A 9-day journey through the centuries, from the towers of Sighnaghi to the cave city of Vardzia, passing through the wine region of Kakheti, the mountains of Kazbegi, the monasteries of Kutaisi, and the ancient capital Mtskheta.

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

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our cultural immersion on 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 offer us privileged views over the Mtkvari River. The experience will reach new heights as we ascend by cable car to Narikala Fortress, the ancient 4th-century defensive citadel that offers the best panoramic views of the capital. Later, we will enter the picturesque district of Abanotubani, known worldwide for its historic sulfur baths and the charm of its medieval streets. Finally, we will conclude this unforgettable day by visiting 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 the capital, Tbilisi, to venture into the landscapes of Kakheti, the wine region par excellence, crossing the picturesque Gombori Pass. Our first stop will be at the majestic Alaverdi Cathedral. This 11th-century architectural jewel, rising impressively to 50 meters in the middle of the valley, will impress us with its sobriety and monumentality. We will continue the route ascending to the Nekresi Monastery, a historic complex nestled on a wooded hill that houses one of the oldest churches in Georgia and offers unforgettable panoramic views of the Alazani Valley. Later, we will head to Kvareli for a unique experience at the famous Khareba Winery. We will venture into its famous tunnels carved into the Caucasus rock and enjoy an exquisite wine tasting, savoring the local tradition in an unparalleled atmosphere. Finally, we will arrive at Telavi, the historic capital of the region.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Telavi 4*

191 km

DAY 4: Telavi - Sighnaghi - Bodbe - Tbilisi

We will leave Telavi behind to head towards one of the most beautiful corners of the region: the charming Sighnaghi. Known as the "City of Love", we will stroll through its picturesque cobbled streets and admire its traditional architecture, as well as enjoy the impressive views of the Alazani Valley from its historic defensive walls. A very short distance away, 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 region, we will return to Tbilisi.

Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*

181 km

DAY 5: Tbilisi - Ananuri - Kazbegi - Tbilisi

After enjoying a comforting breakfast at the hotel, we will begin a spectacular day venturing into the deep history and wild nature of Georgia. Our first major stop will be the imposing Ananuri Fortress, a medieval architectural complex located 66 kilometers from the capital that has withstood the test of time. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore its defensive towers and centuries-old walls, which offer an unparalleled panorama over the turquoise waters of the Zhinvali Reservoir. Continuing our route to the heights, we will head north to discover the emblematic Gergeti Trinity Church. This sanctuary, rising majestically at 2,170 meters above sea level, rests under the watchful gaze of the giant Mount Kazbegi. In this magical setting, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus range, you can breathe pure air and admire the solemn beauty of this ancient monastic complex.

Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*

321 km

DAY 6: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi

We will leave Tbilisi behind to first visit the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia, Mtskheta. There we will explore its UNESCO World Heritage treasures: the panoramic Jvari Monastery and the sacred Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Next, we will travel through ancient history in Uplistsikhe, an impressive rock-hewn city from the Iron Age where we will walk among caves and temples carved into sandstone. Our next stop will be in the nearby city of Gori, where we will visit the Stalin Museum to learn about the birthplace and career of the Soviet leader. Finally, we will continue our journey westward, entering the legendary land of Colchis, until we reach Kutaisi.

Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4*

267 km

DAY 7: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Gelati - Prometheus Cave - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe

Today's route starts from Kutaisi, first heading to the imposing Bagrati Cathedral. From its privileged location on Ukimerioni Hill, we will enjoy a complete panorama of the city before continuing to the Gelati Monastery. This complex, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will allow us to appreciate medieval architecture and the valuable frescoes of what was a great academy in the 12th century. Leaving human history behind, we will venture into the spectacular geology of Prometheus Cave, touring its halls full of millennia-old formations and, if water level conditions are favorable, navigating its underground river. Finally, the journey will take us south to Borjomi, an oasis of tranquility famous for its volcanic springs. In this charming destination, surrounded by the National Park, we can breathe pure air and learn about the origin of its famous healing mineral waters, thus closing a day that perfectly combines cultural heritage with the relaxing beauty of Georgian landscapes before continuing to Akhaltsikhe.

Accommodation: Hotel Gino Wellness Rabath 4*

239 km

DAY 8: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Tbilisi

Today we will begin the day exploring the majestic Vardzia, an extraordinary 12th-century rock-hewn city-monastery that will transport us to the past. We will venture into its labyrinthine tunnels to discover unique medieval frescoes and visit its ancient wine cellars, 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 situated in the Samtskhe-Javakheti valley; there we will admire its robust walls and enjoy unparalleled panoramic views. Finally, we will head towards Tbilisi. We will cross dreamlike landscapes dominated by the imposing mountains of the Lesser Caucasus, where wild nature and peaks will accompany us all the way to the vibrant capital.

Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*

287 km

DAY 9: Transfer from Tbilisi to the 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

About this trip

Explore "Historic and Medieval Georgia" on a 9-day journey through the centuries. From the towers of Sighnaghi to the cave city of Vardzia, this itinerary is a living history lesson.

Fortresses and Faith

We will visit the wine region of Kakheti and climb to the mountains of Kazbegi to see the Gergeti church and the Ananuri fortress. The highlight will be exploring southern Georgia, with the cave city of Vardzia, Khertvisi fortress, and Rabati castle.

Complete Heritage

The journey also includes the monasteries of Kutaisi and the ancient capital Mtskheta. A complete tour of the architectural and cultural heritage that has defined Georgian identity, from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Included

  • Accommodation: 8 Nights in selected 4* hotels
  • Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
  • Transportation: 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
  • Entrance fees: Monuments according to itinerary

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunches and Dinners (unless indicated)
  • Alcoholic beverages and tips
  • Personal expenses