Georgia Tours – Hotels

A range of hand picked 3 star hotels are used throughout the tours.
We stay in 4 locations:
Tbilisi (2 nights)
Telavi (1 night)
Gudauri (2 nights)
Akhaltsikhe (2 nights)

Georgia Tours – Itinerary

Day 1 Saturday: Arrival Day

You may pre-book a transfer from the airport in Tbilisi to your hotel for check in for 2 nights.  Alternatively, arrive independently.
The rest of the day is yours.
Check in from 15:00 hrs.
Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 2 Sunday: Tbilisi

Today, we introduce you to Tbilisi. During our tour, your local guide will introduce you to the delights of old city and the ancient heritage for which Georgia is famous. All the places of interest in the Old Town are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. We start our visit to Old Tbilisi with the Metekhi Church (13th century), and then walk to the 19th century Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral (6th-7th centuries) and Anchiskhati Church (6th century). Then we drive up to the Mother Georgia statue and walk down to the Narikala Fortress (4th century) which overlooks the Mtkvari River and then to the Sulphur Baths, en route enjoying views of the Old Town.

Overnight in Tbilisi
Meals: breakfast
Distance: 20 – 30 km

Day 3 Monday: Tbilisi-Sighnaghi-Kvareli-Gremi-Telavi

Today we travel to the Kakheti region, famous as a wine making area, as well as being known for the welcoming hospitality of the locals.  Here we can see both snowy Caucasus Mountains and fertile valleys. First, we visit the beautiful 18th century small town of Sighnaghi, with its small houses with tiled roofs and decorated balconies. From here we can see the picturesque views of Alazani valley and Great Caucasus Mountains. For lunch, we will visit a local family, where we become familiar with the local rural way of life and then we have lunch with delicious homemade food, wine and Georgian Chacha. Afterwards lunch, we visit the Gremi Architectural Complex. Later we drive to Telavi and visit traditional Georgian wine cellar. Here we taste wine made by traditional way in Kvevri (clay vessel). This method of wine making is inscribed in UNESCO intangible heritage list.  Tonight we enjoy dinner in Telavi.

Overnight in Telavi
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 250 km

Day 4 Tuesday: Telavi-Gombori pass-Mtskheta-Gudauri

In the morning we visit a local farmer`s market in Telavi. Afterwards we continue our journey via the Gombori pass with beautiful landscapes, to visit the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, Mtskheta. Here we will see its historical places of interest: Jvari Monastery (6^th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (4th – 11^th century) where it is claimed the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Later, we drive along the Georgian military highway and on the way visit the Ananuri architectural complex (17^th century). The carvings on the churches are one of the best samples of this Georgian art. The drive is very scenic through the high Caucasus Mountains. We arrive to Gudauri, in winter a ski resort. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Gudauri.

Overnight in Gudauri
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Distance: 250 km

Day 5 Wednesday: Alaverdi – Tsinandali – Shuamta – Tbilisi

Today, a stunning drive from Gudauri atakes us along the Tergi River and will bring us to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) – the main town in the region. From there we walk up for 2.5 hrs through beautiful valleys and woodland, leading us to Gergeti Trinity Church located at 2170 m. Weather permitting you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt. Kazbegi (5047 m).

Return to Gudauri resort. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Gudauri ski resort.

Overnight in Gudauri
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Distance: 100 km

Day 6 Thursday: Gudauri-Gori-Uflistsikhe-Akhaltsikhe

This morning we will visit the town of Gori and its historical places: Gori is known as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin and we visit the museum dedicated to him.  We also visit Uplistsikhe Cave Town, from the 1st millennium BC, where the Great Silk Road used to pass. This is an interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out of the rock and there is also an ancient theatre on this historic site.  We then drive towards the South-Western part of Georgia, arriving in Akhaltsikhe.

Overnight in Akhaltsikhe
Meals: breakfast
Distance: 335 km

Day 7 Friday: Akhaltsikhe-Vardzia-Akhaltsikhe

Georgia Tours – Vardzia

Today we continue our adventure to visit Vardzia – the magnificent cave town of the Golden Age. The cave complex stretching over half a kilometre, once consisted of some 3000 caves and was one of the best examples of Georgia’s renaissance. There is a church hewn out of the rock with amazing 12th century frescoes. The complex also includes dwellings quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories and wine cellars. On the way to Vardzia we will make a photo-stop at Khertvisi fortress, one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia. It was functional throughout the Georgian feudal period.  The fortress was first built in the 2nd century BC. The church was built in 985, and the present walls were built in 1354.   We return to Akhaltsikhe and visit the multi complex of Rabati.

Overnight in Akhaltsikhe
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 130 km

Day 8 Saturday: Akhaltsikhe-Tbilisi & Departure

After breakfast, check out from hotel and drive to Tbilisi.
If pre-booked, transfer to the airport for your onward or homeward journey. Alternatively, depart independently.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 205 km

Georgia Tours – Departure Dates:

18 – 25 April 2020
09 – 16 May 2020
04 – 11 July 2020
15 – 22 August 2020
17 – 24 October 2020

Georgia Tours – Price, per person in USD

USD 1,050 per person in double/twin/triple room: 
USD 1,310 per person in single room:

Optional:
Airport transfer USD 25 per person, each way (minimum 2 persons)

Georgia Tours – Price Includes:

• All excursions according itinerary
• Accommodation for 7 nights
• Breakfast at the hotels
• Meals as outlined in the itinerary
• Entrance fees and museum tickets
• Wine tasting in Kakheti
• Professional guide service in English language
• Transportation throughout the tour

Not Included in Price:

• Flights
• Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Arrival and Departure transfers
• Visas (if required)
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuities for the guide and driver

Georgia Tours – Notes

• Your arrival and departure airports should be Tbilisi (transfers on request, not included)
• Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
• Tour operates with minimum 2 persons
• Please check entry requirements.  Many nationals may enter without a visa.
• Local currency is Georgian Lari (GEL)
• Credit cards accepted in major cities.  Cash required for taxis, some shops and restaurants and in rural areas.
• Cash USD and Euro may be exchanged,
• ATM machines available in Tbilisi