Self-Launched Tbilisi & Batumi: Georgia's Highlights Independently
7 days · Georgia
Georgia Country Tours LLC charges £1,415
No-markup version: ~£480 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Experience the best of Georgia on your own terms — from the cobblestoned streets of old Tbilisi and the mountain monastery of Gergeti to the subtropical coast of Batumi and the ancient cave towns of Uplistsikhe. This self-launched version of Georgia Country Tours LLC's 7-day itinerary covers the same unmissable destinations using marshrutky (minibuses), public trains, and self-bookable day tours — saving you over £1,000 compared to the guided price. Georgia is one of Europe's friendliest, safest, and most underrated destinations for independent travellers, with excellent food, cheap guesthouses, and easy-to-navigate transport links. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.
Day-by-day
Arrival & Old Tbilisi Exploration
Tbilisi
Arrive at Tbilisi International Airport and take the Tbilisi Metro or a Bolt taxi (~£3-5) into the city centre. Check into your hostel or guesthouse in the Old Town (Abanotubani or Fabrika district are great bases). Spend the afternoon and evening doing a self-guided walk of Tbilisi's highlights: the vast Sameba (Holy Trinity) Cathedral, the cliff-top Metekhi Fortress, the futuristic Bridge of Peace, and colourful Rike Park along the Mtkvari River. Wander into the Abanotbani sulphur bath district — you can book a private bath house room for around £5-10 per person. Cap the evening with a stroll up to Mtatsminda Park via the funicular (£1 each way) for panoramic city views. Grab a khinkali (dumpling) dinner in a local spot for under £6.
🚌Bolt taxi or metro from airport to city centre (~£3-5). Use Bolt app for all local journeys — Uber does not operate in Georgia.
🛏Fabrika Hostel or Envoy Hostel, Tbilisi Old Town (~£12-18/night in dorm, ~£25-35 private room)
- →Walk to Sameba (Holy Trinity) Cathedral — free entry
- →Visit Metekhi Fortress and church — free
- →Stroll across the Bridge of Peace and through Rike Park — free
- →Explore Leghvtakhevi Waterfall in the old town — free
- →Visit Abanotbani sulphur bath district; book a private bath room (~£5-10pp)
- →Take the funicular to Mtatsminda Park (~£1 each way)
- →Dinner: khinkali and local wine in Old Town (~£5-8)
Day Trip to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) & Gergeti Trinity Church
Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
Take an early shared marshrutka from Tbilisi's Didube bus station to Stepantsminda (~£4-5 each way, journey ~3 hours). En route you'll pass the scenic Zhinvali Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress (stop off here — free entry), the Confluence of the Black and White Aragvi rivers, the ski resort of Gudauri, and the striking Soviet-era Monument of Friendship. In Stepantsminda, hire a local 4x4 jeep taxi (~£10-15pp) up the rough mountain road to Gergeti Trinity Church, perched dramatically at 2,170m with Mt Kazbek towering behind it. Alternatively, hike up in around 1.5 hours each way (free). Return to Tbilisi in the evening by marshrutka. Optional: book paragliding in Gudauri via GetYourGuide (~£60-80).
🚌Shared marshrutka from Didube bus station, Tbilisi to Stepantsminda (~£4-5, ~3 hours). Local 4x4 jeep shared taxi to Gergeti (~£10-15pp).
🛏Fabrika Hostel or Envoy Hostel, Tbilisi (~£12-18 dorm / £25-35 private)
- →Shared marshrutka Tbilisi (Didube) → Stepantsminda (~£4-5 each way)
- →Stop at Ananuri Fortress — free
- →View Zhinvali Reservoir and Confluence of Black & White Aragvi — free
- →Stop at Monument of Georgian-Russian Friendship — free
- →4x4 jeep taxi up to Gergeti Trinity Church (~£10-15pp) or hike up (free, ~1.5hrs)
- →Explore Gergeti Trinity Church — free
- →Optional: paragliding in Gudauri via GetYourGuide (~£60-80)
Mtskheta, Gori & Uplistsikhe
Mtskheta & Gori
Take an early marshrutka or metro to Mtskheta (20 mins from Tbilisi, ~£0.50-1), Georgia's ancient first capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (Cathedral of the Living Pillar) and Samtavro Monastery — both free to enter. Hike or grab a shared taxi up to Jvari Monastery for sweeping views over the two rivers and Mtskheta (£2-3 for a shared taxi). Continue by marshrutka to Gori (~£1.50, 45 mins) to visit the eerie Uplistsikhe cave town (~£3 entry) and the Gori Fortress (free). The Stalin Museum in Gori is a fascinating and unique sight (~£3 entry). Return to Tbilisi in the evening by marshrutka (~£1.50).
🚌Marshrutka Tbilisi → Mtskheta (~£0.50-1, 20 mins). Shared taxi to Jvari (~£2-3). Marshrutka Mtskheta → Gori (~£1.50, 45 mins). Marshrutka Gori → Tbilisi (~£1.50).
