An Unforgettable Trip to Georgia with My Wife

- By Vijay Kumar Mahajan

Travelling has been a shared love language for my wife and me. Over the years, we have explored so many places together, only to return with new stories and cherished memories. This time it was Georgia – the land of wolves, wine, and wonders!

When we landed in Georgia, both of us felt being welcomed by an old friend. Right from that moment, this gorgeous destination started to weave its magic on us, and we were there to lose ourselves in it.

Over 7 days, we enjoyed strolling through the cobblestone streets, exploring its UNESCO-listed heritage sites, soaking in the beauty of breathtaking landscapes, and relishing Georgian cuisines – of course, wine!

Overall, the trip was everything we dreamt of, or maybe better. But it would not have been possible if it were not for Myholidays.

When we decided on Georgia as our destination, the next step was to find a reliable online travel agency (OTA). That’s when we came across Myholidays, and after reading its client reviews and services, we knew we had found our travel partner.

Without wasting any time, I quickly contacted the team and shared my travel plans. Based on our preferences for trip duration, cities, and budget, the executive shared some Kuwait to Georgia tour packages to browse through.

After some discussion and research, my wife and I chose a package that covered most of the places we had on our wish list. However, the itinerary was revised by including a few stops my wife didn’t want to miss.

Not even for a while did we feel stressed about arrangements or management. From the hotels we stayed at during the trip to flights, city tours, and meals, everything was taken care of by the agency.

Choosing to plan our trip with Myholidays was the best decision we made. Their hassle-free services and guidance took our trip to another level, allowing us to indulge in more enjoyment rather than worrying about ‘what to do next’, ‘where to go now’, etc.

Here’s a glimpse of how Georgia left us spellbound, and how Myholidays made it an unforgettable journey – a journey of love, laughter, and indefinite memories...

Day 1: Welcome to Tbilisi – The Capital of Georgia

With our heavy luggage bags and a sprinkle of excitement, we arrived at Kuwait International Airport (KWI) as per the flight schedule. We were early of course – but that’s clearly how excited both of us were about our new adventure.

Soon after a smooth check-in, we were in our flight from Kuwait to Tbilisi, all set to explore the heart of Georgia. Our flight reached Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) after a journey of 4 hours 35 minutes – it was safe, convenient, and comfortable to the max.

When we stepped out of the airport, our driver was already waiting for us. He welcomed us with warm greetings, loaded our luggage in the car, and drove us to our prebooked hotel in Tbilisi. Upon arriving at the 4-star Brosse Garden Hotel, the staff served us some refreshing drinks meanwhile we completed the check-in formalities.

After being escorted into our room, we took some time to relax, rest, and freshen up. Later in the evening, my wife and I decided to explore the nearby area on our own rather than just staying in the room.

We only returned to the hotel after dinner, which included delicious Georgian cuisines and local wine. As the city lights still flickered outside our window, we sat scrolling through our phones and reflecting on the warmth Georgia had greeted us on the first day. Soon, we slipped inside our cozy covers to sleep and recharge ourselves for the busy exploration day ahead.

Day 2: Tbilisi Discovery – Through Culture, History, & Beauty!

As the sun rose over Tbilisi, its rays filled us with new excitement and enthusiasm. After a scrumptious breakfast and gathering our essentials, we were ready to explore Georgia.

With our driver, we set out for a city tour of Tbilisi, starting from the Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi). Our first stop was Metekhi (officially named Metekhi church of the Nativity of the Mother of God), perched atop a cliff overlooking Mtkvari River. This 13th-century structure is a symbol of the country’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

Then, we walked past Rike Park to the Bridge of Peace, a steel and glass passage that connects the modern city to the Old Town. It boasts a unique bow-shaped design with thousands of LEDs, which transforms into a spectacle of lights after sunset. While crossing the bridge, we enjoyed breathtaking views of landmarks like Narikala Fortress and the Metekhi Church, the Kura River below, and the skyline. And of course, a dozen photographs before stepping ahead!

The Clock Tower (Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater Clock Tower) was the next spot our guide took us to. Standing in the heart of the Old Town, the clock tower looked like nothing more than a clumsy and naive structure tucked into the theatre building. But what left us amazed was how an angel appears at the top and rings the bell every hour – trust me, we still are in wonder!

This was surely the most bizarre spot we had both seen so far in our lives, but anyhow – us being the ‘touristy couple in town’ – we quickly took a shot before it with grins on our faces and moved ahead.

We hopped on to a cable car that took us to Narikala Fortress in about 5 minutes. We were awestruck and a little nervous at first. The ride was short, but hell filled with thrills and scenic views of the river, hills, and everything around.

A short walk from there and we arrived at the statue of Mother of Georgia, the national symbol of the country. The iconic 20-meter-tall aluminum figure features a woman holding a wine glass in one hand and a sword on the other, symbolizing the hospitality and strength of Georgians.

Next, we visited Abanotubani, an ancient district known for its hot springs. Our tour guide walked us through the sulfur bathhouses in the area, including those dating to the 5th century. Both my wife and I got tempted for a quick soak, but time did not allow us to. With an incomplete little desire, we headed forward.

