Essential Georgia: Tbilisi and Kakheti in 7 Days
A complete journey through Georgia's treasures: the vibrant capital Tbilisi, sacred Mtskheta, the Greater Caucasus mountains in Kazbegi, the Kakheti wine region, and the historic monuments of Kutaisi.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi
Arrival at Tbilisi airport. Transfer to hotel and free time for a first encounter with the Georgian capital. Welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant. Accommodation in Tbilisi.
Day 2: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Tbilisi
Breakfast and start of Tbilisi tour: medieval Metekhi church (13th c.), stroll through streets with characteristic wooden balconies, synagogue, Sioni Cathedral (13th c.), Anchiskhati basilica (6th c.). Climb to Narikala fortress (4th c.) overlooking the old town. Afternoon excursion to Mtskheta, ancient capital of the Kingdom of Georgia, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Jvari church (6th c.) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where tradition says Christ's robe is buried. Return to Tbilisi. Dinner at traditional restaurant. Accommodation.
Day 3: Tbilisi - Kakheti - Tbilisi
Breakfast and departure for Kakheti, Georgia's wine region. Visit Vardisubani village and kvevri workshop where four generations of artisans craft these terracotta vessels essential for traditional Georgian winemaking (UNESCO Heritage). Visit the majestic Alaverdi Cathedral with frescoes from the 11th to 17th centuries. Continue to Gremi (16th c.), former Silk Road trading city and royal residence. Lunch with a local family featuring typical dishes and Kakheti wines. Return to Tbilisi. Accommodation.
Day 4: Tbilisi - Kazbegi - Tbilisi
Breakfast and departure for the Greater Caucasus mountains via the spectacular Georgian Military Highway. Stop at Ananuri fortress (17th c.) by Zhinvali reservoir. Continue to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), at the foot of Mount Kazbek (5,047m). 4x4 ascent to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church (14th c.), with panoramic Caucasus views. Free lunch. Return to Tbilisi in the afternoon. Accommodation.
Day 5: Tbilisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Kutaisi
Breakfast and departure for Gori, Stalin's birthplace, founded in the 12th c. by King David the Builder. Visit the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe, an urban settlement dating from the 2nd millennium BC and outstanding Silk Road monument. Explore its structures: theater, pharmacy, pagan temple, and palaces. Free lunch. Brief stop at the Stalin Museum. Continue to Kutaisi, capital of the Imereti region and one of the most important centers of ancient Colchis, famous for the legend of Jason and the Argonauts. Accommodation in Kutaisi.
Day 6: Kutaisi and surroundings
Breakfast and visit to Kutaisi's agricultural market. Visit Bagrati Cathedral (11th c.), symbol of unified Georgia. Continue to Motsameta monastery (11th c.), dedicated to Saints David and Constantine, situated on a spectacular promontory over the river. Visit Gelati monastery, World Heritage Site, founded by King David the Builder. Free lunch. Free afternoon to stroll through the city. Dinner and accommodation in Kutaisi.
Day 7: Kutaisi - Airport
Breakfast. Free time according to flight schedule. Transfer to Kutaisi or Tbilisi airport. End of services.
About this trip
Discover the essence of Georgia on this 7-day journey that takes you from the lively capital Tbilisi to the snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus. You'll explore Mtskheta, the ancient capital and spiritual center of the country, home to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of Georgia's most sacred monuments.
Ascend the legendary Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi, where the Gergeti church stands majestically with Mount Kazbek as a backdrop. In the Kakheti region, birthplace of world viticulture, you'll visit traditional wineries where wine is produced in kvevri, ancient clay vessels declared UNESCO Intangible Heritage.
The journey continues westward, passing through Gori and the fascinating rock-hewn city of Uplistsikhe, to reach Kutaisi, where you'll visit Bagrati Cathedral and Motsameta monastery. A complete itinerary combining millenary history, breathtaking landscapes, ancestral traditions, and renowned Georgian hospitality.
Included
- Accommodation in 3-4* hotels with breakfast included
- Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- English-speaking guide throughout the trip
- Airport-hotel-airport transfers
- Visits and entrance fees as per itinerary
- 4x4 ascent to Gergeti church
- Traditional lunch with local family in Kakheti with wine tasting
- 2 dinners at traditional restaurants
- Travel assistance insurance
Not Included
- International flights
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Drinks during meals
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Any service not mentioned in "Included"