Georgia Tbilisi · Batumi

Georgia is close and easy to understand: the flight from Almaty takes about four hours, no visa is needed, and Russian is widely understood in the cities. One trip can cover the sea, the mountains, old towns and wineries without crossing time zones.

The country works for a short break and for a longer route: Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi are linked by road and rail, and Kakheti and Gudauri are easy to reach from the capital. The budget depends on dates, hotel and season, so comparing options helps you choose the right format.

Citizens of Kazakhstan can enter Georgia without a visa and stay for up to 365 days. That is more than enough for a holiday; border officers may ask for a passport, return ticket and proof of accommodation, so keep the documents handy.

Visa-free entry does not include the right to work: employment requires a permit, and working without one is prohibited and can lead to a fine and expulsion. Entry rules and permitted stays can change, so check the current information before booking.

Tbilisi is the capital of sulphur baths, Narikala fortress and rich food, and an easy base for the first days. Batumi is the main Black Sea resort, with pebble beaches and subtropical greenery. Gudauri is chosen in winter for skiing and snowboarding, and in summer for the views along the Georgian Military Highway.

Kutaisi is a good introduction to western Georgia: Gelati monastery, Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon are nearby. Kakheti is the wine region of Telavi, Sighnaghi and Tsinandali, an easy one- or two-day trip from Tbilisi. Most first trips use two or three bases.

There are direct flights from Almaty and Astana to Tbilisi, with schedules and frequency varying by season. Direct flights to Batumi appear in the warmer months; at other times connections through Tbilisi or Istanbul are convenient, and the extra leg should be factored into the plan.

A train links Tbilisi and Batumi, while the drive takes several hours. Inside the country, minibuses and taxi apps are convenient, but for mountain trips it is better to arrange a driver in advance. The transfer from TBS airport to the centre takes 25–40 minutes.

The best time for the cities is April–June and September–October; summer is hot in Tbilisi, while Batumi enters its swimming season. The Gudauri ski season usually runs from December to April, and mountain weather changes quickly, so check the forecast before fixing dates.

The budget depends on dates, hotel, meals, flights and excursions: prices rise in high season and around holidays. A budget option means a city hotel and independent walks, a comfortable one a 4* hotel by the sea with breakfast, and a premium one a resort with a pool and transfer. Exact amounts are confirmed during selection.

Georgian cooking relies on fresh produce: khachapuri, khinkali, lobio, badrijani, mtsvadi and khashlama, with churchkhela and tklapi for dessert. Portions are generous, so sharing several dishes is the best approach for two.

Georgia has made wine for thousands of years, including in clay qvevri: try saperavi, rkatsiteli, amber wines and chacha. Tbilisi has plenty of wine bars, while Kakheti offers family wineries; give a tasting its own day and do not drive afterwards.

With children, it is easy to combine city and sea: Batumi has the boulevard, aquarium, dolphinarium and 6 May Park, while Tbilisi offers Mtatsminda Park and short trips to Mtskheta. Journeys between cities take several hours, so avoid scheduling them every day.

Cash lari, a bank card, comfortable shoes and spare time for mountain roads all help. Tap water in the cities is generally safe, but in the mountains and remote areas it is better to buy bottled water. Arrange medical insurance in advance.