Long weekend in Georgia – culture and wine
Wine, (ghvino in Georgian) has played a central role in Georgian economic, social, cultural and religious life for thousand years. Nowadays as in the past, wine is one of the crucial parts of festive table accompanied with toasts and the trellises surrounding the Orthodox monasteries are iconic image of landscape. Throwback to history of wine (to – 6000 BC), Georgia can boast of its 8000 vintages. Georgia claims to be the world cradle of viticulture.
Located at the foot of the Greater Caucasus, vast vineyards as far as the eye can see, invite you to discover this rich history of winemaking, to taste Georgian wines, to take some fresh air of the Caucasian mountains near Lake Ananuri, then finish this tour in Tbilisi, in the cobbled streets, with wooden balconies embroidered with fine lace.
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Destination
Tour Plan
Arrival - Tbilisi
Arrive in Tbilisi, meeting and transfer to the hotel, according to the flight schedule.
Transfer: Private vehicle, around 00h30, 20 km. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Explore the East part of the country – Kahketi region
Departure to Kakheti region - the East part of the country, famous for its Qvevri wine and the richness of historical monuments.
The first stop is at Bodbe monastery where St Nino stop during conversing Georgians to the Christian faith, the holy evangelizer is very important figure of Georgian religion.
We continue our trip to Sighnaghi, sightseeing, walk through the cobbled streets, enjoy the splendid panorama over the Alazany Valley and the Caucasus from the historical wall around the town.
Visit the local wine cellar, where we can learn about 8000-years old unbroken wine tradition in Georgia and winemaking with Qvevri method, meeting with local winemaker and taste their wine.
The next stop is Tsinandali Estate – family palace and historic winery with beautiful garden which once belonged to the 19th-century aristocratic poet Alexander Chavchavadze, who was the first winemaker who bottled wine in 1814.
Short break of Telavi - the the capital and historical city of Kakheti.
The road to Tbilisi.
Transfer: Private vehicle, around 5h, 275 km. Walking hours: 2 h. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Discover Mtskheta with its UNESCO Sights and the Ananuri Fortress
Departure to Mtskheta located not far from Tbilisi. Mtskheta was an old capital of Iberia kingdom from the 3rd C BCE to 5th C CE, visit Jvari (Cross) monastery located on the top of a mountain with a great view of the meeting between the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral ("Life-giving column") with glorious architecture which dates back to the 11tcentury. Free time for strolling around the old town, here we meet many handcrafts, typical souvenirs, local products, etc.
Continue the road to the north, visit Ananuri Fortress which was a seat of the eristavis (Dukes) of Aragvi, a feudal dynasty which ruled the area from the 13th century. We can enjoy picturesque views over the Jinvali Reservoir.
Return back to the capital.
Transfer: Private vehicle, around 2h30, 140 km. Walking hours: 2 h. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Admire the vibrant city Tbilisi
Waking city tour of one of the vibrant capitals Tbilisi, explore the old town located at the bank of Mtkvari river, the old district of the city is very authentic with its traditional houses with wooden balconies and narrow streets. Visit the landmarks of the city: Metekhi church and its plateau which unfolds a superb view of the old city, Narikala Fortress with the cable car - the ancient symbol of the city, Abanotubani (bath district) famous for the Sulphur hot springs.
Visit the National Museum of Tbilisi with very impressive and rich collections of “golden treasure” from the antic period.
Continue our tour by car to the new part of the city, visit the modern architecture of the city.
Transfer: Private vehicle, around 1h, 20 km. Walking hours: around 3h. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Tbilisi - Departure
Transfer to Tbilisi International airport and departure.
Transfer: Private vehicle, around 00h30, 20 km.
Tour Location
Day 1 Arrive - Tbilisi
Day 2 Tbilisi - Bodbe - Sighaghi - Tsinandali - Telavi - Tbilisi
Day 3 Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Ananuri - Tbilisi
Day 4 Tbilisi
Day 5 Tbilisi - Departure