Best of Georgia

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. We don't want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don't, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 3.00pm in order to take part in the orientation walk and welcome dinner. This evening meet your fellow travellers and the Tour Director for an orientation walk, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Today 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 majestic exterior of the Sulphur Baths and Rustaveli Avenue. This afternoon we'll be visiting the immersive 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. We will have the rest of the day free to enjoy at our leisure.

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 are free for the rest of the afternoon to enjoy lunch and stroll through this charming town at our own pace before we make our way to Telavi.

Special Experience: Enjoy dinner at a local family home and taste homemade food from the Kakheti region.

Nestled in the foothills of the Gombori Mountains, Telavi is the largest town in the heart of Georgia's wine country. We'll visit a local farmers market to get a real taste of local produce Georgians use to create their unique cuisine with. We will then make our way to Tsivis Kveli, a local cheese manufacturer. 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. Temi means ‘community' in Georgian language, and it is what we'll experience, with a farm to table lunch provided by some of the 70 plus people of different abilities and backgrounds.

Later this afternoon we return to Telavi where we will enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

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.

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. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or why not discover more of the Caucasus Mountains and hike in the dramatic Dariali Gorge, to the Gveleti waterfall with your guide?

We bid farewell to 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.

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 at our leisure before making our way to a Nunnery.

Special Experience: Explore a nunnery in upper Vardzia, where nuns will teach us how to handcraft wooden crosses and honey wax candles. The nuns will also demonstrate how they paint symbols and showcase their handmade embroidery. We'll return to Borjomi in the evening.

On our way back to the capital we visit a social workshop in Tserovani, a settlement of internally displaced people from South Ossetia. Here we discover the intricate art of enamel painting, beautifully created by some of the displaced women, who now call Tserovani home. Learn about their stories and how this social enterprise has helped provide employment.

On arrival in Tbilisi, we explore a different side of the city's intriguing 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. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and explore the city at your own pace. 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.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our new friends and to the splendour of Georgia.