Tbilisi: Borjomi, Bakuriani & Kukushka Train Tour

Fresh air, warm water, old railways. This 11-hour trip from Tbilisi links Borjomi’s famous mineral spring with Bakuriani’s mountain scenery, giving you a full day in Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti region. I like the mix of gentle walking, local history, and highland views. I also like that the $45 price includes transportation, a live English and Russian-speaking guide, Borjomi Central Park, and Bakuriani sightseeing.

There is one important catch: the Kukushka train is currently closed for technical maintenance. You may still learn about this historic railway and see its route and landmarks, but you should not book this trip expecting to ride the train unless its operation has been confirmed before departure. That missing ride changes the value of the tour, since it is one of the main reasons to choose this outing.

Key details before you book

• Borjomi’s mineral spring: Taste the well-known water directly at its source in Central Park.
• Bakuriani mountain air: Take in views from one of Georgia’s best-known mountain resorts.
• Kukushka railway: The historic narrow-gauge train is part of the theme, but it is not operating during the current maintenance period.
• Eiffel connection: The route includes the famous Tsemistskaro Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
• Guide support: The tour is offered with a live guide in English and Russian. Guide Jemi is praised for being friendly and helpful.
• Flexible booking: You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund and reserve without paying immediately.

Leaving Tbilisi for Borjomi’s spa country

The trip lasts about 11 hours, so you should think of it as a full day outside Tbilisi rather than a quick side trip. Comfortable transportation is included, which matters here because Borjomi and Bakuriani sit in a mountain region, away from the capital’s city streets and museums.

Your first major stop is Borjomi, a spa town in a green valley. The town became well known as a wellness destination in the 19th century, and its mineral water remains the main attraction. The setting gives the day a clear change of pace: instead of rushing from one monument to another, you get riverside paths, trees, mountain air, and time to look around.

I like this opening because it gives you a physical sense of the place. Borjomi is not only a bottled drink sold across Georgia. Here, you can taste the water directly from the spring. That small act connects the town’s famous product with its source, and it makes the visit more memorable than simply buying a bottle in a shop.

The taste may surprise you. Mineral water from a natural spring can have a strong character, and Borjomi is famous for that distinctive flavor. Take a sip, decide what you think, and do not feel obliged to pretend it tastes like ordinary table water.

Borjomi Central Park and the royal bottling story

Borjomi Central Park is the main walking area on this part of the trip. Century-old trees provide shade, while the nearby river and mountain slopes give the park a calm setting. You can expect an easy, outdoors-focused visit rather than a demanding hike.

The park is also where the water story becomes more than a tasting stop. You learn about Borjomi’s royal bottling plant and its role in the region. That background helps explain why a small spa town became known far beyond Georgia. The water was not simply collected and sold. It became tied to wellness, royal interest, industry, and Borjomi’s identity.

I would give this stop your attention even if you are not especially interested in mineral water. The history helps you read the town properly. The paths, trees, and spring are pleasant on their own, but the story tells you why Borjomi developed as a destination in the first place.

You should also allow for a slower pace here. The value of Central Park comes from its atmosphere, not from ticking off a long list of sights. Walk beside the river, taste the spring water, look toward the surrounding slopes, and use the time to get a feel for the town.

Bakuriani and the Trialeti Range

After Borjomi, the tour continues to Bakuriani, a mountain resort on the northern slopes of the Trialeti Range. The change from spa town to highland resort gives the itinerary useful variety. Borjomi is associated with springs and park walks, while Bakuriani is about altitude, open views, forests, and mountain air.

The sightseeing here includes the resort’s main attractions, panoramic views, alpine meadows, and forest areas. The exact amount of walking or time at each point is not specified, so you should expect a guided overview rather than a detailed outdoor expedition. This is a good fit if you want to see the area without arranging a separate mountain trip.

Bakuriani’s appeal is also seasonal in spirit, even though no specific winter or summer activity is included in the tour. Its calm highland setting gives you a chance to step away from Tbilisi’s warmer, busier urban feel. Bring clothing suited to the day’s weather, since mountain conditions can feel different from those in the capital.

The drawback is that the Bakuriani visit may feel brief on an 11-hour schedule, especially when transport and the Borjomi stop take up much of the day. If you want long walks through the forests or extended time in the resort, a separate overnight stay would offer more freedom. This tour is better for an introduction.

The Kukushka railway, and the problem with the current closure

The historic Kukushka railway is the most distinctive part of the advertised route. Built in the late 19th century, the narrow-gauge line connects Borjomi and Bakuriani and climbs slowly through forests, gorges, riverside views, and small villages.

The train’s charm comes from its pace. This is not a fast transfer. It is a scenic railway journey where the slow climb lets you watch the surroundings change. You would have time for photographs and a relaxed look at the mountains rather than a quick blur through a train window.

