Discover Georgia Tour

Discover Georgia Tour

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Discover Georgia Tour

8 Days Starting and ending in Tbilisi, Georgia

Visiting: Tbilisi, Stepantsminda, Kakheti, Mtskheta

Tour operator:

Travel Editions

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 19

Physical rating:

High

Age range:

18-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Walking

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Discover Georgia Tour" and immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of this ancient land. Explore sixth-century churches and monasteries, marvel at exquisite jewelry and metalwork in the National Museum, and take in the spectacular mountain vistas. Participate in the traditional wine harvest in the Kakheti region, known as the birthplace of wine, and savor the distinctive and delicious regional cuisine. Stay in high-standard accommodations, including the modern Clocks Hotel in Tbilisi, the traditional Intourist Hotel in Stepantsminda, and the luxurious Schuchmann Wines Chateau in Kisiskhevi Village. Enjoy guided tours, wine tastings, cooking classes, and cultural experiences, all while being accompanied by an English-speaking local guide and tour manager. This demanding tour promises an unforgettable journey through Georgia's rich cultural tapestry.

Highlights

  • Ancient churches and monasteries dating from the sixth century

  • Exquisite jewellery and metalwork in the National Museum

  • Spectacular mountain landscapes

  • Participate in the Wine Harvest in the Kakheti wine region

  • A distinctive and delicious regional cuisine

  • Cooking class of Khinkali Dumplings

  • Traditional Grape harvest experience with Toastmaster, wine, and music

  • Visit to the extraordinary ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe

Places You'll See

Tbilisi, Georgia

Itinerary

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Day 1:Fly To Tbilisi, Local Orientation And Dinner

Location: Tbilisi

Accommodation Name: Clocks Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Fly from Luton to Tbilisi. On arrival transfer to the hotel for check in for a two-night stay in the heart of the nation’s capital city. After time to freshen up we will take a short walk to the nearby Statue of ancient King Parnavaz, which is also located near a splendid local restaurant called Khedi (View) and where our gastronomical exporation of Georgian cuisine begins. After dinner transfer back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2: Tbilisi

Location: Tbilisi

Accommodation Name: Clocks Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

A full day guided tour on foot and by coach to show you some of this ancient city’s vast and historic array of sights. We start by walking up to the Sameba Cathedral area above the city.  From here we drive to Metekhi Plateau with the Virgin Mary Assumption Church located on the left bank of the river Mtkvari opposite the Old Town and with the Statue of the City Founder King Wachtang I. Gorgasali. The cable car takes us up to the Narikala Fortress, dating from the 4 th century, with splendid views over the city. From here to the sulphurous Bath District that gave the City its name as the warm City where brides were inspected, multi-day weddings were celebrated, deals were made and meetings with enemies were held. When the Persians conquered the city in 1795, the impotent Shah Aga Mohammed Khan, hoping for a cure, is said to have visited one of the baths. It was no use - and so, disappointed, he ordered the city to be laid waste. After a break for lunch (not included) you will discover more of Old Town, including 6 th century Georgian Orthodox Sioni Cathedral, named after Mount Zion in Jerusalem. Since the early 14 th century, the church has housed various valuable relics, including the Skull of the Apostle Thomas and the vine cross of Saint Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia in the early 4 th century. Finally, to Liberty Square and the National Museum with its stunning treasury of Golden artifacts from the famous ancient Colchis Kingdom, after which we will walk along central Rustaveli Avenue via the Parliament and the Opera to view externally the residence of the Georgian President. Dinner at the characterful Black Lion restaurant, housed in a mansion in a less touristic part of the City.

Day 3:Uplistsikhe - Gori – Mtskheta

Location: Stepantsminda

Accommodation Name: Intourist Hotel Kazbegi

Meals Included: Dinner

Our next day takes us out of the city to the extraordinary ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe ("Fortress of the Lord") above a branch of the ancient Silk Road. It contains various structures from the early Iron Age to the late Middle Ages and is also renowned for the coexistence of its Pagan and Christian architecture. It has been identified by archaeologists as one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia, dating back to 2BC. From here, we head to the former Georgian capital Mtskheta (an UNESCO World Heritage Site), famed as the spiritual centre of the country with its Svetitskhoveli Cathedral said to house part of the Robe of Jesus Christ and the Jvari Church above the river valley. Lunch will be taken in the garden of a local family before returning to the capital. Tonight dinner will be in the modern part of the city at one of the best restaurants in town.

