I have traveled to many places. However, Georgia stands out as a true hidden gem. It is a country that sits between Europe and Asia. Most people do not talk about it much. Yet, you can travel there for under $40 a day and still feel like you are rich. This guide will help you find the best budget friendly tours Georgia has to offer. I will share my own stories and tips to make your trip great.
Why You Should Visit Georgia Now
First of all, the country of Georgia is very easy on your wallet. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. You will find big mountains, old churches, and the best wine in the world. Additionally, the people are incredibly welcoming. They treat guests like they are a gift from God. Whether you want to hike in the mountains or relax by the sea, this country is a perfect budget friendly destination.
The Gateway: Kutaisi
I began my journey in Kutaisi. It is the second-largest city in the country. It is also a major hub for low-cost airlines like Wizz Air. I found a flight for as low as £23 from some European cities. You can find cheap flights to Kutaisi from many places if you book early.
After I landed at the airport, I took the Georgian Bus shuttle. It only costs 5 GEL, which is about $2 USD. This is much cheaper than a private taxi. Taxis can cost up to 40 GEL.
In the city, I visited the Bagrati Cathedral. It sits on a hill and overlooks the whole town. It was built in the 11th century as a symbol of united Georgia. Later, I walked to the Green Bazaar. This is a local market where you can buy fresh fruit and traditional snacks. I suggest you try Churchkhela. It is a candy made from grapes and nuts. It is very cheap and keeps you full for a long time.
If you want a structured experience, you can join a group tour. A full-day tour in and around Kutaisi costs about 210 GEL per person. This price includes a guide, transportation, wine tasting, and a big Georgian dinner. On top of that, group tours are often 76% cheaper than private ones.
Tbilisi: The Heart of Georgia
Next, I headed to the capital, Tbilisi. It is a mix of very old buildings and very modern ones. It is a city that you must explore on foot. First, I went to the Old Town. The streets are narrow and the houses have colorful balconies.
I took a free walking tour with a guide named Levan from Tbilisi Free Walking Tours. He was very funny and knew everything about the history. Though the tour is free, it is polite to tip your guide. I gave about 25 GEL. We saw Freedom Square, the Peace Bridge, and the Narikala Fortress.
Tbilisi is famous for its Sulphur Baths. I spent a few hours there to relax. It is a very old tradition. The water comes from natural hot springs. A mid-range meal in the city only costs about 15 GEL, which is around $6 USD.
For a place to stay, I recommend guesthouses. In 2018, the average price for a guesthouse room was about 63 GEL. This is about $23 USD. If you want more comfort, a 4-star hotel costs around $100 USD. However, I think the guesthouses offer a more authentic experience. You get to meet local families and eat their home-cooked food.
The Mountains of Kazbegi
I felt a strong pull toward the mountains. Therefore, I traveled north to Kazbegi. This area is famous for the Gergeti Trinity Church. The church sits on a high hill in front of Mount Kazbek. Mount Kazbek is a dormant volcano.
You can hike from the town of Stepantsminda up to the church. It is about 1.5 miles one way. The hike takes about an hour or two. It is a steep climb, so you should wear good shoes. If you do not want to walk, you can take a cheap group trip up the hill for about $7.
I stayed in a shared guesthouse for $18 a night. I spent about $10 a day on food. You can easily enjoy Kazbegi on a budget of $35 per day. This makes it one of the best budget friendly vacation ideas for nature lovers.
I also visited the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi just to see the view. It is one of the most expensive hotels there. It has a great terrace where you can look at the mountains. Even if you do not stay there, you can stop by for a drink and enjoy the scenery.
Svaneti: A Trek Through Time
Later, I went even deeper into the mountains to the Svaneti region. This place feels like it is frozen in time. I saw ancient stone towers called Swan towers. They were built long ago to protect families from enemies.
I did a four-day hike from Mestia to Ushguli. This trek is about 50 kilometers long. It is very accessible because you can stay in guesthouses along the route. You do not need to carry a tent or a lot of food.
Each night in a guesthouse cost me about 50 to 60 GEL. This price is amazing because it includes a bed, a big dinner, and breakfast. I spent about $16 to $19 a day for everything while trekking.
The third day of the hike was the hardest but the most beautiful. I had to climb about 1,100 meters. I also had to cross a river. Later in the season, the water is low. However, earlier in the year, you might need to pay a local man with a horse about 20 GEL to help you cross.
Finally, I reached Ushguli. It is one of the highest mountain villages in Europe. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The views of the glaciers were breathtaking.
Kakheti: Wine Country
Georgia is the birthplace of wine. History shows that people have made wine here for over 8,000 years. Naturally, I had to visit the Kakheti region. This part of the country grows about 75% of all the grapes.
I visited the town of Sighnaghi. People call it the City of Love. It sits on a hill and has a long defensive wall. I walked on the wall and looked out over the Alazani Valley.
