In the Homeland of Wine (Wine Tour)

In the Homeland of Wine

(Wine Tour)

  

Day 1: Arrival in the capital of Georgia. At Tbilisi International Airport you will be met by your guide. Transfer to the hotel. After having a rest you will be taken for a dinner at one of local restaurants. Walk through the city.

Day 2: They say that Georgians started cultivating grape and producing wine eight centuries ago. The recent archaeological finds prove this. Scientists found grape seeds in an earthen vessel during the excavations in Kakheti. There are about 500 species of grapes in Georgia and around 70 per cent grows in Kakheti. That is why this region is considered to be the cradle of winemaking in Georgia. You will pay your first visit to Bodbe Monastery.

Bodbe Monastery

The first church here was built in IV century during the life of St. Nino. She is buried right here. You will walk down to the saint spring; its appearance is linked to the name of the saint as well. They say that if a believer dips into the spring he will relieve of all the illnesses. Next stop is in the beautiful city of Sighnaghi. This is the only city in Georgia which is still surrounded with a fort. You will get a chance to walk along the city and enjoy its marvelous views, especially at Alazani Valley. Here, at the restaurant “Maspindzelo”, you will dine then move to “Teliani Veli” Winery. Excursion around the winery. You will taste different kinds of wine with light snacks. A small surprise is waiting for you after tasting. Overnight at the small hotel in the winery. Here you will find only 7 rooms. On the doors of the rooms there are written the names of the wines, you can choose the room of the wine you liked. Each room is designed in colors of the wine of the appropriate name. Move to Alaverdi Cathedral, which was considered to be the highest church in Georgia before the construction of Holy Trinity Cathedral was completed in Tbilisi.

Alaverdi Cathedral

Now the church serves as a monastery. Next visit you will pay to George White Cathedral. If you’re lucky, you’ll see pilgrims living in tents around the cathedral. Move to the monastery and academy Ikalto. Here the greatest Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli, the author of the poem “The Knight in Panther’s Skin”, studied. Return to the winery. On your way back you will stop in Telavi, administrative centre of Kakheti. Here you will dine.

Day 3: First time in your life you will wake up in a winery. Your breakfast will be waiting for you in a beautiful tasting room. But this will not be a regular cup of tea or coffee. You will start the morning with tasting wine and chacha. Drive to Telavi, where you can visit the Palace of King Irakli II and see 900-year-old sycamore tree. After this you will visit another winery – GWS. The hosts will show you the plant. You will see the lab, where wine quality is checked and visit the old cellar, where you will find kvevri (clay pot buried in the ground), satsnaheli (a vessel carved from pear wood, where the grapes are being pressed by feet), the ancient clay jugs and bowls. In the tasting room you will taste several types of wine, walk through the amazing garden and enjoy the view of the Caucasus Mountains. It’s time to move to Gurjaani city, located in 37 km from Telavi. Here, in the “Gurjaani Wine House”, you will get a chance to make famous Georgian churchkhela on your own.

Gurjaani Wine House

You also will participate in making of Georgian bread called lavashi, try a wine that is bottled only in 1500-1800 bottles and take part in producing of chacha (grape vodka).

Making Lavashi (Georgian bread)

At the end of the day you will enjoy Georgian feast with good wine and polyphonic singing. The winners of an international competition, the ensemble of folk songs “Gurjaani” will be singing for you. Late in the evening you will return to Tbilisi and check in hotel.

 

Day 4: Excursion to Sulfur Baths district called Abanotubani.

