Great Georgian Discovery - 10 days (GE-03)

Arrival in Tbilisi and check in to the hotel.

After breakfast we’ll take a city tour to see Tbilisi’s main sights.

This morning we drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious centre. Via the ski resort of Gudauri, we then drive to Kazbegi to reach the 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church before returning to Gudauri.

Today’s first destination is the birthplace of Stalin, then we take a tour of Uplistikhe Cave Town and drive to Kutaisi to visit the 12th century Gelati Monastery and Academy Complex.

In the morning we visit Bagrati Cathedral and Prometheus Cave with a plethora of stalactites and stalagmites. Afterwards we drive back to Tbilisi to enjoy a traditional folk show.

A highlight today will be the town of Sighnaghi in the wine growing region of Kakheti. We will also visit the Bodbe Monastery of St Nino.

We remain in the Kakheti wine growing region today to explore the Alaverdi Monastery and Gremi Complex. We move on to enjoy a wine tasting in Napareuli before returning to Tbilisi.

Today we head south, driving to the resort town of Borjomi, known for its mineral waters and Akhaltsikhe where we visit the Rabati Fortress and Sapara Monastery.

For our final day’s sightseeing, we drive to Vardzia, a magnificent cave town from Georgia’s Golden Age. Return to Tbilisi via Paravani Lake.

Transfer to the airport.

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

After breakfast we’ll take a city tour to see Tbilisi’s main sights. Beginning at the 13th century Methekhi Church, we’ll wander through the old town to the Narikala Fortress which boasts some of the city’s oldest fortifications, dating from the 4th century. Later, we’ll visit the 6th century Antchiskhati Church and the 12th century Sioni Cathedral as well as a local synagogue. After visiting the Georgian National Museum we’ll stroll along the main street known as Rustaweli Avenue. Overnight in Tbilisi. (B, D)

This morning we drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious centre. There, we’ll be able to explore the 6th century Jvari Church and the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, both UNESCO listed.  Back on the road, we follow the Georgian Military Highway which takes us to the Ananuri architectural complex. Via the ski resort of Gudauri, we then drive to Kazbegi, passing through the stunning landscapes and towering mountains that comprise the Great Caucasus. Transferring to jeeps, we ascend to 2170m to reach the 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church before returning to our hotel in Gudauri. Overnight in Gudauri. (B, D)

Today’s first destination is the birthplace of none other than Joseph Stalin, the town of Gori. Located on the ancient Silk Road, we take a tour of Uplistikhe Cave Town. Afterwards we drive to Kutaisi, the second largest city of Georgia. Here we visit the 12th century Gelati Monastery and Academy Complex another of Georgia’s fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Overnight in Kutaisi. (B, D)

In the morning we visit Bagrati Cathedral, which dates from the 11th century. Close by, we visit Prometheus Cave with a plethora of stalactites and stalagmites. Afterwards we drive back to Tbilisi. There, we’ll enjoy a sumptuous Gala Dinner in a traditional restaurant accompanied by folk dancing and/or singing. Overnight in Tbilisi. (B, D)

Today we make for the wine growing region of Kakheti. On the way, we’ll stop at the Davit Gareja Cave Monastery in the semi desert of the Kakheti region. A highlight today will be the town of Sighnaghi, one of the most picturesque cities in Georgia, surrounded by a long wall punctuated by 29 towers. We visit the Bodbe Monastery of St Nino, named in honour of the woman who preached the Christianity in Georgia in the 4th century. Overnight in Signagi. (B, D)

We remain in the Kakheti wine growing region today to explore the Alaverdi Monastery and Gremi Complex. We move on to enjoy a wine tasting at the Twins Wine Cellar in Napareuli before returning to Tbilisi via Gombori. Overnight in Tbilisi. (B, D)

Today we head south, making a stop at the resort town of Borjomi, known for its mineral waters. Continuing on, we reach Akhaltsikhe.  We’ll spend time acquainting ourselves with the main sights which include an Ethnographic Museum located within the Rabati Fortress and also Sapara Monastery, constructed over a period of four centuries. Overnight in Akahltsikhe. (B, D)

For our final day’s sightseeing, we drive to Vardzia, a magnificent cave town from Georgia’s Golden Age. The complex includes about 300 caves, as well as some churches, refectories and wine cellars. Afterwards we return to Tbilisi via Paravani Lake for our final overnight stay.  Overnight in Tbilisi. (B, D)

Our driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and take you to the airport to catch your flight home. (B)