I joined a budget friendly wine tour for about $32 a day. This covered a simple guesthouse, local food like Khachapuri (cheese bread), and a wine tasting. I learned about the Qvevri method. This is a traditional way to make wine in large clay pots buried in the ground.
During the months of September and October, you can join the Rtveli. This is the wine harvest festival. I helped pick grapes and crush them with my feet. It was a lot of fun. Afterward, we had a Supra, which is a huge Georgian feast with a lot of wine and toasts.
Coastal Vibes in Batumi
If you like the sea, you should visit Batumi. It is a modern city on the Black Sea coast. It has a long beach walk, palm trees, and very cool buildings.
I spent under $40 a day here. I stayed in a budget hotel for $20. I spent $13 on food and $7 on activities. One of my favorite things was the Batumi Botanical Garden. It is a lush park on the cliffs above the sea.
The city comes alive at night with music and fountains. You can rent a bike and ride along the promenade for a few dollars. It is a great place to relax after hiking in the mountains.
Ancient Cave Cities
Georgia has some very unique sites built right into the rocks. I visited Uplistsikhe. It is an ancient cave city that dates back to the 6th century BC. You can walk through rock-cut streets and old temples. It only costs about $30 a day to visit this area if you stay nearby.
Another amazing place is Vardzia. It is a massive cave monastery complex carved into a cliff. It has hundreds of windows and rooms. I felt like I was in a movie. A visit here costs about $33 a day, including a guesthouse and food. These are definitely budget friendly places to visit.
Practical Tips for the Country of Georgia
To save money, you must use Marshrutka vans. These are minivans that run all over the country. They are fast and very cheap. A short trip costs about $1 to $2 USD. A long trip across the country might cost $10 USD.
You should also get a local SIM card. I used Magti because it has the best coverage. A bundle with 5GB of data costs about 15 GEL, which is around $6 USD.
For food, I suggest eating at local markets. You can get a meal in a mid-range restaurant for about $6 USD. If you want to save more, buy snacks like Puri (bread) from a stone oven. It is very cheap and delicious.
The best time to visit is from April to October. The mountains are open, and the weather is warm. If you go in the winter, flights and hotels are up to 40% cheaper. However, it can be very cold and snowy.
A Different Georgia: Savannah, USA
Now, let us talk about the other Georgia. I also spent time in Savannah, Georgia. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. It is known as the “hostess city of the south”.
Savannah is perfect for a budget friendly road trip. First of all, the city has 22 public squares. They are filled with history and big oak trees covered in moss. I walked through Chippewa Square, which is where the movie Forrest Gump was filmed.
One of my best tips for Savannah is to visit on a Sunday. Parking is free on Sundays. I spent the whole day walking through the squares without paying a cent.
I also explored the Savannah Riverwalk. This area has old factory buildings that have been turned into shops and places to eat. I watched huge container ships go by on the river. At the Savannah Candy Store, they gave me free samples of Pralines.
If you like history, you can visit the Juliet Gordon Low birthplace for $15. She started the Girl Scouts. However, if you want something free, you can just do a self-guided walking tour of the historic district.
I took a short drive to Tybee Island. The beach is free to visit. I looked for sharks’ teeth in the sand and found one. It was very cool! I also saw the Tybee Island Lighthouse. It is the tallest lighthouse in the state. It costs $10 to climb to the top. There are 178 steps, and the humidity makes it feel like a lot more.
Atlanta on a Budget
Atlanta is another great city in Georgia, USA. It is very vibrant and has a lot of free things to do. I visited Centennial Olympic Park. It was built for the 1996 Olympics. It has beautiful gardens and fountains where children can play.
I walked on the Atlanta BeltLine. This is a long trail built on old railway tracks. It connects many neighborhoods. I saw a lot of murals and public art along the way. It is completely free to walk or bike here.
Another must-see is the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. You can visit his birth home and the church where he preached for free. There is also a visitor center with exhibits about the civil rights movement.
For cheap food in Atlanta, I went to The Varsity. They serve traditional southern burgers and snacks. I got a meal for about $8. Another good spot is the Ponce City Market. It has a food hall with many options starting around $10.
To save money on transportation, I used the MARTA subway. One ride costs about $2. I also suggest staying in a hotel downtown near the park. It might be a little more expensive, but you will save a lot on travel costs because you can walk to many places.
Blue Ridge: Mountains and Waterfalls
If you love the outdoors, you should head to Blue Ridge, GA. There are many free things to do there. I visited the Project Chimps Hiking Trails. It is a sanctuary for research chimpanzees. You can hike the trails for free and sometimes hear the chimps making noise.
I also went to see Fall Branch Falls. It is a short walk, about one mile round trip. The waterfall is very peaceful. Another cool spot is the 270-foot long swinging bridge. It is the longest one of its kind east of the Mississippi River. It is a short walk from the parking lot and offers great views of the river.
