Maybe you do not know where SAKARTVELO is, Its Europe or Asia?
Maybe you have not heard that we are the country of the legendary Golden Fleece. The country is the oldest of the ancestors of modern man found in Europe. That we are a country where everyone sings and dances. That we are engaged in winemaking for 8,000 years. However, we are sure that you have somewhere seen the pictures of national dishes and eagerly want to try or cook them. After all, cooking is the same art, especially ours!
OK TRAVEL GEORGIA guessed your wishes and offers a gastronomic tour of Sakartvelo, with master classes and unforgettable memories.
1 day. Arrival. Transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
2 day. Tbilisi.
After breakfast at the hotel - a sightseeing tour of Tbilisi.
All the sights, interesting monuments of culture and architecture are five minutes - walk from each other. We will visit the church Metekhi, Sioni, Anchiskhati, we will climb the cable car to the Narikala fortress, visit the region of Abanotubani (sulfur baths). We will walk through the old quarter, where a Christian church, a Mosque, a Synagogue are located on one piece of land, then we arrive at a wine cellar for tasting organic wines.
Next, we will have khachapuri master classes.
Food, cooked with your own hands is especially tasty, so khachapuri from the oven will immediately come to your table, where you will grease them with butter, and will be happy to try them, not allowing them to cool.
After fun master classes, return to the hotel and rest, because our day will end with a visit to the authentic restaurant with traditional Georgian cuisine, where you will find an abundance of dishes and enchanting performance of the Georgian dance and folklore group.
Return to the hotel.
3 day. Kakheti
After breakfast at the hotel, departure to the region of endless vineyards and picturesque mountains of Tusheti.
Here we will have a real belly feast :) We will start with a visit to the city of love Sighnaghi, from where you can enjoy beautiful views of Alazani Valley. We will visit the monastery complex of Bodbe, where the tomb of St. Nino is located, which brought Christianity to Skartvelo.
Afterwards we will go to a local resident, where hospitable hosts will treat us to dinner, with delicious Georgian dishes and homemade wine.
Here we will have master classes for cooking churchkhela, khinkali and Georgian bread shoti.
After lunch, visit Tsinandali - the estate of 19th century princes Chavchavadze. Inspection of the house-museum, walk through the park.
Return to Tbilisi.
By the end of the day, we will add a pleasant aroma to the evening and visit one place where we will enjoy a cozy and atmospheric interior, delicious snacks and a wide choice of wines, with the possibility of tasting and help when choosing from sommeliers.
Return to the hotel.
4 day. Free day or Kazbegi.
Ananuri-Kazbegi
After breakfast, we will head towards the Khevi - Kazbegi region - Stepantsminda Village, which was named after Father Stepan, who saved the villagers from death. On the way, we visit the fortress Ananuri, which is located at the confluence of the rivers Vedzathevi and Aragvi, the main castle of the former feudal rulers of this region.
After exploring Ananuri, we will have lunch in a small urban-type village, Pasanuri, which is considered the main city of khinkali. Khinkali, Pkhlovani, assorted Georgian greens and two glasses of chacha ... we are in Georgian ready to enjoy the mountains of Kazbegi.
The first object to visit is the Church of Gergeti Trinity Church. It rises above the clouds at an altitude of 2170 meters. The easily accessible Trinity Church is one of the oldest and most honored Christian churches in Sakartvelo.
Returning to Tbilisi, in the evening we will have dinner in a traditional restaurant in Tbilisi and get acquainted with the specialties of Megrelian cuisine.
Return to the hotel.
5 day. Mtskheta
Breakfast in the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, the day begins with a visit to the city of Mtskheta, the ancient capital of the Iberian kingdom. Mtskheta - the cradle of Georgian Christianity, the city where the gray-haired Svetitskhoveli is still the same majestic, mighty and calm is the tenth century. Jvari - towering over Mtskheta, this piece of ancient art has been watching the merger of Aragvi with Mtkvari for fourteen centuries.
After exploring the cultural attractions, we will immediately visit the local family, where we will taste the best dishes of national cuisine in the home and learn about the intricacies of local winemaking.
