9-Day Georgia Cultural Tour: History, Traditions & Wine

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, venture to the Gremi fortress, a 15th-century architectural wonder now houses a church, palace tower, and a museum. Continue your journey to Kvareli's Khareba Winery, a distinctive cellar tunneled into the Caucasus Mountains, for a wine-tasting experience. Ascend to Sighnaghi, the 'city of love', perched atop a hill with views over the Alazani Valley. Visit the Bodbe monastery, a serene 9th-century nunnery and tourist haven. The day concludes with a return to Tbilisi for an overnight stay.

Begin your morning with a journey to Kazbegi, stopping at the UNESCO-listed Jvari Monastery, magnificently situated at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Next up is Ananuri Fortress, a stunning ensemble of churches, towers, and walls set against the backdrop of the Zhinvali reservoir. Take the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi, making photographic stops at Gudauri View Point and the Jvari Overpass Travertine Natural Monument. In Stepantsminda, take a hike or drive to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church, which provides breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek. The day ends with an overnight stay in Gudauri.

Morning departure to Gori, exploring Joseph Stalin's birthplace. The house museum now houses the defense pavilion, Stalin's armored train carriage, and a museum. Photo stop at Gori Fortress. Witness Next, discover Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town significant in Hellenistic and Late Antique periods, featuring remarkable cave structures like the Theatre, Queen Tamar's Hall, as well as the pre-Christian Temple of Makvliani and a church. Drive to Akhaltsikhe in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region for an overnight stay.

Begin your day by exploring Akhaltsikhe, which translates as 'New Castle' in Georgian. This historic city, known for its embrace of religious diversity and tolerance, is a mosaic of Georgian, Armenian, Catholic, Jewish, and Islamic cultures. Enjoy the architectural splendor of Rabati Castle, a 9th-century fortress that underwent a complete restoration in 2012 and is now a tourist magnet thanks to its intricate labyrinths, churches, and mosques. Drive next to Vardzia, a monolithic cave town etched into the Georgian landscape. Photo stop at Khertvisi Castle, a fortress built between the 10th and 14th centuries, majestically perched above the confluence of the Paravani and Mtkvari Rivers. Vardzia, once home to over 3000 caves, now has 400 remaining caverns, including living quarters, churches, wine cellars, and historical portraits of King George III and his daughter, King Tamar.

Finish the day by crossing the Likhi Ridge (Rikoti Pass), a natural divide between eastern and western Georgia. Arriving in Kutaisi for an overnight stay, a city with a 3500-year history and famously linked to the Greek Myth of the Argonauts.

After breakfast, head to Okatse Canyon Natural Monument in the Imereti region. Explore a medieval forest path that leads to a 780-meter metal hanging trail and ends with a breathtaking panoramic view. A short distance away, take in the breathtaking Kinchkha Waterfall, an 88-meter cascade of natural beauty. Cross the canyon on a specially built metal footbridge and enjoy the views of multiple waterfalls. Proceed to Martvili Canyon, where a historical trail of Dadianebi and three platform views provide a spectacular canyon panorama. A 300-meter boat tour provides an immersive experience. The day ends with a return drive to Kutaisi.

*Optional dinner at a local family winery featuring delicious Imeretian cuisine and wines.

Start your morning by driving to the Prometheus Cave near Kutaisi, an underground marvel where nature has sculpted exquisite stalactites and stalagmites. Six of its 22 halls are open to visitors, including the Argonauts Hall, the Kolkheti Hall, the Medea Hall, the Love Hall, the Prometheus Hall, and the Iberia Hall. The cave, 40 meters below sea level and extending 1.8 kilometers, is a journey into the heart of Georgian natural history. The day progresses with the Kutaisi city tour. Visit Bagrati Cathedral, a testament to a united Georgia built in 1003 under Bagrat III's reign. Continue to the Motsameta Monastery, an 11th-century sanctuary perched atop a cliff and surrounded by lush foliage. Next, explore the Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from Georgia's Golden Age, founded by King David the Builder. The monastery represents the nation's economic and political zenith from the 11th to 13th centuries. The day culminates with a scenic drive to Tbilisi for an overnight stay.

Conclude your 9-day tour in Georgia with a hotel checkout, followed by a transfer to the airport. Depart from Tbilisi, carrying with you the enduring memories of a land rich in history, culture, and natural splendor.