Essential Georgia: 8 Days of Wine, Mountains and Culture
Discover Essential Georgia on a 7-day journey through the country's fundamental pillars: the Wine Route in Kakheti, David Gareja monastery, the mountains of Kazbegi with the iconic Gergeti church, and Kutaisi's UNESCO sites.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Transfer from Tbilisi Airport to the capital
We will transfer from the airport to the hotel with the assistance of our guide, who will accompany you throughout the journey.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*
18 km | 00:25 by car
DAY 2: Tbilisi - Guided tour
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our cultural immersion in the vibrant Rustaveli Avenue, the beating heart of Tbilisi. On this elegant boulevard, we will admire architectural gems such as the imposing Parliament and the neo-Moorish Opera Theatre, as well as the distinctive Rustaveli Theatre and the beautiful Kashveti Church. Our tour will then take us to Metekhi Square, where the historic church and the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali will give us privileged views over the Mtkvari River. The experience will gain height as we take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress, the ancient 4th-century defensive citadel offering the best panoramic views of the capital. Later, we will enter the picturesque district of Abanotubani, world-famous for its historic sulfur baths and the charm of its medieval alleyways. Finally, we will conclude this unforgettable day visiting the Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in the city, where time seems to stand still among its walls and secular frescoes.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*
2 km | 00:26 by car
DAY 3: Tbilisi - Davit Gareji - Bodbe - Signagi
We will leave Tbilisi behind and head southeast, where the urban landscape gives way to an impressive semi-desert steppe. There we will explore the unique rock-hewn monastic complex of David Gareja, founded in the 6th century, marveling at its cells carved into the sandstone and the contrasting colors of its arid hills. Next, the environment will change radically as we enter the fertile vegetation of Kakheti to visit the Bodbe Monastery. In this haven of peace, we will venerate the tomb of Saint Nino and enjoy the views from its well-kept gardens. To culminate the day, we will arrive at the charming Signagi. We will take a pleasant walk through this town known as the "City of Love", strolling through its cobblestone streets, admiring its Italian-style architecture and climbing its 18th-century wall to contemplate the vastness of the Alazani Valley before retiring to rest.
Accommodation: Kabadoni 4*
202 km | 04:35 by car
DAY 4: Telavi - Ananuri - Gergeti - Gudauri
We will say goodbye to Telavi to exchange vineyard landscapes for the imposing mountains of the north. We will travel along the historic Georgian Military Highway to reach the fortified complex of Ananuri, whose medieval churches and towers are reflected in the turquoise waters of the Jinvali reservoir. We will continue our ascent to Kazbegi, where we will experience the most spectacular moment of the day: the climb to the Gergeti Trinity Church. This temple stands majestic and solitary under the shadow of the eternal Mount Kazbek, offering one of the most famous views in the country. After enjoying this alpine landscape, we will head to the nearby Gudauri ski resort, where we will settle in for the night.
Accommodation: Marco Polo 4*
198 km | 04:35 by car
DAY 5: Gudauri - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi
Our day begins by immersing ourselves in the pages of contemporary history visiting the famous Stalin Museum in the city of Gori. This unique complex offers us a unique perspective on the Soviet leader, allowing us to explore from the humble house where he was born to his luxurious and imposing personal armored railway car. Through an extensive collection of objects and documents, we will reflect on his complex legacy before radically changing scenery. We will take a leap back in time of more than three millennia to discover Uplistsikhe, a fascinating cave city masterfully carved into the living rock. We will walk along the ancient roads of this extraordinary archaeological site, a true open-air museum where pagan temples and Christian basilicas coexist. The adventure will continue exploring its mysterious secret tunnels and rock dwellings, all while enjoying unparalleled panoramic views over the course of the Mtkvari River.
Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4*
335 km | 05:20 by car
DAY 6: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Gelati - Prometheus - Tbilisi
We will begin our day in Kutaisi climbing Ukimerioni hill to visit the imposing Bagrati Cathedral, a medieval masterpiece from which we will enjoy panoramic views of the city. We will continue our journey through time at the nearby Gelati Academy, a monastic complex declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its impressive frescoes and educational legacy. Later, we will head to the spectacular Prometheus Cave, an underground labyrinth of stalactites and stalagmites where, if water level conditions are favorable, we will enjoy a boat ride along its hidden river. Before leaving the city, we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Kutaisi Agricultural Market. In this space full of life, aromas and colors, we can taste local products and observe authentic Georgian everyday life. Finally, we will set off by road to the east of the country until we reach our final destination: the capital, Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*
292 km | 05:08 by car
DAY 7: Transfer from Tbilisi to Tbilisi Airport
We will transfer from the hotel to the airport according to the scheduled flight time, with the assistance of our guide, who will accompany you throughout the journey.
18 km | 00:25 by car
About this trip
Discover Essential Georgia on a 7-day journey through the country's fundamental pillars. Starting in Tbilisi, we will venture into the Kakheti region to explore the "Wine Route". We will visit the David Gareja monastery, located in an impressive semi-desert landscape, and the walled city of Signagi, known as the city of love.
Wine and Mountains
The wine route continues through Telavi and its surroundings before heading north. We will climb the spectacular Georgian Military Highway to the Kazbegi mountains, where Gergeti church offers iconic views. The trip also includes Ananuri fortress and Gudauri ski resort.
Historic West
We will cross to the west to visit the cave city of Uplistsikhe and Stalin's birthplace, Gori. In Kutaisi, we will explore the UNESCO sites of Gelati and Bagrati, as well as Prometheus Cave. This balanced itinerary combines history, religion, nature and gastronomy, ideal for a complete first visit to Georgia.
Included
- Accommodation: 6 Nights in selected hotels
- Meal plan: Bed and Breakfast
- Transport: Private vehicle with A/C and fuel
- Guide: Professional guide in English
- Logistics: Staff expenses (guide/driver)
- Water: 1 bottle per person/day
- Taxes: Local taxes
- Entrances: Monuments according to itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and Dinners (unless indicated)
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Personal expenses