Return to Tbilisi. Free time.
6 day. Departure
Breakfast in the hotel.
Airport transfer and departure.
Take only memories, leave only footprints …
The cost of the tour includes:
• 5 nights in a 3 * / 4 * hotel
• FB meals (5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners);
• 3 sightseeing days;
• Comfortable mini-bus during the whole tour;
• Delica to the Gerget Trinity;
• English-speaking qualified guide for 4 days;
• Transfer back / forth;
• One bottle of water for each person every day;
• Entrance ticket to the house - museum of Alexander Chavchavadze;
• Tasting of Georgian wines;
• Master classes on the program;
The cost of the tour does not include:
• Air flight;
• Insurance;
The winemaking industry has been engaged here for more than 8000 years, this country is considered the birthplace of winemaking. Vineyards are everywhere, even the alphabet looks like a vine.
Wine is made in every corner of Georgia, except for the separated mountains. The main producer of wine is the region of eastern Georgia called Kakheti and in order not to lose time immediately after your arrival we will go to the realm of endless vineyards.
1 day. Telavi
What awaits you in Telavi?
Plunge into the atmosphere of a real Georgian feast at a party at the original family, Tamada, toasts and Alaverdi, an abundance of national dishes, Kakhetian wine secrets.
Overnight in Telavi.
2 day. Tsinandali - Ikalto - Kvareli
Today we begin with a visit to the house of the museum A. Chavchavadze in Tsinandali. Tsinandali complex combines a house-museum, an ornamental garden, a historic winery, a cellar, a hotel and a cafe. For the first time in the country's history, wine was bottled in bottles in the historical cellar of Tsinandali. The collection of wines of Alexander Chavchavadze is also kept here - more than 15,000 bottles, the oldest of which dates from 1814.
We can tell a lot more about Chavchavadze manor, but it is better to see for yourself!
Further, our way goes to Ikalto. The ancient Orthodox monastery of Ikalto is the first monastery that was built in Kakheti during the Assyrian fathers. Here you will see the ruins of the bishop's house, wine storehouses (marani) and the wine press, where the monks themselves crushed the grapes to make wine.
After Ikalto we will have a wine tasting at the Chateau Mosmieri winery.
Winery Mosmieri Kakheti - is a winery in the style of the castle, which combines the modern and traditional possibilities of winemaking. The winery, conveniently located in the Tsinandali micro zone, surrounded by vineyards, with a picturesque view of the Great Caucasus and the Alazani Valley, attracts more and more visitors for wine tasting, culinary master classes of Georgian cuisine.
Then you will have dinner where you will be taught to drink from the horn, they will explain who, after whom, should make a toast and from which national vessel (horn, tune, drink), you will know what and how you can talk during the feast and how to convey Alaverdi, and of course, the same legendary Kakhetian dishes.
Overnight in Kvareli.
3 day. Gremi - Nekresi - Sighnagi
Your head hurts?
The last did not need to drink?
We are here and this means that everything will be OK!!!
As you can imagine the morning without chacha and Chikhirtma (Georgian national soup), so we immediately eat in a cozy and tasty restaurant, where all Georgians go to start the day :)
After the Georgian breakfast, we visit Gremi and Nekresi. Perched above the Alazani Valley in the Kakheti region, the royal fortress of Gremi attracts the attention of every traveler. It also attracts the attention of Nekresi - a small, pretty monastery high on a mountain above the Alazani Plain.
Further, our route will be as follows: the city of love Sighnagi, where you will find a sea of positive emotions.
Sighnaghi is a beautiful city spread out on a mountainside in eastern Georgia. Low buildings with tiled roofs, elegant wooden balconies, cobbled roads, old lanterns. The locality coloring attracts tourists. Walk through the most beautiful and authentic Kakhetian town, Visit the local cellar, where you will have the opportunity to try local wines and have a delicious lunch.
Signagi, we LOVE you!