Sulfur Baths district – Abanotubani                    Narikala  Fortress                                                  

A tourist visiting Tbilisi should visit Sulfur Baths for sure. Arabic sages were considering Tbilisi Sulfur Baths among “Wonders of the World”. Famous Russian writers Alexander Griboedov and Alexander Pushkin as well as Alexander Dumas (the father) loved visiting this place. Pushkin wrote about baths: “I’ve seen nothing more luxury than Tiflis baths neither in Russian nor in Turkey”. Bath-house attendant (mekise) will work wonders with you, and the natural sulfur water that heats in the bowels of the earth will rejuvenate you. In the rest room you will find brandy waiting for you. After the bath you will walk along the Old Tbilisi with its narrow streets and carved balconies. At Rustaveli Avenue you will see the sign “World of Wine”. You might think it is a wine shop when you first enter it but there is a small restaurant there as well. The most interesting waits for you on the ground floor; there is 100-years-old cellar where champagne is produced by traditional bottle method. Here you will learn the technology of producing champagne Cuvee Margot. Have you ever heard that sparkling wine is being produced in the downtown? You will have your supper right here, taste national and European cuisine and dishes prepared on the wine bases.

Day 5: Move to Georgia’s ancient capital – eternal town of Mtskheta. They believe that praying here three times is equal to one praying in Jerusalem. On the hilltop there is one of the oldest Georgian cathedrals – Jvari Monastery built in the 6^th century. From here one can see the confluence of the Aragvi and the Mtkvari Rivers. Next visit to pay to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral built in 11^th century. The sanctuary for all the Christians – Jesus Christ’s robe, in which he was crucified, is kept in this medieval church.

Mtskheta                                                             Jvari                                                 

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11^th Century)

A lot of interesting facts you will learn about Samtavro Nunnery. Behind the fortress wall of the nunnery you’ll find a little church and a bush of blackberry planted at the times of St. Nino (the Enlightener of Georgia).

Samtavro Nunnery

Next stop is Shio-Mgvime medieval monastic complex. A friendly dinner at restaurant “Armazis Tskaro” is waiting for you after your excursion. Return to Tbilisi.

Shio-Mgvime

 Day 6: Can you imagine your state after such a night? Alexander Dumas (the father) who visited Georgia couple of centuries ago was in the same condition. But he helped himself by eating Georgian dish called khashi. “Are we worse than Dumas”, you might ask and you will be right. From the early morning you will be taken to a small restaurant “At Zurab’s”. According to the tradition when they eat khashi they take 100 grams of vodka – better if it is chacha. But the owner of the restaurant has his own recipe – a glass of champagne. After your unusual breakfast you will have some free time. Transfer to the airport. Departure.

TOUR FEES:

330 euros per person for groups of 12 persons.

390 euros per person for groups of 6 persons;

570 euros per person for groups of 4 persons;

780 euros per person for groups of 2 persons;

The price includes:

• Accommodation in 3* hotel in Tbilisi and in the hotel of “Teliani Veli” Winery;

• Three meals a day and all friendly feasts;

• Transfer along the route;

• Guide service on the route;

• Visits to “Teliani Veli” and GWS Wineries;

• Visit to “Gurjaani Wine House”;

• Visit to Sulfur Baths

Extra charges:

• Airline tickets;

• Accommodation in 4* and 5* hotels.

 Contact Us – 

+995 55 78 64 37            ,                         +995 95 56 38 56
e-mail – caucasustbilisi@gmail.com
geomoderntour@gmail.com

Wedding Tour

Day 1: Arrival in the capital of Georgia Tbilisi, meeting with the guide at the airport and transfer to hotel. After having a rest you will have dinner in the Club Restaurant “Pesvebi”. Then you will stroll through the city.
Day 2: In the morning you’ll move to Kakheti Region, to be more precise to the “City of Love” ​​Sighnaghi.

​​

Sighnaghi

Here you will get married. This will happen in the beautiful Palaceof Weddings. The first to congratulate you will be the company “GeoModernTour”. We will hand you a memorable gift on this occasion. Here, in the restaurant “Sarajishvili” you will find a table for two. Spend the night in a hotel, where you will be taken by chaise.

Day 3: In the morning you will go to Alaverdi Cathedral, which flaunts on the background of theCaucasus Mountains.

Alaverdi Cathedral

The next visit you will pay to the winery GWS, where you will taste different varieties of wine with a light snack. There another surprise will be waiting for you. Lunch at the restaurant and visit the castle and monastery Gramy.

Gramy

Later in the afternoon you will return to Tbilisi and dine at the restaurant. Here a folk ensemble will sing for you Georgian folk songs.

