Best of Georgia - 10 days (GE-02)

Arrival in Tbilisi and check in to the hotel. (D)

This morning it’s time to get to know Tbilisi. Ascending by cable car, we’ll get our bearings from the 4th century Narikala Fortress which looks down on the city below. Don’t miss a selfie with the huge statue known as Mother Georgia. The Georgian capital has a compact and very walkable old town and there are plenty of historic churches to discover. You’ll see the 13th century Methekhi Church, the 6th century Antchiskhati Church, the 12th century Sioni Cathedral and an also ancient synagogue. Also on today’s programme are visits to the Georgian National Museum and a walk along Tbilisi’s most important street, Rustaveli Avenue. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi. (B, D)

It’s a short drive to Mtskheta, once the capital of Georgia and the centre for all things religious. You’ll visit not one but two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the 6th century Djvari Church and the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. From there, we hit the road for Kutaisi, the second largest city in the country. Nearby, Prometheus Cave contains a breathtaking collection of stalactites and stalagmites. Dinner and overnight at the spa resort of Tskaltubo. (B, D)

Farmers have been bringing their produce to market for centuries and this tradition with all its sights, sounds and smells is a must for any visitor. Next on the itinerary is a visit to another UNESCO locale, the 12th century Gelati monastery complex, founded in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia. Attracting many pilgrims and tourists, the Bagrati Cathedral forms part of the same heritage complex. You’ll also visit the 12th century Academy Complex before transferring to Akhaltsikhe, for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B, D)

One of the most spectacular drives in Georgia is that which links Akhaltsikhe to the cave complex of Vardzia. The road winds its way through the dramatic canyon of the upper Mtkvari River, flanked by rocky cliffs. Vardzia itself is as stunning, with over 300 underground caves hewn from the rock. Wine cellars, churches, refectories - each room had a distinct purpose. Afterwards, we’ll head back to Akhaltsikhe, in order to visit the Ethnographic Museum located in Rabati Fortress. Dinner and overnight at Akhaltsikhe. (B, D)

En route to Gori, we will make a stop at Borjomi this morning for a stroll through Borjomi Park. In Gori, we’ll learn about the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, who was born here in 1878. The humble wooden hut in which he was born stands alongside Stalin’s railway carriage at a cluster of buildings which form a museum dedicated to his life. Leaving Gori, we travel to Uplistikhe, another cave city with bags of character. Afterwards we turn back for Tbilisi, for dinner in a traditional restaurant accompanied by folk dancing and/or singing. Overnight in Tbilisi. (B, D)

Today we set out to explore Georgia’s ancient wine-growing traditions as we venture into the Kakheti region. Visits to Gremi Fortress and Alaverdi Monastery introduce us to the architectural heritage of the region. A wine tasting has been arranged in the Twins Wine Cellar in Napareuli. Our final destination today is Signagi. This delightful town is almost completely encircled by a defensive wall linking 29 towers. From the fortifications the views across the valley are a sight to behold. You’ll be pleased we stop in Signagi for dinner and an overnight stop. (B, D)

Close to Signagi is the Bodbe Monastery of St Nino, which occupies a landscaped site a few kilometres from town. It’s a delight to stroll around the monastery and explore its gardens with their colourful flowerbeds. Departing Bodbe, we return to Tbilisi where we’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay. (B, D)

As your time in Georgia comes to an end, it’s time to unwind and reflect in the capital Tbilisi. You could do a spot of shopping and find yourself a souvenir to take home with you, or instead you might wish to book a session at one of Tbilisi’s thermal baths and relax. (B, D)

We round off your stay in Georgia with a transfer to the airport in good time for you to catch your flight home.(B)