Return to Tbilisi.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
4 day. Mtskheta - Tbilisi
After breakfast at the hotel you will have sightseeing tours of two of the most significant and famous Georgian capitals - Mtskheta and Tbilisi. The capital cities are practically nearby, only twenty kilometers from each other.
Today you will hear the history of old Tbilisi, visit Freedom Square, Erekle Square, Anchiskhati Temple, Metekhi, Abanotubani, Waterfall in Legvtahevi, Rustaveli Avenue.
Moving to Mtskheta.
After exploring Tbilisi, we will have an excursion to Chateau Mukhrani and a tasting of 3 premium wines. This Georgian chateau is a unique winery with its own vineyards, wineries, a beautiful palace and an interesting history.
Next Mtskheta - the cradle of Georgian Christianity, the city where the gray-haired Svetitskhoveli is still the same majestic, mighty and calm is the tenth century. Jvari - towering over Mtskheta, this handsome man has been watching the merger of Aragvi with Kura for fourteen centuries.
After exploring the cultural attractions, we are waiting for the final dinner and a tour of the winery. All this time the ensemble will play for you: play musical instruments and perform songs in traditional technique.
And, this is where our 4 day excursion ends, but our friendship does not stop.
We are waiting for you to our wonderful country repeatedly! After all, Sakartvelo is a multi-color page of a big World!
Overnight in Tbilisi.
5 day. Departure
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport.
The cost of the tour includes:
• 4 nights in a 3 * / 4 * hotel
• HB Meals (4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners);
• 4 sightseeing days;
• Comfortable mini-bus during the whole tour;
• English-speaking qualified guide for 3 days;
• Transfer back / forth;
• One bottle of water for each person every day;
• Entrance ticket to the house - museum of Alexander Chavchavadze;
• Tasting of Georgian wines;
The cost of the tour does not include:
• Air flight;
• Insurance;
The real magic of this country begins with the first meeting from the Caucasus Mountains and beyond. Sakartvelo is a country for getting wonderful impressions from people, architecture, monuments, cuisine, history and culture. A country that surprises with its landscapes and where you want to return.
Welcome!
The magic of the journey begins!
1 Day. Arrival
Arrival at the international airport of Tbilisi, meeting at the airport. Hotel accommodation. Free time.
2 Day. TBILISI
09:00 Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast (10:00) - Sightseeing tour of the city of Tbilisi. Meet your guide to start a sightseeing tour in Tbilisi.
All sights, interesting monuments of culture and architecture are five minutes walk from each other. Start at Metekhi church and the monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi. Take a cable car to Narikala Fortress to enjoy breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Walk down to the district of Sulfur bath houses passing by the only mosque in Tbilisi. Stroll through the Sharden area full of narrow streets with cozy cafés, wine tasting bars, souvenir shops, and breathe in the living past. Visit Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati basilica and the clock tower of famous Rezo Gabriadze Theatre. Cross the Bridge of Peace to Rike Park.
Return to the hotel.
3 Day. MTSKHETA-UPLISTSIKHE
10:00 After breakfast at the hotel – the first attraction along the route is an incredible city of stone Uplistsikhe: Explore the cave town Uplistsikhe dating back to Hellenistic Period. The unique sight combines various styles of rock-cut cultures where pagan and Christian architecture co-exists.
The ancient temple town Uplistsikhe, translated as the “Fortress of the Lord“, dates back from the 6th c BC and is mentioned in the chronicles of the 1st c AD. It’s located approximately 20 kilometers east of the town Gori. The echoing halls, long meandering corridor-streets, chambers for pagan worship and even the remains of the oldest theatre in Georgia, all carved out in the rocky plateau are waiting for you to be explored.
After Uplistsikhe we move to the ancient capital of Sakartvelo, the city of Mtskheta - recognized as the second Jerusalem. Mtskheta was the capital of the Eastern Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the third century BC. Visit Jvari Church, a true architectural masterpiece of the early Medieval Period built on a hilltop. You will enjoy the views of the confluence of Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the main cathedral of Mtskheta and a sacred place where the robe of Christ is being kept.
18:00 Transfer to Tbilisi.