Day 4: Tbilisi

Location: Kakheti

Accommodation Name: Schuchmann Wines Chateau

Meals Included: Lunch

This morning we coach to Rustaveli Avenue where we will visit the Museum of Fine-Georgian Arts for an interesting guided tour highlighting Georgian Art in its historic context. Continue to Gardenia Shevardnadze, one of the most stunning gardens of Georgia and visit the Chronicles of Georgia Monument afterwards. We then enjoy a panoramic view above the city from Mt. Mtazminda and take the funicular ropeway back down. Walk to the Old Town for some free time before we meet for dinner at a beautiful local restaurant. Transfer back to your hotel.

Day 5:Tbilisi - Ananuri - Gudauri - Gergeti – Stepantsminda

Location: Kakheti

Accommodation Name: Schuchmann Wines Chateau

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Today we head towards the Greater Caucasus Mountains and its jaw-dropping scenery. En-route we start our day of visits with the Ananuri Fortified Church at Jinvali Lake, named after martyr Ana, who kept the secret of how to enter the Church. We continue along the Old Georgian Military Road to the winter sport resort of Gudauri, where we will take the cable car across the pass with spectacular views as we climb to 3,000m. A short drive takes us to the village of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) at the foot of Mt. Kazbek (5054 m), where according to the ancient Greek Legend, Prometheus was tied up. From here we’ll take 4WD Jeeps up to Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,200m. Check-in to our hotel for one-night stay. This evening we will visit a local family for a cooking-class of preparing and cooking the traditional Georgian mountain dish, Khinkali Dumplings.

Day 6:Stepantsminda - Telavi - Kisiskhevi

Location: Tbilisi

Accommodation Name: Clocks Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

From Stepantsminda our journey continues to the major Georgian Wine Region of Kakheti. Here you will learn about the 8,000 years of winemaking in the area, starting with a visit to a family-owned business, now run by the sixth generation of the family, that produce the gigantic Qvevry clay vessels, necessary for the traditional Georgian way of natural winemaking. Lunch is included with a tasting of the family’s wine and grappa. After a photo stop at the Fortress of King Erekle II, we will arrive at our winery hotel and check-in for two nights. Enjoy some free time, perhaps by the pool, before a tour of the winery followed by a tasting. Evening free at leisure.

Day 7: Nekresi, Gremi And Tsinandali

Location: Mtskheta

Accommodation Name: Clocks Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Today promises to be one of the highlights of our journey, as we become an active part of the grape harvest called rtveli, the traditional harvest holiday in Georgia accompanied by feasts, musical events and other celebrations. You will spend an hour or two picking and stomping the grapes and filling of the Qvevri. In Georgia, where wine has an iconic significance, the tradition of rtveli dates back to ancient times, having its roots in the festivity of mid-Autumn – it usually lasts for several days, with people starting work early in the morning and ending the day with a feast to the accompaniment of traditional folk songs. Our involvement will be more leisurely with a light lunch and an afternoon of visits including the Nekresi Monastery, dating back to the 4th century and one of the oldest surviving churches in Georgia. A short photo stop will be made at Gremi Citadel the only surviving relic of a once rich trading town on the old Silk Road that was later destroyed by the Persians and a visit to the Tsinandali Dukes Estate before returning to the hotel/winery for time to freshen up before the evening activities. This evening we will join the Grape Harvest feast called Supra with the traditional Toastmaster Tamada, and plenty of wine and food plus a singing ensemble.

