How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Georgia?

Giorgi Lomidze • June 30, 2025

Georgia is the hidden gem of the Caucasus, offering breathtaking mountains, vibrant cities, and ancient history, without breaking the bank. But how much is the cost of travel to Georgia? Suppose you’re planning a Georgia trip from Dubai or anywhere else. In that case, this guide will help you understand the real cost of travel in Georgia, from national parks to Tbilisi’s private rooms and everything in between.

Why Georgia Is the Best Bargain in the Caucasus

Visiting Georgia is like stepping into a world where the scenery is stunning, the people are welcoming, and your travel budget goes a long way. The country uses the Georgian lari (GEL), and you’ll quickly find that prices are refreshingly affordable compared to Western Europe or the UAE. Whether you’re after luxury or seeking a cheap Georgia trip, this country adapts to every traveler’s style.

Flights and Entry: What to Expect

If you’re considering a Georgia trip from Dubai, direct flights to Tbilisi usually cost between $250 and $500 round-trip, depending on the season and airline. Many travelers don’t even need a visa—Georgia offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to citizens of over 90 countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and most of Europe. Check the official site before you enter Georgia, as requirements can change.

Pro tip: Budget a little extra for travel insurance. For just $20–$40, you’ll have peace of mind in case of a hiking mishap in the Caucasus Mountains or food poisoning from overeating khinkali!

Accommodation: Cozy and Affordable

The cost of travel in Georgia is especially friendly when it comes to accommodation. You’ll find everything from 50 GEL per night hostels to comfortable mid-range hotels for about 80–200 GEL. A private room in a family-run guesthouse—often including a delicious homemade breakfast—typically starts at 80–100 GEL.

In the capital, Tbilisi, there are options for every budget. Even luxury hotels feel like bargains compared to what you’d pay in most other capitals.

Getting Around: Cheap and Scenic

Georgia’s transportation is reliable, social, and cheap. Marshrutkas (minibuses) are a local experience, with most city-to-city rides costing 10–20 GEL. The train between Tbilisi and Batumi, Georgia’s Black Sea city, is about 35 GEL in second class.

City buses and the Tbilisi metro charge only 1 GEL per ride—just tap your Metromoney card and go. Taxis are everywhere and much cheaper than in Dubai or London. For day trips to places like Kazbegi or the wine region of Kakheti, consider joining organized tours or splitting a car with fellow travelers. A full-day private tour usually runs 120–200 GEL per car, making it more affordable with friends.

Food and Drink: Flavor on a Budget

Georgia is a paradise for foodies who don’t want to spend a fortune. A meal at a local restaurant costs around 20–40 GEL. If you love street food, grab khachapuri or lobiani (bean-filled bread) for just 3–5 GEL.

Even in touristy areas, you can enjoy a feast with wine for under 50 GEL per person. A bottle of good Georgian wine in a shop? 15–25 GEL. Yes, you can splurge on fine dining in Tbilisi, but most visitors find the real charm (and value) in home-style restaurants and market stalls.

Must-See Sights: National Parks, Old Towns, and More

The best things to do in Georgia are often free or very cheap. Entry to national parks costs between 5 and 15 GEL, and many hiking trails—like those in Kazbegi or Borjomi—are completely free.

Museums charge 5–20 GEL for entrance, while day trips to landmarks like the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe or the famous sulfur baths in Tbilisi range from 20–40 GEL. Want to visit all the highlights? Consider Georgia tour packages, which bundle transport, guiding, and some meals, making trips to Georgia even easier to budget.

Sample Travel Budget: A Week in Georgia

Let’s break it down for a mid-range traveler (per person):

Accommodation: 75 GEL x 7 = 525 GEL
Meals: 45 GEL x 7 = 315 GEL
Transportation (city, regional, 2-day trips): 225 GEL
Sights & activities: 180 GEL
Travel insurance: 90 GEL
Total (approximate): 1,335 GEL (~ USD 490)

When Is the Best Time to Visit Georgia?

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are perfect for skiing—mild weather, fewer tourists, and gorgeous landscapes. Summer is excellent for mountain adventures, but some regions (like Tbilisi) get hot. Winter is perfect for ski trips in Gudauri or Bakuriani, with low-season deals on accommodation.

Final Tips for Your Georgia Adventure

Bring cash: While cards are widely accepted in Tbilisi and Batumi, small towns still run on cash (GEL).
Pack for all weather: Georgia’s climate varies, from snow-capped mountains to subtropical Batumi.
Plan day trips: The country is compact, so you can see a lot even if you’re short on time.
Get travel insurance: It’s a must, especially for adventure travelers.