In the evening, you can climb Mtatsminda ("Holy Mountain", from Georgian "mta" - mountain and "tsminda" - holy "), which is one of the spurs of the Trialety ridge and encloses the city from the west. From here you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the whole of Tbilisi.
Return to the hotel in Tbilisi.
4 Day. KAKHETI
Explore beautiful architecture on this private full-day tour of Sighnaghi Bodbe and Tsinandali from Tbilisi. The first attraction is the 9th-century Bodbe Monastery, which according to the legend is a burial place of St. Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity in the 4th century. After Bodbe visit the historic town of Sighnaghi — the city of love and the Royal Town, surrounded by defensive walls with 23 towers. Famous for fine wines and traditional Georgian carpets. During your tour, explore the town’s imposing 18th-century fortifications and admire uninterrupted views over the rugged landscape beyond. 
Continue to Tsinandali Palace - tour in Aleksandre Chavchavadze Museum, which built Georgia’s oldest and largest winery where he combined European and centuries-long Georgian winemaking traditions. Walking in residence's very beautiful Garden. Wine tasting, where Georgian wine brand "Tsinandali" are being produced.
19:00 Transfer to Tbilisi, hotel accommodation.
5 Day. KAZBEGI
After breakfast, we will head towards the Khevi - Kazbegi region - Stepantsminda Village, which was named after Father Stepan, who saved the villagers from death. On the way, we will visit the Ananuri architectural complex, a former residence of Argveti Dukes. The complex features churches and towers dating back to the 16-17th centuries, beautifully overlooking the Jinvali reservoir.. The churches and medieval towers of Ananuri rise majestically above LakeZhinvali, encircled by the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. We continue the tour by stopping at the confluence of two, Black and White Aragvi mountain rivers near the village of Pasanauri - a small town in Dusheti district – you will meet all these incredible sites on the way to Kazbegi, a beautiful town in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of north-eastern of the country. Yet, through this footage and different perspective you will rediscover this mesmerizing part of Georgia from the bird’s eye view.
Kazbegi is a truly majestic place where vivid green alpine meadows nestle against snow-covered mountains. Here is located one of the highest peaks of Caucasus mountains – Mount Kazbegi. Kazbegi area is a mountains region of Georgia surrounded by narrow gorges and unspoiled mountains.After we climb Kazbeg which is considered one of the highest peaks not only in Sakartvelo, but also in the whole Caucasus, which is so rich in majestic peaks. The main attraction is the Trinity Church in Gergeti, upon arrival in Kazbegi we will change the car to an SUV and go up to the Trinity Church Gergeti, located at an altitude of 2170 meters above sea level. In good weather, you can enjoy the fascinating view of the famous Kazbeg mountain.
Return to the hotel in Tbilisi.
6 DAY. KUTAISI - PROMETHEUS CAVE
A trip to the western part of Sakartvelo.
The first object of the visit will be the Prometheus Cave, the underworld, the place is fascinated by its beauty, bottomless labyrinths, indescribable reliefs created in a natural way. On the way back we'll stop in the city of Kutaisi. This city is one of the five oldest cities in the world, it is 3,500 years old. Visit the Bagrati Temple, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin. One of the largest temples in Georgia and one of the most important in its historical role, which you don’t need to look for at all - it can be seen from almost anywhere in the center. The temple is included in the UNESCO heritage list.
Transfer to Borjomi, which is located in the south-eastern part of Sakartvelo. The resort is known for all its mineral springs. The city is surrounded by mountains covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. And Borjomi-Kharagauly National Park is one of the largest in Europe.
Hotel accommodation. Relaxation.
7th DAY. BORJOMI - VARDZIA
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today’s visit is the cave city of Vardzia, a fabulous open-air museum that was the residence of Queen Tamar in the 12th century and consisted of thirteen floors and 3000 rooms, and where the monastery and the church of St. Tamar are now located. At the moment, the complex is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Trial List.
Return to Borjomi. Free time. Guests can stroll through the central park of the city, where they can enjoy mineral water straight from the spring.
Overnight in Borjomi.
8 DAY. DEPARTURE
Best wishes for you again and again!
