From Tbilisi: Borjomi & Bakuriani Ski Resort Day Trip

The best part of this trip is the change of pace. In one long day, you move from Tbilisi’s city streets to Surami’s sweet bread, Borjomi’s spring water, and the snowy slopes of Bakuriani. The cable car viewpoint gives you the broadest mountain views, while the snowmobile ride adds a little speed and noise to the quiet winter setting.

I like the mix of Georgian food and mountain fun, rather than spending the whole day at a ski resort. I also like that you can choose your own pace in Bakuriani: ski, ride the gondola, try a quad bike, or simply enjoy the snow. The drawback is the schedule. Fourteen hours is a big day, and the optional activities can push your final cost well above the $64 starting price.

Key points at a glance

• Surami’s Nazuki bread: Stop for a local sweet bread made especially in Surami, priced at 3 GEL.
• Borjomi Central Park: Take a 40-minute guided walk and taste the mineral water at its source area.
• Bakuriani gondola: Ride to a viewpoint for mountain scenery, with the main cable car priced at 15 GEL.
• Snowmobile option: A one-hour ride costs 200 GEL per vehicle, so ask how the price is shared before setting off.
• Long but useful day: Pickup begins at 07:30, departure is at 08:00, and return to Tbilisi is expected around 22:00.
• English-speaking support: Transportation and guiding are included, and Tamazi is named among the team.

From Tbilisi to Surami by morning

Your day begins with pickup in Tbilisi at 07:30. The vehicle is due to leave around 08:00, so be ready early and keep your phone available. The exact vehicle details arrive one day before departure.

The first drive takes you out toward Surami. This early stretch is mainly about getting from the capital into western Georgia, but the food stop breaks up the ride in a useful way. Surami is known for Nazuki, a sweet bread made in the town and sold warm at roadside bakeries.

The price is listed as 3 GEL per person. That makes it an easy local taste to add, and it gives the morning a Georgian flavor before the bigger sights arrive. Do not expect a full meal from this stop, so eat breakfast before pickup or bring something small for the van.

The driving time is significant. The first vehicle section is listed at about two hours, and later road sections add several more hours. If you dislike sitting in a van, this trip may feel tiring. If you want to see Borjomi and Bakuriani without arranging separate transport, the long road time is the trade-off.

Borjomi Central Park and the famous water

From Surami, the route continues to Borjomi Central Park. The walking tour lasts about 40 minutes, giving you a short introduction to one of Georgia’s best-known spa towns.

Borjomi is closely linked with its mineral water. Here, you get a direct tasting rather than only seeing the bottled brand in shops. The taste can be stronger and saltier than you expect from ordinary drinking water, which is part of the point. This is a quick local custom, not a long spa treatment.

Entry to the park costs 5 GEL per person and is not included in the tour price. That is a small extra, but it is worth knowing about because several activities carry separate fees. The park walk also gives you a chance to stretch your legs before the mountain drive.

The Borjomi stop works best as a cultural pause. You are not being asked to spend hours in the town, and you will not get a full history tour. Instead, you get a compact walk, a famous Georgian product, and a break from the road.

Reaching Bakuriani for snow and views

After Borjomi, the van continues to Bakuriani, with the next listed drive taking about 30 minutes. Bakuriani is a mountain resort where your free time becomes more flexible.

This is the heart of the day. You can use your time for a gondola ride, skiing, a snowmobile trip, or other snow activities such as quad biking. The schedule gives about an hour for the gondola and about an hour for the snowmobile ride, but your exact choices will affect how much free time remains.

The main cable car costs 15 GEL per person. It is the clearest choice if you want mountain views without committing to a full ski session. At the top, you can take in the snowy scenery and get a better sense of Bakuriani’s setting. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Snow reflects strong light, even on a cold day.

There is also a small cable car at the 25 Park area, priced at 2 GEL each way. This is a separate ride, so do not assume it is covered by the main cable car fee. If you are trying to keep costs down, ask which lift the guide recommends before paying.

Skiing, lessons, and equipment costs

Skiing is available in Bakuriani, but it is not included in the $64 price. A skiing lesson and equipment are listed at 80 GEL per equipment package. The wording suggests you should confirm exactly what is included before you commit, especially if you need instruction as well as gear.

This setup suits a first-time skier who wants to try the sport without booking a full ski holiday. You can test the snow, take a lesson, and stop after a short session. It is less suitable if you want several hours of serious skiing, since the day also includes transport, sightseeing, and other optional activities.

I would not try to fit every paid option into the day. A gondola ride plus a short snow activity gives you a better balance than rushing between skiing, lifts, and a snowmobile. If skiing is your main reason for booking, ask in advance how much time you can realistically spend on the slopes.

Warm clothes matter here. The required packing advice includes comfortable shoes, warm shoes, and clothing suitable for cold weather. Wear layers rather than relying on one heavy coat. You will move between the van, outdoor viewpoints, and snow activities, so flexibility helps.

