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

Travelers craving a taste of Georgia’s breathtaking mountain scenery, historic sites, and vibrant local culture will find this 2-day Gudauri and Kazbegi tour a compelling option. Delivered by BFT GROUP, it promises a well-organized adventure filled with stunning vistas, engaging stops, and options to tailor your experience.

We particularly appreciate the seamless hotel pick-up, the knowledgeable guides who sprinkle in fascinating insights, and the chance to explore iconic landmarks at your own pace. The inclusion of optional activities like hiking, horseback riding, and a 4WD ride to Gergeti Trinity Church makes it a flexible trip that appeals to a variety of interests.

That said, the tour does involve a fair bit of travel time, and winter conditions can sometimes affect plans—such as road closures leading to extra time spent in Gudauri instead of Kazbegi. If you’re prepared for a full day on the road with scenic stops, this tour offers excellent value for those keen to see the highlights with a local touch.

Ideal for travelers who love outdoor scenery, historical sites, and optional adventures, this experience suits those looking for a well-rounded, guided introduction to Georgia’s mountainous heartland.

Good To Know

• Stunning Landscapes: Experience breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains, Jinvali Water Reservoir, and scenic stops.
• Flexible Itinerary: Options for hiking, horseback riding, or just relaxing and exploring Kazbegi at your own pace.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides like Luka, George, and Otto share insights and local tips.
• Seasonal Activities: Summer and winter activities enrich the trip, from rafting to skiing and paragliding.
• Value for Money: All entrance fees and several optional experiences included, making it a cost-effective way to see Georgia’s highlights.
• Authentic Experience: The tour’s stops, honey tasting, and opportunities for independent exploration add genuine local flavor.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the 2-Day Caucasus Mountain Adventure

This tour is designed for travelers eager to see the iconic spots around the Caucasus from Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. Over two days, you’ll journey through a mix of natural beauty, history, and lively local culture—all with the comfort of hotel pickup and small group sizes.

Day 1: From Tbilisi to Kazbegi and Gudauri

Your adventure begins with an early pickup at 8:10 AM, setting out from a central meeting point. The van, a comfortable 20-seater, ensures you won’t feel cramped during the roughly two-hour drive northeast toward the mountains. Expect a leisurely pace, with several interesting stops along the way.

The first major stop is the Jinvali Water Reservoir — a peaceful spot with striking blue waters stretching between rugged mountain peaks. This is your moment to snap photos and soak in the tranquility. Many reviews mention how stunning the views are, with one traveler noting, “The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, with towering peaks and lush valleys all around.”

Next, you’ll visit the Ananuri Fortress, an impressive complex with stone walls and towers overlooking the Aragvi River. Here, you’ll dive into Georgia’s history, exploring the ancient architecture and learning about its strategic significance. The guide usually spends about an hour here, which enough time for photos and a quick stroll.

Lunch offers a chance to enjoy some local cuisine, with optional rafting available for those eager for more adventure (additional $50 USD). This activity is not included but adds a splash of adrenaline to your day.

After lunch, the journey continues to Gudauri Ski Resort, where the season determines your activities. In summer, you might visit the Friendship Monument or try paragliding or quattro tours. In winter, skiing, snowmobiling, and winter paragliding become available. Many travelers, including one who appreciated the “great variety of activities,” find this part to be a highlight.

If weather permits, you’ll take a 4WD ride up to Gergeti Trinity Church at sunset for a spectacular photo op (costing 20 GEL/7 USD). For some, this is the most memorable part of the trip. Alternatively, the church can be visited on Day 2. The overnight stay is typically in Kazbegi or Gudauri, providing a comfortable base for the next day’s exploration.

Day 2: Free Exploration, Optional Hiking, and Horseback Ride

The second day offers three options depending on your interests and energy levels.

Standard Package: Enjoy the entire day at your own pace, wandering Kazbegi or Gudauri, with the trip wrapping up in the evening and returning to Tbilisi by around 11 PM in summer or 9 PM in winter.

Hiking Package: For those wanting to stretch their legs, a guided hike to Gveleti Waterfall from 2 PM to 5 PM offers a more immersive nature experience. Reviewers mention that the hike is accessible but note that the last part can be challenging for less experienced hikers.

Full Experience Package: Combine the waterfall hike with a sunset horseback ride at 5:30 PM. Many past travelers rave about the horseback riding, highlighting it as a magical way to end the trip with stunning views and a taste of local hospitality.

