Although small, Georgia is rich in landscapes. High snow-capped Caucasus mountains descend to the subtropical Black Sea coast; fertile valleys and gushing rivers give way to dramatic semi-desert. Numerous ancient cave towns and fortresses, towers and churches will catch your eye as you travel around the country. This tour includes all the main tourist attractions in Georgia. You will get to know the history, culture and traditions of different regions and experience for yourself the famous Georgian hospitality - an indispensable part of the country!
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive in Tbilisi
Arrive in Tbilisi, meet at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 2:
Tbilisi
Tbilisi sightseeing program - the Old and New Towns. The city offers a great variety of sights, most of them very ancient. All the places of interest in the Old Town are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. We start our visit to Old Tbilisi from Metekhi Church (13th century), then walk up to the brick-domed Sulphur Baths - visitors will later also have an opportunity to take a sulphur bath and invigorating massage. From the Baths we head up the hill to visit Narikala Fortress (4th century) - one of the oldest fortifications in the city. Afterwards we continue to the Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral (7th century) and Anchiskhati Church (6th century). This marks the end of the Old Town. After lunch we visit the stunning treasuries of the Georgian State and Art Museums, before taking a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue - the main street in Tbilisi.
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Day 3:
Tbilisi - Telavi
We travel to Kakheti - the famous wine-growing region. We start from Tbilisi early in the morning and drive to David Gareja Cave Complex (6th century) located in a stark, desert-like landscape. After seeing Lavra Monastery we walk up for about 50 minutes to Udabno Monastery to enjoy its wonderful painted caves and dramatic views across to Azerbaijan. In the evening we arrive in Telavi, the main town in the region.
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Day 4:
Kakheti Region
Today we visit the main sights of the Kakheti region: Alaverdi Cathedral (11th century), Shuamta Church (6th century), Ikalto Academy (12th century) and Gremi Fortress (16th century). For lunch we take you to the village of Gavazi to enjoy the hospitality of the local people and to sample some delicious home-made food and wine. Overnight in Telavi.
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Day 5:
Telavi - Mtskheta - Gudauri
From Telavi we head back west to visit the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia - Mtskheta and its historic Jvari Church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) - both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Then we drive up the famous Georgian Military Highway, en route visiting the Ananuri church complex. The drive is very scenic as it heads up into the Caucasus mountains. Overnight in Gudauri ski resort (2200m
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Day 6:
Gudauri - Kazbegi - Gudauri
A stunning drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River will bring us to Kazbegi - the main town in the region. From Kazbegi a leisurely 1.5 hour walk up through beautiful valleys and woodland leads us to the Gergeti Trinity Church located at 2170m. Weather permitting you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus - Mt Kazbegi (5047m). We then drive to the Russian border through the dramatic Dariali Gorge before returning to Gudauri.
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Day 7:
Gudauri - Gori - Bakuriani
From Gudauri ski resort we drive to another ski resort - Bakuriani (1806m). On the way we visit the town of Gori - the heart of the Kartli region - the Stalin Museum, Ateni Church (7th century) and Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC) - one of the main points along the Great Silk Road. From Gori we continue to Meskheti region, pass through Borjomi spa town and drive up to Bakuriani for a two-night stay.
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Day 8:
Bakuriani - Vardzia - Bakuriani
Today we drive through Meskheti and Javakheti regions to visit Vardzia Cave Town (12th century) - one of the highlights of Georgia. On the way to Vardzia we also visit Khertvisi Fortress.
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Day 9:
Bakuriani - Borjomi - Kutaisi
A local tiny train from Bakuriani meanders down through the forest to bring us to Borjomi. From there we travel to Imereti province (West Georgia) - an area of cool springs, green fields and beautiful gardens. On the way we’ll visit Ubisa Church (9th century) with its wonderful frescoes and then start for the pretty town of Kutaisi - the second largest in the country.
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Day 10:
Kutaisi
The sights in and around Kutaisi are certainly worth visiting. The splendid Bagrati Cathedral ruins (11th century) and Gelati Monastery and Academy (12th century) are UNESCO World Heritage sites. A pleasant walk along the Avenue of Wishes leads to Motsameta - the Church of the Martyrs (11th century). After lunch we will visit the Vani archaeological site and museum.
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Day 11:
Kutaisi - Tbilisi
In the morning transfer to Tbilisi. Visit the Open-Air Museum and after lunch there is free time to enjoy the city. In the evening we arrange a farewell dinner with traditional Georgian cuisine and wine followed by a folk show.
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Day 12:
Departure
Early in the morning Transfer to the airport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes: Accommodation (Hotel “Kolkhi” in Tbilisi) FB, Guide, Transportation, entrance fees as mentioned in the program.
Price excludes: Georgian visas, Insurance, beverages.
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