Country of Wonders

After a late breakfast, we start our Tbilisi sightseeing tour to get acquainted with the city. Walking through the historical part of the city and enjoying the unique combination of cultures.

Meandering through the narrow streets of the city we will come-across various religious buildings: Churches, Synagogues, Mosques, Wooden houses built in the 19th century with colourful balconies, sulphur baths, the Narikala fortress.

Next, we take in the Georgian National Museum, where a great many intricate Georgian treasures are preserved. To finish up this introduction to the city we peruse Rustaveli Avenue, which is the main central boulevard.

The rest of the day is left for exploring Tbilisi further, tasting wine in one of the many wine-bars, and getting acquainted with Georgian cuisine in one of the many great restaurants in the city centre.

In the morning, we take the road to the Kakheti region. This side of Georgia is considered the homeland of wine. However, apart from winemaking, Kakheti is distinguished by monuments of different periods and diverse nature.

Here, we will visit the fortified town Sighnaghi, which leaves a special impression with it’s beautiful streets and distinctive natural location. We will walk along the cobbled streets with colourful houses and balconies, enjoy the amazing view of the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains and the vast valley of Alazani.

Then, we visit Tsinandali Museum. The complex includes a house-museum built in the nineteenth century, a beautiful garden, and a unique wine cellar.

Next, we visit a small family cellar that has an experimental vineyard with over 40 types of endemic grape varieties, we’ll taste unique natural wines produced by hand in clay amphoras (Qvevri) in the traditional Georgian method.

Pleasantly mellowed with wine, we make our way to the historic city of Telavi, the capital of the Kakheti region.

In the morning, we visit Telavi agricultural market. Local produce is displayed openly – a real feast for all the senses: ripe seasonal fruits, healthy vegetables, colourful spices, a variety of cheeses, fresh meat, beaded garlic, or crushed walnuts.

Following the sights and aromas of the market, we move on to the 11th Century Alaverdi Cathedral, which is one of the largest religious buildings in Georgia.

Before lunch, we visit the Gremi Architectural Complex, which comprises the remains of the old capital citadel of Kakheti built in the 16th century.

A visit to the Kakheti region would be incomplete if we skipped lunch with a local family. Serving unmistakably authentic Kakhetian cuisine the host’s welcome is as genuine as the taste of the homemade dishes and wine.

After lunch, we drive to one of the most renowned wineries in Kvareli, which is based on ancient traditions. Here, we will sample the variety of selected wines.

To get acquainted with the process of making a Qvevri, we move to a nearby village, where modern masters of the many-millennia-old craft will host us.

In the morning, we will drive to Mtskheta, which is renowned for being the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia.

Here, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jvari Monastery built in the 6th century high up on the hill overlooking Mtskheta.

We move on to the beautiful 11th Century Cathedral which is reported to be the burial site of Christ’s mantle and one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical architecture in Georgia.

In the afternoon, we will follow the Georgian Military Road to Gudauri, which is one of the most spectacular routes in Georgia.

We end the day at 2200m in the spectacular Gudauri ski resort, where we overnight.

In the morning, we continue our journey to Stepantsminda – the most northerly point on our trip.

After arrival in Stepantsminda, we visit the Gergeti Trinity Church. With it’s unique location and history stretching back centuries; it really represents the face of ancient Georgia.

In the afternoon we visit Sno Valley. This beautiful valley is especially attractive for wildlife lovers.

This day ends again in Gudauri, surrounded by high mountains.

We continue the journey to Samtskhe-Javakheti region. On the way, we visit Stalin Museum in Gori.

The museum complex includes a memorial house, where Stalin was born and spent his childhood, an exhibition building containing an exhaustive collection of Stalin artefacts, and a private carriage.

In the afternoon, we visit the 1st Millennium BC cave town Uplistsikhe. Uplistsikhe was a waypoint on the Silk Road, which passed through Georgia on this route, it is one of the oldest settlements and urban centres in the Caucasus.

At the end of the day, we retreat to Akhaltsikhe. The Municipality is distinguished by it’s natural beauty and abundance of cultural and historical monuments.

In the morning, we drive to Vardzia. During the trip we see Khertvisi fortress, we stop here to take a photo of this medieval defensive structure.

Following this, we move on to the Vardzia monastery complex, which is the largest among the cave towns in Georgia and can be easily seen from afar. This monument of Georgian artistic culture of the 12th-13th century is located in thirteen tiers.

In the afternoon, we will return to Akhaltsikhe and the beautifully reconstructed Rabat Fortress. It was the most important defensive structure in the region.

In the morning, we visit the spa-town of Borjomi, which is surrounded by green forests. While walking in Borjomi Central Park, we can taste the mineral water.

We continue, to Kutaisi, which is one of the oldest cities in the world, this was the capital of Colchis as known in Greek mythology.

Here, we will visit Gelati Monastery. The centuries-old monastery with it’s beautiful paintings is deservedly included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

We will also visit Bagrati cathedral, which is a symbol of Georgia’s strength in terms of cultural background and architecture.

In the evening, we will walk in the central streets of Kutaisi, where the charm of the old city is felt.

In the first half of the day, we visit the Prometheus Grotto, which is a distinctive natural beauty monument.

Following this, we make our way towards the Greater Caucasus mountains in Svaneti. Distinguished by villages dotted with Svan towers perched among huge mountains and cliffs, important samples of Georgian architecture, characteristic frescoes, centuries-old culture, sharply expressed individualism and makes an indelible impression on the visitor.

In the evening, we will stay in Mestia, which is relatively developed compared to the villages of Svaneti as a regional center, although the centuries-old towers retain it’s old look well.

After breakfast, we drive to Ushguli, which is one of the most beautiful places in Svaneti. Ushguli, surrounded by typical Svan defense towers, is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The highest peak of Georgia “Shkhara” is proudly elevated above us. The beauty of the Great Caucasus is especially felt here.

We return to Mestia in the afternoon. Later, we visit the Svaneti Historical-Ethnographic Museum, where the ethnocultural heritage of this region is fully presented.

The mystical view of Mestia at night will remain in our memory for a long time.

For lovers of hiking, Svaneti is really endless. Among the many impressive routes, we have chosen Koruldi Lakes.

It’s not possible to see snow-capped peaks reflected in the lake everywhere! White glaciers, green slopes, and smooth lake water are an ideal blend of natural beauty.

In the evening, we stay in Zugdidi the capital of Samegrelo where you can spend a free evening in the beautiful botanical garden of the city.

In the morning, we drive to one of the most beautiful regions of Georgia, Adjara.

This region is distinguished by it’s unusual nature, the charm of the Black Sea, beautiful mountains and sea landscapes, natural reserves, and it’s a famous botanical garden, which we visit.

Batumi is the best face of modern Georgia with its ancient port, beautiful seaside boulevard, old and new architectural buildings, European-style squares, and streets.

We visit the main tourist sights of Batumi: the piazza, the statue of Medea, the alphabet tower, the moving statue of Ali and Nino are all inseparable sights of today’s Batumi.

You may spend free hours in the evening on the beautiful seaside boulevard or in the ancient port.

In the morning, we leave for Tbilisi by train. You’ll spend the last evening of your trip to Georgia in Tbilisi.

In the old and modern Tbilisi, which is defined by it’s diversity, there’s really something to pique everyone’s interest.

Transfer to the airport and departure.