https://www.trip.com/travel-guide/destination/shida-kartli-1699284
Shida Kartli
Shida Kartli

Shida Kartli Travel Guide 2025: Top places, Itinerary & Deals | Trip.com | December 2025

About Shida Kartli

Shida Kartli Local Experiences Map

View local experiences on map
logo

Trending in Shida Kartli

Explore Uplistsikhe: Georgia's Cave Wonder@Uplistsikhe

View more

Popular Destinations

More popular destinations
Gori

Gori

Kriskhevi

Kriskhevi

Koshkebi

Koshkebi

Kvarkhiti

Kvarkhiti

Lower Rekha

Lower Rekha

Gomisjvari

Gomisjvari

Akhalsopeli

Akhalsopeli

Plavismani

Plavismani

Things to do in Shida Kartli

What to do

Looking for things to do in Shida Kartli? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.
View more
Stalin Museum

Stalin Museum

5.4
4.6/511 Reviews
󱓓
Museums
Uplistsikhe

Uplistsikhe

4.9
4.5/53 Reviews
󱓓
Historic buildings
Natural scenery
Stalin Park

Stalin Park

3.2
This user hasn't left any comments yet
Gori Fortress

Gori Fortress

3.1
This user hasn't left any comments yet
󱓓
Historic buildings
Surami Fortress

Surami Fortress

2.9
This user hasn't left any comments yet
Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Kintsvisi

Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Kintsvisi

2.8
This user hasn't left any comments yet
Tengiz Burjanadze Stadium

Tengiz Burjanadze Stadium

2.7
This user hasn't left any comments yet
Ateni Sioni Church

Ateni Sioni Church

2.5
This user hasn't left any comments yet
Mzovreti Monastery

Mzovreti Monastery

2.5
This user hasn't left any comments yet
Samtavisi Cathedral

Samtavisi Cathedral

2.4
This user hasn't left any comments yet

Where to stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Shida Kartli, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
View more
Gori Inn

Gori Inn

4.2/513 Reviews
Mtserlebi Resort

Mtserlebi Resort

4.3/513 Reviews
Gori Apartments

Gori Apartments

4.7/515 Reviews
Anna's Guest House

Anna's Guest House

4.5/517 Reviews
Chateau Ateni Cottages

Chateau Ateni Cottages

4.8/5This user hasn't left any comments yet
Ranch in Variani

Ranch in Variani

4.7/53 Reviews
Georgia Gold

Georgia Gold

4.0/59 Reviews
Guest House Savane

Guest House Savane

4.0/5This user hasn't left any comments yet
Nitsa Guest House

Nitsa Guest House

4.7/55 Reviews
Royal House

Royal House

3.8/54 Reviews
Iveria Hotel

Iveria Hotel

4.0/5This user hasn't left any comments yet
GoriHouse

GoriHouse

3.7/5This user hasn't left any comments yet

What to eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Shida Kartli dishes and foodie spots.
View more
Sports Cafe

Sports Cafe

3 Reviews
󱓓
Bars/Bistros
Nikala

Nikala

4.0/5This user hasn't left any comments yet
󱓓
Western-style
Avg. SEK515/person
Wine Artisans Chateau & Restaurant

Wine Artisans Chateau & Restaurant

5.0/5This user hasn't left any comments yet
󱓓
Asian Cuisine
Avg. SEK128/person
L'avenue

L'avenue

4.0/51 Reviews
󱓓
Asian Cuisine
Resto-Bar Black Star

Resto-Bar Black Star

This user hasn't left any comments yet
󱓓
Asian Cuisine
Avg. SEK191/person
Shin DA Gori

Shin DA Gori

This user hasn't left any comments yet
󱓓
Asian Cuisine
Avg. SEK151/person
Cafe 22

Cafe 22

This user hasn't left any comments yet
󱓓
Asian Cuisine
Avg. SEK161/person
Georgian Restaurant Gamardjoba

Georgian Restaurant Gamardjoba

4.5/5This user hasn't left any comments yet
󱓓
Asian Cuisine
Avg. SEK148/person
Restaurant Fish House