Day 4:

Move to airport.

Departure

TOUR FEES:

350 € – per person for a group of 4 persons.

400 € – per person for a group of 4 persons;

550 € – per person for a group of 2 persons;

The price includes: 

• Accommodation in 3* hotel in Tbilisi and Sighnaghi;

• Three meals a day and all feasts;

• Transfer;

• Guide services;

• Visit to GWS Winery and tasting;

• All entrance fees;

• Performance by folklore ensembles;
Extra charges: 

• Airline tickets;

• Accommodation in 4*, 5* hotel.

Contact Us

+995 55 78 64 37      ,              +995 95 56 38 56

e-mail – caucasustbilisi@gmail.com

Georgia along and across

Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi and meeting with the representatives of the travel agency “GeoModernTour”. Transfer to 3* hotel “Ponto”, which is located right in the city centre. You will have a walk in Tbilisi – a city with great heart and warmth (even the name “Tbilisi” says about it – “tbili” in Georgian means “warm”).

 Day 2: Move to Western Georgia. On your way you will visit the ancient capital of Georgia, the eternal town of Mtskheta which is considered to be the second Jerusalem. They say the first settlement on this territory was founded by Mtskhetos, the son of Kartlos (sixth generation after Moses). We offer you an unforgettable climb to Jvari Monastery with its breathtaking views. Here Lermontov’s hero Mtsyri was standing at the precipice and overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and the Mtkvari Rivers.

Jvari

 Next stop will be in Borjomi. You will pay a visit to Borjomi Park, where you will taste the genuine “Borjomi” straight from the spring. You will get a chance to walk in the park and climb to Borjomi Plateau. The way lies through Likhi Ridge which divides Georgia into two parts: Eastern and Western. You will be able to overcome this ridge by Rikoti tunnel extending for 1722 meters long. First stop in Western Georgia will be in the village Shrosha where you can buy lots of clay souvenirs. An hour later you are in Kutaisi – the second largest city of Georgia. According to the legend, Kutaisi was the capital of Colchis Kingdom when Argonauts arrived here, and it was called Aya… Check in to the hotel “Aeetes Palace”. A dinner in the hotel and a walk along the evening city.

Rioni River, Kutaisi

Day 3: In the morning you will visit Bagrati Cathedral, and then move to Motsameta Monastery, Gelati Monastery and Academy, founded by the great Georgian King David IV the Builder, canonized by Georgian Orthodox Church. The king is buried here according to his will. You will dine in Kutaisi and travel to Sataplia cave, where you can see the thousand-year-old stalactites and stalagmites. Return to the hotel. Free time. Supper.

                                       

 Bagrati Cathedral

 Day 4: Drive to Samegrelo, where you will visit the administrative center of the region – beautiful Zugdidi city. Move to the mountains, where Georgian nature will again enchant you with its beauty. Among the high mountains, in the ravine of the Inguri River, you will discover human made miracle – a cascade of Inguri hydroelectric station and reservoir. Return to Zugdidi. Visit the Palace of Samegrelo prince – Dadiani, church, the Botanical Garden and museum, where the chiton of Holy Virgin is kept. Next stop is Rukhi Fortress. You will dine in the restaurant, where among other dishes you can taste gomi (thick maize porridge) with Georgian suluguni cheese. Back to Kutaisi.

 Day 5: Move to Adjara. Introduction to this blessed land starts from Botanical garden, founded in 1912 by A. Krasnov buried right here. Batumi, the capital of Adjara Region, is an extraordinarily beautiful city which became the hallmark of Georgia.

Batumi

Batumi

Take a stroll along the boulevard and city center, visit the Museum of Local Lore, try unusual Adjarian khachapuri and move to Sarpi on Georgian-Turkish border. Next you will visit the fortress Gonio Apsara. Return to Kutaisi.