In the town of McCaysville, I “walked the line”. There is a blue line painted on the street. On one side is Georgia, and on the other is Tennessee. It is a fun spot for a photo. These are all excellent budget friendly day trips.
How to Save Even More
Whether you are in the country of Georgia or the state of Georgia, planning is key. Here are some of my final thoughts on saving money:
- Book early. This is true for flights and hotels.
- Use local transport. Buses and trains are much cheaper than taxis.
- Eat like a local. Avoid tourist restaurants and find places where the local people eat.
- Look for free days. Many museums have days when you do not have to pay.
- Pack light. This helps you avoid baggage fees on cheap airlines.
Similarly, I found that carrying some cash is very important. In the country of Georgia, small guesthouses and markets often do not take cards. You should always have some GEL in your pocket.
On the contrary, in big cities like Tbilisi or Atlanta, you can use credit cards in most shops and hotels. However, having a little cash is still a good idea for tips or small snacks.
FAQ
How much does a Georgia trip cost?
I found that a short trip is very easy on the pocket. A four-day trip can cost around 50,000 INR, which is about $600 USD. This price covers your flights, a bed, and food.
How much should I budget for a trip to Georgia?
I suggest you plan to spend about $30 to $40 each day. This amount lets you stay in a nice room and eat very well. Truly a bargain.
Is Georgia affordable to travel?
Yes. It is one of the most affordable places I have visited. Prices are much lower than what you see in Western Europe. You can feel rich even with a small budget.
How much money is required for a Georgia trip?
You do not need a fortune. A core budget for one week is roughly $230 to $270. This covers your basic needs like a place to sleep and meals. Plus, you will have money left for fun.
Which month is best to visit Georgia?
I think April to October is the best time. The mountain roads are open. The weather is warm. Everything is green and beautiful.
How do I choose the right Georgia tour?
First of all, you should pick a tour that is not rushed. Look for guides who know a lot about wine and history. I prefer tours that visit small, family-run wineries for a real taste of the culture.
What’s the cheapest month to fly to Georgia?
The low season is the best time for cheap flights. January, February, March, and November are very affordable. You can save up to 40% on your travel costs.
How many days are sufficient for a Georgia trip?
I recommend at least three days just for Tbilisi. If you want to see the mountains and the sea, you should stay for seven to ten days. More time means more fun.
Is Tbilisi English friendly?
Younger people usually speak basic English in the city. However, older people often speak only Georgian or Russian. I learned a few local words to help me out.
Is a taxi cheap in Georgia?
Yes. Taxis are very cheap. A ride in the city costs about $6 USD. I used apps like Bolt to get the best prices and avoid any confusion.
What’s the average cost of a Georgia tour?
A group tour for a full day is around 210 GEL, which is about $80 USD. This often includes a guide, food, and wine. Smaller walking tours in the city can be as cheap as $10.
Do I need cash in Georgia?
Yes. You definitely need cash for smaller markets and guest houses. Many local spots do not take cards. I always kept GEL in my pocket.
Do I need a visa to enter Georgia?
Many travelers from the US, EU, and UK can enter without a visa. Others can apply for an e-visa online for a small fee. You should always check the latest rules before you fly.
Is Tbilisi budget friendly?
It is perfect for travelers on a budget. You can get a meal for $6 and a beer for under $2. Most of the great sites in the city are free to visit.
How much is a cup of coffee in Georgia?
A cup of coffee usually costs about 8 GEL, which is around $3 USD. It is a small price for a nice break in a cafe.
What is the best month to visit Georgia?
I enjoyed May, June, and September the most. The weather is pleasant for walking outside. It is not too hot and not too cold.
Is Georgia budget friendly?
Yes. Georgia is a hidden gem where you can travel for under $40 a day. It is a dream for anyone who wants to save money.
How much is one meal in Georgia?
A meal in a mid-range restaurant costs about 15 GEL, or $6 USD. Street food is even cheaper. You can eat like a king for very little money.
Which is the coldest month in Tbilisi?
January is the coldest month. Temperatures can drop to 0°C. You will need a very warm jacket if you visit then.
What is the cheapest time to visit Georgia?
The winter months from November to March are the cheapest. Hotels and flights cost much less at that time.
When to visit Batumi?
The best time is when the coast is warm from April to October. July and August are very popular but can be quite hot.
Concluding words
Georgia is a beautiful country that offers so much for very little money. You can hike in the high mountains of Kazbegi, drink ancient wine in Kakheti, or relax by the Black Sea in Batumi. I found that group tours are the best way to save cash because they are much cheaper than private ones.
Whether you walk the old streets of Tbilisi or explore the rock cities of Uplistsikhe, you will find magic everywhere. Do not wait for a special reason to visit. Every day is a gift in this welcoming land.
