Georgia 8-day Escorted Small Group Tour

Arrival in Tbilisi

Arrival in Tbilisi International Airport. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay in Tbilisi. (Optional: Transfer to the hotel) (-/-/-)

Tbilisi [City Tour] - Mtskheta - Tbilisi (80 km)

After breakfast at the hotel, start a few unforgettable hours of familiarization with the capital. A charming town built in the 5th century along the twisting valley of Mtkvari River. All the places of interest are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. Start our excursion from Metekhi (13th century) plateau, before reaching to Narikala Fortress (4th century) which dominates the skyline of the Old Town. Continue to explore brick-domed underground sulphur baths (17th century) – the district of naturally hot mineral waters, cafe street Shardeni, Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral and the most ancient Basilica in Tbilisi Anchiskhati (6th century). Walk across the Bridge of Peace which is a stunning design as well as convenient crossing between the newly constructed Rike Park and the Old Town. Free time for lunch. Then drive to Mtskheta – an ancient capital of Georgia, important religious centre and city-museum which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Along the way we will stop to visit the Jvari Monastery (6th century). This well-known monastery is located on the top of the mountain, at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Then head to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) which is known as a place where Christ’s robe was buried. Walk along the narrow streets of Mtskheta with souvenir shopping possibility. Finally, we will return to Tbilisi. Dinner at local restaurant. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay in Tbilisi. (B/-/D)

Tbilisi - Vardisubani - Gremi - Alaverdi - Tbilisi (310 km)

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Kakheti region – Georgia’s premier wine-producing area as well as home to hundreds of historical and architectural monuments. Head to Vardisubani village and attend Qvevri making process. Meet the local craftsman who is a fourth generation Qvevri maker, and his son continues the tradition. The visitors can observe the whole process of making a traditional Qvevri (egg-shaped earthenware vessel in which wine is fermented and stored in villages and towns throughout Georgia. UNESCO Intangible Heritage since 2013). Afterwards visit Alaverdi Monastery. It was built in 11th century and was one of the tallest structures of the time. The surrounding courtyard is home to vineyards from which local monks make their own wine. Wine degustation and lunch in the local family. Afterwards drive to visit fortified complex of Gremi (16th century). Gremi was the Capital of Kakheti Kingdom (1466–1616 years). It had booming cultural life, but because of internal strife and the invasion of Shah Abbas, the town was destroyed. In the evening drive to Tbilisi. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay at the hotel in Tbilisi. (B/L/-)

Tbilisi - Ananuri - Gudauri - Gergeti - Stepantsminda - Tbilisi (320 km)

After breakfast start our very scenic drive up through the High Caucasus Mountains along the Georgian Military Highway towards Kazbegi region. In route visit Ananuri architectural complex (17th century) overlooking a reservoir on the Aragvi River. On the way we will drive across the Jvari Pass (2 395m.) and along the Tergi River that brings us to Stepantsminda – main town in this region. From the centre of Stepantsminda travel by 4x4 car through beautiful valleys and woodland that leads us to Gergeti Holy Trinity church (14th century), stunningly located on a hilltop (2170 m.) both overlooking the surrounding snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Here we will enjoy unique nature with beautiful panoramic views of Caucasus, including mount Kazbegi (5047m.). Lunch at local restaurant. In the evening drive to Tbilisi. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay at the hotel in Tbilisi. (B/L/-)

Tbilisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Kutaisi (280 km)

After breakfast, we drive towards Gori, the principal city of the Shida Kartli region. This historic city, founded in the 12th century with significant place in Georgian history. Notably, it is also known as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. In the vicinity of Gori lies the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe, a remarkable testament to the Silk Road era in Georgia. Uplistsikhe dating back to the 2nd millennium BC is one of Georgia's oldest urban settlements. During our visit, we will explore various structures from that era, including a theater, a pharmacy, a pagan temple, and several palatial buildings. Following our route, we will enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant before making a photo stop at the Stalin Museum. Our journey will then take us in Kutaisi, the principal city of the Imereti region. Kutaisi boasts a rich historical heritage and was a prominent center in ancient Colchis. It is renowned for its association with the myth of Jason and the Argonauts, who embarked on a quest for the Golden Fleece. In medieval history, Kutaisi played a pivotal role and served as Georgia's capital for four centuries, from the 8th to the 12th century. Free time to explore yourself the center of Kutaisi. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay at the hotel in Kutaisi. (B/L/-)

Kutaisi - Gelati - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe (220 km)

After breakfast, we visit the local agricultural market of Kutaisi and find there an array of seasonal fruits, vegetables, aromatic herbs, and an assortment of dairy products that are integral to Georgian cooking. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to discover unique regional specialties, handcrafted goods, and perhaps even engage in friendly haggling with the local vendors. Next, visit the Bagrati Cathedral, one of the three cathedrals of the 11th century and the symbol of unified Georgia. Bagrati has suffered serious damage over time and was gradually rebuilt between 1952 and 2012. Then proceed to Gelati Monestery (UNESCO) which is famous with the giant 12th century mosaic of the Virgin and Child. The founder of the complex is King David the Builder, the most prominent king in the history of Georgia. Among the best examples of the main church painting is also the only surviving portrait of King David the Builder. Lunch at local restaurant. Then, we will travel to South Georgia. We will cross the Borjom-Kharagauli national park and an elegant spa town of Borjomi and reach the city of Akhaltsikhe. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay at the hotel in Akhaltsikhe (B/L/-)

Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Paravani - Tbilisi (300 km)

After breakfast start our drive to Vardzia (12th century). – the magnificent cave town of the Golden Age. On our way to vardzia photo-stop at Khertvisi Fortress (10th century). Arrive in Vardzia, the cave complex stretching over half a kilometer once was a hiding place for 50 000 people. It has got a church hewn out in rock with unique 12th century frescos. The complex also includes dwellings, quarters, small hall - type churches, refectories, wine cellars, etc. Lunch at rural tourism house with local dishes. Drive back to Tbilisi. The road is magnificent with unusual villages and huge lakes including the biggest lake of Georgia – Paravani. Arrival in Tbilisi. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay at the hotel in Tbilisi. (B/L/-)

Salida

(Optional: Transfer to the Airport). Departure from Tbilisi international airport. (B/-/-)