Tbilisi: 2-Day Gudauri and Kazbegi Tour with Hotel Pickup

If you’re dreaming of mountain vistas, ancient fortresses, and a taste of Georgian hospitality, this 2-day tour to Kazbegi and Gudauri from Tbilisi is worth considering. Designed to suit travelers looking for a mix of scenic beauty, cultural highlights, and optional adrenaline-fueled activities, it’s a well-organized way to get a taste of Georgia’s majestic mountains.

What we love about this experience is how smoothly everything is arranged, from hotel pickup to visits at iconic landmarks like Ananuri Fortress and Gergeti Trinity Church. Plus, the chance to explore independently on the second day offers real flexibility. On the downside, depending on the season and weather, certain routes—like reaching Kazbegi—may be affected by snow and road conditions.

This tour appeals most to those who appreciate a good mix of guided sightseeing with free time to soak in the landscape or try optional activities. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want an authentic, well-paced trip with knowledgeable guides and the convenience of hotel pickup. Families, adventure seekers, and photography enthusiasts will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscapes: Experience the beauty of the Caucasus Mountains, with panoramic views and scenic stops.
• Historical Highlights: Discover Ananuri Fortress and if desired, visit Gergeti Trinity Church for iconic mountain views.
• Flexible Itinerary: Options for free exploration, hiking, or horseback riding on the second day cater to different interests.
• Seasonal Activities: Summer offers rafting and paragliding; winter features skiing and snowmobiling at Gudauri.
• Comfortable Transport: Travel is by a 20-seater minibus, with friendly guides and smooth logistics.
• Authentic Experience: Honey tasting and picturesque stops make this more than just a sightseeing trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting from Tbilisi: Convenience and Comfort

The tour begins with hotel pickups around 8:10 AM, which is generally well-timed for a full day ahead. Being picked up directly from your hotel means no stress about arranging your own transport—especially helpful if you’re new to Tbilisi. The group departs sharply at 8:30 AM from the Big Bicycle Monument, just a short walk from Radisson Blu.

The ride in a comfortable 20-seater minibus is smooth and scenic, with an energetic guide to keep the mood lively. The group size, based on reviews, seems manageable, making it easier to ask questions or snap photos without the crowd feeling overwhelming.

Scenic Stops: Jinvali Water Reservoir and Ananuri Fortress

One of the first memorable stops is the Jinvali Water Reservoir, which you’ll see from a viewpoint that offers a calm, reflective vista of Georgia’s mountains and water. It’s a quick 15-minute break, but the views are worth capturing. From here, you get a real sense of Georgia’s natural terrain—vast, rugged, and impressive.

Next, the Ananuri Fortress provides a fascinating glimpse into history, with its well-preserved walls overlooking a lake. You’ll have about an hour to explore, which is enough time to wander through the towers and imagine life here centuries ago. Many reviews mention how this site’s combination of old stonework and scenic backdrop makes it a highlight.

Lunch and Optional Summer Activities

Lunchtime presents an opportunity for a meal at a local spot, with some reviews noting good food options. For those interested, an optional rafting experience is available for $50 USD, paid directly to local providers, adding a dash of adventure to the trip.

Reaching Gudauri and Kazbegi: Mountain Resort and Iconic Views

After lunch, the tour stops at Gudauri Ski Resort, where activities depend on the season. In summer, you might enjoy a visit to the Gudauri Friendship Monument or even try paragliding or quattro tours—an excellent way to see the mountains from a different angle. In winter, the resort transforms into a hub for skiing, snowmobiling, and winter paragliding.

From Gudauri, the trip continues to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi). If weather permits, a 4WD ride to Gergeti Trinity Church at sunset is offered at an additional cost (20 GEL/7 USD). This ride is often praised for its breathtaking views and the sense of adventure it adds, though weather can sometimes interfere, especially in winter. If not, the church can be visited independently on the second day.

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Night in the Mountains: Kazbegi or Gudauri

Overnight stays are in cozy hotels like Rooms Hotel Kazbegi or Gudauri Loft, providing a restful base for exploring the next day. Many reviews mention the value of staying overnight, as it allows for more relaxed sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Day Two: Your Choice of Exploration

The second day caters to different interests with three options:

• Standard Package: Free time to explore Kazbegi at your own pace, with flexible departure times—summer trips back around 11 PM, winter about 9 PM. Travelers can wander, shop, or relax.
• Hiking Package: Join a guided hike to Gveleti Waterfall, which lasts a few hours and offers a close-up look at the region’s natural beauty. Reviews describe the hike as “nice and easy” but note that the last part could be challenging for less experienced hikers.
• Full Experience Package: Adds a sunset horseback ride at 5:30 PM, perfect for a memorable finish to your mountain adventure.

Return times vary: longer days in summer, slightly shorter in winter, but always designed to maximize your mountain experience.

