Hiking in Borjomi from Tbilisi

Planning a trip to Georgia and craving an active day that combines nature, culture, and good food? This Hiking in Borjomi from Tbilisi tour offers just that—a full day exploring one of Georgia’s most beloved national parks, with a taste of local life along the way. Based on the details from the tour provider, it looks like a well-rounded experience for those who want to stretch their legs, learn a bit about Georgian cuisine, and enjoy some scenic hiking.

What really catches our eye is the chance to sample Nazuki, a Georgian sweet bread, and see how it’s made—an authentic touch that adds flavor beyond just the landscape. Plus, the opportunity to hike through Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park means you’ll get some solid outdoor time, far from the city hustle.

That said, it’s a long day—about 14 hours total—so it’s not for everyone. It’s best suited for those who love walking, have good hiking shoes, and don’t mind a packed schedule. If you’re traveling with kids under 10, pregnant, or have health conditions like high blood pressure, this might not be the best fit.

All in all, this tour could be perfect if you’re after a mix of nature, food, and a little adventure, especially if you’re okay with an early start and being on the go for most of the day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Full-day adventure: Expect about 14 hours from start to finish, including travel time and hiking.
• Cultural snack stop: Tasting Nazuki in Surami with a peek into its making process.
• Nature immersion: Several hours of guided hiking in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, with trails like Footprints.
• Self-packed lunch: Bring your own food to enjoy during the hike—no included lunch.
• Transportation included: Comfortable van rides between Tbilisi, Surami, Borjomi, and back.
• Limited suitability: Not recommended for young children, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues.

Starting the Day in Tbilisi

Your day kicks off bright and early at 9:00 AM from the Budget Georgia office in Tbilisi. The first leg involves a scenic van ride, which is a good chance to settle in and get oriented with the day ahead. The ride to Surami takes roughly 110 minutes, giving you a little buffer to reflect on the adventure to come.

The Sweet Stop in Surami

The first highlight is a visit to Surami, a small town famous for its Nazuki, a traditional Georgian sweet bread. Here, you’ll get to taste Nazuki fresh from the oven and observe the process of making it. The reviews mention an authentic experience—something that adds a tangible sense of local culture to the day. One traveler’s note that “the food tasting was a real highlight” suggests this stop isn’t just about consuming but understanding a bit about Georgia’s culinary traditions.

Transition to the National Park

After the snack break, you’ll hop back into the van for a 50-minute drive to the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Visitor Center. This is where you’ll obtain permission for your hike and get an overview of the trails available. Usually, the group will hike the Footprints trail, which sounds like a manageable route highlighting the park’s natural beauty, although other trails of similar length and difficulty are on offer if needed.

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The Hiking Experience

Expect around 6 hours of guided hiking. The trails are described as being of a similar nature, so you should be prepared for a consistent walking pace through forests, perhaps some gentle inclines, and plenty of opportunities for photography. The scenic views of the park’s landscapes are a major draw—especially since Borjomi is renowned for its lush greenery.

Travelers say the hike is well-guided, with the guide sharing insights about the park’s flora and fauna. The experience is more about the journey and natural scenery than technical difficulty, making it accessible for most reasonably fit travelers with appropriate footwear.

Lunch and Rest

Since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to bring a packed meal or snacks. The tour’s flexibility here is nice—you can tailor what you bring to your appetite. Keep in mind that a long day of walking will make you appreciate a hearty snack.

Return Journey and Reflection

After the hike, a van will pick you up and arrange for the roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes ride back to Tbilisi. The day wraps up around 10:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to unwind or process all the new sights and tastes.

Transportation & Group Size

The trip’s transportation is via comfortable van, which helps make those long drives more relaxed. While the exact group size isn’t specified, tours like this typically draw a modest crowd, creating a friendly atmosphere without feeling crowded.

Cost & Value

The tour’s cost isn’t explicitly detailed here, but considering transportation and guide services are included, the value hinges on your interest in hiking, local culture, and the full-day experience. The fact that you’re responsible for your lunch adds a bit of flexibility but also a small extra step—so packing snacks is advisable.

Accessibility & Suitability

This is definitely an active tour—hiking shoes and comfortable clothes are must-haves. The tour provider explicitly notes it’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or folks with certain health issues (like high blood pressure). This is important to consider so you’re not caught off guard.

Cancellation & Booking

With a full refund available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance, booking feels risk-free, especially if your plans are a bit flexible. The “reserve now & pay later” option is convenient for those wanting to keep plans open.

The best parts are the culinary stop in Surami, which offers not just a taste but an authentic insight into Georgian baking, and the chance to spend hours hiking in a beautiful national park. The guided approach means you won’t feel lost or overwhelmed, and the scenery is supposed to be rewarding—think forested trails, fresh air, and peaceful landscapes.

Travelers mention the delicious food and tapas as a standout feature—something that elevates the whole experience beyond just hiking. Plus, the flexibility in trails and the opportunity to observe local food making make it feel genuine.

The most significant consideration is the length of the day—14 hours is quite a commitment, especially with the early start and late return. It’s a full-on day, so this isn’t ideal if you’re after a relaxed afternoon or have limited energy.

Another point to keep in mind is the self-carry lunch requirement—you’ll need to plan ahead. If you’re not a fan of long drives or outdoor activities, this might not be your cup of tea.

This experience is perfect for active travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, culture, and food. It’s well-suited for those with hiking shoes and a sense of adventure, and who don’t mind spending most of the day on the move. It’s also a great choice if you’re interested in seeing local Georgian food customs firsthand.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children, pregnant, or have specific health restrictions, this might be less suitable. It also works best for travelers who don’t mind carrying their own lunch and being outdoors for several hours.

Is this tour suitable for children under 10?
No, the tour is not recommended for children under 10, primarily because it involves a full day of hiking and outdoor activity.

What should I bring for the hike?
Bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothes. Also, pack your lunch or snacks, since lunch isn’t included.

How long is the total tour?
The entire day lasts about 14 hours, including travel, stops, hiking, and return.

Will I get to taste Georgian food?
Yes, you’ll taste Nazuki in Surami and observe how it’s made—making for a tasty cultural experience.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
Most travelers mention the scenic hiking in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and the food tasting as the favorite parts.

Is the tour guide English-speaking?
Yes, the guiding service is provided in English.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I need to book ahead?
Yes, it’s best to reserve your spot in advance, especially since you can reserve now and pay later.

How about accessibility?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with hiking. It’s not ideal for those with mobility issues or health conditions that restrict physical activity.

All in all, this Hiking in Borjomi from Tbilisi tour offers a good mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experience, and local flavor. It’s well suited for travelers who love being active, enjoy scenic landscapes, and want to learn a bit about Georgian cuisine. The long day might be a stretch for some, but if you’re prepared and want a full immersion into Georgia’s natural and cultural charm, it might just be the outdoor day trip you’re looking for.

If you value authentic food experiences, like scenic forest hikes, and don’t mind a packed schedule, this tour could be right up your alley. Just remember to pack your hiking shoes, bring snacks, and be ready for a full day of exploring.

You can check availability for your dates here: