Luxury Georgia Holiday

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. First, visit St. Nina’s Monastery at Bodbe, then drive to the highly picturesque hill village of Sighnaghi, which has a setting likened to Tuscany. Have lunch on arrival and enjoy some wine tasting, then wander through this charming town before returning to Tbilisi.

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 Mtskheta, a charming town where the historical churches have collectively been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Journeying north, you soon reach 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.

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 the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi.

This morning, a drive through the pristine Sno Valley will bring you to Juta. 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 (3842m), the Caucasus’ answer to the Dolomites (duration 3 to 5 hours). A packed lunch will be provided. On returning to Stepantsminda and the Rooms Hotel, you might like to round the day off by visiting the Spa or enjoying a drink with a view on the wrap-around terrace.

Descend from the hills to Gori in central Georgia, the birthplace of Stalin and home to a controversial museum dedicated to the dictator’s memory. After a guided visit of the museum, drive the short distance to Uplistsikhe – an ancient religious and trading centre that has been carved into the rock and which commands stunning views as far as the eye can see. Continue east to the impressive Chateau Mukhrani winery that has played a leading role in establishing European-style wine-making in Georgia. Enjoy a wine-tasting session, then drive to Tbilisi.

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