Gonio Apsara Fortress

 Day 5: Move to Meskheti (South Georgia). Visit to Khertvisi Fortress and then transfer to carved in rocks Vardzia town. It is not just randomly dug cave rooms. It is a multi-storey complex with streets, tunnels and staircases, leaded by monasteries, temples, castles, baths, libraries, residential buildings… In total there are over 600 rooms connected by passages, stretched along the mountains for 800 meters in length, 50 meters in depth and eight floors in height. In the case of enemy attack, the monastery became a refuge for civilians and could accommodate up to 20 000 person. Move to Akhaltsikhe where you will have your dinner. Return to Tbilisi. Supper.

Vardzia                                                                                        

Day 7: This day you will dedicate to two capitals – Tbilisi and Mtskheta. You will start introducing with 1500 years old city of Tbilisi from visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral. This is not only the biggest church in the Georgia but also a whole complex including 13 churches. You will take a walk along the city and visit Metekhi church (5^th century). At the monument to the founder of Tbilisi King Vakhtang Gorgasali you will be told the legend of founding the city. Excursion to Sulphur Baths district called Abanotubani. You will be able to visit Tbilisi mosque – the only mosque in the world where Sunnis and Shiites can pray together. Then you will climb to Naikala Fortress. From the top of the hill where the fort is you can enjoy marvelous views opening on the ancient city. You’ll take a walk along the Chardin Street. Next visit you will pay to Sioni Cathedral where the relics of Apostle Thomas are kept. Move to Georgia’s ancient capital – eternal town of Mtskheta, where you will dine at the Public Restaurant. Here you will discover Svetitskhoveli Cathedral built in 11^th century. They believe that praying in this church three times is equal to one praying in Jerusalem. The sanctuary for all the Christians – Jesus Christ’s chiton, in which he was crucified, is kept in this medieval church. A lot of interesting facts you will learn about Samtavro Nunnery. Behind the fortress wall of the nunnery you’ll find a little church and a bush of blackberry planted at the times of Saint Nino (the Enlightener of Georgia). Here you can also visit St. Gabriel’s tomb, who was canonized by Holy Synod of Georgian Orthodox Church. A friendly dinner in Georgia’s ancient capital is waiting for you after your excursion. Return to Tbilisi. 

Mtskheta         Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11^th Century)                                                                                                                  

 Day 8: They say that Georgians started cultivating grape and producing wine eight centuries ago. Recently during the excavations in Kakheti archeologists found a vine stone in earthenware crockery. It’s considered that Kakheti (the land of wine and love) is the cradle of wine in Georgia. This day you will spend in this region. There are over 500 sorts of grapes in Georgia, 70 per cent of it grows in Kakheti Region. You will pay your first visit to Bodbe Monastery.

The first church here was built in 4^th century during the life of St. Nino, who is buried right here. Then you will walk down to the saint spring; its appearance is linked to the name of St. Nino as well. They say that if a believer dips into the spring he will relieve of all the illnesses. Next stop is a beautiful city of Sighnaghi – the only city in Georgia which is still surrounded with a fort. You will get a chance to walk along the city and enjoy its marvelous views, especially at Alazani Valley.

Bodbe Monastery

Move to Gurjaani. Here you will visit “Gurjaani Wine House”. Your master will meet you outside and invite you in where you will get a chance to cook barbeque, Georgian lavash and famous khinkali. You will participate in producing chacha (vine vodka) and Georgian sweets called churchkhela. After a “culinary class” you will taste Georgian wine bottled just in 1500-1800 bottles and later you’ll participate in Kakhetian feast with real toast-master. Return to Tbilisi.

 

Gurjaani Wine House

 Day 9: In the early morning you will travel towards the Caucasian Ridge by Georgian Military Highway. First stop will be in Pasanauri village.

                                                                                               

 Gudauri

Here you will discover amazing nature of Mtiuleti. On your way you will cross famous ski resort Gudauri. As soon as you pass the Cross Pass, which is 2379 meters long, you will find yourself in Stepantsminda village. The settlement is stretched out at the foot of Kazbegi Mountain. Here you will check in a hotel, rest and have dinner. Then you’ll climb to Gergety Trinity Monastery which is located on the slope of Kazbegi at the height of 2047 meters. It will take you 3 hours.

