Magical Journey Back in Time to Georgia

After a late breakfast, we start our Tbilisi sightseeing tour to get acquainted with the city. Walking through the historical part of the city and enjoying the unique combination of cultures. Meandering through the narrow streets of the city we will come-across various religious buildings: Churches, Synagogues, Mosques, Wooden houses built in the 19th century with colourful balconies, sulphur baths, the Narikala fortress.

Next, we take in the Georgian National Museum, where a great many intricate Georgian treasures are preserved. To finish up this introduction to the city we peruse Rustaveli Avenue which is the main central boulevard.

The rest of the day is left for exploring Tbilisi further, tasting wine in one of the many wine-bars, and getting acquainted with Georgian cuisine in one of the many great restaurants in the city centre.

In the morning we take the road to Kakheti. When we mention Kakheti, the first thing that comes to our mind is wine. Apart from winemaking, Kakheti is distinguished by monuments of different periods and diverse nature.

We visit the old Shuamta Monastery. The monastery, built in the 5th century, seems to be immersed in a deciduous forest.

In the afternoon we will give a better introduction to Georgian wine culture. The uniqueness of Georgian wine is determined by the fermentation in the clay amphora (Qvevri).

To get acquainted with the process of making a Qvevri (amphora) we visit a nearby village, where we will be hosted by modern masters of a craft practiced for many millennia.

Then we will visit a small family cellar, where we will taste natural and unique wines made in a Qvevris by the traditional method. We return to Tbilisi pleasantly drenched in wine.

In the morning we travel to  Mtskheta. Mtskheta is renowned for being the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia.

We visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jvari Monastery built in the 6th century high up on the hill overlooking Mtskheta – from Jvari Monastery we have an amazing panoramic view of the city with confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.

Later we will visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which is the largest historical building in Georgia among the survivors and leaves a great impression on the visitor.

In the second half of the day, we visit a small family winery, where rare varieties of wines are made using the only organic methodology. In the family cellar, we will taste high-class wines, which preserve the taste of old Georgian wine.

Then we visit the cave-town, Uplistsikhe. Uplistsikhe was a waypoint on the Silk Road, which passed through Georgia on this route, it is one of the oldest settlements and urban centres in the Caucasus.

In the evening we stay in the beautiful green city of Borjomi, which is a famous balneological and climatic resort.

In the morning we will drive to Vardzia. On the way, we will see Khertvisi fortress. We will stop to take a photo of this medieval defensive structure.

Then we will visit Vardzia cave town, which is the largest among the rock-carved cities in Georgia. There is a Church of the Assumption, refectories, sanctuaries, pantries, tunnels, a large number of cellars and pitchers.

Drive back to Borjomi and overnight.

We continue on the road to Kutaisi, which is one of the oldest cities in the world, this was the capital of Colchis as known in Greek mythology.

We visit Gelati Monastery. Gelati is a Georgian architectural ensemble, which was the most important center of medieval Georgia.

The centuries-old monastery with its beautiful paintings is deservedly included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

We will also visit Bagrati cathedral, which is a symbol of Georgia’s strength in terms of cultural background and architectural.

In the evening we will walk in the central streets of Kutaisi, where the charm of the old city is felt.

In the morning we drive to  Svaneti, which can be considered the culmination of the tour.

Svaneti is distinguished by towering villages harmoniously combined with huge mountains and cliffs, important samples of Georgian architecture, characteristic frescoes, centuries-old culture, sharply expressed individualism, and makes an indelible impression on the visitor.

From Kutaisi through Lentekhi we will find ourselves in the most beautiful village – Ushguli, surrounded by typical Svan defence towers, is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The highest peak of Georgia “Shkhara” is proudly elevated above us. The beauty of the Great Caucasus is especially felt here.

In the morning we take a walk to Shkhara Glacier. The beauty of the Great Caucasus will be especially felt while walking.

In the afternoon we will move to Mestia and visit the Svaneti Historical-Ethnographic Museum, where the ethnocultural heritage of this region is fully presented. The diverse exposition of the museum helps us to make a short trip to Svaneti more complete and cognitive.

In the evenings the towers of Mestia are lit and beautiful to see. The mystical shot of Mestia at night will remain in our memory for a long time.

(↑↓550m, 5-6 hours, 19km).

After seeing beautiful valleys, magnificent nature and ethnoculture of Svaneti, it is time to move to sunny subtropical Adjara. One of the most beautiful regions of Georgia.

On the way from Mestia to Batumi we will see Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi. Built in the 17th century, the palace is now a state historical-ethnographic museum.

In the evening we will stay in Batumi, which is the administrative centre of Adjara and the second city of Georgia.

Batumi is the best face of modern Georgia with its ancient port, beautiful seaside boulevard, old or new architectural buildings, European squares, and streets.

In the morning we visit  Gonio Castle – an ancient historical monument.

One of the oldest settlements in Georgia was built around this fortress. It had a unique strategic significance.

In the afternoon we will visit the unique ethnographic museum founded by a talented local artist. Examples of the traditions of Georgian ethnography, culture are presented here in an original way.

In the afternoon we will visit the main tourist sights of modern Batumi: The piazza, the statue of Medea, the alphabet tower, the moving statue of Ali and Nino.

Transfer to the airport and departure.