Borjomi Tour from Tbilisi with Bakuriani Resort and Soviet Train Ride

A slow train through pine forest sounds simple, but it feels special. I like how this day mixes two very different Georgian resort worlds: Borjomi’s mineral-water calm and Bakuriani’s mountain snow vibe. I also love that the trip includes the historic Kukushka ride, with a real sense of geography, because you travel from 820 meters up to 1,700 meters. One thing to consider is that this is a long day with a lot of driving, so comfort matters.

You get a private setup with air-conditioned transport, WiFi on board, and bottled water, so the logistics are easy even if the day runs long. Bakuriani is the reason many people book this in winter, and the chance for an authentic snowy day up at 1,700 meters is the big draw. A possible drawback: lunch is not included, and with only a few hours at each stop, you’ll want to plan your meal timing.

Key things you’ll notice on this Borjomi and Bakuriani day

• Kukushka train time travel: a 37.2 km narrow-gauge line with electrification since 1966 and an average speed of about 15 km/h
• Big elevation change in one day: Borjomi at 820 m to Bakuriani at 1,700 m
• Borjomi Mineral Water Park: a central park experience that dates back to the 1850s, with tasting built in
• Bakuriani at mountain scale: conifer forests and ski-resort areas like Didveli and Kokhta/Kokhta-Mitarbi
• Mtsvane (Green) Monastery stop: a short, free 30-minute medieval church visit with a local legend behind it

Riding the historic Kukushka train from Borjomi to Bakuriani

If you like trains, this is the heart of the day. Kukushka, the nickname meaning little cuckoo, runs on a narrow-gauge railway that connects Borjomi (820 m) to Bakuriani (1,700 m). The line is 37.2 km long, and the whole ride takes about 2.5 hours, at an average speed of around 15 km/h. That slow pace is not a downside here. It’s part of the fun, because you get time to watch the forested slopes change.

The line’s background gives the ride weight. Work started in 1897, back when Georgia was part of the Russian Empire, and the first trains ran in January 1902. The route was tough to build, so it took four years to get it operating. Another detail I like, because it makes the scenery feel human and engineered, is the bridge over the Tsemistskhali River between Tsaghveri and Tsemi. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel for the Romanovs.

Today the train is electrified, and that matters for how smooth the ride feels. Electrification happened in 1966, when the old steam setup was replaced by an electric locomotive built by the Škoda works in Czechoslovakia. If you’re thinking this will feel like a quick scenic transfer, don’t. It’s an actual ride day, with the railway threading through the deep forest.

Practical tip: plan your phone battery and warm layers. Even in a heated vehicle, train conditions can vary, and mountain air can bite when you stop moving. Also, be ready for the long day rhythm. The train is scheduled as a major block of time, not a quick photo moment.

Borjomi Central Park and the Mineral Water Park (the tasting part counts)

Borjomi is a balneological and climatic resort town, built around the idea that mineral water and treatment therapies can help people feel better. Even if you’re not there for medical reasons, the experience is still worthwhile, because the town is made for rest: park space, fresh air, and a very specific focus on its waters.

Your time centers on Borjomi Central Park, where you can slow down. The stay is about 2 hours, and this is where the Mineral Water Park comes in. The park itself dates back to the 1850s, and it’s a classic Borjomi moment: taste the natural mineral water and relax in a setting designed for lingering. The tastings aren’t presented as a gimmick, they’re the point.

Here’s what makes it meaningful beyond a quick stop. The resort concept is old, and Borjomi uses the water in drinking and balneological procedures. It also mentions climatotherapy and mud treatment as part of its broader approach. While you won’t do treatments on this tour beyond tasting and sightseeing, you do get the feel of a resort town with a purpose.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes small rituals, Borjomi is good for you. You can do the water tasting at your own pace, then just take in the park atmosphere. If you’re more of an action traveler, note that this portion is not about sprinting between sites. It’s about having time to breathe.

One consideration: Borjomi’s best climatotherapy season is listed as June through October, but the season is said to last all year for the resort. So even outside that window, the park stop makes sense as a steady break from travel time. Still, dress for the weather, because parks in the mountains can swing from mild to chilly.

Bakuriani at 1,700 meters: the snow experience people book for

Bakuriani is a village and ski resort at 1,700 meters above sea level, surrounded by conifer forests, mainly spruce. That elevation change from Borjomi is dramatic, and you feel it in the day’s tone. Borjomi feels like spa-town calm. Bakuriani feels like mountain altitude and winter atmosphere, especially if you’re visiting in the colder months.

This is where the “authentic snow” pull is strongest. In one standout recommendation tied to this route, the point was simple: if you want a real snow day, visit Bakuriani. I agree with the logic. At 1,700 meters, you’re much more likely to experience winter conditions than you would at lowland destinations.

Bakuriani’s ski area is split into two separate zones: Didveli and Kokhta/Kokhta-Mitarbi. Mount Kokhta reaches a maximum skiable altitude of 2,269 meters, while the highest lift in Didveli is listed up to 2,702 meters. Even if you’re not skiing, those numbers help you picture why the town feels like a serious mountain resort rather than a small hill station.

Another fun layer: the area is described as being shaped by lava flows from the nearby Mukhera volcano. You can’t see geology explained on your first walk, but it helps explain why the region has that big rugged mountain feel.

Your time here is about 1 hour. That can feel short if you’re hungry for scenery or want to explore deeper into the resort. Still, it’s enough to step into the mountain world, get your bearings, and decide how you want to spend your remaining time on site. If conditions allow, you can also spot the resort’s alpine vibe right away.

