If Switzerland is too far, then visit this lesser-known visa-free country

Georgia is a beautiful and culturally rich country located in the Caucasus region, known for its long-standing wine culture, magnificent mountains, and warm hospitality. Here is a detailed travel guide to Georgia to help you plan an unforgettable trip. [Glister]1. Best Time to Travel - Spring (April-June): Mild climate, blooming flowers, ideal for outdoor activities. - Autumn (September-October): Cool weather, grape harvest season, perfect for wine tasting and hiking. - Winter (December-March): Great for skiing enthusiasts; Georgia’s ski resorts like Gudauri are very popular. [Trunk]2. Visa and Entry - Visa: Chinese citizens with ordinary passports can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 30 days (subject to the latest policy, please confirm before traveling). - Entry requirements: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months; travel insurance is recommended. 💵3. Currency: - The local currency is the Lari (GEL), 1 CNY ≈ 0.4 GEL (2023). It is recommended to bring USD/EUR for exchange locally, as the exchange rate at Tbilisi Airport is poor. --- 📅 Itinerary Overview - Theme: Natural Scenery + Cultural History + Food & Wine - Route: Tbilisi → Kazbegi → Sighnaghi → Tbilisi - Transportation: Mainly private car or carpool, flexible and efficient --- 🗓️ Daily Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Tbilisi → Old Town Stroll - Morning: Arrive in Tbilisi, check into a hotel in the Old Town (recommended near Freedom Square). - Afternoon: Explore Old Town highlights: - Holy Trinity Cathedral (landmark building) - Abanotubani Sulfur Baths (photo outside or experience the baths) - Peace Bridge + Puppet Clock Tower (popular photo spots) - Narikala Fortress (take the cable car up for panoramic city views) - Evening: - Dinner recommendation: “Shavi Lomi” (creative Georgian cuisine) or “Sofia Melnikova” (traditional flavors). - Night walk around Freedom Square to enjoy the Old Town nightscape. --- Day 2: Tbilisi → Kazbegi (Snow Mountain Hiking) - Morning: Private car to Kazbegi (3-hour drive), stopping at: - Ananuri Fortress (featured on Lonely Planet cover) - Russian Friendship Monument (cliff viewpoint, great for photos) - Noon: Arrive at Stepantsminda town, lunch recommended at “Cafe 5047”. - Afternoon: - Hike or jeep ride to Gergeti Trinity Church (snow mountain church, iconic Georgian postcard view). - Optional activities: paragliding in Gudauri (summer) or short skiing experience (winter). - Evening: Stay at a Kazbegi guesthouse, try the mountain stew “Chakapuli” for dinner. --- Day 3: Kazbegi → Tbilisi (Return + Cultural Experience) - Morning: Free time (optional short hike or enjoy breakfast with mountain views at the guesthouse). - Noon: Return to Tbilisi, lunch recommended at “Machakhela” (authentic Khinkali restaurant). - Afternoon: - Dry Bridge Market (hunt for Soviet antiques and handicrafts) - National Museum (learn about Georgian history, optional) - Winery visit (e.g., “Winery Khareba” for local wine tasting) - Evening: - Dinner recommendation: “Barbarestan” (vintage palace-style restaurant, reservation required). --- Day 4: Tbilisi → Sighnaghi (Wine Country) - Morning: Private car to Sighnaghi (2-hour drive), passing by: - Bodbe Monastery** (burial site of Saint Nino, excellent valley views). - Noon: Lunch in Sighnaghi town, recommended **“Okro’s Wine”. - Afternoon: - Winery tasting (e.g., “Pheasant’s Tears” or “Khareba Winery”). - Stroll along the ancient city walls, check out the romantic “City of Love” street scenes. - Evening: Stay at a boutique hotel in Sighnaghi, dinner paired with local Saperavi red wine. --- Day 5: Sighnaghi → Tbilisi → Departure** - Morning: Free time (early risers can capture the town in morning mist). - Noon: Return to Tbilisi (2-hour drive), lunch recommended at “Ezo” (farmhouse cuisine). - Afternoon: - Last-minute souvenir shopping: - Deserter Market (handicrafts, spices) - Churchkhela (nut candy) or wine (direct from wineries). - Evening: Head to the airport, end of the trip. --- ✨ Trip Highlights 1. Efficient and relaxed: private car for flexibility, focusing on the two gems Kazbegi and Sighnaghi. 2. Rich experiences: snow mountain hiking, wine tasting, old town culture, sulfur baths (optional). 3. Full culinary coverage: Khinkali, Khachapuri, mountain stews, Black Sea flavors. --- ⚠️ Notes - Transportation: Private car recommended throughout (about $50-80/day), or Tbilisi-Kazbegi carpool (around $20 per person). - Time management: Day 2 and Day 4 have longer drives, but the scenery en route is worth it. - Alternative option: If less interested in wine, replace Sighnaghi with Mtskheta (ancient capital + Jvari Monastery). Hope this 5-day itinerary lets you have a great time! Feel free to ask if you need to adjust any details. 🌄🍷