We drove for about 2 hours to the west of the city and arrived at Dashbashi Canyon (Tsalka Canyon). It is considered the most beautiful natural monument in Europe, and we stand by it after witnessing its enchanting beauty with our eyes. Waterfalls, caves, stone pillars, and other geological formations surrounded by lush greenery – everything about that place was so beautiful.

However, the main highlight of the canyon was the Dimond Bridge that we walked on. It hangs 280 meters above ground and is completely made of glass. There’s a restaurant in the middle of the bridge, where we grabbed some coffee to sip while enjoying views of the spectacular landscape. The serene atmosphere and cool climate just made it all better.

Since it was already close to sunset, we headed to our car and started our journey back to Tbilisi. However, we stopped on the way for dinner at a cozy local restaurant that served us traditional dishes and warm smiles.

After arriving back in the room, we changed into our sleeping suits and slipped inside the bed to get a restful sleep.

Day 3: A Day Tour to Kazbegi

After a relaxing night’s sleep, we had a delicious breakfast at the hotel and got ready for the day’s exploration. With our driver, we embarked on our journey to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), a small town known for its natural beauty and serene vibe.

Along the route of about 150 kilometers, we enjoyed short stops to stretch ourselves, grab a cup of coffee, and of course, capture the surrounding beauty with our cameras.

In the afternoon, we arrived at our destination and visited the Ananuri Complex (Ananuri Fortress Ensemble). Set on the banks of Aragvi River, the complex has been listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its rich historic significance and architectural aesthetics.

The complex has two churches, a watchtower, and defensive walls that date to the 16th century. It also offers incredible views of Zhinvali Dam (Zhinvali Reservoir), making it a popular spot for photography.

Then we continued our drive to reach Gudauri Panorama, one of the most beautiful monuments we visited during the trip. It is officially known as Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument, and also popular as Treaty of Georgievsk Monument.

This massive circular stone balcony hangs from a cliff and is decorated with vibrant Soviet-era mosaics that reveal so much about the history, culture, and relationship between Russia and Georgia. Not to forget the views – we literally lost ourselves in the serenity of the place for a few moments!

Later in the afternoon, we arrived at Kazbegi and directly drove to Gergeti Trinity Church. This 14th-century church sits on the slope of Mount Kazbek at an altitude of 2,170 meters above sea level. After exploring its history, admiring its Georgian medieval architecture, and soaking in the beauty of the surroundings, we started back for Tbilisi.

It was already dark by the time we arrived in Tbilisi. We decided to stop by a restaurant for dinner, and luckily, we found an elegant and affordable place to relish a good meal. The driver then dropped us at the hotel for the night.

Day 4: A Scenic Shift from Tbilisi to Kutaisi

The last morning in Tbilisi began with mixed feelings. In the past few days, we had become familiar with Tbilisi, from its vibrant energy to its cobblestone streets, but then it was time to move on to our next destination – Kutaisi.

After a hearty breakfast, we packed up and checked out of the hotel early in the morning, with our driver already waiting for us.

As we drove away from the city, the roads opened up into the countryside of Georgia. The scenery along the way was breathtaking. Vast fields, quaint villages, and occasional hilltop monasteries made us feel how dramatic landscapes within the same country can be!

Just a 30-minute drive from Tbilisi, we stopped at Guramishvili Winery in Saguramo village. This historic winery is famous for the production of traditional wines and classic champagne. Since I am an oenophile, this place was specially added to the itinerary. We took a guided tour of the winery, explored the vineyards, and indulged in tasting different local wine varieties.

Resuming our journey, we drove to Jvari Monastery sitting atop a cliff – a reminder of how ancient and layered Georgia is. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its religious sanctity, historic significance, and sixth-century Georgian Orthodox architecture that remains intact till day.

The serene atmosphere and unparalleled views of the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers, Mtskheta city, and surrounding hills made our visit to the monastery all the more worthwhile.

Next, we proceeded to the center of Mtskheta city to visit UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Built in the 11th century, the church is among the most sacred places for Christians worldwide as Jesus Christ’s Robe is buried here.

Without wasting any time, we hopped into our car and started off from Mtskheta to Kutaisi, which was almost 200 kilometers drive from there.

Upon arriving in Kutaisi in the evening, we checked-in at the 4-star Grand Opera Hotel prebooked with Georgia tour packages from Myholidays. We settled in our room, freshened up, and stepped out for a city tour of Kutaisi.

A 5-minute walk from the hotel took us to Central Square (David Agmashenebeli Square), bustling with happy crowds. Right in the middle was the Colchis Fountain, featuring an array of intricately designed golden sculptures of horses, rams, tigers, and a Tamada statue.

Then, we headed to Kutaisi Opera House (officially known as Kutaisi Meliton Balanchivadze Opera and Ballet Professional State Theatre) – literally a beauty! Its stunning design with an elegant facade and thirteen Roman figures on the roof left us admiring it till the moment we stepped out.