Gergeti Trinity Church

For additional fees you will be able to rise there on horseback or by car. You will take a walk through Darial Gorge and discover a beautiful Gveleti Waterfall there. Return to the hotel and participate in making Georgian khinkali. Dinner.

Day 10: After having breakfast you will climb to the mountain where the Church of St. Elijah (7-9^th centuries) is situated. You will have a chance to walk in the nearby forest for 1-2 hours. Transfer to Tbilisi. Departure.

TOUR FEES:

550 euro per person for group of 10 tourists.

650 euro per person for group of 5 tourists;

750 euro per person for group of 4 tourists;

910 euro per person for group of 2 tourists;

The price includes:

• Hotel accommodation in Tbilisi 3* and in Kutaisi 4*;

• 2 meals (breakfasts and suppers), all friendly feasts;

• All entrance fees;

• Transfer;

• Guide services;

• Visiting “Gurjaani Wine House”;

Extra charges:

• Airline tickets;

• Hotel accommodation 4* and 5*.

Contact Us –             +995 55 78 64 37      ,             +995 95 56 38 56
e-mail – caucasustbilisi@gmail.com
geomoderntour@gmail.com

Great offer for GUDAURI – Georgia

 

 

Gudauri – young and rapid developing winter sports resort located in Kazbegi region of Georgia, 100 km from Tbilisi, at the height of 2,196 m (about 7,200 feet) near the Cross Pass. Skiing season lasts from December to April, comfort skiing on all routes. Skiing in November and May is possible on the third (highest) lift or even on the second lift in a snow year. The lower lift station is at 1,990 m (6,500 feet), and the top station is at 3,007 m (9,860 feet).

Heli Ski is available throughout the season! A unique challenge for all!

Gudauri is perfect for summer travellers as well. You can enjoy green tablelands and white peaks of mountains there. During the summer special tours are offered (among them horseback riding, cycling and walking).

At this wonderful place we are offering several apartments in the exclusive, newly built house near the ski track and first lift (about 50 metres distance). You can choose studio apartments with a kitchen and bathroom or apartments with 2 and more rooms. The house has its autonomous heating and water supply systems. Every apartment on the ground flour has its own box, where you can keep your skiing equipment. Café and restaurant is located on the first floor.

At this moment our company is offering exclusive rent prices for the apartments, just 100 USD for 1 room/studio apartment (23 and 30 square meters), where 4 people can have comfortable environment. Apartments are new and prepared to live in. The house has its attendant who is on duty for a whole year watching the surroundings and inwards of the House.

Do not Miss out on this tremendous opportunity to enjoy the unique nature and leisure all the year round!!!!

Contact Us –             +995 55 78 64 37      ,             +995 95 56 38 56
e-mail – caucasustbilisi@gmail.com
geomoderntour@gmail.com

Gastronomic Tour

Day 1: Arrival in the capital of Georgia Tbilisi. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to hotel. After having a rest you will be taken to a small restaurant “At Zurab’s”. Here you will taste Georgian cuisine. Before dinner, the restaurant owner will give a master class in cooking khinkali. They say that the more “wrinkles” khinkali have, the more professional they are cooked. You will learn to cook khinkali of meat, mushrooms, potatoes and Georgian suluguni cheese. The recipe you will get at the end of your tour. Whoever is not interested in cooking, can try two kinds of wine made by the owner of the restaurant. Dinner will be held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The owner of the restaurant Zurab will be your tamada (toastmaster). What a feast without a Georgian song? Here you will find a surprise… After dinner, walk through the city.

Khinkali

Day 2: In the morning first visit Tbilisi sulfur baths. Arab sages considered them among “Wonders of the World”. Sulfuric water that heats in the bowels of the earth will rejuvenate you. For an additional fee you will be able to order a bath attendant (mekise – as it is called here). He will make you an amazing massage that will cost you $ 10. After the bath you will walk along the Old Tbilisi district with its narrow streets and carved balconies. One of those little streets leads to Narikala Fortress. The fort was built here even before the foundation of Tbilisi. Here you will visit the Church of St. Nicholas. On the way back you will cross Tbilisi Shiite Mosque. This is a unique mosque – only here Sunnis and Shiites can pray together.

Narikala fortress

                                                                                                              

Sulfur Baths district – Abanotubani

Walk along Chardin Street; visit Sioni Cathedral (7^th century), where the holy relics of Apostle Thomas are kept. Walk along Leselidze Street, where you will find many souvenir shops. After dinner you will be taken to Holy Trinity Cathedral “Sameba”. It’s not just the largest cathedral in Georgia, but the whole complex consisting of 13 churches.

Peace Bridge (Tbilisi)                                                                                                    Holy Trinity Cathedral (Tbilisi)

Next visit you will pay to the Pantheon of Eminent Public People of Georgia, which is located on Mount Mtatsminda (Holy Mountain). Here is buried the great Russian writer Alexander Griboyedov and his wife, a Georgian princess Nino Chavchavadze. Transfer to the restaurant “At Zurab’s”, where you will have a master class in preparing Georgian khachapuri. Those who are not interested in cooking can taste Georgian chacha. Move to a hotel.

Day 3: In the morning you will visit Tbilisi Winery “Bagrationi 1882”. Inspect the plant and learn how they make famous sparkling wine. Here you will taste several types of sparkling wine. Move to the ancient capital of Georgia Mtskheta. They say that this city was built by Mtshetos, son of Kartlos (sixth generation after Moses.) You will climb to Jvari Monastery, where from you can see the whole city stretched from the confluence of the Aragvi and the Mtkvari Rivers. Next stop is Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. The robe of Jesus Christ in which he was crucified and the shroud of Elijah Predictor are kept in this church. Move to the “People’s restaurant”. Here you will try Georgian dish called lobio (boiled beans with spicy seasoning) in clay pots and kebab with wine of the Alazani Valley. After lunch you will visit Samtavro Nunnery. Return to Tbilisi. Free time.

       

Jvari

Mtckheta

Day 4: Drive to Gori city where you will visit the House-Museum of Josef Stalin and his railway carriage. Next stop will be in Surami village. Here you will see Surami Fortress. The walls of the fortress are wet all year round, but never freeze. Why? Your guide will explain you. In the forest you will stop for a picnic. You also will be taught how to make barbeque. Next visit you will pay to Borjomi. In Borjomi Park you will taste the genuine “Borjomi” straight from the spring. You will get a chance to walk in the park and climb to Borjomi Plateau. Ride the Ferris Wheel and go back to Tbilisi. Dinner.Mtskheta    

                                                                                                      

Borjomi

Day 5: This day you will spend in Kakheti – home of winemaking. In Georgia there are about 500 species of vines, 70 per cent of them grow in Kakheti. First of all you will visit Bodbe Monastery. The first church here was built in the IV century, during the life of St. Nino. Here she is buried. Go down to the sacred spring; its appearance is also associated with the name of a saint. They say those who plunge into this spring three times will cure of all diseases.

Bodbe Monastery

Next stop is in the beautiful city of Sighnaghi. This is the only city in Georgia surrounded by a fortress wall. Walk through the city.

 

Sighnaghi

Move to Gurjaani. Here you will visit “Gurjaani Wine House” and participate in cooking barbecue and Georgian bread called lavash.

Gurjaani Wine House

You’ll also be able to take a part in the producing of chacha (grape vodka) and Georgian sweet “churchkhela”.

Churchkhela

You will try red and white wines that are bottled only in 1700-1800 bottles, and participate in real Kakhetian feast with toastmaster. For extra charge you can enjoy Georgian polyphonic singing by ensemble “Gurjaani”. Return to Tbilisi.

Day 6: Free time. Transfer to the airport. Return home.
TOUR FEES:

250 euros per person for groups of 15 people (2* hotel or guesthouse).