The snowmobile hour

The snowmobile ride is listed as one hour and costs 200 GEL per vehicle. That is the largest optional expense on the day, and the price is not stated per person. Ask how many people can share one vehicle and how the fee is divided before you agree.

A snowmobile ride changes the feel of the afternoon. The gondola is about views and height, while the snowmobile is about motion. It can be a good choice if you want more than standing around in the resort, but the cost makes it a poor impulse purchase for some budgets.

The activity takes place in cold, snowy conditions, so warm shoes and secure clothing are essential. Sunglasses can help with glare, and sunscreen is specifically recommended. Keep your belongings close and avoid bringing anything you do not want exposed to snow or motion.

If you are traveling with someone who does not ski, the snowmobile can offer a shared activity. If you are alone, ask about the vehicle arrangement first. The price may make more sense when shared, but the available setup is not specified.

How the timing works over 14 hours

The timetable is straightforward but full. Pickup begins at 07:30, departure from Tbilisi is planned for 08:00, and departure from Bakuriani is scheduled for 18:30. Arrival back in Tbilisi is expected around 22:00.

That leaves a long middle section for Surami, Borjomi, and Bakuriani, but road conditions and activity choices can affect the pace. Mountain travel is not the place to expect minute-by-minute precision. Keep your evening free after the return.

The listed transport sections add up to several hours in the van. This is why the trip works best for you if you value convenience over a slow stay in one town. You see three distinct places without changing hotels or arranging separate drivers, but you spend a fair part of the day on the road.

Bring water, snacks, and a phone charger if you have one. The provided information confirms transportation, but it does not list meals or drinks beyond the optional Nazuki purchase and Borjomi tasting. Comfortable clothes will help during both the drives and the walking sections.

What the $64 price really covers

At $64 per person, the base price covers transportation and guiding. That is a fair starting point for a day linking Tbilisi with two mountain destinations, especially if you prefer not to manage the roads yourself.

The extras can change the calculation:

• Nazuki: 3 GEL per person
• Borjomi Central Park: 5 GEL per person
• Main cable car: 15 GEL per person
• Small cable car at 25 Park: 2 GEL each way
• Skiing lesson and equipment: 80 GEL per equipment package
• Snowmobile: 200 GEL per vehicle

The simple sightseeing version is relatively controlled. Add Nazuki, park entry, and the main gondola, and you have a modest extra spend. Add skiing or a snowmobile, and the total rises quickly.

I would budget before departure. Decide if you want views, skiing, or motorized fun. Trying to pay for everything may turn a good-value day into an expensive one, and the schedule may not give you enough time to enjoy each activity properly.

Guide support and the feel of the day

The guiding language is English, and transportation is included from Tbilisi. Tamazi is named among the team, and the available feedback specifically praises his friendly, helpful approach. That matters on a day with several moving parts, paid add-ons, and mountain activities.

You should still ask clear questions before each optional purchase. Confirm the price, length, meeting point, and whether the fee is per person or per vehicle. This is especially important for the snowmobile and skiing arrangements.

The day is practical rather than luxurious. You are using shared transportation, making short stops, and fitting a ski resort into a single winter outing. The reward is variety: a local food, mineral water, park walk, mountain lift, and snow activity all in one day.

Who should book this day trip

I would recommend it to you if you have limited time in Georgia and want to add Borjomi and Bakuriani to a Tbilisi stay. It is also a good fit if you want mountain views but do not want to rent a car or arrange several separate transfers.

Families and mixed groups may like the choice of activities. A skier can take a lesson, someone else can ride the gondola, and another person can choose a snowmobile or simply enjoy the snow. The free time in Bakuriani gives the group some flexibility.

I would hesitate if you want a relaxed day, a long ski session, or an in-depth visit to Borjomi. The schedule is packed, and the return to Tbilisi is late. You should also think twice if cold weather, long van rides, or walking on mountain terrain are difficult for you.

The trip has a perfect rating from two verified bookings, with praise for the guide’s helpful manner and for the picturesque mountain views. One account also describes a full hike toward the Alps as worth the effort, but the published plan centers on the cable car, skiing, and snowmobile options. Treat hiking as something to confirm rather than an assured part of the day.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a broad taste of Georgia’s mountain country in one ambitious day. The strongest value comes from the included transport and guide, plus the chance to combine Surami, Borjomi, and Bakuriani without planning the connections yourself.

Skip it if you want to spend most of the day skiing or if you prefer a slower visit with more time in one place. Before booking, set aside money for the activities you actually want, pack proper winter clothing, and accept that you will not be back in Tbilisi until around 22:00.

FAQ

What time does the tour leave Tbilisi?

Pickup begins at 07:30, with departure planned for 08:00.

What time does the tour return to Tbilisi?

The group is expected to arrive back in Tbilisi around 22:00.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Transportation and guiding service are included in the tour price.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The listed live tour guide language is English.

Are the cable car and snowmobile included?

No. The main cable car costs 15 GEL per person, and the snowmobile ride costs 200 GEL per vehicle. A small cable car at 25 Park costs 2 GEL each way.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm shoes, warm clothing, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and sunglasses suitable for cold, snowy conditions.