14-Day Grand Tour of Georgia: Discover the Hidden Gems of the Whole Country

In the morning, drive to the Kakheti region that is famous for its old winemaking traditions. Visit a traditional Qvevri workshop in Vardisubani, run by the Kbilashvili family, where you’ll observe the ancient clay vessel–making process and learn about Georgia’s 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition. Continue to Alaverdi Monastery, which was established by monk Joseph Alaverdeli, who came from Antioch and resided in Alaverdi. The first church in Alaverdi was built in the sixth century. The current Cathedral was built as part of an 11th-century Georgian Orthodox monastery. The monastery is surrounded by fortifications.

Continue to Tsinandali. Visit the house museum of Alexander Chavchavadze, a famous public figure and poet from the nineteenth century. At the time, Georgian nobles were known for their sophisticated European taste, as evidenced by the exquisite English Garden that surrounds the house. The house's wine cellar contains a unique selection of Georgian and European wines. You will be served a glass of Tsinandali white wine as a welcome gift. Drive to Telavi, the largest town of Kakheti. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the Gremi fortress, which was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. The fortress now houses a church, a 15th-century tower palace, and a museum exhibiting site artefacts. Continue to Kvareli. Visit the Khareba Winery - a unique wine cellar/tunnel carved deep within the Caucasus Mountains. Enjoy wine tour and tasting. Continue to Sighnaghi, the famed city of love located on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the Alazani Valley. The remainder of the defensive wall, with 23 towers, is still standing around the town. Climb one of the towers and walk along the wall until you reach the next one. Continue to the Bodbe monastery, which was built in the IX century. It is currently used as a nunnery, but it also serves as a tourist attraction. Drive back to Tbilisi. Spend the night at the hotel.

The journey to Kazbegi begins in the morning with a stop at the Jvari monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site founded in the sixth century, overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Next, your route then takes you to the Ananuri Fortress, a grand complex with two churches, multiple towers, and defense walls set against the backdrop of the Zhinvali reservoir. Continue along the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi, making photo stops at the Gudauri View Point, also known as the Friendship Monument, and the Jvari Overpass Travertine Natural Monument. When you arrive in Stepantsminda, hike or drive to the Gergeti Holy Trinity Church and take in the stunning views of Mount Kazbek. The day will conclude with an overnight stay in Gudauri.

Start your day with a drive to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Visit Stalin's House museum, with a photo opportunity at the Gori Fortress. The journey then takes you to Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town situated on the Mtkvari River's left bank. Dating back to the first and second millennia B.C., Uplistsikhe was a vital center of politics, religion, culture, and trade during the Hellenistic and Late Antique periods. We will explore numerous significant cave structures within the complex.

The journey then continues to Akhaltsikhe, the main town in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, which is known for its multicultural history and architectural variety. The city, whose name translates to "New Castle," has long been a melting pot of diverse nationalities and religions, with Georgian, Armenian, and Catholic churches, as well as a synagogue and mosque. Overnight stay at a hotel in Akhaltsikhe.

After breakfast, explore Rabati Castle, a historical fortress dating back to the 9th century that was recently renovated in 2012. Head to Vardzia, one of three famous cave towns of Georgia. A short stop at Khertvisi Fortress from the 10th-14th centuries, overlooking the confluence of the Paravani and Mtkvari Rivers. Vardzia extends roughly 500 meters along the Cliffside and offers breathtaking views. The town's history, which dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, is closely linked to King George III and his daughter Tamar, also known as King Tamar. Today, only 400 of the original 3000 caverns remain, including living quarters, tunnels, wine cellars, and a church with portraits of King George and King Tamar. Drive to Kutaisi for the overnight.

Embark on a one-day tour from Kutaisi to explore the natural wonders of Georgia. Your journey begins with a visit to the enchanting Martvili Canyon, where you will take a peaceful boat trip through the breathtaking canyon. Continue to the magnificent Kinchkha Waterfall. Experience panoramic views of cascading waters in a lush setting that perfectly captures the essence of Georgian wilderness. Next, explore the wonders of nature at Prometheus Cave, where visitors are welcomed into six of the cave's twenty-two halls, each adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Descend 40 meters below sea level to explore this 1.8-kilometer-long natural marvel.  Finish the day with a scenic drive back to Kutaisi. Overnight at the hotel.

