Classic Georgia

Discover the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, an eclectic and lively city built astride the Silk Road. Tbilisi is a pleasant and liveable place with a unique blend of European and Turko-Persian architecture. Today’s sightseeing will include the vast Holy Trinity Cathedral; the atmospheric Old Town, known as the kala, with its distinctive drum-domed antique churches, narrow lanes, and colourful wooden houses; and the thoroughly European quarter centred on prestigious Rustaveli Avenue, where you will visit the National Museum and take the funicular up to Mtatsminda Park to enjoy the panoramic views.

Today’s journey will take you east into the province of Kakheti, noted for its ruggedly beautiful scenery, endless vineyards, and some of the country’s finest churches. The revered 9th-century Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe will be your first stop. Then drive to nearby Sighnaghi for a walking tour and some wine tasting. Sighnaghi overlooks the fertile Alazani Valley and is often likened to a medieval Tuscan hill town. Later this afternoon, continue your journey through the vineyards to Tsinandali.

A drive through the lovely vine-draped scenery of the Alazani Valley will bring you to Nekresi Monastery, one of Georgia’s oldest churches. Then, continue to the fortified citadel at Gremi, once Kakheti’s capital. Both places have wondrous settings, as does your next destination, the vast Cathedral of St. George at Alaverdi. At the Tsinandali estate, a historic winery and country manor, there will be another opportunity to sample Georgian wine before returning to your hotel, which is located on the estate’s grounds.

Travelling to the mountainous region of Kazbegi via the historic Georgian Military Highway is one of the Caucasus’ most spectacular journeys. En route, stop at the eye-catching Ananuri Fortress before eventually arriving at the highest point on the road, the Jvari Pass (2,379 metres). Snow-capped mountains are the norm on the next section of the highway, which passes directly through Stepantsminda (1,740 metres), the area’s main village in the shadow of Mt. Kazbek. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the stunning mountain views from your hotel.

Depart Stepantsminda by 4WD for the uphill journey to Tsminda Sameba, more commonly known as Gergeti Trinity Church – one of Georgia’s most recognisable landmarks. Then, walk back down the mountain. Lunch today is a hands-on affair that teaches a little about some of the country’s more traditional dishes, such as khachapuri, a rich cheese-filled bread, and khinkali, a meat-filled dumpling. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities and stunning mountain views from your hotel.

A drive through the pristine Sno Valley will bring you to Juta this morning. This tiny village is the starting point for today’s hike up through a magnificent U-shaped glacial valley towards the multi-pinnacled peaks of Mt. Chaukhi (3,842 metres), the Caucasus’ answer to the Dolomites (duration three to five hours). A packed lunch will be provided. On returning to Stepantsminda, you might like to round the day off by visiting the spa or enjoying a drink with a view from the hotel’s terrace.

A scenic day’s journey will bring you from the high mountains of Kazbegi and across the fertile Kartli plain to the fine alpine scenery surrounding the Spa town of Borjomi. En route, break your journey at Gori, the birthplace of Stalin and home to a controversial museum dedicated to the dictator’s memory. The remainder of the day will be at leisure.to relax and enjoy the famous waters of Borjomi.

Set off this morning along the Mtkvari River to Vardzia. En route, stop for photographs at the dramatically situated Khertvisi Fortress. On arrival at Vardzia, visit the multi-level 12th-century cave city and monastic complex. Vardzia is an astonishing site and one of Georgia’s great cultural treasures. Hewn into the cliffs of Mt. Erusheti above the Mtkvari River, the area is incredibly scenic; its numerous chambers can be explored via a series of walkways and labyrinthian tunnels. Then, after lunch, return to Borjomi.

Return to Tbilisi, stopping at a number of interesting places en route. The first stop will be Chateau Mukhrani, a winery that has played a leading role in establishing European-style winemaking in Georgia. After a wine-tasting session and lunch at the winery, continue to Mtskheta, a charming town where the historical churches have collectively been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Then, continue to Tbilisi.

Today is at leisure to explore Tbilisi on an independent basis.

A private transfer will take you from your hotel to Tbilisi International Airport, where you will check in for your onward flight.