Tbilisi - Kazbegi: Private day tour via Mtskheta & Gudauri

Summary

From Tbilisi to the mountains: a day of monasteries, rivers & Georgian roads

Trace Georgia’s ancient roads from Tbilisi to Kazbegi with stops at Jvari Monastery, Ananuri Fortress, and Gudauri ski resort. You’ll taste local food, hear stories from your guide, and stand above the clouds at Gergeti Trinity Church — moments that linger long after you’re back in Tbilisi.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the bells sounded at Jvari Monastery — not loud, just a faint echo in the cold morning air. Our guide, Giorgi, handed me a piece of churchkhela (that walnut candy on a string) and pointed out where the two Aragvi rivers meet below. It’s funny how you can see so much history in one view — old stone walls, mist hanging over Mtskheta, and then someone’s Lada rumbling past with pop music leaking out the window. We didn’t linger too long; Giorgi said we had a lot of ground to cover on this private day trip from Tbilisi to Kazbegi.

The drive along the Georgian Military Road is both beautiful and kind of exhausting — seven hours in the car sounds like a lot, but honestly, there’s always something weird or wonderful out the window. At Ananuri Fortress we climbed up a narrow staircase (my knees complained) and looked out over Jinvali Reservoir — that blue-green water almost too bright for real life. Somewhere near Gudauri ski resort, we stopped at the “friendship” monument; it’s this big Soviet mural with colors that look faded but stubbornly cheerful. The wind was sharp up there and I kept losing my hat. Lunch was either at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi (fancy terrace, glacier views) or this little place in Arsha where they served khinkali so hot I burned my tongue — still worth it.

Getting up to Gergeti Trinity Church was its own adventure — depending on snow you might need a 4x4 or just good luck. The church sits above Stepantsminda like it’s watching everything below; inside it smelled of candle wax and wet stone. Some local women were selling honey outside and one of them tried to teach me how to say “thank you” properly in Georgian (I failed). The clouds moved fast over Mount Kazbek and for a second everything went quiet except for distant cowbells. That silence stuck with me more than any photo could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tbilisi to Kazbegi via Historic Sites

• Hotel pickup in Tbilisi
• Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta
• Visit Jvari Monastery and panoramic view
• Stop at Ananuri Fortress and Jinvali Dam
• Drive past Gudauri Ski Resort and Friendship Monument
• Lunch at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi or Arsha village
• Visit Gergeti Trinity Church (weather permitting)
• Return drive to Tbilisi and hotel drop-off

Top questions

How long is the drive from Tbilisi to Kazbegi?

The total time spent driving is about 7 hours round trip as part of this day tour.

Is hotel pickup included for this private day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included anywhere in Tbilisi.

Can I visit Gergeti Trinity Church in winter?

Visiting Gergeti Trinity Church depends on weather and road conditions during winter; sometimes access is limited.

Are meals included on this tour?

You can choose lunch at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi or an authentic restaurant in Arsha; lunch itself is not explicitly listed as included.

What are some main stops on this route?

Main stops include Mtskheta, Jvari Monastery, Ananuri Fortress, Gudauri ski resort area, Stepantsminda/Kazbegi, and Gergeti Trinity Church.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

Vehicles have Wi-Fi available upon request with limited megabytes.

Are guides fluent in English?

The tour may be operated by a multilingual guide; English is commonly spoken.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi, bottled water for the road, plus guidance from locals who know every twist along the route — all before returning home as dusk falls over the city.