8-Day Georgia: Explore Eastern and Western Georgia

In the morning, head to Kazbegi. Along the way, stop by Jvari monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site erected in the sixth century on a hill overlooking the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers' scenic confluence. Carry on to Ananuri Fortress. A magnificent complex consists of two churches with an ornately decorated façade, several towers, and defense walls. With a view of the Zhinvali reservoir in the background, all of these structures create a stunning panorama. Continue to Kazbegi on the Georgian Military Highway. Make photo stops at the Gudauri View Point, also known as the Friendship Monument, and the Jvari Overpass Travertine Natural Monument. Reach Stepantsminda. Hike or drive to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church to take in the breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek (5033 m). Drive to Gudauri for overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, drive to Gori, the city where Joseph Stalin was born. Visit Stalin's house-museum and make a photo stop at Gori Fortress. You will see the house where Stalin was born and spent his childhood, a defense pavilion, Stalin's armour-plated train carriage, and a museum. Continue to Uplistsikhe cave town, located 15 kilometres from Gori on the left bank of the Mtkvari River. It dates back to the first and second millennia B.C. Uplistsikhe played a prominent role in politics, religion, and culture during the Hellenistic and Late Antique periods, as well as being an important trade center on a route connecting Asia and Europe. The complex contains several significant cave structures, including the "Theatre," a temple from the first or second centuries AD, the pre-Christian Temple of Makvliani, the large hall known as the Hall of Queen Tamar, Uplistsuli Church, the triple-church basilica on top of the hill, and a long tunnel leading down to the Mtkvari river. Take the highway to the west of Georgia. Pass via the Likhi Ridge, also known as the Rikoti Pass, which connects Georgia's east and west.  Arrive at Kutaisi, the ancient city with a history dating back around 3500 years. The earliest records of Kutaisi can be found in the Myth of the Argonauts from Greek mythology. Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, visit the Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Georgia. Symbol of Georgia's "Golden Age," which depicts economic expansion and political strength between the 11th and 13th centuries. Built by King David the Builder's order. Continue to Motsameta monastery, a charming 11th-century clifftop monastery nestled in lush greenery. Explore the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites made by nature at Prometheus Cave near Kutaisi. Only six of the 22 halls are open to visitors: Argonauts Hall, Kolkheti Hall, Medea Hall, Love Hall, Prometheus Hall, and Iberia Hall. Natural Monument is 40 meters below sea level and 1.8 kilometres long. Drive to Batumi, Georgia's second-largest city, in the Adjara region. Drop off at the hotel.

In the morning, begin a sightseeing tour of Batumi, one of the oldest seaside cities of Georgia, founded in the 8th century, while the original settlement Batus is referenced in literature dating back to the 4th century BC. Batumi now offers us not only historical parts of the city but also a 7-kilometre boulevard with modern architecture, bungalows, café-lounges, restaurants, children's attractions, benches, sculptures, and dancing fountains. On our walking tour, we will explore old and new Batumi, including Europe Square, the beautiful Piazza Square with St. Nicholas Church, Chacha Fountain, 6 May & Nuriegel Lake, Alphabet Tower, "Ali and Nino" statue, Batumi Port, and Seaside Park. Take a cable car to the stunning viewpoint of Batumi. In the evening, take a train to Tbilisi. Drop off at the hotel.

In the morning, drive to the Kakheti region that is famous for its old winemaking traditions. Visit the Ikalto Monastery, one of the two well-known medieval Georgian Neoplatonist academies. The complex, which dates back to the sixth century, played a significant part in Georgia's educational history. Shota Rustaveli, a brilliant Georgian poet, is said to have studied there. 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. Visit Batonis Tsikhe, a museum dedicated to King Erekle II. Finally, pay a visit to the Giant Plane Tree, Telavi's one-of-a-kind attraction. 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.

Check-out from the hotel. Transfer to the airport. Departure from Tbilisi.