Day 8:Kisiskhevi - Bodbe - Sighnaghi - Tbilisi, Then Home

Location: Tbilisi

After breakfast we have a final tour through the Kakheti Region. We visit Bodbe Nun Monastery, where St. Nino (who brought Christianity to Georgia in the early 4th century) is buried. Next to Bodbe is Sighnaghi, a romantic town in a scenic location above the Alasani Valley, considered to be the Georgian Tuscany. We enjoy a walk in the narrow streets and along the town wall before we drive back to Tbilisi for an early Farewell Dinner in a restaurant above the Old Town. Transfer to the Airport for return flight to Luton.

What's Included

  • Return flights from Luton to Tbilisi

  • Two lunches

  • Eight dinners

What's Not Included

  • Double for sole use supplement - £348

  • Tour Manager from the UK

Mode of Transport

Return flights from London Heathrow to Tbilisi via Amsterdam. Coach transport throughout the programme as detailed and all entrance fees as detailed.

Accommodation

Clocks Hotel, Tbilisi (4 nights total) Modern four-star hotel combining modern and traditional architecture, located in the historic old town. Facilities include bar, restaurant and very comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, wifi, air-conditioning, safe, hairdryer and a kettle. Intourist Hotel Kazbegi, Stepantsminda (1 night) Simple four-star modern, but traditional, hotel in the centre of the town. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, garden and terrace and if offers comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone safe and minibar. Schuchmann Wines Chateau, Kisiskhevi Village (2 nights) Winery and hotel combined the four-star Schuchmann Wines Chateau is a great place to stay in the wine region. As well as wine tours and tastings, it has a bar, restaurant, billiards, gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and outdoor jacuzzi. Accommodation is in two-bedroom villas which the group will share. Each two-bedroom villa has two isolated/private bedrooms with their own individual en-suite bathrooms plus TV, telephone, wifi, air-conditioning, minibar and hairdryer. There is a common living area with fireplace, sofa, kitchen and dining table within each villa. All villas have private terraces with views of the Caucasus Mountains and Alazani Valley.

Difficulty

Please note this tour has been graded as Demanding due to the very busy touring days and some of the walking tours on the itinerary and is therefore not recommended for those with walking difficulties. Please visit the

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Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the Discover Georgia Tour?

    You will stay in high-standard four-star hotels, including Clocks Hotel in Tbilisi, Intourist Hotel Kazbegi in Stepantsminda, and Schuchmann Wines Chateau in Kisiskhevi Village. The accommodations offer modern amenities such as en-suite bathrooms, TV, telephone, wifi, air-conditioning, and more.

  • What meals are included in the Discover Georgia Tour?

    The tour includes seven nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, four lunches, and six dinners. Meals other than those stated are not included.

  • Are there any special activities included in the Discover Georgia Tour?

    Yes, the tour includes two wine-tastings, a cooking class of Khinkali Dumplings, and a traditional grape harvest experience with a Toastmaster, wine, and music.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the Discover Georgia Tour?

    Coach transport is provided throughout the program, and all entrance fees as detailed are included. Additionally, there are cable car rides and 4WD Jeep rides to certain locations.

  • Is there a local guide during the Discover Georgia Tour?

    Yes, an English-speaking local guide will be with you throughout the tour, along with a tour manager.

  • What is the difficulty level of the Discover Georgia Tour?

    The tour is classed as 'Demanding' due to the very busy touring days and some of the walking tours on the itinerary. It is not recommended for those with walking difficulties.

  • What are some of the highlights of the Discover Georgia Tour?

    Highlights include visiting ancient churches and monasteries, exploring the National Museum, enjoying spectacular mountain landscapes, participating in the wine harvest in the Kakheti wine region, and experiencing the distinctive and delicious regional cuisine.

  • What is the itinerary for the Discover Georgia Tour?

    The itinerary includes visits to Tbilisi, Ananuri, Gudauri, Gergeti, Stepantsminda, Telavi, Kisiskhevi, Nekresi, Gremi, Tsinandali, Bodbe, Sighnaghi, Uplistsikhe, Gori, and Mtskheta. Activities include city tours, wine tastings, cooking classes, and cultural experiences.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.

  • Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?

    Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.

  • Where does the tour manager meet us?

    In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Anonymous  

Discover Georgia Tour

16-September-2024

Sergi the tour manager was what made this tour. His knowledge on so many subjects, the time he spent with us every day, his enthusiasm and love for his country were a joy.

