Telavi City, the 14th largest city in Georgia, is the subject of this article, where you can find all the information you are looking for.
On November 5, 2022, we travelled from Tbilisi to Telavi, spent two nights there, and explored the city extensively. We shared 2 Instagram posts, 3 Instagram reels, and 2 YouTube videos about our experience. Some of the content on Instagram was also shared as 3 separate blog posts on our website. Now it’s time to gather and condense all the details into one comprehensive article. Therefore, let’s start without wasting any time.
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General Information about Telavi
Telavi is a city located in Georgia and is the country’s 14th largest city. Here, we will provide you with an overview of Telavi, covering various aspects of the city.
In November 2022, we had the opportunity to visit Telavi, having traveled there from Tbilisi. During our stay, which lasted for two nights, we had the chance to explore the city extensively. Our experiences were documented through 2 Instagram posts, 3 Instagram reels, and 2 YouTube videos. Additionally, we also shared some of the Instagram content as three separate blog posts on our website. Now, we aim to consolidate all the detailed information into one comprehensive article.
Let’s begin without further delay, as this article aims to provide you with maximum detailed information about Telavi.
Where is Telavi?
Telavi, not Tel Aviv.Telavi is one of the important cities in the Kakheti region of Georgia. It is considered the 14th largest city in Georgia in terms of size. The approximate population is around 20,000.
Telavi attracts visitors from Tbilisi with its historical monuments worth visiting, magnificent landscapes, and most importantly, the opportunity to witness and actively participate in the winemaking process in its surrounding villages.
When to Visit Telavi?
You say Telavi, we say the autumn destination.Telavi is a suitable and must-visit place for all seasons, with the exception of summer. Each season has its own charm, but in terms of tranquility, autumn is considered the best time to visit. However, due to its beauty, grape harvesting, and the beginning of the winemaking season, the period from October to early November is considered the most suitable time to visit Telavi.
Useful Things to Know Before Going to Telavi.
Here are some important points for those planning to visit Telavi:🔸 Make sure to carry cash with you. Except for supermarkets, cards may not be widely accepted.
🔸 You don’t need to look for a card for the bus. The city’s public transportation is serviced only by buses, and it is free of charge.
🔸 You can find accommodation options through websites like booking.com and airbnb.com. If you choose booking.com, the host may also require cash payment.
🔸 Bolt operates as a taxi service. Finding one can make you feel lucky.
🔸 There are no extensive information boards about the places you can visit in the city. Therefore, it is advisable to plan and visit your desired destinations in advance.
🔸 Telavi is a city that can be explored in a day. However, you can choose to stay longer and relax.
How to Get from Tbilisi to Telavi?
Alright, let’s see how to get there.From Tbilisi, you can easily reach Telavi by taking minibusses (marshrutkas) from the Ortachala central bus station. You can either purchase the ticket online or obtain it from the ticket sales counter at the station.
To buy tickets online, you can use the website “Buy Ticket!”.
Regarding the fare, the one-way ticket price is approximately 12 lari per person. The distance between the two cities is around 150 km, and the journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with buses departing at regular intervals.
Map:
To reach Telavi, we purchased tickets online through biletebi.ge. The price for a single-person ticket was 12 lari. Although we selected our seats during the online booking process, we were seated elsewhere when we boarded the bus, as no other passengers had purchased tickets for that specific seat. There were no ticket sales for the return journey. It is said that the bus goes to Samarqori, and we departed from there to the “Central Bus Station” for ticket sales. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, and Telavi is the final stop. Buses depart approximately every 45 minutes.
Returning from Telavi to Tbilisi:
Where did we stay in Telavi?
G&G Guest HouseWe stayed here in Telavi because it is not only a great place to stay but also because one of the staff members is Azerbaijani, which made our experience even better.
During our time in Telavi, we stayed here for 2 days. We booked it through Booking.com. For those who are interested, here is the link: Booking G&G Guest House (Not an advertisement)
Map:
Dining in Telavi
During our two days in Telavi, I marked the locations where we ate on the map.Here is a brief overview of the information:
Kapiloni
We enjoyed their kebabs and had our lunch there. We particularly liked their free potato side dish. The atmosphere was interesting. It may be possible that I misunderstood, but just as a precaution, I advise you to have cash with you as card payments may not be accepted. They have outdoor seating, indoor area, and restroom facilities.Doza
We had coffee/tea here, and card payment was accepted. I remember the prices being average (or cheap). However, we consider their food to be of average quality. They have outdoor seating, indoor area, and restroom facilities.Telavi Bazaar
In my opinion, it’s worth visiting the bazaar even if you don’t buy anything. We bought some fruits for our dinner. It’s a cash-only market.Spar Market
We bought tea and sweets here for the evening. Card payments are accepted.Zodiaqo
We had our dinner here on the second day of our trip. We had been to their branch in Tbilisi, but we saw that they also have a location in Telavi, so we chose to dine here. We tried Georgian khinkali dumplings. The prices were cheaper than in Tbilisi, but the variety was limited. In Tbilisi, you can order a minimum of 5 dumplings of each type, but here you had to order 10. We ordered 10 khinkali dumplings with meat filling, and we liked them. We paid with a card.Our Sightseeing Plan in Telavi
🔸King Erekle II MonumentLocated in the heart of Telavi, the King Erekle II Monument is a prominent landmark commemorating the influential Georgian monarch. It offers a great photo opportunity and serves as a symbol of Telavi’s rich history and heritage.
