Wandio

Begin your day in Rike Park where the gentle geometry of the Bridge of Peace and the modern glass pavilions hint at Tbilisi's mix of old and new; from here take the Tbilisi Aerial Tramway up toward Narikala for an immediate, cinematic introduction to the city, the cable car ride itself unwrapping the layered rooftops, the river bend and patches of October gold in the plane trees below. Move deliberately—go early to avoid the later crowds and to capture the crisp morning colors over the city; the aerial tram is short but evocative, and stepping off above the Old Town feels like arriving at a viewpoint reserved just for the two of you. Bring a light windbreaker for the ridge breeze and a camera for the sweeping vistas where the Bridge of Peace, Metekhi cliffs and Sameba dome sit in a compact panorama.

At Narikala Fortress let your explorative rhythm slow to the cadence of ancient stone: wander the ramparts hand in hand, trace defensive walls that date back to the 4th century, and find narrow vantage points where the Kura River snakes beneath and the orange-brown roofs of Sololaki glow in October light. The fortress terraces are raw and elemental—perfect for a private moment watching the city wake—while the adjacent Tbilisi Botanical Garden drops a green curtain down the slope, a contrast that makes the fortress terrace feel like a secret lookout. Take time to read the plaques about the site's layered history and imagine the centuries of travelers who paused here; if the wind is calm, this is one of the best places in Tbilisi for a quiet skyline-kiss as the day begins.

Descend on foot toward the historic Abanotubani quarter to experience the sulfur bath district that gave Tbilisi its name, where domed bathhouses steam in the cool October air and the warm mineral waters offer an intimate, restorative ritual perfect for adventurous couples; book a private room at Orbeliani (one of the traditional bathhouses) in advance so you can savor the bath, a honey-scrub or a warm mineral soak together without the bustle, and come away feeling refreshed after a morning of walking and climbing. Follow the steam with a languid stroll through Shardeni and Meidan Squares where small galleries, craft shops and cafés invite short stops to sample local sweets or simply watch the city flow, leaning into the intimate, bohemian mood of the Old Town. Let the lower terraces and narrow lanes lead you to hidden courtyards and old brick archways—this portion of the day is slow, sensory and rich with authentic Tbilisi character.

Finish the day with a sunset viewpoint beside Metekhi Church where the perched statue and riverside cliffs frame the golden descent of the sun across the Sameba dome and beyond; this is a naturally romantic spot to toast the day, and the short walk down to the riverbank is an easy way to close your first day together, with candlelit restaurants and quiet side-streets nearby should you wish to continue into the evening. Practical tip: plan the fortress ascent in the morning to avoid the afternoon crowds, reserve a private bath slot ahead of time, and keep cash handy for small admissions and local vendors in the Old Town.

Set out from the Vake/Turtle Lake area and begin with the easy, leafy loop around Turtle Lake (Kus Tba) where locals jog, rent bikes and sip coffee; in October the chestnut and maple trees around the lake take on warm tones, creating an intimate backdrop for a morning warm-up before your ridge hike. From the lake follow the marked trail ascending toward the Mtatsminda ridge — the trail is well-used and offers a gradual, scenic ascent that takes roughly 60–90 minutes depending on stops, with several platforms perfect for a quick picnic overlooking the city. Bring layered clothing and water, and consider renting a bike or e-bike around Turtle Lake if you want a faster, playful start; for adventurous couples the trail becomes an easy scramble in places and rewards you with the scents and colors of Georgian autumn.

After the ridge ascent reach Mtatsminda Park area and take in the old-fashioned amusement park and the higher viewpoints that command the entire Tbilisi basin, where the Soviet-era funicular still makes a nostalgic ride down into the city; instead of immediately riding, spend time off the beaten path seeking lesser viewpoints and cliff edges that give private panoramas back toward Sameba and Old Town. If you prefer a more adrenaline-tinged option, local guides can organize a short via well-marked ridgeline sections suitable for light scrambling and exposed viewpoints—this is a great exchange of trust and exhilaration for couples who enjoy active exploration together. Practical tip: the funicular is an easy alternative if legs are tired, but hiking gives the best autumn foliage experience.