The famous Tsemistskaro Bridge adds an unusual engineering detail. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the French engineer best known for the Paris tower that carries his name. Seeing an Eiffel-designed bridge in a Georgian mountain setting gives the railway story a memorable point of focus.

But at present, the Kukushka is not operating because of ongoing technical maintenance. This is not a minor footnote. The train ride is listed as a highlight, yet it cannot currently be enjoyed as described. You may see the railway route and hear its history, but do not assume that transportation between Borjomi and Bakuriani will happen by train.

I recommend confirming the train’s status before you pay, especially if the railway is your main reason for booking. If it remains closed, judge the tour as a Borjomi and Bakuriani sightseeing day with Kukushka context, not as a railway ride. That distinction keeps expectations realistic.

What $45 gets you

At $45 per person, the tour can be good value for a visitor who wants transportation and a guide for two mountain destinations in one day. You do not need to plan the route between Tbilisi, Borjomi, and Bakuriani yourself, and the day includes the key Borjomi park visit and Bakuriani sightseeing.

The price includes comfortable transportation and a live English and Russian-speaking guide. It does not include food or meals, so budget separately for lunch and any snacks. Since the day is long, carry water and something to eat unless you plan to buy food during the outing.

The value becomes less clear if you are booking mainly for the Kukushka train. With the railway closed, you lose the signature ride while the price remains the same. The tour still offers two different mountain settings and a useful introduction to Borjomi’s water culture, but the missing train should be reflected in your expectations.

A 4.6 rating from seven reviews suggests a strong early reception, though the sample is small. One verified five-star review from Hamad of Kuwait, dated February 8, 2026, specifically praises guide Jemi as friendly and helpful. A good guide matters on a long road day, since clear timing, local explanation, and practical help can make the difference between a pleasant outing and a tiring one.

How to prepare for the 11-hour day

Wear comfortable shoes. The program includes walking in Central Park, riverside paths, viewpoints, resort areas, and possibly forest or meadow settings. This does not sound like a strenuous hike, but ordinary city shoes may be less pleasant on mixed outdoor surfaces.

Bring a camera. Borjomi’s spring, the tree-lined park, Bakuriani’s mountain views, and the railway route all offer different subjects. If the Kukushka resumes service, the slow train and Tsemistskaro Bridge will be especially useful photo stops.

Pack water and weather-appropriate clothing. The trip moves from Tbilisi into mountain country, and the air can feel cooler or fresher in Borjomi and Bakuriani. A light extra layer is sensible, but the supplied information does not specify a season or forecast, so check the weather close to departure.

You should also be ready for a long day in transportation. Eleven hours gives you time to see both destinations, but it leaves less room for lingering. If you prefer a slow, independent schedule with long café stops and unplanned walks, this guided day may feel too structured.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would recommend it to you if you are based in Tbilisi and want a simple way to reach Borjomi and Bakuriani without arranging several separate transfers. It suits first-time visitors who want a broad taste of Georgia’s mountain resorts, spa culture, and railway history in one day.

It also works well for people who enjoy gentle sightseeing rather than hard hiking. You get fresh air, park paths, mountain viewpoints, and cultural background, but the tour does not promise a major trek or a long independent stay in either town.

Families and mixed-age groups may find the combination practical, provided everyone is comfortable with an 11-hour schedule. The mineral spring and railway story offer easy points of interest, while the mountain setting keeps the day from feeling like a standard city excursion.

I would hesitate if you have already seen Borjomi and Bakuriani, or if the train ride is essential to your plans. In that case, wait until the Kukushka is confirmed to be running, or arrange a trip that focuses specifically on the railway. You should also look elsewhere if you want meals included or a highly specialized walking tour.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want an efficient day from Tbilisi that combines Borjomi Central Park, a taste of the mineral spring, the history of the royal bottling plant, and a first look at Bakuriani. At $45, transportation and a bilingual guide make the price reasonable for that combination.

Do not book it on the assumption that you will ride the Kukushka. The train is currently closed for technical maintenance, and that is the single most important limitation. Confirm its status before departure, then decide if Borjomi and Bakuriani alone offer enough value for you.

If you enjoy scenic places, light walking, local history, and a guide who can make a long day easier, this is a practical choice. If your priority is the historic train itself, wait for the railway to reopen.

FAQ

How long is the Borjomi and Bakuriani tour?

The tour lasts 11 hours. Check availability for the specific starting time.

Is the Kukushka train operating?

No. The Kukushka is currently not operating because of ongoing technical maintenance.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English and Russian.

Are meals included?

No. Food and meals are not included in the price.

What is included in the $45 price?

The price includes comfortable transportation, a live English and Russian-speaking guide, a visit to Borjomi Central Park, and sightseeing in Bakuriani.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.