Transportation, Guides, and Logistics

Throughout the tour, you’ll travel in a comfortable minibus with space for 40 kg of luggage, which is ample for most travelers. The guides, all English-speaking, are praised for their friendliness and knowledge—some even sharing personal insights and cultural tidbits that enrich the experience.

Reviews frequently mention guides like Luka (aka Lucky), George, and Otto, praising their enthusiasm, storytelling, and ability to keep the group engaged. Many mention that guides go beyond simply pointing out sights—they share fascinating facts, local legends, and assist with photo-taking, making the trip both educational and personable.

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Optional Activities and Extra Costs

While the tour is quite inclusive, some optional activities cost extra. The horseback ride is 20 GEL/7 USD, payable on site. The 4WD ride to Gergeti Trinity Church also costs 20 GEL/7 USD. Rafting, as noted, costs $50 USD and must be paid directly to local vendors.

Practicalities and Tips

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, since both the hikes and exploring require walking. Warm clothing is advised, especially in winter, when snow and cold temperatures are common. A camera, water, and cash (for optional extras) are also recommended.

The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to the terrain and vehicle stops. Booking a hotel in Kazbegi or Gudauri for overnight stays is advisable to maximize your experience and avoid rushing.

Authentic Experiences from Past Travelers

Many reviews highlight the guides’ ability to foster a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. One traveler raved about the entertainer-style guide Luka, noting how he shared insights on Georgia’s culture and history, making the long drives enjoyable. Others appreciated the local honey tasting, which added a sweet, authentic touch.

The scenery consistently receives praise, with some mentioning that their guide, George, made sure they captured plenty of photos and understood the significance of each site. Several reviewers pointed out the value for money, emphasizing how the included entrance fees and optional activities made this a worthwhile investment.

Participants also lauded the well-organized logistics, from hotel pickups to timely drop-offs, and the flexibility on the second day, allowing travelers to choose their preferred level of activity and exploration.

Final Considerations

This 2-day tour strikes a balance between sightseeing, adventure, and culture. The small group size and experienced guides ensure a personalized experience, while the range of optional activities caters to different tastes and energy levels.

The scenic stops, like Jinvali Reservoir and Ananuri Fortress, are truly picture-perfect, making this trip a photographer’s dream. For those wanting a deeper connection to Georgia’s mountain regions, the hiking and horseback options add meaningful layers to the experience.

While winter weather can occasionally affect plans, the tour generally offers a consistent, enjoyable adventure suited for active travelers, families, or anyone eager to see Georgia’s stunning natural beauty.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy outdoor exploration mixed with cultural stops and appreciate a guided experience that doesn’t feel rushed. If you’re after stunning mountain scenery, engaging local guides, and the chance to customize your second day with hiking or horseback riding, this trip hits the mark.

It offers excellent value, especially considering the many included entrance fees and optional activities, making it an affordable way to see multiple highlights in just two days. It’s best suited for those who are comfortable with some walking and driving, as it involves a fair amount of time on the road.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
Transportation, an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, honey tasting, visits to Jinvali Water Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress, Gudauri Ski Resort, Gudauri Friendship monument, all entrance fees, and space for 40 kg luggage are included.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is optional and not included in the price. Travelers should bring cash if they wish to buy lunch or participate in optional activities like rafting.

Can I visit Gergeti Trinity Church independently?
Yes, you can choose to visit the church on Day 2 if you prefer, or opt for the 4WD ride for 20 GEL/7 USD during Day 1’s sunset trip.

What kind of activities can I do at Gudauri?
Depending on the season, summer visitors can enjoy paragliding, quattro tours, or sightseeing at the Friendship Monument, while winter travelers can try skiing, snowmobiling, or winter paragliding.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, many families have taken this tour, though the hike to Gveleti Waterfall might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a camera, water, and cash for optional extras are recommended. Weather can be cold, especially in winter.

How long is the drive?
The drive from Tbilisi to Kazbegi and Gudauri takes approximately two hours, with several scenic stops along the way.

What if there is heavy snow during winter?
Road closures are possible, which may lead to additional time spent in Gudauri instead of Kazbegi. The tour providers will adjust plans accordingly.

To sum it up, this 2-day Gudauri and Kazbegi tour offers a fantastic way to see some of Georgia’s most iconic mountain scenery, with flexibility, good value, and knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re after adventure, history, or simply stunning views, it’s a trip that’s unlikely to disappoint.

You can check if your dates are available here: