Grand Tour of Georgia
A complete 8-day journey covering the most important regions of eastern and southern Georgia, including the Kakheti wine region, the mountains of Kazbegi, and the cave city of Vardzia.
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
DAY 2: Tbilisi - Guided Tour
We will begin our cultural immersion on the vibrant Rustaveli Avenue, the beating heart of Tbilisi. We will admire architectural gems such as the imposing Parliament and the neo-Moorish Opera Theater, as well as the distinctive Rustaveli Theater and the beautiful Kashveti Church. Our tour will take us to Metekhi Square, where the historic church and the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali will offer privileged views over the Mtkvari River. We will take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress, the ancient 4th-century defensive citadel that offers the best panoramic views of the capital. We will venture into the picturesque Abanotubani district, world-famous for its historic sulfur baths. Finally, we will visit the Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in the city.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* | 2 km
DAY 3: Tbilisi - Alaverdi - Nekresi - Kvareli - Telavi
We will leave Tbilisi behind to enter the landscapes of Kakheti, the wine region par excellence, crossing the picturesque Gombori Pass. Our first stop will be at the majestic Alaverdi Cathedral, an 11th-century architectural gem rising 50 meters high. We will continue ascending to the Nekresi Monastery, a historic complex nestled on a wooded hill that houses one of Georgia's oldest churches and offers panoramic views of the Alazani Valley. We will head to Kvareli for a unique experience at the famous Khareba Winery, entering its famous tunnels carved into the Caucasus rock and enjoying a wine tasting. Finally, we will arrive in Telavi, the historic capital of the region.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Telavi 4* | 191 km
DAY 4: Telavi - Signagi - Bodbe - Tbilisi
We will leave Telavi to head towards one of the most beautiful corners of the region: the charming Signagi. Known as the "City of Love", we will stroll through its picturesque cobblestone streets and admire its traditional architecture, as well as enjoy the impressive views of the Alazani Valley from its historic defensive wall. We will visit the Bodbe Monastery, a place of deep spirituality surrounded by manicured gardens and cypresses, where we will venerate the tomb of Saint Nino, the evangelizer of Georgia. After enjoying the history and landscapes of this wine zone, we will embark on the journey back to Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* | 181 km
DAY 5: Tbilisi - Jvari - Svetitskhoveli - Kazbegi - Gudauri
We will leave Tbilisi for a deep immersion in the spiritual history of the country. Our first stop will be at the Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century gem situated high on a mountain, from where we will enjoy the iconic view of the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. We will descend to the ancient capital, Mtskheta, to visit the grand Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will resume the route north through the panoramic Georgian Military Highway to reach Kazbegi. There, the highlight will be the climb to the Gergeti Trinity Church, standing solitary before the imposing peak of Mount Kazbek. After enjoying this postcard-perfect landscape, we will head to Gudauri for the night.
Accommodation: Marco Polo 4* | 216 km
DAY 6: Gudauri - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Akhaltsikhe
Our day begins by immersing ourselves in contemporary history visiting the famous Stalin Museum in the city of Gori. This unique complex offers us a unique perspective on the figure of the Soviet leader, allowing us to explore from the humble house where he was born to his luxurious personal armored train. We will take a leap back in time of more than three millennia to discover Uplistsikhe, a fascinating cave city masterfully carved into living rock. We will walk through the ancient roads of this extraordinary archaeological site, where pagan temples and Christian basilicas coexist. The adventure will continue exploring its mysterious secret tunnels and cave dwellings, all while enjoying unparalleled panoramic views over the course of the Mtkvari River.
Accommodation: Hotel Gino Wellness Rabath 4* | 312 km
DAY 7: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Tbilisi
Today we will begin the day exploring the majestic Vardzia, an extraordinary 12th-century rock-cut monastery city that will transport us to the past. We will venture into its labyrinthine tunnels to discover unique medieval frescoes and visit its ancient wineries, witnesses to the millennial winemaking tradition of the area. We will continue our route to the imposing Khertvisi Fortress, one of the oldest fortifications in Georgia, strategically located in the Samtskhe-Javakheti valley. Finally, we will head to Tbilisi to conclude the day. We will cross dreamlike landscapes dominated by the imposing mountains of the Lesser Caucasus.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* | 287 km
DAY 8: 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.
End of tour | 18 km
About this trip
Embark on the "Grand Tour of Georgia", a complete 8-day journey that begins and ends in Tbilisi. This itinerary is designed to cover the most important regions of the east and south of the country, offering a deep insight into Georgian culture.
Wine and Mountains
We will begin by exploring the wine region of Kakheti, visiting Telavi, Kvareli, and the walled city of Signagi. Then, we will head north along the Military Highway to the mountains of Kazbegi and the Gudauri ski resort.
History of the South
The journey then takes us to the deep south, to the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. We will visit the Rabati fortress in Akhaltsikhe and the impressive cave city of Vardzia. The return to Tbilisi includes stops at the cave city of Uplistsikhe and Gori. A classic circular tour that leaves nothing important unvisited in the eastern half of Georgia.
Included
- Accommodation: 7 Nights in selected 4* hotels
- Meals: Bed and Breakfast
- Transport: Private vehicle with A/C and fuel
- Guide: Professional English-speaking guide
- Logistics: Staff expenses (guide/driver)
- Water: 1 bottle per person/day
- Taxes: Local fees
- Entrances: Monuments according to itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and Dinners (unless indicated)
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Personal expenses