"I was not everywhere, but it is on my list!"
Transfer to the airport and departure.
The cost of the tour includes:
• 7 nights in a 3 * / 4 * hotel;
• BB power;
• 6 sightseeing days;
• Comfortable bus during the whole tour;
• English-speaking qualified guide;
• Transfer back / forth;
• One bottle of water for each person every day;
The cost of the tour does not include:
• Air flight;
• Insurance;
• Entrance fees to the museum;
Ticket prices in museums
A culinary tour in Sakartvelo is unthinkable without a local market. If you do not choose the product yourself, do not make sure that you need exactly the cheese that is required for the Megrelian and Imeretian Khachapuri, if you have not tasted tkemali beforehand, with flavors of real spring, to make Chakapuli, to make sure it is suitable or not, then this tour is not for you.
The seven-day tour will also begin by immersing you in Georgian cuisine. We hope you will be well acquainted with Georgian culinary culture and you can take away some recipes to share with friends and family.
Day 1. Tbilisi - Kazbegi
Arrival at Tbilisi International Airport. Meeting with company representative and from this moment begins your unforgettable journey. Leave all your worries to the other side of the border and go with us to visit and experience the magical beauty of one of the regions of SAKARTVELO-Kazbegi. Your day will begin with a great tour of the Kazbegi Mountain; one of the most beautiful peaks of the Caucasus personifies the country itself - proud, ancient, legendary and mysterious. The journey will include many attractions on the way. There, you will visit a bewitching Ananuri complex located at the quiet waters of the Jinvali Lake, see the beauty of mountainous rivers and gorges of Kazbeg, and enjoy the tranquility in the Gergeti church, which is the final destination of the journey. There you will get an amazing view on the village of Kazbegi and grand Mount Kazbegi. We also enjoy spectacular views from the arch of Gudauri, from a height of 2384 meters.
After arrival in Kazbegi, hotel accommodation. You will have free time to enjoy the clean air of the Caucasian ridge, admire the magnificent landscapes and feel the eternity of the Gerget Trinity.
Overnight in Kazbegi.
Day 2. Kazbegi, Khinkali, Pkhlovani
After breakfast at the hotel, His Majesty the Gergeti Trinity will await your visit. The unique location makes it still beautiful and exciting.
On this day, we will be acquainted with authentic cooking in this region. After all, the birthplace of the pearl of national cuisine, Khinkali, is Kazbegi; this is a place, where you can learn the secrets of cooking this dish. You can also cook Pkhlovani (pie with spinach and cheese), you can taste all this only when accompanied with a reputable drink-CHACHA.
This is the only way to get an authentic khinkali experience.
Day 3. Kazbegi-Borjomi
After breakfast at the hotel, we will wrap up all tastes and emotions, kind memories from Kazbegi, pack in a suitcase and go to the resort town of Borjomi, in search of other recipes with savory spices. The town is located in the southeastern part of Sakartvelo and is known to all for its mineral springs. The city is surrounded by mountains covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. Here you can taste mineral water directly from the source.
Overnight in Borjomi.
Day 4. Borjomi - Vardzia - Khinkali from Apokhta and Meskhetian Khachapuri
The gastronomy of this region is very diverse and interesting, depending on geographic location. It is difficult to have time to discuss the whole subject widely in one day, but we will try to show you the main attraction of the region and the richness of cooking.
After breakfast at the hotel, we go to visit the rocky town of Vardzia -a magical place that feels forgotten by time, a fabulous open-air museum, a product of the era of the Golden Age, the era of Queen Tamar. After the excursions, your trip will be enriched with the integral themes of local cooking.
Leaving this region without the taste of Meskhetian cheese is a real crime. You must try the Meskhetian Tenili cheese, it is a separate dimension. Cheese, made from sheep or cow’s milk, is stored with cream in a clay pot, has a very delicate texture, very pleasant creamy and rich aromas. One art is the process of making Meskhetian khachapuri and khinkali. In Samtskhe-Javakheti, delicacy is considered to be Apokhti - salted and dried meat, it is from them that they make Meskhetian khinkali, which you definitely try. With new tastes, we will be back at the hotel and after drinking a lot of mineral water, let's get ready to discover new, “very old’ ’recipes and tastes of Sakartvelo.