Restaurant Fish House

This user hasn't left any comments yet
󱓓
Western-style
Berikoni

Berikoni

4.5/5This user hasn't left any comments yet
კერა

კერა

This user hasn't left any comments yet
󱓓
Western-style
Coffeegizer

Coffeegizer

This user hasn't left any comments yet
󱓓
Coffee Shops
Avg. SEK76/person

Shida Kartli Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

Post
Departing from Tbilisi, journey all the way to the cave art from a thousand years ago

Departing from Tbilisi, journey all the way to the cave art from a thousand years ago

CelestialChaos7vczr
CelestialChaos7vczr
Complete Guide to the Beautiful Scenery of the Three Caucasus Countries in Winter

Complete Guide to the Beautiful Scenery of the Three Caucasus Countries in Winter

疆山游
疆山游
Winter Caucasus Three Countries Travel Guide – You’ll Regret Not Going

Winter Caucasus Three Countries Travel Guide – You’ll Regret Not Going

疆山游
疆山游
1
Winter in Georgia|Every frame is worth a screenshot! The stunning kingdom of oil paintings

Winter in Georgia|Every frame is worth a screenshot! The stunning kingdom of oil paintings

Rodriguez_Ann_11
Rodriguez_Ann_11
9
12-Day Winter Multi-Country Tour Including Azerbaijan – Amazing

12-Day Winter Multi-Country Tour Including Azerbaijan – Amazing

疆山游
疆山游
1
Uplistsikhe –visit the ancient cave town
If you’re staying in Tbilisi and looking for an easy half-day trip, Uplistsikhe is one of the best places to visit. It’s an ancient cave city carved directly into rock – older than most people expect – and walking there really feels like stepping into a different era. Smooth stone paths, old wine presses, hidden tunnels, and views over the Mtkvari River make it a perfect mix of history and scenery.

How to get there from Tbilisi? 
The easiest option is a taxi or a private transfer.
•  Travel time: around 1 hour
•  Price: usually 80–120 GEL round trip depending on your negotiation skills
Tip: ask the driver to wait ~1.5-2 hours – that’s enough to explore the whole site.
There’s also a marshrutka from Didube to Gori, and from Gori you need a taxi to Uplistsikhe. This combo is cheaper, but definitely slower and less convenient. If you travel as a couple or group, taxi is better.

How to get there from Kutaisi? 
Travel time is around 2.5 hours by taxi. If you combine it with Mtskheta or Gori, it becomes a great full-day trip.

What to expect? 
Uplistsikhe is a surprisingly large complex, spread across a rocky hill. You’ll see:
•  ancient cave dwellings
•  the main hall carved into the cliff
•  old pagan temples
•  a stone-cut theatre
•  tunnels used for escaping during invasions
•  a beautiful church standing above all caves
Views from the top are fantastic, especially before sunset.

Practical tips
•  Entry fee: 15 GEL
•  Wear shoes with good grip – rocks can be slippery
•  There’s almost no shade, so bring water and a hat
•  Visiting time: 1-2 hours is enough for most people
•  You can combine Uplistsikhe with Gori Fortress or the Stalin Museum in one trip

Is it worth it?
Definitely#travel . It’s one of the easiest day trips from Tbilisi and gives you a quick, interesting look into Georgia’s ancient history without long hiking or complicated logistics. And the landscapes alone make it worth the visit.
#georgia #uplistsikhe #cave #staycation #daytrip #tbilisi #traveltips
georgia

