A Comprehensive 12-Day Cultural Tour of Georgia

In the morning, travel to the famous Kakheti region, which represents Georgia's ancient winemaking traditions. The first stop is at Sighnaghi, a well-known 'city of love' perched atop a hill with panoramic views of the Alazani Valley. Continue to the IX-century Bodbe monastery, a lovely nunnery that combines religious significance and tourist appeal. Proceed to the wine tunnel of Khareba Winery, a one-of-a-kind cellar carved in the Caucasus Mountains. Enjoy a wine tour and taste delicious Georgian wines. Continue the Tsinandali Estate, the home of 19th-century poet Alexander Chavchavadze, surrounded by a beautiful English garden and a wine cellar filled with rare Georgian and European wines. The journey takes you to Telavi, where you will see Batonis Tsikhe and the unique Giant Plane Tree. Spend the night at a local hotel, immersing yourself in the region's rich history.

After breakfast, explore the revered Alaverdi Monastery Complex founded by monk Joseph Alaverdeli. Continue to Ananuri Fortress, an incredible complex with an array of churches, towers, and defensive walls overlooking the Zhinvali reservoir. On the way to Kazbegi, have a delicious lunch and try the famous Georgian dumplings, Khinkali. Drive along the Georgian Military Highway, stopping at the Gudauri View Point. Reach Stepantsminda and drive to the Gergeti Holy Trinity Church to admire Mount Kazbek's grandeur. Stay the night in Kazbegi.

The morning takes you to Gori, Joseph Stalin's birthplace, where you will find his house museum, a defense pavilion, an armored train carriage, and historical memorabilia. Travel to Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town on the Mtkvari River that served as an important trade center on a route connecting Asia and Europe. We will explore the several significant cave structures that the complex contains. Travel through the Rikoti Pass, which connects Georgia's east and west. Reach Kutaisi, a city steeped in 3500 years of history and myth. Rest and reflect on a day of historical discovery at a local hotel.

Your day begins with a visit to Prometheus Cave. Delve into the subterranean marvels, where nature's artistry is displayed in the form of stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The journey continues to the Svaneti region, where the traditional defense stone towers (Koshki) blend harmoniously with lush woodlands and snow-capped mountain peaks. Your day in this breathtaking region concludes with an overnight stay in Mestia, a town that epitomizes the region's natural and architectural beauty.

After breakfast, set out on a 4x4 adventure to upper Svaneti, towards the UNESCO-listed village of Ushguli. This remote town, nestled against the backdrop of Georgia's highest mountain, Mount Shkhara, is home to over 40 historic Svan towers. Explore the 10th-century Lamaria Church, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the village. Return to Mestia and visit Margiani's House Museum, which is an example of ancient Svan architecture and culture. Spend another night in the tranquil embrace of Mestia.

Continue your tour to Georgia with a visit to the Svaneti Historic and Ethnography Museum. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the Svaneti region's history. The museum, a repository of cultural treasures, houses a diverse collection of artifacts, including unique icons, intricate engravings, a wealth of manuscripts, and an assortment of medieval weaponry.

Next, travel to Batumi in the scenic Adjara region. Batumi is Georgia's vibrant second-largest city, featuring historic charm and modern allure. Overnight in a local hotel.

Begin your day with a stunning Batumi botanical garden with its unique collections of subtropical flora. Walk through the lush landscapes and return to Batumi. Continue your day with a sightseeing tour of Batumi, a city with roots stretching back to the 8th century and literary references to its original settlement, Batus, dating to the 4th century BC. Explore the 7-kilometre boulevard, a fusion of modern architecture and historical elegance. Visit notable landmarks, including Europe Square, Piazza Square with St. Nicholas Church, Chacha Fountain, and the Alphabet Tower. Marvel at the “Ali and Nino” statue, Batumi Port, and Seaside Park. Conclude the day with a cable car ride to a breathtaking viewpoint, capturing the essence of Batumi’s coastal beauty. The day ends with a restful night at a local hotel.

As the sun rises, take a scenic drive to the verdant Guria region, renowned for its sprawling tea fields and lush hazelnut plantations. This day's adventure takes you down the tea route, immersing you in the heart of Georgia's agricultural splendor. Arrive at the charming family-run farmhouse Komli, where you will be welcomed by three generations of women, guardians of both their family's legacy and the region's rich agricultural heritage. Take a tea tour to learn the history of how the first tea bushes were introduced to Georgia. Taste the local cuisine and enjoy the delicate flavors of locally grown tea. The journey ends with a drive to Kutaisi, where you will spend the night.

Begin your day with a visit to the Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Georgia's illustrious "Golden Age" that lasted from the 11th to the 13th centuries. Proceed to Akhaltsikhe, the central town of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, whose name means "New Castle" in Georgian. This town displays cultural harmony, with a diverse collection of Georgian, Armenian, and Catholic churches, as well as a synagogue and mosque. Explore the majestic Rabati Castle, which dates back to the ninth century and was meticulously restored in 2012. The castle's captivating architecture, intricate labyrinths, and religious edifices actively attract tourists. Conclude your day with an overnight stay at a local hotel in Akhaltsikhe.

After breakfast, depart for Vardzia, the famous cave town of Georgia. En route, have a photo stop at Khertvisi Castle, a fortress built between the 10th and 14th centuries and perched majestically above the Paravani and Mtkvari Rivers. Vardzia, which stretches about 500 meters along the cliffside, provides breathtaking views and a rich historical narrative dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, during the reigns of King George III and his daughter, King Tamar. Today, only 400 of the original 3000 caverns remain, which include living quarters, tunnels, churches, and wine cellars. Witness the only existing historical portraits of King George and King Tamar. Your day culminates with a return to Tbilisi for an overnight stay, bringing your Georgian adventure full circle. On the way, stop at Paravani Lake for a fascinating panorama.

Conclude your 12-day tour to Georgia with a check-out from your Tbilisi hotel and a transfer to the airport. Depart from Tbilisi, carrying with you a treasure trove of memories, etched with the rich history, natural beauty, and cultural diversity of Georgia.