Destination
Telavi
The heart of Kakheti wine country, under the Tsivgombori range.
How to get to Telavi
By car, Telavi is about 2 h from Tbilisi (96 km). The closest airport is Tbilisi International Airport, about 1 h 45 min away by car (83 km). With a driver it is door to door at a fixed price, with stops on the way if you add them. See drivers & prices
Which car to take
- Sedan · economy
- Sedan · comfort
- Minivan
- Minibus
- SUV
- Sedan · premium
Asphalt the whole way — any car on the list is fine.
Best time to go
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
How long to stay
1–2 days
Not counting the drive there and back.
Main sights
- Batonis Tsikhe fortress
- Alaverdi cathedral
- Ikalto academy
- Old and New Shuamta
- Lopota Lake
What people come to see. Ask your driver to stop at any of them.
Worth stopping for
- The Gombori pass through the forest
- The Chavchavadze estate at Tsinandali
On the way from Tbilisi. Your driver can add any of them to the trip.
Good for
- Wine & cuisine
- Culture & history
What to eat here
- Mtsvadi
- Khashlama
- Churchkhela
- Dedas puri (bread from the tone oven)
The wine: Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, much of it still fermented in qvevri, clay jars buried in the ground.
The cooking of Kakheti. Ask your driver where people actually eat.
Transfers to Telavi
Tours that include it
Questions about Telavi
- How far is Telavi from Tbilisi?
- About 2 h by car, 96 km.
- Which airport is closest to Telavi?
- Tbilisi International Airport, about 1 h 45 min away by car (83 km).
- When is the best time to visit Telavi?
- Autumn, spring, and summer.
- How many days do I need in Telavi?
- 1–2 days. Not counting the drive there and back.
