8-Day Tour to Georgia: Cultural Highlights

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.

Your day begins with a visit to the Gremi fortress, a 15th-century architectural marvel that houses a church, palace tower, and a museum. Travel to Kvareli and visit Khareba Winery, a unique wine cellar nestled in the Caucasus Mountains that offers a wine tour and tasting. Travel to Sighnaghi, the renowned 'city of love,' perched atop a hill. Its ancient walls provide breathtaking views of the Alazani Valley. Finish at Bodbe Monastery, a peaceful 9th-century nunnery famous among tourists. Return to Tbilisi for an overnight stay.

Depart for Kazbegi, stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jvari Monastery, perched majestically at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Next, visit the Ananuri Fortress, a stunning ensemble of churches, towers, and defensive walls set against the backdrop of the Zhinvali reservoir. Follow the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi, stopping at Gudauri View Point and the Jvari Overpass Travertine Natural Monument. In Stepantsminda, hike or drive to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church for a breathtaking view of Mount Kazbek. Finish the day with an overnight stay in Gudauri.

In the morning, drive to Gori, explore the house-museum of Joseph Stalin which includes a defense pavilion, Stalin's armor-plated train carriage, and a museum. Discover Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town with numerous structures from the first and second millennia B.C. The complex includes several cave rooms like the Theatre, Queen Tamar's Hall, Uplistsuli Church, and a subterranean river tunnel. Travel west to Kutaisi, passing the Likhi Ridge, also known as the Rikoti Pass. Arrive at Kutaisi, the ancient city with a history of  3500 years. Drop off at your 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, drive to Tbilisi. Drop off at the hotel.

On the morning of the last day of the 8-day Georgia tour, you will have a comfortable transfer to the airport. Depart from Tbilisi, enriched with memories of Georgia’s cultural tapestry.