If you care about snow photos: go for warm clothing and steady footing. You might be on snow or cold ground even if you’re only walking for a few minutes. Keep your hands protected, because you’ll want them working for your camera and phone.

Mtsvane (Green) Monastery: a short, free medieval stop with a story

The Mtsvane Monastery, also called Green Monastery, is a compact culture stop that fits nicely into a travel-heavy day. You’ll spend about 30 minutes, and admission is free. That’s perfect for a “see something meaningful without burning the whole afternoon” kind of visit.

The monastery site includes the Chitakhevi church of Saint George. It’s described as a medieval church that was abandoned for more than two hundred years, then restored in 2003. The history is listed as unknown, which is often the case with smaller regional religious sites. But there is a legend that kept pilgrimage energy alive. After a massacre of local monks by the soldiers of Persian Shah Tahmasp I in the 1550s, people believed stones in a nearby stream acquired a reddish color, and that belief drove visitors.

Architecturally, the structure details are specific. The monastery consists of a three-nave basilica, stylistically dated to the late 9th or 10th century, plus a two-storey bell tower dated to the 15th or 16th century. You can also spot remnants of old monastic cells and accessory structures nearby. The church walls are described as built of coarsely hewn ashlar and rubble.

What I like about a stop like this on a day tour is the contrast. You spend the earlier hours with a railway, resort towns, and mineral water. Then you shift into a quieter setting, where greenery and stone architecture do the talking. You get a sense of how this region preserves layered eras, even when you’re visiting for just half an hour.

Given the short time, go with a simple plan. Walk slowly, look for the basilica layout and bell tower, then take in the surroundings. Don’t try to read everything. Just get your bearings and enjoy the atmosphere.

Price and logistics: how a 12-hour day adds up to value

This tour is priced at $177.50 per person and runs about 12 hours. That sounds like a long stretch, and it is. You’re covering a total drive of 370 km, roughly 230 miles, between Tbilisi and the Borjomi-Bakuriani region. Since the schedule also includes a 2.5-hour train ride plus time at three stops, the day is packed in a way that leaves less room for wandering.

Where I think the value is solid: the tour includes major “money and time” pieces. You get private transportation with air-conditioning, WiFi on board, and bottled water. More importantly, entry to the Kukushka train and Borjomi Central Park are included, so you aren’t chasing tickets during the day. Bakuriani is listed as free for admission, and the monastery stop is free too, which helps keep costs predictable.

Also, the structure matters. This is a private tour/activity, so it’s only your group. That often makes a big difference when you’re dealing with weather, timing, and meal breaks, because the schedule can feel less stressful than a crowded public tour.

The only drawback on the practical side is simple: lunch is not included. With stops that are 2 hours, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 30 minutes, your meal break needs to be deliberate. I’d treat lunch like a “slot you manage,” not a last-minute rescue. If you have dietary needs, plan early. If you don’t, at least keep your expectations flexible and use the car time to regroup.

One more reality check: the tour requires good weather. Since the route includes mountain elevation and a train ride through forest areas, bad conditions can affect scheduling. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, the offer is a different date or a full refund, which is a fair backup.

What to pack for a mountain snow and mineral-water day

Pack like you’re doing two climates in one day: Borjomi park time and Bakuriani mountain time. Even if the day is sunny, the altitude change can cool you off fast.

Here’s what I’d bring:

• Warm layers you can peel on and off. Mountains can change fast.
• Comfortable shoes with grip. Even a short walk in cold areas can feel slippery.
• A water bottle, even though bottled water is provided. It helps you avoid re-filling stress.
• A snack for the gap between meal options. Since lunch is not included, having something small can save the day.
• Your camera, plus a way to protect it from cold hands.

Also, keep an eye on your pace. The tour notes a moderate physical fitness level. Nothing intense is described, but you will be moving through parks, walking at monastery grounds, and stepping in and out of transport.

If you’re planning this for winter snow photos, consider gloves that let you use your phone. Cold hands and a touch screen is a classic struggle.

Should you book this Borjomi and Bakuriani day with the Kukushka ride?

Book it if you want a day that feels genuinely Georgian in both settings: the mineral-water resort identity of Borjomi and the mountain winter mood of Bakuriani at 1,700 meters. The Soviet Kukushka train is the reason this tour feels more than just a drive. The slow 2.5-hour ride, the narrow-gauge line, and the historic bridge details give you a story while you watch the forested mountains roll by.

I’d skip it if you hate long days. This is about 12 hours with around 370 km of driving, and lunch is on your own. If you only want a short, relaxed outing, look for something shorter in the Tbilisi area instead.

Who it suits best:

• Couples, friends, and small groups who like trains and mountain scenery
• Travelers who want an authentic snow experience when Bakuriani is winter-ready
• Anyone who likes a mix of nature, town atmosphere, and a quick culture stop without heavy hiking

If the weather is decent and you’re comfortable with a packed schedule, this tour is a smart way to see two resort towns in one day, and to do it on a historic railway that makes the journey part of the destination.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour from Tbilisi to Borjomi and Bakuriani?

The tour is approximately 12 hours.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 8:00 am.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is lunch included in the price?

No, lunch is not included.

What is included with the tour besides transportation?

The tour includes private transportation, air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, bottled water, entry tickets for the Kukushka train and Borjomi Central Park, and it lists admission as free for Bakuriani and the monastery.

How long is the Soviet train ride on Kukushka?

The train ride is about 2.5 hours.

What route does the Kukushka train take?

It connects Borjomi to Bakuriani on a narrow-gauge line.

How far is the driving distance during the day?

The total drive is 370 km, about 230 miles.

Is the tour suitable for everyone in terms of physical effort?

It recommends travelers have a moderate physical fitness level.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to poor weather?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.