Telavi 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Telavi: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Alazani Valley Viewpoint

A small, unfenced hilltop park just above the town with a clear view over the Alazani Valley towards the Greater Caucasus. Benches, shade and a breeze in summer. No facilities.

🕐 24/7

Free entry

💡 Walk up from the old town via Chavchavadze Street. Best at sunset for the light on the mountains. Bring water and wear decent shoes for the steep path.

Hotels near Alazani Valley Viewpoint →
Afternoon
Telavi Old Town Walk

A self-guided stroll through the old centre, with 18th- and 19th-century wooden balconied houses, cobbled streets and the 18th-century Batonis Tsikhe fortress complex. The main square has a giant plan

🕐 24/7

Free entry

💡 Start at Erekle II Square and head south along Akhvlediani Street for the best preserved facades. Most houses are private, so respect residents.

Hotels near Telavi Old Town Walk →
Evening
Where to eat

საძმო · ££

ნიკალა · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Telavi

Morning
Alaverdi Monastery Grounds

An 11th-century Georgian Orthodox monastery with a 55-metre cathedral, still an active religious site. The grounds and exterior are free to visit. The interior is dark, atmospheric and has faded fresc

🕐 Daily 07:00-19:00 (grounds always open, but church may close for services)

💡 Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Women may be asked to cover their head. Best to visit on a weekday morning for quiet. The wine cellar here produces qvevri wines, but tastings are by appointment only.

Midday
Batonis Tsikhe Fortress

The former royal palace of the Kakheti kings, now a museum inside a 17th-century citadel. The palace has restored rooms, royal artefacts and a lower courtyard. Entry is 3 GEL (about £1).

🕐 Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00

💡 Go early morning to avoid tour groups. The museum itself is small—you can see everything in under an hour. Free on the last Saturday of the month.

Evening
Dining tonight

თელავი

მიმინო

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Tsinandali Estate Gardens

The 19th-century estate of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, with a palace museum, winery and large landscaped gardens. The grounds alone cost 3 GEL entry, and the

💡 If you just want the gardens, skip the palace tour (another 3 GEL) unless you're keen on period furniture. The wine tasting is touristy but decent value at 5 GEL for three wines.

Final meal

შუა თელავში

ნაძვები

Getting Around Telavi

Georgian Railway to Telavi From 15 GEL 150 min

Scenic but slow — the train meanders through the Alazani Valley. Check updated timetables at tkt.ge; the station is 2 km south of Erma Hotel, so budget for a short taxi ride.

Local Taxi within Telavi From 5 GEL 10 min

Use Bolt for short hops — local drivers might start at 10 GEL. For trips to Alaverdi or Tsinandali, agree a flat 20-30 GEL round trip with wait time.

City Bus from Tbilisi Didube to Telavi From 8 GEL 110 min

Marshrutkas leave from Didube’s east side, not the main terminal. Tell the driver 'Erma Hotel' — they’ll drop you near the central square, a 5-min walk uphill.

Airport Transfer from Tbilisi (TBS) to Telavi From 80 GEL 120 min

Book a driver through Bolt or a local agency like GoTrip.ge for fixed rates. Avoid unmarked taxis at arrivals — they'll quote double.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Telavi?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Alazani Valley Viewpoint and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Telavi?

See our full best time to visit Telavi guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Tushishvili, რჩეული მარანი (Rcheuli Marani), Erma. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.