We watched a short classical music performance at the Opera House, and there could not have been any better way to end the day in Kutaisi. It was not only entertaining but also gave us an insight into the traditional music and dance of Georgia.

From there, we walked to Mon Plaisir Arch, the gateway to Kutaisi’s Royal Quarter. It’s a magnificent structure in Art Nouveau style, with its name written right at the top and several sculptures. The entrance leads to some of the city’s most significant landmarks, but since it was already late, we skipped going ahead.

We crossed the White Bridge, located just 200 meters from Mon Plaisir Arch. It was a relaxing stroll with picturesque views of the shimmering Rioni River waters below and flickering city lights along the banks. My wife and I managed to take a quick selfie on the bridge, though we later found it to be a little blurry (but will work for a memory).

Post dining at the hotel’s onsite restaurant, we indulged in a conversation on the shift from Tbilisi’s eclectic city vibe to the laid-back atmosphere of Kutaisi. Both of us agreed that it wasn’t just a drive, but a journey, which we wouldn’t get over any sooner. Soon we both drifted to sleep with excitement for what was waiting for us the next day.

Day 5: Transfer from Kutaisi to Batumi

After days of exploring Georgia’s cities and countryside, arriving in Batumi felt like stepping into a whole different world. It was the fifth day of our Georgia tour. After breakfast, we checked out of the hotel and left for Batumi, the Pearl of the Black Sea.

We reached Batumi after a drive of about 3 hours. Along the way, we took short halts to enjoy the views and stretched our legs. Upon arriving in the city, we checked in at the 4-star Graphic Hotel, where we were welcomed with warm smiles and refreshing drinks.

After settling in our room and taking a short nap, we stepped out to explore the city on our own starting from Batumi Boulevard, the seaside promenade. We strolled along the park and enjoyed heartfelt conversations as the cool breeze brushed through our hair and faces.

The Alphabet Tower was the main highlight of the place. This 130-meter-high tower showcases the 33 letters of Georgian alphabets in the most amazing way. But it looks more like DNA structure – that is quite unique though!

The main highlight was the statue of Ali and Nino – a symbol of eternal love. It features two giant metal statues that move towards each other, merge into one, and then separate. And like every other couple, we asked our driver to click us in front of the statue – and I must appreciate his skills. The pictures turned out to be good.

The rest of the evening was spent browsing through the local shops followed by a traditional dinner at a fancy restaurant in the area. Then we moved to our hotel to catch some good sleep.

Day 6: Exploring the Heart of Batumi

The sun rays leaking through the windows woke us up in the morning. After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we proceeded on a tour of Old Batumi.

It started from the Statue of Medea, standing in the bustling Europe Square. Unveiled in 2007, the statue is a symbol of ancient connection between Batumi and Colchis. It shows a young Colchian Princess holding a golden fleece that symbolizes wealth and power.

We were elated to see the Astronomical Clock in the area, which is more than just a timepiece. Apart from showing the correct time, it also provides precise information about astronomical phenomena. And of course, the architecture of the building it hangs on is worth admiring.

We strolled through Piazza Square, one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city. It is lined with Italian-style architecture, cafes, and restaurants, and for a while we thought as if we were in Italy and not Georgia.

Not very far from the square, we saw the Statue of Neptune. Located in Theater Square, the gold-plated sculpture features Neptune surrounded by mermaids and a fountain.

From there, our driver took us to Gonio Fortress (Gonio-Apsaros Fortress), the oldest citadel in the city. It's a massive fortress built in a rectangular design surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views. The Roman-Byzantine military architecture of the fortress from the 1st century revealed the rich defense power and history of the region.

The fortress was converted into a Museum Reserve in 2010. We explored its impressive collections of artifacts and discoveries, which offered us a delightful glimpse into the centuries of history and archaeology of the city.

Then, we visited the famous Makhuntseti Waterfall close by. The waterfall cascades through the lush vegetation from 118-feet height, running into a large natural pool. Both of us sat on one side of the pool with our feet dipped in the water, and what a wonderful feeling it was. So much peace, so much beauty all around!

Later, we moved to our hotel in Batumi. Since it was our last night in Georgia, we sat on the balcony of our room to enjoy the night views and tranquility. After scrolling through the photos on our phone, we went to sleep in our cozy bed – our home for the last time!

Day 7: Goodbye Batumi – Georgia Tour Ends Here

When we woke up on the last day of our holiday in Georgia, it was already 8:30 AM with sun shining brightly. Quickly getting out of our beds, we freshened up and hurried for breakfast.

Soon after, we checked out of the hotel and proceeded to explore Mirveti Waterfall, located about 20 kilometers away from Batumi city. Cascading through the cliffs from 20 meters above, the spot amazed us with its beauty. And the relief we found there cannot be explained!

On our way back from the waterfall, we stopped at a shopping mall to quickly grab some souvenirs to take home. Post shopping, we took some snacks and drinks and spent time just exploring the stores.

According to the schedule of our flight, we were then transferred to Batumi International Airport. After boarding our flight from Batumi to Kuwait, we departed from the city with content hearts. Our trip was over, but the moments were fresh in our minds, and the memories would live on forever!