Georgia 8-day Escorted Small Group Tour

Arrival

Pick up from Tbilisi International Airport. Hotel accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi. (Transfer is optional and not included in the program price)

Tbilisi city tour

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. It also provides superb views over the city. Then head to visit National Museum of Georgia that displays the country’s principal archaeological findings. The Museum houses hundreds of thousands of artefacts of Georgia’s and the Caucasus’ archaeology and ethnography. Dinner at the restaurant. Hotel accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi. (B/-/D)

Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Uplistsikhe – Gori – Tbilisi (210 km)

After breakfast at the hotel, 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. Then drive to Gori – the birthplace of the Soviet leader Stalin. Photo-stop at the museum of Stalin and proceed to the cave town Uplistsikhe (1st millennium BC) - one of the first cities in Georgia carved into the rock. The caves were the site of pagan rituals, before Georgia became a Christian country. In the evening return to Tbilisi. Hotel accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi. (B/L/-)

Tbilisi – Vardisubani – Alaverdi – Gremi – Tbilisi (260 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 at the hotel in Tbilisi. (B/L/-)

Tbilisi – Ananuri – Kazbegi – Gergeti Trinity Church – Gudauri (190 km.)

After breakfast start our very scenic drive up through the High Caucasus Mountains along the Georgian Military Highway towards Kazbegi region. En route visit Ananuri architectural complex (17th century) overlooking a reservoir on the Aragvi River. On the way we will drive across the Cross Pass (2 395m.) and along the Tergi River that brings us to Kazbegi – main town in this region. From the centre of Kazbegi a leisurely 4 hours walk 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.). Hotel accommodation, dinner and overnight at the hotel in Gudauri. (B/-/D)

Gudauri – Borjomi – Rabati – Akhaltsikhe (300 km.)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Borjomi famous for its mineral waters. Visit mineral water park, quick stroll and savour the famous water of Borjomi. Then drive to Akhaltsikhe. Visit Rabati castle. Admire the high columns, views from the fortification walls and the very cosy atmosphere. Hotel accommodation, dinner and overnight at the hotel in Akhaltsikhe. (B/-/D)

Akhaltsikhe – Khertvisi – Vardzia – Paravani – Poka – Tbilisi (280 km.)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Vardzia – the magnificent cave town of the Golden Age. En route photo-stop at Khertvisi Fortress (10th century). On the way we visit beautiful Poka Convent - the establishment of Poka Monastery is credited to St. Nino of Cappadocia who is said to have brought Christianity into Georgia. As a result of invasions in the 17th century, cathedral was destroyed but you can still see the remains of the original stone church, including fragments of the original frescos. Arrive in Vardzia (12th century). The cave complex stretching over half a kilometre 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 in the local farmer’s family. Drive back to Tbilisi. The road is magnificent with unusual villages and huge lakes. Hotel accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi. (B/L/-)

Departure

Transfer to Tbilisi International Airport and departure. (-/-/-) (Transfers are not included in the price)