Uplistsikhe –visit the ancient cave town If you’re staying in Tbilisi and looking for an easy half-day trip, Uplistsikhe is one of the best places to visit. It’s an ancient cave city carved directly into rock – older than most people expect – and walking there really feels like stepping into a different era. Smooth stone paths, old wine presses, hidden tunnels, and views over the Mtkvari River make it a perfect mix of history and scenery. How to get there from Tbilisi? The easiest option is a taxi or a private transfer. • Travel time: around 1 hour • Price: usually 80–120 GEL round trip depending on your negotiation skills Tip: ask the driver to wait ~1.5-2 hours – that’s enough to explore the whole site. There’s also a marshrutka from Didube to Gori, and from Gori you need a taxi to Uplistsikhe. This combo is cheaper, but definitely slower and less convenient. If you travel as a couple or group, taxi is better. How to get there from Kutaisi? Travel time is around 2.5 hours by taxi. If you combine it with Mtskheta or Gori, it becomes a great full-day trip. What to expect? Uplistsikhe is a surprisingly large complex, spread across a rocky hill. You’ll see: • ancient cave dwellings • the main hall carved into the cliff • old pagan temples • a stone-cut theatre • tunnels used for escaping during invasions • a beautiful church standing above all caves Views from the top are fantastic, especially before sunset. Practical tips • Entry fee: 15 GEL • Wear shoes with good grip – rocks can be slippery • There’s almost no shade, so bring water and a hat • Visiting time: 1-2 hours is enough for most people • You can combine Uplistsikhe with Gori Fortress or the Stalin Museum in one trip Is it worth it? Definitely#travel . It’s one of the easiest day trips from Tbilisi and gives you a quick, interesting look into Georgia’s ancient history without long hiking or complicated logistics. And the landscapes alone make it worth the visit. #georgia #uplistsikhe #cave #staycation #daytrip #tbilisi #traveltips

Taste the World.
Taste the World.
Exploring Kvakhvreli with a climb up to Uplistsikhe is seriously a game-changer for travel addicts 🏞️. If you’re into surreal landscapes, ancient history, and killer views, you’ll love this guide!

Must-See Place:  
Uplistsikhe  
Location: Uplistsikhe Complex Road, Kvakhvreli, Georgia  
Hours: 10:00–18:00, year-round  

The star here is definitely Uplistsikhe — this ancient rock-hewn town tucked near the Mtkvari River is wild. Go in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds. The climb up isn’t tough, but wear real shoes (this isn’t “flip-flops on cobblestone” territory!). Your reward? A panoramic scene of mountain ridges, the river, and golden autumn trees — you’ll want your camera, and maybe a wide-angle lens.  

My tip: It’s absolutely worth making the climb to the highest point! The view over the valley is epic and you’ll get beautiful sun and nature shots for your feed 🌄. Bring water, and grab a snack at the small café by the entry before heading up.  

Getting There:  
Kvakhvreli is best accessed by rental car, taxi, or joining a local tour. Public transport from Gori is available, but check schedules in advance. Parking is easy at the site.  

Ticket 12 Lari


#GeorgiaTravel #Uplistsikhe #Kvakhvreli #EpicViews #NatureAdventures
georgiatravel

Exploring Kvakhvreli with a climb up to Uplistsikhe is seriously a game-changer for travel addicts 🏞️. If you’re into surreal landscapes, ancient history, and killer views, you’ll love this guide! Must-See Place: Uplistsikhe Location: Uplistsikhe Complex Road, Kvakhvreli, Georgia Hours: 10:00–18:00, year-round The star here is definitely Uplistsikhe — this ancient rock-hewn town tucked near the Mtkvari River is wild. Go in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds. The climb up isn’t tough, but wear real shoes (this isn’t “flip-flops on cobblestone” territory!). Your reward? A panoramic scene of mountain ridges, the river, and golden autumn trees — you’ll want your camera, and maybe a wide-angle lens. My tip: It’s absolutely worth making the climb to the highest point! The view over the valley is epic and you’ll get beautiful sun and nature shots for your feed 🌄. Bring water, and grab a snack at the small café by the entry before heading up. Getting There: Kvakhvreli is best accessed by rental car, taxi, or joining a local tour. Public transport from Gori is available, but check schedules in advance. Parking is easy at the site. Ticket 12 Lari #GeorgiaTravel #Uplistsikhe #Kvakhvreli #EpicViews #NatureAdventures

_TI***a0
_TI***a0
Autumn Must-Do: 12-Day Multi-Country Tour Including Azerbaijan

Autumn Must-Do: 12-Day Multi-Country Tour Including Azerbaijan

疆山游
疆山游
View more

Best of Shida Kartli

Top 20 Luxury Hotels near Shida Kartli

View more

Top 10 Scenic Hotels near Shida Kartli

View more

Top 10 Instagrammable Hotels near Shida Kartli

View more

Top 50 Premium Hotels near Shida Kartli

View more

Top 50 4-Star Select Hotels near Shida Kartli

View more

Other recommended cities

Tbilisi

Tbilisi

Batumi

Batumi

Kutaisi

Kutaisi

Sighnaghi

Sighnaghi