Day 5. Borjomi-Mtskheta-Tbilisi
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the ancient capital of Sakartvelo - Mtskheta. The city, which is considered the cradle of Christianity in our country, the city of Mtskheta - recognized as the second Jerusalem. Mtskheta was the capital of the Eastern Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the third century BC. Visit Jvari Church, a true architectural masterpiece of the early Medieval Period built on a hilltop. You will enjoy the views of the confluence of Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the main cathedral of Mtskheta and a sacred place where the robe of Christ is being kept.
Being in Mtskheta we will not miss a chance to visit the wonderful world of Château Mukhrani (founded in 2003) combining modern and traditional technologies of wine making & large variety of different wine flavors. You will visit the palace, wine cellars, taste and experience the aromas of premium-class wine.
Excursion to Ivane Mukhran Batoni residence, degustation and Lunch.
Transfer to Tbilisi. Accommodation at the hotel and free time for rest.
Day 6. Tbilisi - Nutty Eggplants, Shashlik (grilled pork meet).
This day we begin immediately with a visit to the city bazaar, become part of the live underground. We will choose the products and spices to cook dinner in the Tbilisi family, with our hands, under the strict guidance of the host.
Cooking can be learned, but well frying meat is a talent.
After successful trading, you will have a sightseeing tour of Tbilisi. All sights, interesting monuments of culture and architecture are five minutes’ walk from each other. Start at Metekhi church and the monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi. Take a cable car to Narikala Fortress to enjoy breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Walk down to the district of Sulfur bath houses passing by the only mosque in Tbilisi. Stroll through the Sharden area full of narrow streets with cozy cafés, wine tasting bars, souvenir shops, and breathe in the living past. Visit Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati basilica and the clock tower of famous Rezo Gabriadze Theatre. Cross the Bridge of Peace to Rike Park. Some, old and dilapidated architectural objects cause pity ... But, in general, they create the unique "taste" of the city! At the same time, Tbilisi cannot be called old! It is very diverse: antiquity coexists with super-modern objects.
By the evening, it was time to carry out the promised master class in the Tbilisi family. After dinner, return to the hotel. Tomorrow is the most fun day, you will learn how to properly prepare Churchkhela.
Day 7. Tbilisi - Kakheti, Chakapuli, Shoti, Churchkhela
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the eastern region of Sakartvelo-Kakheti, which is the center of winemaking.
The guests will visit the Bodbe women's monastery, where the relics of St. Nino’s enlightener of Georgia are buried; the peaceful atmosphere of this place does not leave guests indifferent.
A trip to the city of love-Sighnaghi is a small romantic town with a stunning view of the Alazani Valley. The city was founded in the 18th century; it is the only city in Sakartvelo that has completely preserved the fortress walls.
Transfer to the winery. Here we will have a degustation of Georgian wines, lunch, and of course master-classes of chakapuli (or chikhirtma), national bread shoti, and delicacy-churchkhela. Transfer to the hotel, check-in at the hotel. Free time.
Day 8. Kakheti - Matsoni, Bread
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the house - museum of A. Chavchavadze, a famous Georgian military leader, a nobleman. You will learn the family history of A. Chavchavadze, which built Georgia’s oldest and largest winery where he combined European and centuries-long Georgian winemaking traditions. Walking in residence's very beautiful Garden. Wine tasting, where Georgian wine brand "Tsinandali" are being produced.
Visit to the city of Telavi, which was the center of the Kakheti region from the 10th to the 15th century. You will visit the castle of King Erekle II., The castle museum in fully restored in September 2018. In Telavi, we will visit the bazaar and make purchases for dinner.
After that, we will go to the monastery of Alaverdi. The cathedral is the second tallest in the country, the first among the surviving medieval cathedrals and the highest of the four Great Cathedrals. This is the main and most revered temple in Kakheti, the center of the Alaverdi diocese. Next to the monastery, we will visit the Matsoni house; we will take part in the preparation of the Matsoni.
