Telavi is a city in the Kakheti region, offering a rich history, royal palace, and verdant surroundings to explore. Visit to experience the city's elegant old buildings, historic monuments, and hospitable people.
Telavi is a city with a long and complex history, reflected in its rich architecture and royal palace. The city is home to the palace of King Erekle II, one of Georgia's most beloved kings, who was a brilliant diplomat and general.
Things to See
The city's old brick buildings, historic monuments, broad avenues, and amusement parks are worth exploring. Kakutsa Cholokashvili Street is notable for its architecture, with the Church of the Mother of God being of special significance. A 900-year-old plane tree stands at the center of town, surrounded by legends and wishes.
In the evening, visit Nadikvari Park, which is surrounded by forest and features beautiful gazebos, quaint cafes, an amphitheater, and amusement park rides.
Nearby Landmarks
Nearby Tsinandali is home to the Aleksandre Chavchavadze House Museum, which offers a glimpse into the life of an aristocrat in 19th-century feudal Georgia. The museum is surrounded by a beautiful garden and offers wine tasting.
Other nearby landmarks include Iqalto Monastery, old and new Shuamta monasteries, the Vanta Palace Complex, and the Kisiskhevi Church of the Mother of God.
Wine and Cuisine
Telavi is a key stop on the Georgian wine route, with a mixture of family-run wineries and larger producers in the city and surrounding villages. Visitors can participate in wine degustation, sampling homemade wines, tasting iconic Georgian food, and enjoying Kakhetian folk music in a traditional feast.
The city also offers Georgian cooking masterclasses, where visitors can learn about the Georgian winemaking tradition of Qvevri fermentation, a method used for over 8,000 years and listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Highlights
- Explore the palace of King Erekle II
- Visit the 900-year-old plane tree at the city center
- Discover the city's elegant old buildings and historic monuments
- Enjoy wine degustation and traditional Georgian cuisine
- Visit nearby landmarks like the Aleksandre Chavchavadze House Museum and Iqalto Monastery
- Participate in a Georgian cooking masterclass
- Learn about the Georgian winemaking tradition of Qvevri fermentation
- Explore Nadikvari Park and its beautiful gazebos and cafes
Getting there by car
Driving distance from Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi city centres. Times are one-way; fuel is a rough estimate.
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From Tbilisi
- Distance
- 94.4 km
- Drive time
- 1 h 42 min
- Fuel (est.)
- ~28 GEL
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From Kutaisi
- Distance
- 310 km
- Drive time
- 4 h 30 min
- Fuel (est.)
- ~90 GEL
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From Batumi
- Distance
- 448 km
- Drive time
- 6 h 27 min
- Fuel (est.)
- ~131 GEL
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