Five Kingdoms: 5 Days Through Georgia's Historic Regions

DAY 1: Tbilisi - Davit Gareji - Sighnaghi - Telavi

We'll leave Tbilisi behind to venture into the impressive steppe landscapes on the border with Azerbaijan. There we'll explore the unique David Gareja monastic complex, carved into sandstone and surrounded by a semi-desert environment of unique colors. Next, the landscape transforms into green hills as we arrive at Bodbe Monastery, a place of great spirituality where Saint Nino rests. We'll continue to the nearby charming Sighnaghi, known as the "City of Love". We'll enjoy a relaxing stroll through its cobblestone streets and wooden balconies, admiring spectacular views of the Alazani Valley from its historic wall. After absorbing the beauty of this corner, we'll continue our journey into the heart of the wine region to reach Telavi, its historic capital.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Telavi 4*

271 km | 05:50 by car

DAY 2: Telavi - Ananuri - Gergeti - Gudauri

We'll bid farewell to Telavi to exchange vineyard landscapes for the imposing northern mountains. We'll 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 Jinvali Reservoir. We'll continue our ascent to Kazbegi, where we'll experience the day's most spectacular moment: the climb to Gergeti Trinity Church. This temple rises majestic and solitary under the shadow of the eternal Mount Kazbek, offering one of the country's most famous views. After enjoying this alpine landscape, we'll head to the nearby Gudauri ski resort for the night.

Accommodation: Marco Polo 4*

198 km | 04:35 by car

DAY 3: Gudauri - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi

Our day begins diving into contemporary history by visiting the famous Stalin Museum in Gori. This unique complex offers a distinctive perspective on the Soviet leader, allowing us to explore from the humble house where he was born to his luxurious armored personal railway carriage. We'll leap back over three millennia to discover Uplistsikhe, a fascinating cave city masterfully carved into living rock. We'll walk through the ancient streets of this extraordinary archaeological site, a true open-air museum where pagan temples and Christian basilicas coexist. The adventure continues exploring its mysterious secret tunnels and rock dwellings, all while enjoying unparalleled panoramic views over the Mtkvari River.

Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4*

335 km | 05:20 by car

DAY 4: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Gelati - Prometheus - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe

Today's route departs from Kutaisi, heading first to the imposing Bagrati Cathedral. From its privileged location on Ukimerioni hill, we'll enjoy a complete panorama of the city before continuing to Gelati Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will allow us to appreciate medieval architecture and valuable frescoes from what was a great academy in the 12th century. Leaving human history behind, we'll enter the spectacular geology of Prometheus Cave, touring its halls full of millennia-old formations and, if water conditions are favorable, navigating its underground river. Finally, the journey will take us south to Borjomi, a tranquil oasis famous for its volcanic springs, before continuing to Akhaltsikhe.

Accommodation: Hotel Gino Wellness Rabath 4*

239 km | 04:57 by car

DAY 5: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Tbilisi

Today we'll begin the day exploring the majestic Vardzia, an extraordinary 12th-century rock-hewn monastery-city that will transport us to the past. We'll venture into its labyrinthine tunnels to discover unique medieval frescoes and visit its ancient wine cellars, witnesses to the area's millennial winemaking tradition. We'll continue our route to the imposing Khertvisi Fortress, one of Georgia's oldest fortifications, strategically located in the Samtskhe-Javakheti valley; there we'll admire its robust walls and enjoy unparalleled panoramic views. Finally, we'll head toward Tbilisi to conclude the day, crossing dreamlike landscapes dominated by the imposing Lesser Caucasus mountains.

287 km | 05:30 by car