Midday, drop into Vake Park for a leafy, restorative stroll and perhaps a late lunch at a café terrace before returning to the hill for an afternoon segment that explores the lesser-known trail junctions and lookout spots; October's daylight shortens, so time your second ridge outing to catch soft late-afternoon light on the city. If you have energy, end the active portion with a short loop through the lower Sololaki streets toward the National Botanical Garden to see its terraced fall colors from a different angle. Finish the day with a gentle descent to the city center or a short funicular ride down, feeling pleasantly tired from the air, the vistas and the shared sense of accomplishment from the day’s climbs.

Drive roughly 30–40 minutes northwest to Mtskheta, one of Georgia's oldest towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the morning devoted to the dramatic Jvari Monastery perched on a hill where the Aragvi and Kura rivers meet; the late-10th-century Jvari offers a compact hike up a well-trodden path and a ridge-top panorama that frames Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the surrounding valley, an especially poignant scene in October when the hills are streaked with russet. Hike deliberately along the path to the monastery, give yourselves time to wander among the small chapels and stonework, and pause outward-facing on the terrace to enjoy one of the most emblematic views in Georgia—arrive mid-morning for softer light and fewer tour buses.

Descend into Mtskheta town to visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where the scale and ornate frescoes speak to Georgia's ancient Christian heritage and where you can linger together amid carved stone and vaulted spaces; plan for 45–60 minutes inside to absorb the cathedral's interior, its historic reliquaries and the layered stories woven into its walls. Afterward, explore Samtavro Monastery nearby and stroll the medieval lanes of Mtskheta's old quarter, letting the town's intimate cafés and small artisan stalls provide a warm buffer between sacred visits.

Before returning to Tbilisi, take a short walk to the riverside viewpoint where the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari (Kura) becomes vivid, especially in the soft, angled light of October afternoons; couples often find a quiet bench or a low wall here to watch the ribbons of river and to plan the rest of their Georgian adventure. Practical tip: this day is compact and easily combined with a late lunch in Mtskheta—try to leave room in your schedule for an unhurried return to Tbilisi so you can enjoy evening light in the capital without rushing.

Drive approximately 1.5–2 hours east to the Kakheti wine region with your first stop in Sighnaghi, where walking the fortified city wall rewards you with intimate vistas over the Alazani Valley; in October the valley is a patchwork of russet and gold, and the Sighnaghi ramparts create an unforgettable stage for couples to wander at leisure, lingering at towers for private viewpoints. Explore the pedestrian streets, stop at craft shops and find a quiet café terrace for a light lunch beneath a canopy of autumn leaves; practical tip: mid-week or early afternoon minimizes coach-group overlap at the more popular viewpoints.

From Sighnaghi visit Bodbe Monastery just a short drive away, a serene complex with sacred plantings and an evocative cloister where pilgrims and visitors alike pause for quiet reflection; its small garden and the route down toward the valley are especially beautiful in October, offering a softer, contemplative counterpoint to the robust, social energy of the wine tastings. Allocate time to walk the upper terraces and to appreciate the monastery's role in Georgian religious life.

Round out the day with a guided visit to a boutique winery—options include Pheasant's Tears or a visit to Tsinandali Estate further west near Telavi if you prefer a historic house-and-cellar experience—where you'll taste qvevri and barrel wines and learn about the traditional Georgian winemaking methods that have endured for millennia. Choose a winery that offers a short vineyard walk so you can see the vines up close, enjoy a tasting paired with fresh local bread and cheese, and end the afternoon with a sunset drive back toward Tbilisi or a leisurely evening in the Kakheti countryside if you prefer to slow the pace even more.

Begin with a morning drive or taxi out to the Chronicle of Georgia near the Tbilisi Sea, an enormous sculptural memorial by Zurab Tsereteli that reads like a monumental fresco of Georgian history carved in stone; wander among the pillars, step through the oversized reliefs and let the sheets of sky and hammered metal feel cinematic against the reservoir below. The scale is arresting and it’s quiet in the mornings, which makes it perfect for reflective wandering and for photographers who want strong, sculptural compositions against autumnal skies—there’s a short walk around the base that reveals different reliefs and perspectives, and the site pairs well with a picnic overlooking the water.

