Adjara, Georgia
Morning (Arrival & Boulevard): Upon arrival, head straight to the Batumi Boulevard. Take a refreshing walk along the Black Sea coast. See the modern sculptures and the Alphabet Tower.
Lunch (Local Cuisine): Find a local cafe or small restaurant in the city center or Old Town. Try a traditional Adjarian Khachapuri, a unique local specialty.
A short break to experience Batumi's attractions.
Arrive in Batumi, check into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon exploring Batumi Boulevard, seeing the Ali & Nino statue, Alphabet Tower, and Dancing Fountains. In the evening, dinner at a mid-range restaurant in the Old Town, perhaps with live Georgian music. A visit to one of the casinos can be an option.
Morning: Visit the Batumi Botanical Garden for a few hours. Afternoon: Take a short trip south to Gonio Apsaros Fortress, exploring its ancient Roman-Byzantine ruins and learning about its history. Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a restaurant near the Fish Market, or revisit a favorite spot in the Old Town.
Morning: Spend time at 6 May Park, enjoying Nuri Lake (paddle boats are available) and the Batumi Dolphinarium show (check showtimes). Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, do some last-minute souvenir shopping or revisit a favorite spot. Depart from Batumi.
Days 1-3: Batumi City Immersion: Dedicate these days to exploring Batumi at a relaxed pace. Include museums (e.g., Batumi Archaeological Museum, Adjara State Museum of Art), leisurely walks, relaxing on the beach (in summer), and various local eateries. Consider a cooking class focusing on Adjarian Khachapuri.
For a two-week trip, combine 5-7 days in Batumi and the Adjara region with exploration of other parts of Georgia. A logical progression might be:
Follow the one-week itinerary, allowing more time for specific interests like food tours or museum dives.
Take a high-speed train to Tbilisi. Dedicate one day to a wine tour in Kakheti, Georgia's famous wine region.
Travel by marshrutka to Kutaisi. Visit Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery. Explore Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon for natural wonders.
Tailor your Batumi visit to match specific interests.
Route: Old Town (Piazza Batumi, historical architecture, Batumi Cathedral, Batumi Mosque) → Batumi Archaeological Museum → Gonio Apsaros Fortress (day trip) → Petra Fortress (day trip north) → Nobel Brothers Batumi Technological Museum.
Route: Start with Adjarian Khachapuri at a renowned local spot (like Retro) → Explore Batumi Central Market (Piaza) for local produce → Visit the Fish Market and have your selection cooked → Take a Georgian cooking class (e.g., Khinkali and Khachapuri) → Enjoy a traditional Georgian feast (supra) with live music → Day trip to the Keda wine region for wine tasting.
Route: Spend time hiking and exploring waterfalls in Mtirala National Park → Cycle along the entire Batumi Boulevard → Try water sports like jet skiing or parasailing on Batumi Beach (in summer) → Consider a birdwatching excursion to Chorokhi River Delta or Kobuleti Protected Areas → Take the Argo Cable Car for panoramic views that inspire further outdoor exploration.
Route: Spend ample time at 6 May Park (Batumi Dolphinarium, zoo, Nuri Lake paddle boats, playgrounds) → Enjoy the many playgrounds and green spaces along Batumi Boulevard → Rent bicycles or tandem bikes for a ride on the Boulevard's dedicated lanes → Relax and swim at Batumi Beach (pebble beaches are safe) → Take the Argo Cable Car for fun views → Visit the Dancing Fountains show in the evening.
Route: Explore the diverse architectural styles of Batumi Old Town (Piazza Batumi, ornate 19th-century buildings) → Visit the Adjara State Museum of Art → Admire modern sculptures and structures along Batumi Boulevard (Ali & Nino, Alphabet Tower, dancing fountains) → Seek out interesting contemporary buildings in the New Town → Discover local street art.
Route: Visit Batumi Cathedral of the Mother of God, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and Batumi Mosque to observe the city's religious diversity → Spend time relaxing by the Black Sea → Indulge in spa treatments at one of the luxury hotels → Explore the tranquility of the Batumi Botanical Garden.
Mix historical sites with culinary tours for a balanced experience.
These routes are suggestions; adjust them to your pace and preferences.
Ask locals for their recommendations for hidden gems aligning with your interests.
Batumi accommodates various budgets, from frugal backpacking to luxurious indulgence.
Accommodation: Stay in hostels (dorm beds) or basic guesthouses. Transportation: Rely almost entirely on public buses (with a Batumi Card) and marshrutkas for city and day trips. Walk extensively. Food: Prioritize street food (khachapuri, lobiani), local bakeries, small cafes, and cooking your own meals if staying in an apartment. Purchase groceries from local markets. Activities: Focus on free attractions: Batumi Boulevard, Old Town exploration, Europe Square, Ali & Nino statue, Dancing Fountains. Choose budget-friendly museums (5-10 GEL entry).
Accommodation: Stay in comfortable guesthouses, mid-range hotels, or well-appointed apartment rentals. Transportation: Mix public transport with occasional Bolt/Yandex.Taxi rides for convenience. Consider one or two organized day tours. Food: Enjoy meals at local and mid-range restaurants, sampling a wide variety of Georgian dishes. Explore the Fish Market experience. Activities: Include a mix of free and paid attractions (Botanumi Botanical Garden, Dolphinarium, Argo Cable Car, Gonio Fortress). Consider a cooking class or a wine tasting tour.
Accommodation: Stay in 5-star international hotels (Radisson Blu, Sheraton, Hilton) with full amenities, spas, and pools. Transportation: Utilize private transfers from the airport, private taxis/Bolt for all city travel, and hire private cars with drivers for day trips. Food: Dine at fine dining establishments, explore exclusive hotel restaurants, and enjoy personalized culinary tours. Activities: Indulge in spa services, enjoy casino entertainment, take private guided tours, and book premium experiences.
Travel During Shoulder Season: Significantly lower prices for accommodation and flights compared to summer (May, early June, September, October). Book Accommodation in Advance: Secure better rates, especially for popular properties. Utilize Happy Hour Deals: Some bars and restaurants offer specials on drinks and appetizers. Prioritize Value-for-Money Experiences: Choose activities that present a rich experience without a high cost (e.g., a long walk on the Boulevard is free and rewarding).
Batumi presents different charms depending on the season, making for unique experiences.
Factor in small expenses like public toilet fees, bottled water, and entrance fees for minor attractions.
Exchange currency at reputable banks or exchange offices to avoid unfavorable rates.
