Georgia Grand Tour

Itinerary

Day 1 — Welcome to Tbilisi

Our team will welcome you at Tbilisi International Airport and escort you to your hotel for a rest. After you have rested, we will embark on a tour to make your visit to Georgia an unforgettable experience. Our Tbilisi tour will start in the old town and showcase its iconic sights such as the pedestrian streets, the main churches (Anchiskhati and Sioni), Meydan Square, and the sulfur baths district. We will then take a cable car ride to the Narikala Fortress and the Mother of Georgia statue for a photo opportunity with a stunning panoramic view of the city. To wrap up the tour, we will visit Sololaki, the district of wealthy merchants and artists that still captivates visitors. If you feel energetic enough, we can attend a free open-air puppet show in front of the Rezo Gabriadze Theatre. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi.

Route: Tbilisi

Activities: City Walking | 3 hours 30 minutes , Sightseeing | 3 hours

Accommodation: Included Old Meidan Tbilisi by Urban Hotels * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: not included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Half day

Visited Attractions*: Narikala Fortress, Sioni Cathedral, Mother of Georgia, Sololaki District, Gabriadze Theatre, Anchiskhati Basilica, Meidani Square, Sulfur Baths, Metekhi Church.

Day 2 — Exploring Tbilisi

Let's start today's journey by strolling through the European side of Tbilisi, beginning with the David Aghmashenebeli Avenue on the left bank of the river. We will then visit the Dry Bridge Flea Market, where you can find items linked to Georgia's Soviet past. We will continue along Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi's main thoroughfare often referred to as the "Georgian Champs-Élysées", until we reach the old funicular which will take us to the top of Mtatsminda Park, the highest point in the city. After a midday break, we will take a drive to Turtle Lake, a 700-meter high hill surrounded by nature located in the heart of Tbilisi. Depending on your preference, we can also visit the Ethnographic Open Air Museum, which showcases around 70 traditional Georgian houses brought from various parts of the country. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi.

Route: Tbilisi

Activities: City Walking | 3 hours 30 minutes , Sightseeing | 3 hours

Accommodation: Included Old Meidan Tbilisi by Urban Hotels * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Mtatsminda Park, Turtle Lake, Rustaveli Avenue, Dry Bridge Flea Market, Freedom Square, Rike Cable Car, Tbilisi Funicular, Rike Park.

Day 3 — Wine Road to Kakheti

Today, we will take the Georgian Wine Road to Kakheti region. Along the way, we will stop for a masterclass on how to make delicious and crispy Kakhetian bread. Next, we will visit the charming city of Sighnaghi, known as the "City of Love." After a meal at the city's most famous restaurant, we will go to the quaint and flowering Bodbe Monastery. Our journey will continue with a visit to the famous Tsinandali Estate, which includes a leisurely walk in the park, a tour of one of the oldest cellars in Georgia, an exploration of the beautiful house-museum of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, and a wine tasting. We will conclude the day by visiting the peaceful town of Telavi, the capital of the Kakhetian region. Dinner and overnight in Telavi.

Route: Tbilisi — Private car | 115 km · 2 h 15 min — Sighnaghi — Private car | 70 km · 1 h 15 min — Telavi

Activities: Masterclass 30 minutes , Sightseeing | 3 hours

Accommodation: Included Green hotel ANG * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Bodbe Monastery, Tsinandali Palace, King Erekle II Palace, Sighnaghi Wall, Monument of Erekle II, Batonis Tsikhe Fortress.

Day 4 — Georgian Military Road

We will conclude our exploration of the Kakheti region by visiting the gloomy Gremi Church Complex. This hilltop fortress, surrounded by walls with embrasures and towers, was once the capital of Kakheti and includes the Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, a royal citadel, a bell tower, and a wine cellar. After our final visit in Kakheti, we will travel north to the Great Caucasus Mountains. Along the way, we will visit the medieval fortress of Ananuri and sample Pasanauri's khinkalis, the region's and possibly the country's most famous specialty. After the meal, we will ascend to the Gudauri Memorial for breathtaking views of Mount Bidara. To end the day, we will visit the picturesque town of Kazbegi, situated beneath the towering Mount Kazbek. Dinner and overnight in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) with a hotel with panoramic views of the mountains.

