Cultural Tour in Georgia

Today we will take a trip to the wine region of Kakheti, considered the cradle of Georgian wine. We will travel through a picturesque semi-desert landscape to the cave monastery of Davit-Gareja on the border with Azerbaijan.

According to legend, this monastery was founded by Davit, one of the 13 Azerbaijani fathers who fled to Georgia to escape persecution in the 6th century. Visitors can see the monastery, which is decorated with colourful frescoes from the 10th to 13th centuries.

We will have lunch at a charming restaurant in the village of Udabno before continuing on to Sighnaghi.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Sighnaghi / hotel

After breakfast, we will take a walk around town and explore the city walls of Sighnaghi, where we will have a breathtaking view of the Alazani plain and the majestic Caucasus Mountains.

We will then continue to the Bodbe Nunnery, the final resting place of Saint Nino, an important figure in Georgian history.

On the way to Telavi, we will stop at the palace of the Georgian prince Chavchavadze in Tsinandali. A wine tasting and a snack await us at the neighbouring Shumi winery. Afterwards, we will continue over the Gombori Pass to Mtskheta.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Mtskheta / in a hotel

A highlight of our cultural tour to Georgia is a visit to Mtskheta, the old capital of Georgia. In the morning, we will visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Jvari Church, two outstanding symbols of Georgian culture and history, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

After that, we will go on a beautiful drive: we will follow the famous military road that will take us to Stepantsminda in the Greater Caucasus. The majestic Mount Mkinvari and the Trinity Church are the highlights of the country here.

On the way, we will visit Ananuri Castle, the Arch of Friendship and other fascinating attractions.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Stepantsminda / hotel

Although we are on a cultural tour in Georgia, we have deliberately included short hikes in the programme, which give the trip a special charm.

In Stepantsminda, situated at an altitude of 1500 metres in the mountains, we start the day with a hike to the monastery of Gergeti, which is perched at the foot of Mount Kazbeg (5047 metres). The monastery was built in the 14th century and is located at an altitude of 2200 metres.

For guests for whom the hike is too strenuous, we will organise a comfortable ride there.

In the afternoon, we will drive through the picturesque Sno Valley to the village of Juta. From here, there is the option of hiking up Mount Tschauchi or enjoying the breathtaking view at Café Zeta at 2200 m. The route is part of a popular hiking trail from Stepantsminda to Tusheti/Omalo.

The hike takes about 2 hours and is about 7 kilometres long. A light packed lunch will be provided.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Stepantsminda / hotel

On the way from eastern to western Georgia, in the direction of Kutaisi, the country’s second largest city, the landscape changes dramatically.

In the afternoon, we explore Gori, the birthplace of Stalin, and the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe from the 4th to 6th century.

Despite the damage caused by earthquakes and the Mongols, the remains of the amphitheatre, the gladiatorial fighting ground, the temples and caves still impress visitors today.

In Gori, there is an opportunity to visit the Stalin Museum if interested. After a lunch break, we continue over the Rikoti Pass to Kutaisi, where we stay overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Kutaisi / at the hotel

We start the day with a walk through Kutaisi, the second largest city in Georgia, and visit the famous farmers’ market. We continue to the nature reserve Sataplea with a stalactite cave and dinosaur tracks, and to the monastery of Gelati.

The beautiful Gelati Monastery from the 13th century with its well-preserved wall paintings served as an educational centre in the Middle Ages and was built by ‘David IV’, the most important king of Georgia.

Finally, there will be a delicious dinner in the city centre.

Meals: breakfast, wine tasting + dinner

Accommodation: Kutaisi / in a hotel

Our return journey to Tbilisi marks the end of our impressive cultural tour of Georgia. We arrive in Tbilisi in the afternoon, where our guests have time to explore the city on their own or simply to relax.

In the evening, we would be happy to organise a farewell dinner to round off the trip in style.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Tbilisi / hotel

Our wonderful cultural tour of Georgia comes to an end with the transfer to the airport.