Transfer to the hotel. Free time and get ready for dinner. On this day, find yourself on a traditional feast, read the main recipes of this region, accompanied by Georgian polyphony and toastmaster.
Day 9. Kakheti-Tbilisi - Airport
Here we are, hopefully not desired, departure day, but we do not say goodbye, because we are sure that you fell in love with our cooking and see you again in western culinary Sakartvelo. After all, cooking is like love: you need either to plunge into it, or not dive at all.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Tour price Includes:
Tour price excludes:
| Vardzia | 7 GEL |
| Museum of Aleksander Chavchavadze | 7 GEL |
| Cableway to Narikala | 2,50 GEL |
The sightseeing city of Sighnaghi is the main attraction of the Alazani Valley in the Kakheti region.
Due to its good location - almost on the top of the mountain - Sighnaghi was never captured by enemies, thanks to which it has survived to this day almost in its original form.
The long fortress walls that protected little Georgia from enemy attacks in the old days, now serve as a tourist attraction of this small cozy and pretty town, which offers breathtaking views of the Alazani Valley, sun-drenched framed by the Caucasus Mountains!
In the past, many trade routes passed through Sighnaghi. This contributed to the high development of trade and crafts.
The city has a touching and dumb sad legend of love. The famous and talented artist Niko Pirosmani was born and lived in Sighnaghi. He was very poor, so he had to work as a house painter for food and a roof over his head. By a fateful combination of circumstances, the young artist met the French actress Margarita de Sevres. The girl completely possessed his heart. Favorite colors of the actress were red roses. The artist fell in love with her so much that he "sold his house, sold paintings and shelter, and with all his money bought a whole sea of flowers." The artist covered the square under the windows of the actress with a million of beautiful scarlet roses. Unfortunately, the girl did not share his feelings, went back to France, leaving a poor artist with a broken heart.
One of the most important sights of the city of Sighnaghi - the monastery of St. Nino - is located in the town of Bodba, a few kilometers from Sighnaghi. Here lie the relics of the most revered saint in Georgia, who brought Christianity to the country - the very Nino who lived under the blackberry bush in Samtavro monastery in Mtskheta and put the first cross on Mount Jvari, made of vine and intertwined with her own hair.
And welcome to the Tsinandali Estate!
Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, the founder of the Georgian romanticism turned the estate in the village of Tsinandali, which he inherited from his father into cultural and intellectual center of the country, the status it preserves to this day. The place regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, literary events and master classes.For the first time in the country's history, wine was bottled in the historic cellar of Tsinandali. The collection of Alexander Chavchavadze's wines is also stored here - more than 15,000 bottles, the oldest of which dates back to 1814.
This walking tour allows you to enjoy the local architecture and attractions, listen to a meaningful s
tory about the centuries-old history and modern life of the city. Exciting landscapes will accompany you all the way. Discover the ancient culture of Tbilisi, the city which, despite numerous invasion, hasn't lost its unique traditions. Walking along Rustaveli Avenue, in the shadow of old cedar trees, we will make you feel the captivating spirit of Tbilisi. Also, we’ll see: The Vorontsov Palace - one of the most famous architectural monuments of Tbilisi. It was built in 1868 by the governor of the Russian emperor in Tbilisi, Mikhail Vorontsov. The Anchiskhati Church or the Church of the Virgin Mary is located in the northern part of the Old City and is considered the oldest temple in Tbilisi and the second oldest one in Georgia. The Marionette theatre, located on Shavtelidze Street, founded by Rezo Gabriadze In 1981, in Tbilisi, that won the hearts of the audience from the first shows and nowadays, this theatre travels all around the world. Also, we’ll stroll along the Shardeni street full of bars, clubs, and boutiques. The street bears the name of the French traveler and writer Jean Chardin, who made a long journey to the East and, in particular, Georgia, in the 17th century. We’ll visit the 13th-century beautiful Metekhi church. The viewing platform in front of the church will offer you breathtaking, the most scenic views of the Old Tbilisi, in particular, you’ll admire the Narikala Fortress, the most famous and ancient monument of Tbilisi antiquity, locals call it "Soul of the City." We will climb the cable car to the Narikala fortress, and also take a walk to the “Figs” waterfall, which belongs to the Botanical Garden. This is a city where it is very clearly felt that time can stop.