Transport and Guides

Traveling in a cozy minibus allows for easy conversation and quick stops. Reviewers frequently mention the guides’ knowledge, enthusiasm, and genuine hospitality. Guides like Luka, George, and Lucky stand out for their storytelling and attentiveness. Many reviews highlight how guides make the experience more engaging, often sharing cultural insights and local tips.

Cost and Value

The tour costs are reasonable considering the inclusions—transport, all entrance fees, honey tasting, and optional activities. The optional extras, like the 4WD ride or rafting, are affordable and enhance the trip without feeling compulsory. Many reviews emphasize the value for money, especially given the scenic beauty and cultural richness packed into two days.

Timing and Seasonality

The itinerary is flexible enough to adapt to weather conditions. Be aware that in winter, snow may prevent access to Kazbegi, and some routes may be delayed or replaced with more time in Gudauri. For summer travelers, the water activities and hikes offer added fun and variety.

Practical Tips

Bring comfortable shoes for walking and hiking, layers for mountain weather, a camera, and some cash for tips or optional activities. Since the tour includes honey tasting, a sweet treat to look forward to, and space for 40 kg luggage—perfect if you’re carrying extra gear or souvenirs.

Many travelers review this tour as “well organized,” “full of great stops,” and “full of engaging guides.” The overall tone is that it offers incredible value—covering major sights, providing flexibility, and delivering a genuine taste of Georgia’s mountain culture. Several reviews mention how the guides go above and beyond, creating a friendly, fun atmosphere that makes the long drive feel much shorter.

The stops at Ananuri, Jinvali, and Gergeti Trinity are universally praised for their stunning scenery. The optional activities add extra layers of enjoyment, making it ideal for adventure lovers. The accommodation options are comfortable, giving travelers a chance to relax after a day of sightseeing.

If you’re after a comprehensive yet relaxed way to see the Caucasus Mountains, this tour is just right. It’s perfect for those who want to see iconic sights without the hassle of organizing transport or guides. It suits families, solo travelers, and groups looking for a mix of activity and free time.

Travelers who enjoy engaging guides and authentic experiences—like honey tasting and cultural insights—will find this trip particularly rewarding. It’s also a good choice if you want to maximize your time in the mountains with a reasonable price tag.

However, keep in mind that winter conditions may limit access to some sites, and the journey involves several hours in a bus, so it’s not ideal if you prefer a more leisurely, hotel-based stay or are sensitive to long drives.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Hotel pickups typically happen around 8:10 AM, so plan to be ready by then to avoid missing the start of your adventure.

What should I bring for the trip?
Comfortable shoes, warm layers, a camera, water, and cash for optional activities or tips are recommended.

Is the tour suitable in winter?
Yes, but snow and weather conditions might prevent reaching Kazbegi, and some routes may be delayed. The itinerary is flexible, and extra time may be spent in Gudauri.

Can I participate in outdoor activities?
Absolutely. Summer options include rafting and paragliding, while winter offers skiing, snowmobiling, and winter paragliding at Gudauri.

How much extra does the Gergeti Trinity Church ride cost?
The 4WD ride costs 20 GEL (about 7 USD) per person, payable on site.

Do I have to stay overnight in Kazbegi or Gudauri?
While not mandatory, staying overnight enhances the experience, allowing a more relaxed exploration and the chance for sunset views.

How long does the second day last?
Depending on your chosen package, you’ll return to Tbilisi around 9 PM to 11 PM, with the full day dedicated to exploring or activities.

Are there options for family travelers?
Yes, many reviews mention families with children enjoying the hikes, sightseeing, and the overall friendly atmosphere.

Is this tour good value for the cost?
Yes, considering transportation, guides, entrance fees, and optional activities, many travelers find it a worthwhile investment to see Georgia’s mountain treasures.

This 2-day Gudauri and Kazbegi tour from Tbilisi offers a well-balanced mix of guided sightseeing, free time, and optional adventures. The scenic stops at Jinvali and Ananuri set a stunning tone from the start, while the mountain vistas and historic sites in Kazbegi create lasting memories. The guides, praised for their knowledge and friendliness, elevate the experience, making it more than just a bus trip.

Travelers who appreciate authentic local flavors—like honey tasting—and want the flexibility of exploring at their own pace will find this tour highly appealing. The inclusion of optional activities, like rafting or horseback riding, adds fun without breaking the bank.

While weather might impact some parts of the journey in winter, the overall experience remains rewarding, especially for those seeking natural beauty and a taste of Georgian hospitality.

In short, this tour is ideal for curious travelers eager to see Georgia’s iconic mountain landscapes, learn about local culture, and enjoy a comfortable, well-organized trip. It’s a solid choice whether you’re visiting solo, as a family, or with friends—and it offers enough variety to keep everyone satisfied.

You can check availability for your dates here: