Sighnaghi

Sighnaghi has undergone a fundamental reconstruction program and has become an important center of Georgia's tourist industry. While Sighnaghi itself requires just a day or so for sightseeing, it is probably the best base for exploring the region through day trips. You can follow the road from Sighnaghi to Telavi via Gurjaani, visiting wineries on the way, escape for a day to the Kvareli lake resort or Lagodekhi National Park, and go visit the David Gareja monastery on the Azerbaijan border.

Do not expect wild night life here (except perhaps if there is a busload of tourists in town). Sighnaghi is the place to take in the view of the mountains, drink homemade wine, and enjoy delicious Kakhetian food in one of the many restaurants.

1 Tourist Information, Kostava St. 10, ☏ +995 355232414, ticsignagi@gmail.com. Daily 10:00-18:00.

By bus:

2 Marshrutkha station (in the main square at the bottom of the hill, around the police station and the Populi). Public toilets right on the square.

From specific destinations:

Tbilisi – To Sighnaghi marshrutkas run daily every odd hour from 07:00 to 17:00, the last one leaving at 18:00, from the Samgori metro station, from the lot of marshrutkas farthest from the metro entrance, past the open market. While most drivers will point you in the right direction, you can also look for the two "m"s with "right arms" in სიღნაღი on the destination placard. Travel duration is 1 hr 45 min, for 10 lari (Mar 2025).

To Tbilisi marshrutkas leave at 07:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 16:00, and 18:00 every day. Book tickets back to Tbilisi in advance (buy your ticket from the small kiosk on the marshrutka station's square, or in the winter on the bus), even a few hours before, since all marshrutkas are usually full. Like most marshrutka travel, seats are first-come, first-serve. It is possible to arrive early, pick a good seat, set your bag or backpack in that seat, and then get a bite to eat. Check with the driver for actual departure time. As a courtesy to the locals, assume every seat will be occupied by a person by the time the vehicle departs. Also check with driver if you have a big backpack that needs to be stowed underneath the rear seat. Your guesthouse can call ahead to the driver to reserve a seat. The driver charges 15 lari, perhaps this is the tourist price (July 2026).

Kakheti region – There are also marshrutkas every hour to nearby Tsnori, from where you can get a marshrutka to many Kakhetian destinations. There is at least one marshrutka leaving daily at 9.30 to Guurjaani (5 lari) and Telavi (10 lari).

Rustavi – From Sighnaghi daily at 07:00 and 09:15. Vice-verse, expect similar times.