Route: Telavi — Private car | 225 km · 4 h 30 min — Stepantsminda

Activities: Sightseeing | 2 hours

Accommodation: Included Kazbegi Sunshine * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, Zhinvali Reservoir, Gremi Castle, Mount Kazbek, Ananuri Fortress.

Day 5 — "Heart of Georgia" — Gori

This day will begin by climbing to the Church of Gergeti, which is one of Georgia's iconic gems. You will experience the soul of the highest mountain temple in the country. After this experience, you will discover the fascinating giant stone heads in Sno village before taking a meal break. Then, let's continue to descend from the mountains. On the way, you will enjoy the amazing panorama of the Jinvali Reservoir. At the end of the day, we will reach the central region of Shida Kartli and Gori, the regional capital. There, you will have the opportunity to visit the home town museum of Joseph Stalin! Depending on the time, we can have a short walk through the charming streets of the city center. Dinner and overnight in Gori.

Route: Stepantsminda — Private car | 200 km · 3 h 45 min — Gori

Activities: City Walking 45 minutes , Sightseeing | 2 hours

Accommodation: Included Guesthouse Hestia * Or similar | Guest House | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Gori Fortress, Zhinvali Reservoir, The Stone Heads Of Sno, Stalin Museum, Gergeti Trinity Church.

Day 6 — Uncovering the Hidden Treasures of Vardzia and Rabati

Today, we embark on a journey to the west and start with a peaceful respite in Borjomi, the most renowned balneological resort in Georgia, surrounded by pine forests. Next, we head south to the mystical cave city of Vardzia carved into the rocks of Mount Erusheli. This 13-level feudal town boasts monastic cells, grand halls, libraries, stables, bakeries, swimming pools, and a functioning cathedral. After a meal, we travel back to the town of Akhaltsikhe and visit the 7-hectare Rabati Fortress, which houses the ethnographic museum of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, the Ahmadiyya mosque with its stunning golden dome and minaret, a madrasah, a church, and a synagogue. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in Akhaltsikhe.

Route: Gori — Private car | 225 km · 4 h 45 min — Akhaltsikhe

Activities: Sightseeing | 2 hours

Accommodation: Included Tiflis * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Khertvisi Fortress, Borjomi Central Park, Rabati Castle, Vardzia.

Day 7 — Amazing Katskhi Pillar: A Cliff Monastery Beyond Belief

This day, explore the picturesque resort of Borjomi and its natural beauty. Take a stroll to witness the city's landmarks and visit the Central Park where you can sample the therapeutic mineral water and ride the cable car to the forest. Have a mid-day break in the charming town of Chiatura and dine with locals to get a taste of Georgian life. Then, visit the unique Khatskhi Pillar, a church perched atop a 40-meter monolith. End the day by heading west to Kutaisi. Dinner and overnight stay in Kutaisi.

Route: Akhaltsikhe — Private car | 50 km · 1 h — Borjomi — Private car | 190 km · 3 h 45 min — Kutaisi

Accommodation: Included Magnolia * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: White Bridge, Bagrati Cathedral, Kutaisi Opera Theatre, Katskhi Pillar.

Day 8 — Majestic Beauty of Georgia's Natural Treasures

Today, we will delve into the wonders of the Kutaisi region. We'll start by strolling through the bustling market of the city and taking in the charming sights of Georgia's second largest city. Next, we'll visit the Gelati Monastery, a gem of UNESCO World Heritage, and admire its ancient and beautiful frescoes. After, we'll travel to the Kumistavi Cave, also known as Prometheus Cave, to witness a stunning display of stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, and underground rivers and lakes. After a delicious meal, we'll continue our journey by walking across the awe-inspiring suspension bridge at the Okatse Canyon. Dinner and overnight will be in Gordi.

Route: Kutaisi — Private car | 85 km · 2 h 15 min — Zeda Gordi

Activities: Sightseeing | 3 hours 30 minutes , City Walking | 1 hours , Canyoning | 1 hours 30 minutes , Food Tasting | 1 hours 30 minutes

Accommodation: Included Guest house in Gordi * Or similar | Guest House | Twin or double room, shared WC & shower on the floor

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Kutaisi Green Bazaar, Prometheus Cave, Gelati Monastery, Okatse Canyon.