285 euros per person for groups of 10 people (2* hotel or guesthouse);

570 euros per person for groups of 2 people (2* hotel or guesthouse);

390 euros per person for groups of 4 people (2* hotel or guesthouse);

295 euros per person for groups of 15 people (3* hotel);

325 euros per person for groups of 10 people (3* hotel);

630 euros per person for groups of 2 people (3* hotel);

430 euros per person for groups of 4 people (3* hotel);

The price includes:

• Accommodation in Tbilisi;

• Meals:

Day 1: Dinner, master class, wine tasting;

Day 2: Breakfast, dinner, master class, wine and chacha tasting;

Day 3: Breakfast, lunch;

Day 4: Breakfast, picnic in the woods, master class;

Day 5: Breakfast, master class, lunch and dinner, wine and chacha tasting;

Day 6: Breakfast.
• Visit to the factory of sparkling wines “Bagrationi 1882” and tasting;

• Visit to “Gurjaani Wine House”;

• Visit to sulfur baths;

• Visit to the House-Museum of Stalin;

• All entrance fees;

• Guide service on the route;

• Transfer of the whole route.
Extra Charges:

• Accommodation in 4* and 5* hotels;

• Airline tickets;

• Bath attendant service in sulfur baths;

• Performance of the folklore ensemble “Gurjaani”.

Contact Us

+995 55 78 64 37      ,             +995 95 56 38 56

e-mail – caucasustbilisi@gmail.com
geomoderntour@gmail.com

A Trip to Kakheti

Day 1: Arrival in the capital of Georgia. At Tbilisi International Airport you will be met by your guide. Move to Telavi city which is 80 kilometers far from Tbilisi. Check in a cozy home-like hotel. Dinner.

Day 2: In the morning you will go to Alaverdi Cathedral, which was considered to be the highest church in Georgia before the construction of Holy Trinity Cathedral was completed in Tbilisi. Now the church serves as a monastery. Next visit you will pay to George White Cathedral. If you’re lucky, you’ll see pilgrims living in tents around the cathedral. Move to a monastery and academy Ikalto. Here the greatest Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli, the author of the poem “The Knight in Panther’s Skin”, studied. It is impossible not to visit the winery once you came to Kakheti Region. So, you will be taken to “Schumi” Winery, where you will find a fascinating tour in the Museum of Wine. Here you will taste real Georgian wine. Going back to Telavi. Lunch at a local restaurant. Next you will visit the Palace of Georgian King Irakli II. Dinner at the guesthouse.

Alaverdi Cathedral

Day 3: Move to Gramy Fortress. You will be taken to the foot of the Caucasus Ridge by cars and then you’ll climb to Nekrisi Monastery. The rise will take you about 20 minutes. On holidays they slaughter pigs in the monastery. For lunch you will have kebabs, Georgian bread called lavashi, wine and chacha (grape vodka). Going back to Telavi. On the way you will visit the GWS Winery. Here you will be able to visit an old cellar where wine was prepared and stored in antiquity. You will see kvevri (clay pot buried in the ground) and satsnaheli (a vessel carved from pear wood, where the grapes are being pressed by feet). Walk through the garden with rare plants, an amazing carved gazebo with a beautiful view of the Caucasus Mountains. They will show you the winery and laboratory, where the quality of the wine is being checked. In the tasting room you will have wine and chacha with light snacks. Return to the guesthouse. Free time. Dinner.

 

Gremi Fortress

Day 4: In the morning you will go to the Palace of Prince Chavchavadze, the poet of the XIX century. Wander through the palace and the garden; visit the prince’s cellar, where wine is stored. There you can taste seven types of wine. Then you will visit Gurjaani Kovladtsminda Church. It attracts attention with its unique architecture: it is the only church in Georgia with two domes. The next stop is Bodbe Monastery. The first church here was built in the IV century, during the life of St. Nino – Enlightener of Georgia. She is buried right here. If you go down you will find a sacred spring; its appearance is also associated with the name of St. Nino. They say that if one plunges into this spring three times, he will be cured of all diseases.

Bodbe Monastery

After leaving the monastery you will be taken to the city of Sighnaghi.

