Christmas and New Year Day Trips from Tbilisi: Where to Go in Early January 2027

With Orthodox Christmas on 7 January and New Year public holidays on 1 and 2 January, early 2027 is a good window for short trips out of the capital — here is how to plan them.

Mtskheta and the Georgian Military Road

Mtskheta, the old capital, sits about 25 km north of Tbilisi and is an easy half-day by marshrutka from Didube bus station or by taxi. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Jvari monastery on the ridge above the Aragvi and Mtkvari confluence are the two anchors, and both are outdoor or semi-outdoor sites, which matters in January when daylight is short. Go in the morning, when the light on Jvari is best and the roads are quiet, and allow two to three hours on the ground before heading back.

If you have a full day, continue up the Georgian Military Road to Ananuri fortress and the Jinvali reservoir. The road climbs through the Dusheti hills and the snow line often sits around Pasanauri, so check conditions before setting out and carry warm layers. This is a driver-and-car trip rather than a bus one; a private car with a driver for the day is the usual arrangement and can be booked through your hotel. In January the fortress is quiet and the reservoir is steel-grey — worth it for the landscape rather than the facilities.

Kakheti wine country in winter

Kakheti, the eastern wine region, is roughly two hours by road from Tbilisi via the Gombori pass or the longer route through Sagarejo. Signagi and Telavi are the two bases, and in early January both are cold but far emptier than in the September harvest. The appeal is the cellar visits and the walled town of Signagi itself, plus the monastery at Bodbe a short drive below it. Many wineries close between New Year and Orthodox Christmas, so confirm openings before you commit to a specific estate.

My advice is to book one night in Telavi rather than day-tripping: the drive back in the dark on winter roads is the least pleasant part of the trip, and a one-night stay lets you visit two cellars in a relaxed way. Guesthouses and small hotels in Telavi run cheaper in January than in autumn. Also note that 7 January is a public holiday, so some family-run cellars may be closed — plan that day for Tbilisi itself.

Gudauri and Kazbegi for snow

Gudauri is about two hours from Tbilisi on the Georgian Military Road and is the most practical mountain day trip in winter. Ski season usually runs from December into April, and early January is high season, so expect queues on the lifts and book accommodation well ahead if you plan to stay. A day trip works if you leave Tbilisi by 7am; groups and shared minivans leave from Didube. Kazbegi, further up at Stepantsminda, is a longer haul and better as an overnight.

For a quieter snow day, consider Bakuriani instead — it is a longer drive from Tbilisi, around three hours via Borjomi, but it is the better choice if you want a family-friendly resort with gentler slopes. Both resorts are cold in January, with temperatures often well below freezing at altitude, so pack accordingly. If you only have one free day around the New Year holidays, I would pick Gudauri for the shorter transfer, and save Kazbegi's Gergeti Trinity Church for a clearer, less rushed visit later in your trip.

Borjomi, Vardzia and the southern route

The southern loop through Borjomi to Vardzia is the longest day trip on this list and honestly too much for one day in winter. Borjomi itself, about two hours from Tbilisi, works as a half-day: the central park and the mineral water springs are the draw, and the town is a sensible base for a night if you want to continue south. The road to Akhaltsikhe and then Vardzia adds another two hours each way, and the cave monastery is best visited with a full day and an early start.

If you go, overnight in Akhaltsikhe and see the Rabati fortress in the afternoon, then drive to Vardzia the next morning. The site is exposed and the internal tunnels are unlit, so bring a torch and proper shoes. Winter opening can be limited by weather, so check the official site before travelling. Between the two, I would book Borjomi for a single night and treat Vardzia as a separate trip rather than squeezing both into the holiday week.

Questions, answered

Is it worth visiting Kakheti between New Year and Orthodox Christmas?

Yes, if you confirm cellar openings first. Many wineries close in the first week of January, and 7 January is a public holiday. Signagi and Telavi are quiet and accommodation is cheaper than in autumn, but plan around closures.

Can I do Gudauri as a day trip from Tbilisi in January?

It is possible. Leave by 7am, as the drive takes about two hours each way, and shared minivans leave from Didube. Early January is high season on the slopes, so expect queues. Staying overnight is more comfortable.

What should I skip on a short winter trip?

Vardzia as a day trip. The return drive from Tbilisi is long and the site is weather-dependent in January. Overnight in Borjomi or Akhaltsikhe instead, and keep Tbilisi for the 7 January holiday itself.

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