Day 9 — Discover Svaneti: Mestia, A UNESCO Heritage

Today, we'll journey to the northern mountains of the Svaneti region. Along the way, you'll visit the intriguing ethno village of Sisatura to learn about Georgian traditions in this area. Next, we'll visit the largest dam in Europe, taking a break for lunch surrounded by glaciers and towering mountains. The drive will continue with breathtaking views of alpine meadows, dense forests, and traditional Svanetian villages complete with their distinctive defensive towers, until we reach the small town of Mestia, where we'll simply bask in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Dinner and overnight stay in Mestia.

Route: Zeda Gordi — Private car | 225 km · 5 h — Mestia

Activities: Sightseeing | 2 hours

Accommodation: Included Mestia Plaza * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Svaneti Ethnography Museum, Mount Tetnuldi, Mount Ushba, Enguri Dam.

Day 10 — Ushguli — The highest inhabited mountain community in Europe

Today, we'll visit the highest inhabited village in Europe - Ushguli, a remote mountain community under UNESCO protection. Discover Svanetian identity through its unique Orthodox Christian beliefs and walk through Svan towers, the Lamaria Temple, St. George's and Savior's Churches. Enjoy a meal in the village before returning to Mestia to visit the museum of icons or the ethnographic museum. End the day by climbing the castle of Queen Tamar (time permitting). Dinner and overnight in Mestia.

Route: Mestia — Private car | 45 km · 1 h 30 min — Ushguli — Private car | 45 km · 1 h 30 min — Mestia

Activities: Sightseeing | 4 hours

Accommodation: Included Mestia Plaza * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Mount Shkhara, Queen Tamar Castle, Chazhashi Savior Church, Ughviri Pass, Tower of Love, Lamaria Church.

Day 11 — Discover the rich history of Zugdidi, from Byzantium to Bonaparte

Today, we will journey from the high mountain of the Svaneti region to the unspoiled city of Zugdidi. Before reaching our destination, we will make a stop to visit the ancient Tsalenjikha Cathedral, built in the Byzantine style. After a meal in the city, we will start our exploration of Zugdidi with a visit to the stunning Dadiani Palace, an historical landmark that houses many objects once owned by the royal Dadiani family and the Napoleon Bonaparte family. Afterward, we will take a stroll through the Botanical Garden, which was once the private garden of the Dadiani family. Finally, we will embark on a short trip to the Rukhi Fortress, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Abkhazian region, which is currently occupied by separatist forces and off limits. Dinner and overnight in Zugdidi.

Route: Mestia — Private car | 160 km · 4 h — Zugdidi

Activities: Sightseeing | 2 hours

Accommodation: Included Shogi * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Zugdidi Botanical Garden, Rukhi Fortress, Tsalenjikha Cathedral, Dadiani Palace.

Day 12 — Discover the dazzling lights of Batumi, Georgia's own Las Vegas

For today, we embark on a journey to the Georgian seaside. Our first stop is in Ureki, where you can experience the unique benefits of bathing in black magnetic sand. Then, we head to Batumi, the capital of the Adjara region, where you'll savor the renowned boat-shaped khachapuri. After a delicious meal, we'll take a tour of the city, known as the "Pearl of the Black Sea", including a stroll along the promenade with its singing fountains, sculptures, towers and modern skyscrapers, a visit to the charming old part of the city, and the European part with its Art Nouveau architecture. The tour ends at the port, where you'll be amazed by the "Georgian Romeo and Juliet" show, a captivating sculpture of Ali and Nino. The rest of the evening is yours to relax or purchase final souvenirs from your Georgia trip. Dinner and overnight stay in Batumi.

Route: Zugdidi — Private car | 140 km · 3 h — Batumi

Activities: Sightseeing | 4 hours , City Walking | 3 hours , Swimming & Sunbathing | 1 hours

Accommodation: Included Old Town Batumi * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Ali and Nino, Batumi Boulevard, Alphabet Tower, Batumi Lighthouse, Europe Square in Batumi, Astronomical Clock, Piazza Square.

Day 13 — The end of the tour

For your departure, our team will ensure a comfortable and hassle-free transfer from your hotel to the international Batumi airport, ensuring that you arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight schedule.

Route: Batumi

Accommodation: Not Included

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: not included, dinner: not included

Guide: Not included