Whether you’re on a tight budget or going mid-range, Georgia promises incredible value and memories to last a lifetime. Cheap Georgia? Yes, but the experiences here are truly priceless.

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Discover Kakheti wine tasting with our guide. Learn how to get from Tbilisi to Kakheti, top wine tou

Kakheti Wine Tasting: The Ultimate Guide to Georgia’s Wine Country

By Giorgi Lomidze • June 30, 2025

Kakheti, Georgia’s eastern gem, is more than just a scenic region—it's the heart and soul of the country’s ancient winemaking tradition. If you’re curious about wine tasting in Georgia, Kakheti is the place to start. Whether you’re planning a Kakheti wine tour, a day trip from Tbilisi, or looking for the perfect Kakheti Georgia tour, this guide will show you what to expect, where to go, and why Kakheti wine tasting is a must-do experience. Why Kakheti is Georgia’s Wine Capital Wine has been made in Georgia for over 8,000 years, and Kakheti is the region where this tradition is most alive. Rolling hills, endless vineyards, and a unique winemaking method using qvevri (clay jars buried underground) set Kakheti apart. Local families and world-famous wineries invite you to taste wines that are both ancient and innovative. The scenery, hospitality, and flavors here make every Kakheti wine tour unforgettable. How to Get from Tbilisi to Kakheti Traveling from Tbilisi to Kakheti is easy and rewarding. The main city, Telavi, is about a 1.5–2-hour drive from the capital. You can: Join an organized Kakheti wine tour : Many companies offer day trips or overnight tours, which include transport, tastings, and a local guide. Rent a car: Gives you freedom to explore small wineries and scenic villages at your own pace. Use public transport: Marshrutkas (minibuses) run regularly from Tbilisi to Telavi and Sighnaghi, but for a real wine tasting Georgia Kakheti experience, guided tours are more convenient. Top Experiences on a Kakheti Wine Tour 1. Wine Tastings at Family Wineries and Estates Kakheti’s family-run wineries are legendary for their warmth and authenticity. Taste qvevri wines straight from the source, often accompanied by homemade bread and cheese. Larger estates like Shumi, Tsinandali, and Khareba offer professional tastings and tours of their cellars. 2. Explore Sighnaghi – The City of Love This charming hilltop town is a favorite stop on any Kakheti Georgia tour. Sighnaghi’s cobbled streets, panoramic views, and boutique wineries make it a perfect spot for both culture and wine lovers. 3. See the Traditional Qvevri Winemaking Process Unique to Georgia, qvevri winemaking is recognized by UNESCO. During a Kakheti wine tour, you can watch (and sometimes help) with the process—crushing grapes, filling the clay vessels, and tasting wine that’s been aged underground. 4. Visit Alaverdi Monastery and Its Historic Cellar One of the oldest monasteries in Georgia, Alaverdi is also home to an ancient wine cellar still in use today. Many tours include this spiritual and historical highlight. 5. Enjoy Local Cuisine Wine tasting in Kakheti is never just about wine. Expect a full table of khinkali, khachapuri, mtsvadi (grilled meat), and salads. The food here is a perfect match for the robust, earthy wines of the region. What to Expect from a Kakheti Wine Tasting Experience Tastings are generous: Usually, you’ll sample 3–5 wines at each stop—sometimes more! Not just dry reds and whites: Try amber (orange) wines, sweet varieties, and even local chacha (Georgian grape brandy). Meet the winemakers: Many tours include a chance to talk with the family or owners, learning stories that go back generations. Prices: A typical organized wine tour from Tbilisi to Kakheti costs 120–200 GEL per person, including transport, tastings, and sometimes lunch. Private tours and luxury experiences are available too. Tips for the Best Kakheti Wine Tour Book ahead in peak season (spring and autumn) when the vineyards are most beautiful. Don’t drink and drive: Let a local guide handle the roads so you can enjoy every glass. Bring cash: Some small wineries only accept cash payments. Ask about vegan or vegetarian options if you have dietary needs—Kakheti cuisine is surprisingly diverse. Is Kakheti Wine Tasting Worth It? Absolutely. Wine tasting Georgia Kakheti style is an immersive cultural journey, not just a tour. Whether you’re a wine expert or just love a good glass, you’ll find something to remember—and probably want to take a bottle (or three) home. Plan Your Kakheti Georgia Tour Ready to taste history? Whether it’s a day trip from Tbilisi to Kakheti, a private wine tour, or exploring at your own pace, you’ll discover why Georgia is the birthplace of wine and why Kakheti is its crown jewel. So raise your glass—Gaumarjos!—and enjoy the best wine tasting Georgia Kakheti has to offer.