*Optional visit to a family winery in Kutaisi for wine tasting and a delicious dinner featuring local dishes.

** If the renovation is finished by the time you are visiting, we will make a final stop at Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing Georgia's 'Golden Age' and founded by King David the Builder.

In the morning, drive to Racha region. Photo stop at Shaori Lake - one of Racha's most popular attractions with stunning landscapes. It's especially beautiful in the autumn when the surrounding colourful forests are reflected in the lake. Visit Nikortsminda, a cathedral from the XI century. The cathedral is lavishly embellished with beautiful ornaments. The interior walls are adorned with a multi-figure bas-relief depicting a plot, a multi-figure scene, images of Saints, mythical and zoomorphic figures. Drive to Ambrolauri to visit family winery for lunch and wine tasting. Enjoy delicious traditional dishes with locally made wines. Continue to upper Racha, well known for its coniferous forests, which are home to a variety of wild birds and animals. Visit the Jewish Synagogue of Oni, which was built in 1895 and is Georgia's third-largest synagogue after Tbilisi and Kutaisi. Overnight in Racha.

Melas included: Lunch and Wine Tasting at Local Family

In the morning, head to upper Svaneti region via the Zagari Pass is one of Georgia’s most breathtaking high-mountain routes. It winds through dense forests and quiet valleys before climbing steeply into the Greater Caucasus. As you ascend the Zagaro Pass, the landscape opens into sweeping alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers in summer and framed by dramatic, snow-capped peaks.

Since 1996, the remote town of Ushguli has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List, with more than 40 historic Svan towers and snowy Mountain Shkhara (5193m – Georgia's highest mountain) in the background. Take a stroll through the village and up to the hill to see the X century Lamaria Church. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, make your way to Mestia. Here, Margiani's local house museum is a must-see. Explore an old Svan house and a tower known as "Margianis Machubi." Svanetian nature is not the only thing to see; a local defense stone tower (Koshki) rising from the back of the houses, along with all of this natural beauty, creates an image that every tourist wishes to capture. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit the Svaneti Historic and Ethnography Museum*, which houses a collection of regional artifacts such as unique icons, engravings, manuscripts, medieval weapons, and cultural ornaments in iron, silver, and copper. Next, continue to the most captivating tours in Georgia -Batumi, in the Adjara Region. Wrap up your day with a hotel drop-off in Batumi.

*Alternatively, if the weather permits, take a 4x4 excursion to Koruldi Lakes, which provides panoramic views and reflections of the majestic Tetnuldi Mountains in the lakes (for an additional fee).

Begin your day with a visit to Batumi Botanical Garden with an incredible collection of tree species. The oldest garden in the South Caucasus, established in 1880, provides breathtaking views of the Black Sea. Next, return to Batumi for a city tour. Walk along a 7-kilometer boulevard lined with modern architecture, bungalows, café-lounges, restaurants, and kid-friendly attractions.

Your walking tour combines both the old and new parts of Batumi, including Europe Square, the enchanting Piazza Square with St. Nicholas Church, the Chacha Fountain, 6 May & Nuriegel Lake, the Alphabet Tower, the symbolic "Ali and Nino" statue, Batumi Port, and Seaside Park. Conclude your day with a cable car ride to a breathtaking viewpoint of Batumi. Take a train or drive to Tbilisi for an overnight stay.

Enjoy a leisurely free day in Tbilisi at your own pace, exploring the city's unique offerings. Relax at sulfur bathhouses, visit museums, or find hidden treasures at local flea markets - a guide and driver are not provided.

*A free day can also be arranged in another region.

Conclude your 14-day tour to Georgia with a transfer to the airport. Depart from Tbilisi, carrying with you the rich tapestry of experiences and memories from your journey through this historically and culturally rich country.