Georgia on a Plate

Welcome to the uniquely beautiful Georgia! Famous for being the oldest winemaking country in the world, Georgia is rich in history and diverse natural landscapes. We begin in the capital, Tbilisi, known for its varied culture and traditions. Its cobblestoned Old Town echoes a long, complicated history with periods under both Russian and Persian rule.

This evening meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant with a culinary expert guest speaker. (D)

This morning we discover the sights of Tbilisi, seeing its diverse architecture and baroque art nouveau buildings. Highlights include Metekhi Church, Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, the ancient Narikhala Fortress, the unique exterior of the Sulphur Baths and Rustaveli Avenue.

This afternoon we'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before visiting the National Museum of Georgia. The old Georgian architectural style three story building is an educational institution that preserves and exhibits a unique collection of natural and human history. Here we will gain understanding of the ancient and culturally rich history of the country. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner at Funicular restaurant overlooking the city of Tbilisi. (B/L/D)

After breakfast this morning we make our way towards Georgia's renowned wine region, Kakheti. Along the way we will stop at the Bodbe Monastery, a Georgian Orthodox monastic complex where Saint Nino, the 4th century female evangelist is buried.

We then continue to picturesque Sighnaghi, a town perched high on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains in the distance. Here we take a walk through this delightful, fortified town, exploring cobblestone streets, and admiring the detailed facades which gives the town its charming personality. We'll then enjoy lunch and wine tastings at a local restaurant before returning to Tsinandali for some time at leisure before dinner.

Special Experience: Enjoy dinner at a local family home and taste homemade food from the Kakheti region. (B/L/D)

Nestled in the foothills of the Gombori Mountains, Telavi is the largest town in the heart of Georgia's wine country. We'll arrive in Telavi this morning where we will visit a local farmers market to get a real taste of local produce Georgians use to create their unique cuisine with. Our food journey continues as we visit Tsivis Kveli, a local cheese manufacture. The factory produces more than 11 kinds of 70 varieties of cheese, sulguni, cottage cheese, ricotta and butter.

We'll indulge in a cheese tasting before stopping at the iconic Gremi church complex, standing above the green valley of Alazin. Founded by the King of Kakheti Levan of the Bagrationi Dynasty, who led the most prosperous and peaceful period in the history of Kakheti, this 16th century architectural monument served as a royal citadel and a church.

Special Experience: Visit Temi Community, a sustainable farm where people work and live, including the socially vulnerable. See how they grow organic vegetables and learn to make Churchkhela. Later this afternoon we return to Tsinandali where the rest of the day at leisure. (B/L)

We're on the move again today with Kazbegi in our sights. Otherwise known as Stepantsminda, Kazbegi is a small valley town set along the banks of the Terek River, with the towering peak of Mt Kazbek looking down from the west. Before arriving in Kazbegi, we'll stop at the Ananuri architectural complex, which served as a castle that saw various battles and the reign of the eristavis (dukes) of Aragvi feudal dynasty in the 13th century. The fortress remained in use until the start of the 19th century and in 2007 was placed on the tentative UNESCO World Heritage-list.

Continuing our journey, we'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant before arriving in Kazbegi in the evening. (B/L/D)

This morning we explore the town centre on foot, before making our way by 4WD up to the Gergeti Trinity Church. Situated high on the Chkheri riverbank, its position makes it one of Georgia's most iconic sights.

Special Experience: Take part in a hands-on dumpling masterclass with a local family and enjoy lunch in their home.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity. (B/L/D)

We farewell Kazbegi today and head south for Borjomi, a tranquil resort town surrounded by thickly forested hills in all directions. Before arriving in Borjomi, we'll stop in Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. Here we explore Jvari, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed 6th century medieval monastery. It was at this site that King Mirian erected a large wooden cross after being converted by Saint Nino in the 4th century. The setting here is stunning, with vast panoramic views over the flowing rivers below.

We then visit the site of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century and is known as the place where the Robe of Christ is buried. Next we visit Chateau Mukhrani, the first and the only true Georgian Royal Chateau for a wine tasting and lunch. Here we'll learn about the history of the estate and the art of the Chateau's winemaking before arriving in Borjomi in the evening. (B/L)

Borjomi is known for its mineral water industry. The artesian springs in the valley here are fed by water that filters in from glaciers that sit at altitudes of up to 2,300 metres on top of the Bakuriani mountains. The water is then transported by pipes to the two bottling plants. These springs were discovered in the 1820s by the Imperial Russian military and were made famous by the Russian Empire, which in turn saw an increase in tourism to Borjomi. We'll take a walk through the park and sample the renowned water.

We then travel to the incredible cave city of Vardzia, famous for the cave monastery carved into the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain. Founded in the 12th century during the reign of Giorgi III and Queen Tamar, this fascinating complex was dug out of solid rock and became a well-fortified monastery with a significant role in Georgian history. We then enjoy lunch made from home grown produce at a local guesthouse.

Special Experience: Explore a nunnery in upper Vardzia, where nuns will teach us how to handcraft wooden crosses and honey wax candles.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity. (B/L)

Today we make our way back to the capital and explore a different side of Tbilisi's intricate history. The Soviet era came to an end in 1991, but the impact and influence of this period is still seen today by its numerous Soviet monuments, large concrete buildings – many of which have been abandoned and blocks of houses that people still occupy to this day. After lunch at a local restaurant the rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore at your own pace. (B/L)

This morning we further explore the sights of this fascinating city on a walking tour. Highlights include walking from Freedom Square passing the archaeological excavations to the central flower market. Then onto Orbeliani Square where you can see architecture from the XIX-XX centuries. We continue through the food bazaar, spice bazar and dry bridge market, where you can find anything from old trinkets to paintings and tractor parts.

Lastly, we'll walk through Agmashenebeli street, a pedestrian street full of restaurants, beautiful buildings and back streets with graffiti and authentic small houses. After some free time for lunch, we visit and indulge in a tasting at Sarajishvili Brandy Factory, one of the oldest manufacturers of brandy in Georgia, built in 1888. Tonight, we'll enjoy a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant with polyphonic singers and a toast master, a memorable way to say gaumarjos (cheers) to Georgia. (B/D)

Today marks the end of our incredible food journey through Georgia. We hope you leave with fantastic memories! (B)