Georgia round trip - Eurasian cultural diversity in Caucasus

Trips to Georgia are great year-round. The best months to travel are from April to September because of the sunny, dry, and warm weather. In summer (July and August), it can get very hot inland. Except for the Black Sea coast, the winters are cold and snowy — perfect for winter sports activities.

Welcome to Tbilisi. Upon arrival, a private transfer will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel.

During your first exploration tour through the city, you will get to know the famous bath district. Afterward, you’ll visit the Metheki Church, which stands above the Kura Riverbank. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding hills and colorful traditional houses. After crossing the Bridge of Peace (made out of glass), you’ll visit one of the best wine bars in the old town.

At dinner, you’ll try your first traditional Georgian dishes of the trip, paired with some wine tasting. Compare wines that have been made using traditional methods with those that go through a conventionally modern production process.

Travel time: approx. 30 minutes / approx. 20 km

Overnight stay with breakfast in Tbilisi, Georgia

After breakfast, you’ll discover more of Tbilisi. Hop onto a cable car to the Narikala Fortress, which has towered over the city since the 3rd century. The panorama path leads to Mother Georgia's statue, which was created in 1958 for the 1500 city anniversary. Visit the historic old town districts of Betlemi and Sololaki, where synagogues, mosques, and Christian churches neighbor each other.

When you walk down Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s main boulevard, you can enjoy views of the Moorish-style opera house, parliament building, and the National Museum. During a guided tour, you will learn about important insights into Georgia’s history. You’ll also get to see the exhibition on pre-Christian goldsmithing.

Afterward, walk through the flower market and visit the oldest preserved church in the city, the 6th-century Anschischati Church.

Enjoy the free time in the evening in one of the delicious restaurants or a wine bar.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Tbilisi, Georgia

In the morning, your next destination is Mtskheta. It was once the capital of the Iberian Empire, a predecessor state of today’s Georgia. The picturesque city is the spiritual center of Georgia and sits between the two rivers Aragvi and Mtkvari. From the Jvari Monastery, you can enjoy a fantastic view over the city and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which has a history of more than 1000 years.

After this impressive excursion, you’ll head back to Tbilisi, where you’ll visit a farmers market in the suburbs. Then you’ll continue to magnificent Marjianishvili Square and the New Tbilisi district, shaped by German architects and residents. Buy a variety of souvenirs at the famous Dry Bridge flea market.

For tonight’s dinner, you’ll have a unique experience in a traditional restaurant in a former private apartment. You’ll even get to try the owners’ wine that is grown on their roof terrace.

Travel time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes / approx. 70 km

Overnight stay with breakfast in Tbilisi, Georgia

Today’s first stop is the extraordinary cave city of Uplistsikhe, which was built in the first millennium BC. The city had its heyday in the Middle Ages, when, thanks to its strategically good location on the Silk Road, it was an important trading point for merchandise.

The journey continues to Gori, the birthplace of Stalin. At the Stalin Museum, you will go on a famous railway car tour that he used to travel to the Yalta and Tehran conferences. Is your camera charge? Have your camera ready for the many photo opportunities! You’ll also visit a local family on their property and learn about their everyday life. During a cooking class, you’ll learn how to prepare Georgian starters. Afterward, you’ll have lunch with the family in the garden or on the terrace.

In the early afternoon, you’ll drive north and stop at the fortified church Ananuri, which nestles directly at the Jinvali reservoir. Continue along the stalactite terraces to Gudauri and then take a cable car to Kobi. The spectacular ride leads to an altitude of 3000 meters.

Your end destination is Stepantsminda, the last place on the Georgian military road before Russia's border. The legendary Mount Kazbek towers in front of the city at 5054 meters, the highest mountain in Georgia.

Travel time: approx. 5 hours / approx. 280 km

Overnight with breakfast in Stepantsminda, Georgia

Today you’ll travel by 4x4 up to the Gergeti Plateau, where you’ll visit the Monastery of the Trinity. It sits at an altitude of 2200 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain panorama around the Kazbek.