Leigh  

Discover Georgia Tour

16-September-2024

I have passed my feedback twice on phone calls but main points:- Georgian airways seriously appalling Guide Sergi truly wonderful Probably too many churches at expense of more local experiences such as food market. Only retail opportunities were tourist rubbish Food and restaurant choices were exceptional especially the two in home environments Would have preferred a more Georgian winery rather than this Germanic enterprise but the Georgian singers were superb Overall an excellent tour. Would strongly recommend but have to be ambulant

Broadhurst  

Discover Georgia Tour

16-September-2024

I thank Travel Editions for giving me a unique opportunity to explore the wonderful country of Georgia. Our guide, Sergi, was extremely knowledgeable and also passionate about his country. He gave us a great insight into Georgia's history, religious development, geology, geography, culture and viticulture, as well as the food and drink. Everywhere we went, we were met with generous hospitality. The organisers had taken great pains to include most meals - lunch as well as dinner - at different locations in private houses as well as hotels and restaurants. and the food presented to us was varied and exceptional. The cooking sessions at Schuchmann's winery and in the Greater Caucasus were also very enjoyable. Although we spent a lot of time travelling around, the coach was comfortable and the driver Gabriel was excellent, skillfully negotiating mountain roads and even landslides. Sergi, our guide, used the travelling time to tell us more facts about Georgia and his life and had many humourous stories so the journeys were always interesting and entertaining. A lot of time was spent visiting churches and monasteries, which as a Christian I found very interesting but I would have appreciated spending a bit more time in museums. There were few opportunities for shopping and free time as the schedule was very tight. The only part of the tour which I found demanding was the visit to the amazing cave city at Uplistsikhe, but the effort was well worth it. The accommodation in Clocks Hotel was excellent; the villas at the winery not up to expectation, although very spacious. The balcony view of snow-capped Mt. Kazbeg was wonderful and made up for the rather basic In-Tourist Hotel. The weather during the week was cooler than expected and low cloud often obscured what would have been beautiful views. The flights to and from Tbilisi via Amsterdam made the first and last days very long and tiring, but hopefully this will improve in the future when there are direct flights. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who would like to explore this lovely country, meet interesting people and enjoy excellent food and wine.

Ballantyne  

Discover Georgia Tour

16-September-2024

Out tour guide, Sergi Nadareishvili, was outstanding, nothing was too much trouble for him. I think we were all in our 70s and, if I have a criticism, we could have done with one less church/cathedral and slightly more free time. While we were in Georgia two airlines announced that there would be direct flights to Tbilisi which hopefully means others won't have such early starts. Georgian Airlines leave quite a lot to be desired.

Blow  

Discover Georgia Tour

16-September-2024

A wonderful if busy trip! Sergei was an excellent tour leader not afraid to express his thoughts about Georgia past and present. Our driver negotiated the sometimes less than easy roads with great skill. I understand there will be direct flights next year which will make the travelling easier - Georgian Airways' in-flight catering left much to be desired.

Holland  

Discover Georgia Tour

16-September-2024

Flights on Georgian Air were only just satisfactory: minimal food and poor, especially given the fabulous food in Georgia. Sergi was an outstanding guide, we learnt so much about Georgia and his manner was exemplary throughout. Accommodation was generally very good though the Wine Chateau was rather rudimentary, probably not helped by the weather. The activities there were, however, much appreciated by the group and the music laid on for us was amazing! All the meals that we had were excellent and the balance of sightseeing was very much to our taste. We were very unlucky with our weather, which meant that the trip into the High Caucasus was a disappointment. We were just not able to see the peaks through the low cloud. I'm not sure why the group was not bigger. (Though the small size was ideal for us and they were a lovely lot of people.) I certainly feel that this is one of the best Travel Editions tours that we have been on.

McCraith  

Discover Georgia Tour

16-September-2024

The tour was very interesting and our guide, Sergi, excellent, but our flight with Georgian Airways was very disappointing, with very poor customer service

Read all 7 reviews

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  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel editions charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 45% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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