Budget travel in Georgia on a 10-day trip for people who want to cover the essentials without a car.

Tbilisi (4 days): the old town (Abanotubani sulfur bath district, Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress) is all walkable. The sulfur baths themselves cost $4-8/hour in a private cabin and are essential. The cable car to Narikala is $1 each way. Night market food: $3-5 for substantial meals. Budget: $35/day.

Kazbegi (2 days): the marshrutka minibus from Tbilisi's Didube bus station leaves when full, costs $5, and takes 2.5-3 hours to the mountain town of Stepantsminda. Gergeti Trinity Church hike (3 hours round trip, free) with Mount Kazbek backdrop is the most photographed view in Georgia. Guesthouse accommodation: $15-20/night. Budget: $30/day.

Signagi (1 day): the wine country day trip. Marshrutka from Tbilisi $5, 1.5 hours. The walled hilltop town is beautiful. Winery visits often include tastings; the Georgian wine culture is centuries old and the varietals (Rkatsiteli, Saperavi) are excellent and cheap by European standards.

Mtskheta (half day from Tbilisi): the first capital of Georgia, UNESCO heritage. Marshrutka $1, 30 minutes. Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Free entry to exterior; minimal museum fees inside.

Kutaisi (2 days as alternative): if flying into Kutaisi via Ryanair from Europe (often significantly cheaper than Tbilisi flights), it's a viable base. Prometheus Cave ($10) and Martvili Canyon ($5) are the main attractions. Daily budget: $25-28.