After this impressive experience, continue to Kakheti, the center of the more the 8000-year-old Georgian wine culture. Cross the Gombori Pass and visit a family business in the sixth generation of traditional winemaking. The wine is poured into lemon-shaped clay vessels called quevri. These are buried in the ground and have a capacity of ten to 1000 liters. Over a glass of wine or chacha (Georgian grape distillate, aka brandy), you’ll learn exciting facts about the cultivation and history of the Georgian grape pomace. Your next stop is Telavi, the capital of the province of Kakheti. You’ll visit the fortress of King Erekle II, which, unlike most structures in Georgia, has survived centuries unscathed.

Today’s destination is the Mosmieri winery near the village of Kisiskhevi. After a tour of the wine cellar, including a wine tasting, you’ll also enjoy a traditional dinner. Supra, a classic Georgian dinner style, is a large table of delicious food where everyone can serve themselves.

Travel time: approx. 4 hours 45 minutes / approx. 230 km

Overnight stay with breakfast in Kisiskhevi, Georgia

After breakfast, visit the nearby village of Zinandali. In the 19th century, Prince Chavtschawadze was the first winemaker to produce wine using the European method that is still used today. Visit his residence, a museum in the middle of a spacious, beautiful ornamental garden. Afterward, you’ll drive to the romantic small town of Sighnaghi above the Alazani valley. Walk around the old town that has somewhat of a Tuscan flair.

In the afternoon, you’ll drive back to Tbilisi and enjoy the last evening of your trip. Savor some Georgian wine or local cuisine in one of the many restaurants.

Travel time: approx. 3 hours / approx. 170 km

Overnight stay with breakfast in Tbilisi, Georgia

It’s already the end of your seven-day journey through Georgia! Do you have countless memories to bring home with you? Your transfer will take you to the airport where you will take your flight home.

Travel time: approx. 30 minutes / approx. 20 km

itravel - For that moment.

Hotel Sole Palace****, Tbilisi, Georgia (4 nights)

This quaint hotel is not far from the old town. All 54 rooms have a terrace or balcony with a panoramic view over Tbilisi, WiFi, a TV, a desk, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and bathrobes. Other hotel amenities include a relaxing lounge, delicious drinks at the bar, and a restaurant that serves European cuisine.

Hotel Stancia Kazbegi***, Stepantsminda, Georgia (1 night)

Welcome to the cozy mountain village at the foot of the Kasbeks. This hotel offers stunning views of the majestic landscape and free WiFi throughout the property. In the 20 rooms, guests can expect a beautiful terrace and a private bathroom. The restaurant serves European cuisine à la carte or as a buffet.

Hotel Chateau Mosmieri Resort****, Kisiskhevi, Georgia (1 night)

The elegant hotel nestles between the gentle Alazani Valley slopes and spreads out between five cozy cottages. In the 23 rooms, amenities include a private bathroom, a TV, air conditioning, a minibar, and a terrace overlooking the beautiful vineyards. Relax with a glass of the hotel’s wine by the communal pool between the cottages, or enjoy a traditional Georgian dish at a restaurant nearby.

Closest city: Tbilisi

Closest airport: Tbilisi International Airport

Duration of the trip: 7 days / 6 nights

Including

• 6 nights in the accommodations mentioned above
  • 4 nights at Hotel Sole Palace**** in a standard room, Tbilisi
  • 1 night at Hotel Stancia Kazbegi*** in a standard room, Stepantsminda
  • 1 night at Hotel Chateau Mosmieri Resort**** in a deluxe suite, Kisiskhevi
• Private guide during the tour
• Catering according to the program (6x breakfast, 1x lunch, 3x dinner)
• All transfers & entrance fees during the tour
• Wine tasting in Tbilisi
• Chacha (Georgian brandy) tasting in Kakheti
• Cooking class in Gori
• Wine tasting in Kisiskhevi
• Local taxes and fees

Excluding

• International flights

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services

• Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips

• Insurance

Notes

• German citizens need a passport or identity card to enter the country. The travel documents must be valid from the time of entry to the time of departure.

• For flights with a change in Istanbul, Warsaw, Riga, or Kyiv, we recommend entering with a passport, as some airlines do not accept the identity card.

• The national currency is the Lari (GEL). Withdrawing cash from ATMs with credit cards and paying with credit cards is possible in many places. Euros can be exchanged quite easily.

• The regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not under the control of the Georgian government. Travel to these regions is not recommended. Also, avoid the area near the administrative border (ABL) between Abkhazia or South Ossetia and the rest of Georgia. The use of the main roads that pass close to South Ossetia and Abkhazia is not a problem.