Highlights of Georgia: history, wine & more

Tbilisi

Day 1: Welcome to Georgia!

Your guide will meet you at Tbilisi International Airport and, together, you’ll head to your hotel. 

Once you have checked in and refreshed from your journey, it’s time to head straight out into Tbisili’s Old Town Quarter. Take in the views over the traditional houses from Metekhi Church and cross the Glass Bridge of Peace to explore enchanting, narrow streets. 

Join our welcome dinner in a popular local wine bar and soak up the atmosphere of this dynamic city.

Tiflis - Mtskheta - Tbilisi

Day 2: Explore Tsibili and Mtskheta

Head out to explore Tsibili, the capital of Georgia and outpost of European history and culture. Historically situated on seven Euro-Asian trade routes, Tbilisi became one of the richest cities of the middle ages.

Take a stroll in the Baths District, this sulfurous area gave Tbilisi its name as ‘the warm city’. Climb to the nearby fortress with roots in the 4th century and descend into the narrow neighborhood streets towards the Old Town.

From St George’s Statue in Liberty Square, uncover Rustaveli Avenue with its parliament buildings and opera house towards the residence of the President and the Dry Bridge Flea Market.

In the late afternoon, take a short drive to the former Georgian capital of Mtskheta, which holds a number of UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments. 

Returning to the city, sundown over the river delta and the city are a sight to behold from Jvari Church viewpoint.

Gori - Uplistsikhe - Kutaisi

Day 3: From the birthplace of Stalin to the ancient kingdom of Colchis

Waving goodbye to Tbilisi, you make for the Gori, famed for being the birthplace of dictator Stalin. From there, you’ll continue on to the ancient rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe, where you can explore structures dating back to the early Iron Age. This also holds wide views over the impressive local landscape.

The next stop of today’s journey will be at Kintsvisi Church, hosting a famous fresco of the blue angel. Heading across Rikoti Pass, with its countless local food and craft merchant stalls, you will arrive in the ancient kingdom of Colchis. A city well-known in Greek mythology as the destination of the Argonauts, and home to Medea and the Golden Fleece.

Tskaltubo - Vani - Gelati Monastery

Day 4: From Kutaisi to the Gelati Monastery Academy

Starting the day in Kutaisi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, take a stroll through the early morning local farmers market. 

Jumping in your private car, drive to Tskaltubo where you will have the chance to discover once glorious remains of the Soviet-era sanatorium, and then on to the village of Vani. This is your chance to uncover the ancient history of the region at the archaeological museum.  

After lunch, it’s time for a tour at a local winery followed by a wine tasting. Our final stop of the day will be Gelati Monastery Academy. A UNESCO World Heritage site and resting place of the Georgian King David the Builder.

Ananuri - Gudauri - Stepantsminda

Day 5: From Bagrati Cathedral to the legendary Mount Kazbek

Say farewell to Kutaisi from the stunning views of Bagrati Cathedral. 

Head to the Mountain of the Greater Caucasus. Your first stop will be at Ananuri Church, a castle complex that overlooks green mountains and the turquoise water of the Aragvi River. Continue along the Old Georgian Military Road towards Stepantsminda. Along this route, there is an optional detour for a cable car ride from the Gudauri ski resort.

Arrive at the foot of the legendary Mt. Kazbek. Here you will encounter more Greek mythology as Prometheus is said to have been bound to a rock on this mountain by Zeus himself.

Alaverdi Cathedral - Telavi

Day 6: Discover Georgia's wine-making traditions

After breakfast, take a drive up to the Gergeti Plateau - approximately 2200m below the peak of Mt. Kazbek - to visit the Gergeti Trinity Church and its stunning mountain panorama views.

Head on to the major Georgian wine region of Kakheti to learn more about the production of traditional natural wine in quevri clay vessels. Georgia has 8,000 years of wine-making traditions to delve into. Today, there are around 500 local grape varieties in use.

You’ll explore Alaverdi Cathedral in the beautiful Alasani Valley. In the Garden of the Monks alone you can find almost 200 local grape varieties.  Afterward, you’ll visit a family business that has been producing quevri clay vessels for six generations. Learn more on a tour and sample the local wines and ‘chacha’ (Georgian grappa). 

Finally, discover the fortress of King Erekle II in Telavi - a place of unique cultural heritage.

Gremi - Sighnaghi - Tbilisi

Day 7: From Gremi Citadel to the Gardens of Sameba Cathedral

Start the day by exploring the Gremi Citadel - the only remnants of a once rich town on the Old Silk Road, which was destroyed by the Persians. 

Head on to Sighnaghi above the Alasani Valley and enjoy strolling the winding, narrow streets. At the Nun-Monastery in Bodbe, you’ll learn about St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century. 

On your route back to Tbilisi, we can’t help but stop at an especially outstanding winery for a final wine tasting session. 

Back in the capital, the Gardens of Sameba Cathedral with its wide views over the city are well worth taking in before your farewell dinner.

Airport Tbilisi

Day 8: Goodbye Georgia!

Head to the airport for your return flight.

It's ნახვამდის (goodbye) from Georgia!