🛏Fabrika Hostel or Envoy Hostel, Tbilisi (~£12-18 dorm / £25-35 private)
- →Marshrutka or metro to Mtskheta (~£0.50-1)
- →Visit Jvari Monastery (UNESCO) — shared taxi ~£2-3, entry free
- →Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (UNESCO) — free
- →Visit Samtavro Monastery — free
- →Marshrutka to Gori (~£1.50)
- →Visit Uplistsikhe ancient rock-hewn town (~£3 entry)
- →Visit Gori Fortress — free
- →Visit Stalin Museum (~£3 entry)
Tbilisi to Batumi via Prometheus Cave
Kutaisi / Batumi
Check out of your Tbilisi hostel and take the morning train or marshrutka towards Batumi. Stop off in Kutaisi to visit the spectacular Prometheus Cave (~£8 entry including boat ride), one of Georgia's most stunning natural attractions near Kutaisi. Book a shared taxi or local tour from Kutaisi to the cave (~£3-5 each way). Continue to Batumi by train or marshrutka in the afternoon. Check into your Batumi accommodation and spend the evening strolling the famous Batumi Boulevard — a palm-lined seaside promenade along the Black Sea coast. Enjoy a Black Sea seafood dinner.
🚌Train Tbilisi → Kutaisi (~£8, ~2.5hrs) or marshrutka (~£5). Shared taxi to Prometheus Cave (~£3-5). Train/marshrutka Kutaisi → Batumi (~£5-8).
🛏Batumi Hostel House or Art Hostel Batumi (~£10-16 dorm / £22-30 private)
- →Morning train Tbilisi → Kutaisi or Batumi (book via Georgian Railway: train.ge, ~£8-12)
- →Shared taxi Kutaisi → Prometheus Cave (~£3-5 each way)
- →Prometheus Cave tour (~£8 entry + optional boat ride)
- →Onward marshrutka or train to Batumi (~£3-6)
- →Evening walk along Batumi Boulevard — free
- →Seafood dinner by the Black Sea (~£8-12)
Adjara Region: Castles, Waterfalls & Wine
Adjara Region, Batumi
Hire a shared taxi or book a self-bookable day tour of the Adjara Region (~£15-20pp via local agencies or GetYourGuide). Head south to Gonio Castle, one of Georgia's oldest Roman fortresses (~£1.50 entry). Continue into the Adjaran hills to visit the Adjarian Wine House for a free or low-cost wine tasting. Push further inland to the gorgeous Makhuntseti Waterfall and the beautiful medieval Tamari Bridge nearby — both free. Return to Batumi city in the late afternoon for dinner and an evening on the Boulevard.
🚌Hire a shared taxi for Adjara day trip (~£15-20pp all-in) or self-arrange via local marshrutky. Bolt taxi for shorter Batumi city hops.
🛏Batumi Hostel House or Art Hostel Batumi (~£10-16 dorm / £22-30 private)
- →Visit Gonio Castle (~£1.50 entry)
- →Wine tasting at Adjarian Wine House (free or low cost)
- →Visit Makhuntseti Waterfall — free
- →Visit Tamari Bridge (medieval stone arch bridge) — free
- →Evening in Batumi city — explore the Piazza, Old Town, and seafront
Batumi Botanical Garden, Petra Fortress & Martvili Canyon
Batumi & surrounds
Start the morning at the magnificent Batumi Botanical Garden (~£3-4 entry), perched on a cliff above the Black Sea with incredible views and diverse plant collections — easily 2-3 hours to explore. In the afternoon, take a marshrutka or shared taxi north to visit the cliff-top ruins of Petra Fortress (free entry, great views). If time allows, head inland to the spectacular Martvili Canyon (~£5 entry), where you can take a rowboat through emerald gorges — book in advance or arrive early to avoid queues. Return to Tbilisi in the evening by overnight train or late marshrutka (~£10-15).
🚌Local marshrutka or shared taxi to Petra Fortress and Martvili Canyon (~£8-12 total). Evening train Batumi → Tbilisi (~£10-15, book via train.ge).
🛏Overnight train to Tbilisi (book a couchette berth, ~£10-15) or Tbilisi hostel on arrival
- →Batumi Botanical Garden (~£3-4 entry)
- →Petra Fortress — free entry, scenic cliff-top ruins
- →Martvili Canyon (~£5 entry + ~£3 rowboat)
- →Evening: overnight train or marshrutka back to Tbilisi
Final Morning in Tbilisi & Departure
Tbilisi
Arrive back in Tbilisi in the morning (if on overnight train). Drop your bags at a hostel or use luggage storage (~£2-3) and enjoy a final few hours exploring Tbilisi's vibrant Marjanishvili or Vera neighbourhoods. Browse the Dry Bridge flea market (weekends) for Soviet-era curiosities and local art. Pick up churchkhela (walnut-stuffed grape candy), Georgian wine, and spices as gifts from the Dezerter Bazaar. Take a Bolt taxi or metro to the airport for your departure (~£3-5).
🚌Bolt taxi or metro to airport (~£3-5).
🛏N/A — departure day
- →Luggage storage at hostel or station (~£2-3)
- →Browse Dry Bridge flea market (weekends) — free to browse
- →Shopping at Dezerter Bazaar for local produce and souvenirs
- →Final khachapuri (cheese bread) breakfast in a local café (~£3-5)
- →Bolt taxi or metro to Tbilisi International Airport (~£3-5)
Self-launched vs. Georgia Country Tours LLC
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Georgia Country Tours LLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£480 | £1,415 |
| Duration | 7 days | 7 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £935 per person (66%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Georgia Country Tours LLC-style trips? Check them out here.~£480
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Self-Launched Tbilisi & Batumi: Georgia's Highlights Independently cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £480 per person for 7 days in Georgia. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Georgia Country Tours LLC?+
Yes — Georgia Country Tours LLC charges around £1,415 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £480 — a saving of roughly £935 (66%) per person.
How long is the Georgia trip?+
This itinerary runs 7 days, covering 7 day-by-day stops through Georgia.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a culture, adventure, hiking trip through Georgia, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
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