Sighnaghi

Sighnaghi

It was reconstructed recently. Here you will find beautiful old streets, carved balconies, small churches, museums, monuments and restaurants. Lunch at the restaurant “Sarajishvili”. After it you will visit John Woodman, an American who settled in Kakheti 16 years ago, bought a vineyard, opened winery “Tears of a pheasant”. He receives foreign guests at his home. Here you will see the paintings created by John (he is a professional artist) and learn how grape seeds in a vessel were found during excavations in Kakheti. It was scientifically proved that the vessel was created 8000 years ago. This fact shows that even then Georgians were making wine. In Sighnaghi you can also find a large collection of antique rugs. In the evening you will drive back to Telavi and dine there.

 

Day 5: Early in the morning you will go to Dedoplistskaro town. You will head for the Visitors’ Center of Vashlovani Reserve, register and move to Eagle Valley, which is a natural monument. Here begins a 1.5-mile route that passes under the cliffs.

Vashlovani Reserve

Vashlovani Reserve

Next stop will be at Khornabudji Fortress (V century). You will have your lunch near the castle and move to the reserve.

Khornabudji Fortress

This night you will spend in comfortable bungalows, which are located in the deciduous forest on the banks of the Alazani River. Before dinner you will have time to go fishing or get acquainted with local flora and fauna. Dine outdoors or in a bungalow.

Day 6: After breakfast you will go to explore the reserve. Believe me, there’s a lot to be seen! Lunch outdoors – at Bear Canyon. After it you will continue your way in the reserve. Return to Tbilisi. Walk through the city and dinner. Check in guesthouse (or hotel).

Day 7: This day you’ll dedicate to two capitals. Introduction to the 1500-year-old city of Tbilisi will start from the visit to Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Trinity Cathedral

It’s not just the largest cathedral in Georgia – it is a whole complex consisting of 13 churches. Walk through the old town, visit Metekhi Cathedral. Near the monument to the founder of Tbilisi King Vakhtang Gorgasali you will learn the legend about the foundation of the city. Go down to the sulfur baths district called Abanotubani. Next you will visit Tbilisi Mosque. This is the only mosque in the world, where Sunnis and Shiites pray together. Then you will climb to Narikala Fortress, walk along Chardin Street and visit Sioni Cathedral. Here you can touch the holy relics of St. Thomas.

Tbilisi

Drive to the ancient capital of Georgia – Mtskheta, where you will have your lunch at the Public Restaurant. Visit Jvari Monastery (V century), which is located on the hilltop. From here you can see the confluence of two rivers: the Aragvi and the Mtkvari. They believe that praying in Mtskheta is equal to praying in Jerusalem. Next visit you will pay to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (XII century). The sanctuary for all the Christians – Jesus Christ’s chiton, in which he was crucified, is kept in this medieval church. In Samtavro Nunnery you will find a lot to surprise you. Behind the fortress wall you can see a little church and a bush of blackberry planted at the times of St. Nino. There you also will find the tomb of St. Gabriel, canonized by Holy Synod of Georgian Orthodox Church. You will dine in the ancient capital of Georgia and return to Tbilisi.

Tbilisi

Day 8: Free time. Lunch. Transfer to the airport. Departure.

TOUR FEES:

370 euros per person for groups of 15 people;

400 euros per person for groups of 10 people.

625 euros per person for groups of 4 people;

790 euros per person for groups of 2 people;

The price includes:

• Accommodation in the guesthouse in Telavi and in Dedoplistskaro or in a bungalow in Vashlovani Reserve; accommodation in guesthouse or 2* hotel in Tbilisi;

• Three meals a day, a picnic, friendly dinner and wine from Alazani Valley;

• Transfer along the route;

• All entrance fees;

• Visits to wineries, the Palace of Prince Chavchavadze, John Woodman’s house and wine tasting;

• Guide service on the route.

Extra charges:

• Airline tickets;

• Accommodation in 3*, 4* and 5* hotels.

Contact Us

+995 55 78 64 37      ,             +995 95 56 38 56

e-mail – caucasustbilisi@gmail.com
geomoderntour@gmail.com