Highlights of Georgia - 8 days (GE-01)

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

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll enjoy guided sightseeing of the Georgian capital. We begin in the characterful old town where the Methekhi Church has been a fixture on the landscape since the 13th century. From the riverfront, we’ll hop on a cable car which will take us to the 4th century Narikala Fortress, which occupies a prominent position on a hill overlooking the city. The view’s fabulous. Later, we complete our tour, ticking off the 6th century Antchiskhati Church, 12th century Sioni Cathedral and an ancient synagogue. Afterwards we visit the treasury of Georgian National Museum and take a stroll along Rustaweli Avenue, Tbilisi’s main street. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi. (B, D)

The former capital and religious heart of Georgia is located at Mtskheta, just a short drive from Tbilisi. There we’ll show you the 6th century Djvari Church and the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, both of which are recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Afterwards, we drive to Kutaisi, the second largest city in Georgia. On the way to Kutaisi we enjoy wine tasting at Merebashvil`s Marani. Near Kutaisi we visit Prometheus Cave. Inside there’s a breathtaking array of stalactites and stalagmites. Dinner and overnight at the spa resort of Tskaltubo. (B, D)

A visit to a bazaar is always an enjoyable activity; today we start at a local farmers’ market and check out the fresh produce. From there we check out the UNESCO-listed Gelati monastery complex, located close to Kutaisi, which was founded in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia, and then move on to the 12th century Academy Complex and Bagrati Cathedral. Afterwards we drive to Akhaltsikhe, tonight’s dinner and accommodation stop. (B, D)

It’s a splendid drive to Vardzia hugging the upper Mtkvari River and squeezing through arid, narrow canyons. Vardzia is the magnificent reward, a subterranean complex consisting of 300 or so caves cut from the mountain. We’ll explore churches, refectories and wine cellars to get a feel for what life used to be like before the site was abandoned many centuries ago. Later, we’ll return to Akhaltsikhe, where we visit the Ethnographic Museum housed in Rabati Fortress. Dinner and overnight at Akhaltsikhe. (B, D)

Departing Akhaltsikhe after breakfast, we drive towards Borjomi, where we break our journey at Borjomi Park to stretch our legs. Next stop is the town of Gori, best known as the birthplace of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. A museum dedicated to his life offers a fascinating glimpse into his formative years. Nearby, we pay a visit to Uplistikhe, another atmospheric cave city that once formed part of the ancient Silk Road. Afterwards we return to Tbilisi, for dinner in a traditional restaurant accompanied by folk dancing and/or singing. Overnight in Tbilisi. (B, D)

Today is free for you to explore Tbilisi a little more. Perhaps you’d like to experience one of its traditional thermal baths, or settle into one of the many cafés and lounge bars for a relaxing drink while you watch the world go by. (B, D)

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