Georgia: Land of Myths and Mountains

Rooms will be available in Tbilisi from this afternoon. Those arriving on the group flights will arrive in the early hours of tomorrow morning. If you would like more free time before the tour starts to explore what this amazing city has to offer, we can help book additional nights for you.

The pre-departure meeting will take place this morning at the hotel, after which we will have a city tour including all of Old Tbilisi. From the Metekhi Church (13th century) overlooking the river Mtkvari to the Narikala Fortress (4th century), one of the oldest fortifications in the city, we’ll also pay a visit to the Sulphur Baths, the synagogue, the Anchiskhati Church (6th century) and Sioni Cathedral (6/7th century). In this cathedral the cross of St. Nino – the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia – is preserved. All these sights are in close proximity and it’s a pleasant walk. You then have the rest of the day to soak up the café culture of Tbilisi, relax and shop.

In the morning we travel to David Gareja cave complex (6th century) located in a stark, semi-desert landscape. Here we will see Lavra Monastery and dramatic views across to Azerbaijan. On the way to Telavi we will visit a unique 300-year-old wine cellar. The wine is produced and stored here, and we’ll learn more about the wine-making process and sample several Kakhetian wines. We’ll also see how Georgian bread is baked and have the chance to taste some freshly baked bread.

This morning we will visit the local market in Telavi before starting our journey towards Kazbegi. Our first stop on the route will be the Alaverdi monastery and cathedral, which has a long and rich history as a place of worship. From here, we drive further into the Khevi region, dominated by alpine meadows and mountain passes. Our next visit is to the two fortified churches at Ananuri, beautifully situated on the Jinvali Reservoir, before following the Georgian Military Highway north to our hotel and taking in the stunning views of the Great Caucasus Mountains. Approx. 4 hours driving.

Today we set out on foot from Kazbegi for a three-hour walk up through beautiful valleys and woodland to Gergeti Trinity Church (14th century) located at 2170m. Weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus on Mt Kazbegi (5047m). If you prefer to skip the hike, local taxis are available. After lunch in Kazbegi we visit a local master and learn about Georgian 'Teka' - felt-making and have an opportunity to taste some local teas. This afternoon we drive through the Dariali gorge, taking some time to stop at viewpoints to and admire the impressive mountain views before visiting the spectacular Sno valley and the Giant Stone Head Sculptures, created by local artist Merab Piranishvili to help immortalise Georgia's great poets.

Today we will drive to the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, Mtskheta, where we will visit Jvari Monastery (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After spending some time here we will then visit the nearby Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC), once one of the main points along the Great Silk Road. Our final stop for the day will be the town of Gori, located in the heart of the Kartli region and the birthplace of the most famous Georgian of all time – Josef Stalin. This evening we will have dinner in a local restaurant. Approx 3.5 hours driving. 

This morning we will visit the surreal Stalin Museum, his house and private carriage. Afterwards we will drive to Akhaltsikhe where we visit the beautiful citadel of Rabat. We will continue our journey, on our way we will see the Khertvisi Fortress (10th century) before driving onto Vardzia where we will spend the night. Approx. 4 hours driving. 

This morning we will visit the town of Vardzia, a magnificent 12th century cave town carved out of the hillside in the Golden Age of Georgia, and one of Georgia’s highlights. As we head towards Tbilisi, we’ll be able to admire the beautiful Lake Paravani, where we will be able to see the sky and the hills around reflecting in the water. For our last night we’ll head out for dinner in a local restaurant. Approx 4 hours driving.

The tour will end this morning at the hotel.