🔸Telavi Fortress
Explore the impressive Telavi Fortress, a historic stronghold that played a significant role in the region’s defense. Take a leisurely stroll along the fortress walls, enjoy panoramic views of the city, and delve into the captivating stories of its past through the preserved architectural features and exhibits.
🔸Telavi State History and Ethnography Museum
Visit the Telavi State History and Ethnography Museum, housed within the King Erekle II Palace. Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of the region as you discover fascinating artifacts, traditional crafts, and insightful displays that showcase Telavi’s historical and ethnographic treasures.
🔸Mary’s Church
While primarily an Orthodox church dedicated to Saint Mary, Mary’s Church is renowned for its architectural beauty. Marvel at the intricate details of its design and experience a sense of tranquility within its sacred walls.
🔸Kera Ceramics Shop
Step into the Kera Ceramics Shop, a haven for ceramic enthusiasts. Admire the exquisite craftsmanship of handmade ceramic artworks displayed in the store. You can even witness the artisans in action as they create new pieces right before your eyes. Don’t miss the opportunity to bring home a unique and beautifully crafted souvenir from your visit to Telavi.
🔸Cholokashvili Street
Take a stroll along Cholokashvili Street, a vibrant thoroughfare lined with charming shops, cafes, and restaurants. Immerse yourself in the local ambiance, explore boutique stores offering traditional crafts and souvenirs, and savor the flavors of Georgian cuisine at the various dining establishments.
🔸Telavi Bazaar
Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere of Telavi Bazaar, a bustling marketplace where you can find an array of fresh produce, spices, local delicacies, and handmade goods. Immerse yourself in the lively energy of the bazaar, interact with friendly vendors, and embrace the authentic Telavi experience.
🔸Ancient Plane Tree
Marvel at the magnificence of the Ancient Plane Tree, a majestic tree with a history spanning over 900 years. Its sprawling branches and immense size create a truly awe-inspiring sight. Take a peaceful moment to sit in its shade, enjoy the serene surroundings, and connect with nature.
🔸Nadikvari Park
Nestled in the heart of Telavi, Nadikvari Park offers a delightful retreat for nature lovers. Explore the park’s lush greenery, enjoy a leisurely walk along its paths, and bask in breathtaking views of Telavi from the park’s vantage points. Capture beautiful photographs and create lasting memories of your visit.
We visited these places one by one, recorded our YouTube videos, shared their photos on our Instagram posts, and their addresses are marked on our map.
Our YouTube Videos
We have shared our Telavi sightseeing adventures on YouTube. Feel free to watch them:You can support us by subscribing to our channel.
How to return from Telavi to Tbilisi?
So how can we return?On the way back, the buses (marshrutkas) coming to Tbilisi stop at the Old bus Station in Telavi (the old bus stop until Telavi market ends). The downside is that it only operates every two hours from 8 am, and it’s not possible to buy tickets online.
When it comes to payment, the fare for one person is noted as 12 lari. The distance by bus is approximately 150 km. Buses go from one city to another every 2.5-3 hours.
Map:
Our bus was standing by the roadside next to the place called “Old Bus Station,” and I marked the exact point. We got on and left. We arrived there at 8 in the morning (and started the journey), and the last bus leaves at 4 pm. The fare is 12 lari (per person). The journey takes 2.5-3 hours. The final stop is Tbilisi Ortachala (Central) Bus Station.
The only way to return is not by bus. It is also possible to return by taxi.
Map:
Taxis to Tbilisi stop here, the price varies, and they told us it would be 25 lari per person, but you can negotiate and go for 20 lari (if you speak Russian, they don’t speak English).
We didn’t do it, but what can you do?
Wine, wine, wine.If you have come to Telavi and have a car (or if you can find a taxi and have time), you can visit the vineyards where wine is produced. Here are some of them:
Ruispiri Biodynamic See on Map
Shalauri Wine Cellar See on Map
Togonidze’s Wine Cellar See on Map
Mosmieri Kakheti Wine Centre See on Map
Schuchman Wines Chateau See on Map
Shumi Winery Kakheti See on Map
Monasteries.
It’s not just about wine; there are several interesting churches, monasteries, and cathedrals a little outside the city center. Here are some of them:
Dzveli Shuamta’s Monastery See on Map
Ikalto Monastery & Academy See on Map
Gremi’s Archangels’ Complex See on Map
Alaverdi Monastery See on Map
Our Telavi Map
To see all the mentioned points and also to watch our journey on videos, we have a map.Here is our Telavi travel map: Map
Our Instagram Posts
To see the photos and real-life moments we shared, you can scroll down and take a look. You can support us by following us on Instagram.Cover Photo by Nika Tabatadze on Unsplash
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