Telavi

Located within the Alasani valley and besides Sighnaghi, Telavi is an important regional tourist centre with many accommodation options; it serves as a base for trips (churches, wineries, parks) into the rest of the region. Nevertheless, it is also great for a day trip from Tbilisi. The similarity of the city's name to Tel Aviv is often used in Georgian jokes.

In the 2nd century, Telavi was first mentioned as Teleda on the world map Geographike Hyphegesis of the Greek geographer Ptolemy. The name originated from the Georgian word Tela, meaning elm. Under Kwirike the Great and during the 9th century, the city became the capital of the kingdom Kakhati-Hereti. The city developed into an important Georgian trade centre until the 12th century, due to its convenient location near the silk road. King Artshil II. made the city capital of the Kakheti region and built his palace and fortress here.

1 Tourist Information, Erekle II. St. 9, ☏ +995 350275317, tictelavi@gmail.com. daily 10:00-18:00. (updated May 2017)

By marshrutka:

There are 3 marshrutka stations:

2 Main marshrutka station (south end of Alazani Avenue). E.g. for Tsinandali, 8 km east of Telavi, 0.5 lari; taxi: 5 lari. Although Sighnaghi and Telavi are close to each other, there are only 1-2 marshrutkas a day, so check the schedule beforehand. Your best bet in that case would be hitch-hiking instead, which is rather easy along the "highway".

3 Marshrutkas heading to Alaverdi Monastery (from the main marshrutka station cross the road, take a narrow street for 20-30 m, and there is a small parking lot with more marshrutkas).

Marshrutkas heading from/to Tbilisi (Old Bus Station (on Google Maps)) (walk 200-300 m from the main marshrutka station direction north (i.e. down) of Alazari avenue. The station is a bit hidden shortly after the traffic light, down an alleyway on the left.). From Tbilisi, marshrutkas depart more or less hourly (at least 09:00 and 10:00, but there many more throughout the day) from the Ortachalla station (in front of the station). 15 lari, takes up to 2½ hr (especially when by near Sighnaghi and through Gurjaani before heading to Telavi). (updated Jun 2025)

By car:

There are two options to get to Telavi from Tbilisi. One is highway no. 5 and no. 42 by Gurjaani, about 140 km. The shorter and newer option is highway no. 38, departing shortly after the Tbilisi city border near Vaziani north from highway no. 5, about 70 km. The latter one is via the Gombori Pass and notably shorter, even though not much faster due to the many turns and serpentines. In winter and with snow it is recommended to take the longer route.

The road between Akhmeta and the Georgian Military Highway, via Tianeti, can only be done by 4WD.