At the end of an urban adventure, you will have a tasting in the most authentic wine gallery in Tbilisi. You will taste wines from traditional qvevri and learn about the features of Georgian winemaking.
Telavi-Gremi-Nekresi-Ikalto-Alaverdi
Why go? Take a walk through the vineyards, try the wine, buy it here, visit the most colorful and autistic market in Telavi, try all kinds of churchkhela, see the monasteries. In September, Rtveli is held in Kakheti - a grape harvest festival. Of course, nature is especially beautiful at this time. This time we get to Kakheti, passing the Gombory pass, this is a beautiful artery of a mountain road winding through the mountains, which gives a lot of beautiful views: pastures, gardens, villages, mountain ranges.
We begin the tour with a visit to the ancient academy and monastery Ikalto - Founded by saint Zenon in the VI century. The Monastery was famous as one of the most significant cultural-scholastic centers of Kakheti as well as of the whole of Georgia. A high school, the academy, was founded there; an outstanding Georgian philosopher Arsen Iqaltoeli used to live and work in it. Archaeological excavations revealed numerous workshops, wine-cellars, a smithy, store-rooms and other household rooms grouped around the Academy building. The academy of Ikalto trained its students in theology, rhetoric, astronomy, philosophy, geography, geometry chanting, etc..
We continue the tour and visit the small city of Telavi, which is located in the heart of the Kakheti region, in the Alazani Valley.
We will visit the castle and fortress of Erekle II- “Batonis Tsikhe” (translated as the fortress of the master), the former residence of the Kakhetian kings in the XVII-XVIII centuries. Inside the fortress is the royal palace, two court churches, a bathhouse and a tunnel. The fortress fence also includes observation towers.
We continue our journey on the highway between Kvareli and Telavi, to the small fortress Gremi, which was the capital of the Kakheti kingdom of the XV-XVII centuries. The city consisted of three main parts: the Arkhangelsk monastery complex, the royal residence and the shopping district. Gremi existed for only a century and a half, at the beginning of the 17th century the city was destroyed by the troops of the Iranian Shah Abbas I. Here you will hear the story of the creation of the city.
The monastery complex of Nekresi, which is located on the slope of the huge mountain Cavcasioni. This is a unique place for several reasons. Firstly, it was from here that Christianity began to spread throughout Georgia. Secondly, the 4th century church, which is the oldest in Georgia, is part of the Nekres complex. And thirdly, from the top of the mountain, on which the monastery stands, offers stunning views of the Alazani Valley. Once the monastery was home to more than 2,000 monks and was a fairly large city. Only a few buildings have survived to this day.
And in the end, the Alaverdi Monastery awaits your visit - the creation of the Assyrian fathers, namely Joseph Alaverdi, who came here in the middle of the VI century, and was buried in this temple, and the grave still exists.
Return to the hotel.
Uplistsikhe, whose name translates to 'Fortress of the Lord', is an ancient rock-hewn town, which played a significant role in Georgian history over a period of approximately 3,000 years. Extraordinary creation, moreover, the creation of nature and the hands of men. Archaeological excavations have revealed extraordinary artifacts dating from the late Bronze Age all the way up to the late Middle Ages.
Beginning its history in the 2-nd millennium BC, Uplistsike has been identified as one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia. Back then, the complex was a very important cultural center for pagan worship in the Kartli (Iberia) region.
Mtskheta
The ancient city of Mtskheta is a must-visit place in Georgia. Especially if you are staying in Tbilisi. Since the ancient capital of Georgia is only 20 minutes from the modern capital. This ancient city is called the "Second Jerusalem". Holy Nino Cappadocia brought the good news here, one of the greatest shrines of the Christian world, the Heaton of the Lord, is kept here.
