| Duration: | 5 Day(s) - 4 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Culture Tours |
Day 1: Tbilisi
In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel to start the city tour of Tbilisi with visits to the Old Town: Metekhi Temple (12th c.), and the Abanotubani bath houses, these balmy sulfur baths have hosted poets, writers, musicians, kings down through the centuries; Narikala - The main fortress of Tbilisi (4th c. – if available we’ll take a cable car ride to the fort), excellent for views on the swirling river Mtkvari (Kura) and this city of so many ages and nationalities. Walking through some narrow streets, along which some carpet and souvenir shops are situated.
We visit Sioni Cathedral (11th c.) and Anchiskhati church (6th c.); Visit the Georgian State Museum and Rustaveli Avenue - the main street of Tbilisi.
Overnight at a 3* hotel in Tbilisi.
Meals included: None.
Day 2: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Gori – Gudauri
We start a trip by driving to Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Georgia is situated 20km from Tbilisi. Scientists date the town back to the 2nd millennium B.C. Here Georgians accepted Christianity at the beginning of the 4th century. The town and its architectural monuments are included in the World's Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.
Visit Jvari Monastery (6th c.) & Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c.) Drive to the town of Gori – the heart of Kartli province and the birthplace of Georgia’s infamous son – J. Stalin. We visit the Museum of Stalin and continue to Uplistsikhe Cave Town – the Great Silk Road destination. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out in the rock, and even an antic theatre.
Afterward, drive up the famous Georgian Military Highway (leading to the Georgian-Russian border). On the way we have a photo stop at the Ananuri architectural complex (17th century), the two churches, and the fortress overlooking the Zhinvali water reservoir. Arrive at Gudauri.
Dinner and overnight at 2*+ hotel in Gudauri.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3: Gudauri – Kazbegi – Tbilisi
A stunning drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River will bring us to Kazbegi – the main town in the region. From Kazbegi a leisurely 1.5-hour walk up through beautiful valleys and woodland leads to Gergeti Trinity Church located at 2170m. Weather permitting you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi (5047m). We walk back to the town and return to Tbilisi. Arrive in Tbilisi.
Overnight at a 3* hotel in Tbilisi.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 4: Tbilisi – Davit Gareja – Sighnaghi
Today we explore the David Gareja cave complex (6th century) located in a stark, semi-desert landscape. After seeing Lavra Monastery we walk up for about 50 minutes to Udabno Monastery to enjoy its wonderful painted caves and dramatic views across Azerbaijan (round trip takes approx. 2.5hrs). Transfer to a fortified tiny town of love - Sighnaghi. In the evening we’ll enjoy a leisure walk and the views across to the Valley of Alazani.
Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at a 3* hotel in Sighnaghi.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5: Sighnaghi – Tsinandali – Gombori Pass – Tbilisi (no overnight in Tbilisi)
In the morning we start exploring the Kakheti region well known for its wine production. We enjoy superb views of the Great Caucasus Mountains and valleys of Kakheti, acknowledge the traditions and culture of the country and region, and taste wines and delicious food.
First, we visit a local winery where we learn more about Georgian home-made winemaking and see “Qvevri” – clay jars buried in the ground used by Georgians for wine storage even nowadays. We taste Georgian homemade wine and continue to the estate of 19th-century poet Alexander Chavchavadze to see his beautiful garden and the house museum used by 19th-century Georgian elite for high society meetings out of the capital.
After the tour of the museum, we enjoy a glass of wine and continue to Ikalto Monastery. Later transfer to Tbilisi over Gombori Pass. Arrive in Tbilisi and the end of the tour.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Minimum number of passengers per tour is 2 persons. The price is per person based on twin room sharing. For more information about the prices and availabilities, please contact us.
Service Includes:
Accommodation at double/twin occupancy (single at a supplement), English-speaking guide, excursion fees, transportation, meals as mentioned, 1 bottle (0.5 liters) of mineral water per person per day.
Service Excludes:
Insurance, flights, visa fees (if required), beverages, and portage.
