Small Groups & Tailor-Made Tours
Georgia
Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine and we now know that they began their wine-making tradition 8000 years ago. This Caucasian country is not only beautiful, it has wonderful food, wine, architecture and culture.
The ancient Silk Roads passed through Georgia and this tour will explore the best that Georgia has to offer with wine-tastings, visits to food bazaars, amazing architecture and fascinating museums, all in stunning locations.
We will visit some of the most beautiful wine regions in the world, and learn from local winemakers about the ancient tradition of making wine in qvevris, huge terracotta vessels that are buried in the ground. We will taste homemade cheese, bread and other delicious food with local families.
This tour can be done on its own or it can be combined with Armenia. If you choose to do both, we will drive from Georgia to Armenia over beautiful countryside with stops for wine tasting and delicious food.
Itinerary
Day 1: 9 Sept - Arrival in Tbilisi
Arrivals
Meet in lobby of the Qarvasla Hotel at noon.
Optional visit to Dezerter Bazaar, Tbilisi's most vibrant farmers' market. A former Silk Road outpost, trade has been an important part of Tbilisi as merchants carried goods from East and West.
Optional visit to Carvasla, Tbilisi's Historical Museum which is located in a beautifully restored caravanserai in the heart of the old town (and very near our hotel).
Time to wander around the picturesque old town.
Optional dinner at Honore Restaurant. This is one of Tbilisi's best restaurants housed in an old German Hospital and in the area of Solaki where many new bars and restaurants are located.
Overnight in Tbilisi at Qarvasla Hotel in the heart of the old town.
Day 2: 10 Sept - Tbilisi
Breakfast at the hotel.
Tour of Tbilisi, combined driving and walking (wherever possible) including Metekhi Church (13th c), Narikala Fortress (4th c), Meidan Square, Anchiskhati Basilica (6th c), the Bridge of Peace and the cable car to Mother Georgia.
Georgian National Museum tour
Optional dinner at Shavi Lomi one of Tbilisi's best known restaurants.
Overnight at Qarvasla Hotel
Day 3: 11 Sept - Tbilisi - Kardenakhi - Telavi
Breakfast at hotel.
Tbilisi - Kardenakhi Estate (approx 2 hour drive). Wine tasting at this authentic Georgian winery in the heart of the Kakheti wine region. Taste 4 types of wine plus chacha (grappa).
Check into our hotel at Mosmieri Winery. The complex consists of a winery, a wine shop and a restaurant built in an elegant blend of modern design and Georgian ethnic accents. The Chateau is located on the slope, surrounded by vineyards and stunning views of the Alazani Valley and the snow capped heights of the Caucasus Mountains..
We will taste three of Mosmieri's wines - white, amber and red.
Free time at Mosmieri to enjoy the estate and swimming pool.
Enjoy a memorable dinner at Togonidze’s family winery, where you’ll taste delicious local dishes paired with their finest wines. While you dine, you’ll be treated to live performances of traditional Georgian polyphonic songs by local singers, creating a truly authentic atmosphere.
Overnight at the Mosmieri Estate and Winery.
Day 4: 12 Sept - TELAVI – KVETERA – ANANURI - KAZBEGI
Drive to Kazbegi through town Akhmeta.
En-route visit Kvetera church, built in the early 10th century. It is a relatively small church and with the Georgian cross-dome architectural style (note that 1 km walk, uphill is necessary to reach the church from main road).
Drive to Ananuri fortress 14-17th cc. The complex consists of fortifications and residential buildings of Aragvi Dukes. The purpose of the monument was to control the trade rout and to guard the country from North.
Visit Gudauri, a cylinder monument with a spectacular views, overlooking Devil’s Valley and the Caucasus Mountains.
Gudauri Viewpoint was erected by the Soviets in 1983 in the mountains of northern Georgia. The famous Georgian architect Giorgi Chakhava designed it and placed it on a spot offering a spectacular view over the surrounding landscape.
Drive (40 mins) to Stepantsminda where we check into Rooms Hotel with its fabulous views of Kazbegi Mountain and the Gergeti Trinity Church.
Day 5: 13 Sept - KAZBEGI – GERGETI – DARIALI - KAZBEGI
Drive to the Gergeti Mountains and the iconic Gergeti Trinity church overlooked by Mt. Kazbegi. Gergeti Holy Trinity Church is an important altar of 14th century, located on the slope of Mount Kazbegi. The church facade preserves stone decorations depicting ancient rituals and beliefs.
If we are lucky with weather, we will see Mount Kazbegi (5047 m. above sea level). According to the legend Amirani – a cult hero and a prototype of Greek Prometheus, punished by Gods was chained on the mountain.
Dariali Monastic Complex is beautifully nested in Dariali Gorge, between the high mountains of the Greater Caucasus, in just 10 km from the administrative center of Khevi region - townlet Stepantsminda.
The complex is situated in picturesque Dariali – the canyon of river Tergi (Terek), at an elevation of 1300 meters above sea level.
Or feel free to spend the day at Rooms Hotel enjoying the views and the spa.
We will have dinner at Kheti's Family Cafe where we will also experience a masterclass in how to make Kinkhali, the famous Georgian dumplings that are known as "mountain food' because they were a portable meal for shepherds.
Day 6: 14 Sept - Kazbegi - Mukrani - Mtskheta - Jvara - Tbilisi
Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Château Mukhrani – former estate of Ivane Mukhranbatoni Royal family. Here you will have a guided tour at the estate, gardens, stable and old wine-cellars, learn the history of Georgian royal family, visit the contemporary winery and factory and find out how Château wines are made. The excursion will be followed by tasting finest Château Mukhrani wines with snacks.
Drive to Mtskheta – the ancient capital of East Georgia. Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral of 11th c - one of the most sacred places in whole Georgia, with the Christ’s robe preserved in the Cathedral. Monument is included in UNESCO world heritage list.
Visit Jvari monastery (6th c) - monument included in UNESCO world heritage list.
Stop at Salobie (at the foot of Jvara) where we can taste lobio the Georgian bean stew served in clay pots with corn bread. Other Georgian food will also be served along with homemade wine.
Return to Tbilisi where we will overnight.
Day 7 : 15 Sept - Tbilisi - Departures
Breakfast at hotel followed by departures.
For those continuing to Armenia, we will leave for the border at 10am.
Armenia/Georgia
We can help with international flights from Europe and North America. Visas are not required by most countries but we will assist where required. A waiting list will operate for full tours. Single or double rooms may be booked for all tours.
There is also the option of organising your own dates for groups of four or more. These trips can be tailor-made to suit your needs and although they are not accompanied, local guides with excellent English will be available in each city.
Additional Information
Price:
Price Included:
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Accommodation in central hotels with breakfast
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All ground transportation by comfortable air-conditioned minibus
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Sightseeing with local, English speaking guides
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Entrance tickets to the monuments and museums on all tours
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Meals as mentioned
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Wine/brandy tasting as mentioned
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Cheese tasting as mentioned
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Bottled water (one bottle per person per day)
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The price does not include:
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International flights
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Other lunches and dinners
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Any additional transportation to anywhere not listed in the schedule
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Hard drinks including wine (other than at mentioned tastings)
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Porter service if required
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Tipping for drivers and guides
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International arrival/departure transfers can be arranged for approx £25/car each way