From the Chronicle, walk or drive to the Tbilisi Sea shoreline for a leisurely coastal loop and a chance to see local anglers, wind surfers (if conditions allow) and families strolling the promenade; in October the light is softer and the water quieter, so a shoreline picnic or a short riverside hike makes for a restorative afternoon. Nearby, explore Lisi Lake if you prefer a more intimate path—the trail network around Lisi offers short circuits with less foot traffic and good vantage points for watching migratory birds and the changing palette of the season.

If you want a late-afternoon urban contrast, return to central Tbilisi for the Dry Bridge Market and the Fabrika creative complex: the flea market is a treasure trove of Soviet-era curios, vintage jewelry and local crafts where you can hunt for a meaningful keepsake together, while Fabrika—a repurposed Soviet sewing factory—brings studio galleries, pop-up events and a communal courtyard atmosphere that’s ideal for people-watching and spontaneous cultural encounters. Finish the day by seeking a quiet rooftop spot in the city center to reflect on the week’s adventures and watch Tbilisi’s rooftops press into the twilight; practical tip: the Chronicle sits about 20–30 minutes from central Tbilisi by car depending on traffic, so leave mid-morning to allow relaxed time at each stop.

Depart early for Stepantsminda (commonly called Kazbegi), a roughly three-hour drive north from Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Highway that climbs through tunnels, past river gorges and alongside towering cliffs; the journey is part of the experience, with several easy pull-off viewpoints to stretch and photograph the October colors along the route. Upon arrival in Stepantsminda, begin the approach to the Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba) which sits on a ridge above the town; many couples choose to hike (about 1.5–2.5 hours one way depending on pace) to the church for fresh-air exertion and the unbeatable view of the church framed with Mount Kazbek behind it. Practical tip: hire a local 4x4 for a portion of the ascent if you prefer to save time or if weather has made the trail muddy—either way the final ridge approach rewards effort with a sense of remoteness and spectacular alpine scale.

Spend time at the Gergeti site absorbing the silence and the sweeping panoramas—the stone church and the basalt massif of Kazbek make for unforgettable photos and a quietly epic moment to share; if the weather is clear and you’re fit, an extended ridge walk toward the meadows beyond the church reveals wildflowers (or late-season grasses in October) and solitary shepherd tracks. On the return to Stepantsminda, consider stopping at the Dariali Gorge viewpoint or a small guesthouse for a pot of warming local soup—this highland day is about contrasts between the wind-blown openness and intimate alpine spots, and it’s one of the most cinematic single-day excursions from Tbilisi.

Allow time for a leisurely drive back to Tbilisi in the early evening, arriving as the city lights begin to warm the skyline; practical advice: October mountain mornings can be clear and cold, so layer up, start early, and plan your transport (private car or small-group tour) in advance to maximize hiking time and ensure a comfortable return after a long but exhilarating mountain day.

Spend your morning at the Georgian National Museum to deepen the narrative of the places you've visited, viewing archaeological finds, medieval icons and ethnographic displays that illuminate Georgia’s layered history; the museum is centrally located and its exhibits provide an excellent context for everything you've seen, turning landscapes and churches into lines on a cultural map. Spend an hour or two inside, focusing on the medieval and archaeological halls, then step outside to the nearby Rustaveli Avenue for a final, more urban stroll among theatres, shops and bookstalls.

After the museum, make a last pass through the Dry Bridge Market if you didn't find your perfect keepsake earlier, hunting for vintage maps, enamelware or Soviet-era postcards that are uniquely Tbilisian; this flea market is sociable and tactile, and haggling a little here is part of the charm. Walk from the market toward Fabrika to enjoy its creative pulse one last time—browse small galleries or stop for a coffee in the courtyard and speak to emerging local artists, an opportunity to connect with the contemporary face of this city.

In the late afternoon, return to Abanotubani for a final private sulfur bath ritual to soothe tired muscles after your week of hikes and drives—a warm, aromatic soak followed by a light scrub is a wonderfully intimate way to close the trip, leaving you relaxed and glowingly warm for your journey home. Conclude your day with a slow riverside walk along the Bridge of Peace and a short visit to a rooftop viewpoint for a farewell skyline view; practical tip: collect any last-minute purchases earlier in the day so you can enjoy the evening without luggage interruptions, and keep your schedule loose to savor these final small, consequential moments together.