumn harvest festivals. Summer is best for high-mountain hiking. Winter suits skiing in Gudauri but closes some mountain roads.
How do you get to Gergeti church? +
Drive or take a minibus from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda, about three hours. From there, walk up a steep path in one to two hours, or take a 4x4 taxi. Go early in the day for clearer views.
Why is Kakheti famous for wine? +
Winemaking in Georgia dates back around eight thousand years, and Kakheti is the main region. Many producers use qvevri, buried clay vessels, a method recognised by UNESCO, and visitors can taste at family wineries.