Kazbegi & Gudauri Private Day Trip from Tbilisi

Summary

Georgia Mountain Tour with Local Stories & Scenic Stops

Travel from Tbilisi into Georgia’s mountains with a local guide: explore Ananuri Fortress above Jinvali lake, stand at Gergeti Trinity Church with clouds below you, and share lunch overlooking Kazbegi’s peaks. With pickup included and stories along every bend, this is a day you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that line in the water? They never mix,” our driver Levan said, pointing out the window as we slowed by the spot where two rivers meet just north of Tbilisi. I leaned closer — he was right. One side was this cloudy turquoise, the other almost brown, running together but somehow still apart. It was early, sun not too high yet, and the air had that sharp mountain smell you only get when you leave the city behind. I’d barely finished my coffee before we were winding up the Georgian Military Highway, windows cracked for fresh air and Levan’s playlist humming quietly under his stories.

Ananuri Fortress came up fast — stone towers perched above Jinvali reservoir, which looked almost painted in that morning light. We wandered through arches still damp from last night’s rain (I slipped a little on one step; Levan grinned but didn’t say anything). He told us about feudal lords and old battles while a woman nearby sold churchkhela from her car trunk. I bought one out of curiosity — sweet, chewy walnuts wrapped in grape must — and honestly it stuck to my teeth for half an hour but tasted like autumn somehow.

The road climbed higher after that. At the Gudauri Friendship Monument, wind whipped so hard it nearly took my hat off. The view over the Caucasus gorge is something I still think about — huge silence except for a couple of kids laughing as they tried to take selfies without falling over. We stopped again at Sno Village to see those giant carved faces (Levan quizzed me on who they were; I failed spectacularly), then finally made it up to Gergeti Trinity Church. The ride up is bumpy if you’re not used to mountain roads — but standing there at 2200 meters with clouds drifting below your feet? That’s a feeling I can’t really explain.

Lunch at Rooms Hotel in Stepantsminda felt earned after all that walking — khinkali steaming on the table, windows wide open to glacier views. We lingered longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave just yet. On the drive back to Tbilisi, I dozed off for a bit and woke up with sunlight flickering through pine trees. There’s something about these day trips from Tbilisi: you start out thinking it’s just another tour, but Georgia gets under your skin in small ways you don’t expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kazbegi & Gudauri Full-Day Tour

• Pickup from Tbilisi hotel and drive Georgian Military Highway
• Visit Ananuri Fortress Complex
• Stop at Gudauri Friendship Monument
• Visit Gergeti Trinity Church in Kazbegi
• Lunch at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi
• Visit Giant Face statues near Sno Village
• Drive back to Tbilisi

Top questions

How long does the Kazbegi & Gudauri private day trip from Tbilisi take?

The full-day tour usually lasts around 10–11 hours including all stops and return drive.

Is hotel pickup included on this Kazbegi day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup in Tbilisi is included in your private tour booking.

What do you see on the way from Tbilisi to Kazbegi?

You’ll visit Ananuri Fortress, Gudauri Friendship Monument, Sno Village statues, and Gergeti Trinity Church near Stepantsminda.

Is lunch included during the private tour?

The itinerary includes a stop for lunch at Rooms Hotel in Stepantsminda; food cost may be extra unless specified when booking.

Can infants or small children join this day trip?

Yes, infants and young children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available if needed.

Do you need special fitness for Gergeti Trinity Church?

No special fitness required; some walking is involved but suitable for most levels.

What vehicles are used for this private tour?

Sedans or business class vans with air conditioning are provided for comfort during long drives.

Are entry fees included in this Kazbegi & Gudauri tour?

The ride up to Gergeti Trinity Church is included if road conditions allow; other entry fees are not specifically mentioned.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup in Tbilisi, an experienced local guide/driver sharing stories along the route, WiFi onboard your air-conditioned vehicle, fuel surcharge covered, plus a ride up to Gergeti Trinity Church if weather allows — all before returning comfortably back to your hotel in the evening.