Glimpse of Georgia

Discover Tbilisi, Mtskheta, and the Majestic Caucasus Mountains

Detailed Description

Overview

Difficulty
Comfort
Mtskheta-Mtianeti  
Destination
Discovery
Tour type
May — October
Period
5 days
Duration
1 — 8
Group
6+
Age
ST010
Program code

Our exclusive private cultural tour, "Glimpse of Georgia," is meticulously designed to immerse you in the breathtaking nature and rich cultural heritage of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. This 5-day journey combines the vibrant energy of Tbilisi, Georgia's capital city, with the serene beauty of the Great Caucasus Mountains. With two overnights in both Tbilisi and the mountain resort of Gudauri, you'll travel along the historic Georgian Military Road, explore Kazbegi National Park, and visit the mountainous province of Khevi. Discover the ancient capital town of Mtskheta with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery — alongside the architectural marvels of Ananuri Fortress and the tranquil Zhinvali Reservoir. The Caucasus Mountains await your arrival on this unforgettable Georgia tour!

Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Unveiling Tbilisi's Treasures

Upon landing at Tbilisi International Airport, our travel agent will personally greet you in the arrival hall, holding a nameboard for easy identification. After a warm welcome, you'll receive individual assistance with your transfer and hotel check-in. Once settled, begin your enthralling exploration of Tbilisi — a city where ancient history intertwines with modern vibrancy. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, marvel at the eclectic architecture, and soak in the bustling atmosphere of this captivating capital. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Route: Tbilisi — Private car | 5 km · 30 min Tbilisi

Activities: City Walking | 2 hours

Accommodation: Included Timber Boutique Hotel 4* * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

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

Guide: Half day

Visited Attractions*: St. Nicholas Church, Sioni Cathedral, Europe Square, Statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, St. George Cathedral of Tbilisi, Sulfur Baths, Meidan Bazaar, Abanotubani, Bridge of Peace, Rike Park, Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, Sololaki District, Mother of Georgia, Jumah Mosque, Leghvtakhevi Waterfall, Meidani Square.

Day 2 — From Sacred Monasteries to Mountain Serenity

After breakfast at the hotel, we commence our journey northward. Our first stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jvari Monastery (6th century), perched atop a hill overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Absorb the tranquility of the Kartli Mountains and savor panoramic views of the valleys below. Continuing along the Georgian Military Road towards the mountainous region of Khevi, we'll pause at the stunning Zhinvali Reservoir and explore the Ananuri Fortress Complex (16th–17th centuries), which includes a fortress, two churches, and the residential buildings of the Aragvi Eristavi dukes. Arrive in the alpine resort of Gudauri (2,196 meters / 7,205 feet). Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay amidst the serene mountain landscapes.

Route: Tbilisi — Private car | 120 km · 2 h 30 min Gudauri

Activities: Sightseeing | 4 hours

Accommodation: Included Quadrum Hotel 4* Gudauri * 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, Jvari Monastery, Ananuri Fortress.

Day 3 — Adventuring Through the Majesty of the Caucasus

After breakfast, prepare for a full day of adventure in the Caucasus Mountains. As we travel towards Kazbegi, we'll make several stops: — The Peace Monument observation platform, offering breathtaking vistas. — Jvari Pass at 2,395 meters (7,858 feet) — the highest point on the Georgian Military Road. — A pinkish travertine mountain and mineral spring. — The picturesque villages of Kanobi, Arsha, and Sioni. Upon reaching Stepantsminda, the center of the Kazbegi municipality, we'll embark on a hike to Mount Gergeti. The round trip takes approximately 2.5 hours. At the summit (2,010 meters / 6,594 feet), visit the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, overlooking ethereal clouds drifting from the Dariali Gorge. This is the starting point for mountaineers aiming to summit Mount Kazbegi (5,054 meters / 16,581 feet). If the weather permits, you might catch a glimpse of the majestic glacier peeking through mystical clouds — a truly breathtaking sight! The journey continues as we travel towards the Georgian-Russian border at Larsi, just 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) from Stepantsminda. The narrow pass through the Dariali Gorge follows the Terek River and leads us to the border and the St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel Church. We will also arrange a short hike to the Gveleti Waterfalls. In the evening, drive to the Sno Valley to view impressive megalithic stone sculptures carved by local artist Merab Piranishvili. Dinner and overnight stay in Gudauri.

Route: Gudauri — Private car | 50 km · 1 h Stepantsminda — Private car | 50 km · 1 h Gudauri

Activities: Sightseeing | 6 hours

Accommodation: Included Quadrum Hotel 4* Gudauri * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

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

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Jvari Pass, Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, Jvari Pass Travertine, Gveleti Waterfall, Mount Kazbek, The Stone Heads Of Sno, Sno Church, Sno Fortress, Dariali Monastery.

Day 4 — Cultural Immersion in Mtskheta and Return to Tbilisi

After breakfast and hotel check-out, we'll return to Tbilisi. Before re-entering the city, we'll stop in Mtskheta — the former capital of the Eastern Georgian kingdom of Iberia. Stroll through its medieval streets and visit the masterpiece of Georgian Renaissance architecture, the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Enjoy lunch in Mtskheta, savoring local cuisine. We'll then continue our trip back to Tbilisi. Overnight stay in Tbilisi.

Route: Gudauri — Private car | 120 km · 2 h 30 min Tbilisi

Activities: Sightseeing | 3 hours

Accommodation: Included Timber Boutique Hotel 4* * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

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

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Zhinvali Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress, Samtavro Monastery, Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

Day 5 — Farewell and Departure

Enjoy your final breakfast in Georgia. After checking out of the hotel, you'll be transferred to Tbilisi Airport for your departure. We wish you a pleasant flight home and hope your travel experience on this Georgia tour has been unforgettable!

Route: Tbilisi — Private car | 5 km · 30 min Tbilisi

Accommodation: Not Included

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

Guide: Half day

Our tour program's list of attractions is a guide, not exhaustive. Unlisted sites may be visited, and listed ones might be viewed from a distance. Conditions like operating hours, weather, or local rules may affect access. Thank you for your understanding.

Prices

This tour has open departure and can be organized based on your preferred dates. Remember, prices vary based on the exact group size.

From May 1, 2025 to Oct. 31, 2025

What's included?

Accommodation

4 nights — Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals

4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 0 dinners.

Guide

3 days — Full day, 2 days — Half day,

Transport

Private car: ~350 km. *

Activities

Sightseeing: ~13 hours, City Walking: ~2 hours. *

Additionally included

Experienced driver-guide, Two 0.5 bottles of mineral water per day.

Not included

Personal expenses and tips.

The provided measures of total kilometers for transport, duration of guide services, and activities in our tour program are approximate and may vary depending on the program flow and terrain conditions. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these numbers, please note that they are intended as estimates. We make every effort to provide the most precise information possible to give you an idea of the overall tour experience.

Note

Please note that while our tour prices decrease per person for groups of 1 to 7 participants, the price per person for a group of 8 is slightly higher. This is because groups of 8 or more require a larger bus and a separate English-speaking guide to ensure your comfort and provide personalized service.

We are also pleased to offer this tour for even larger groups upon request. Please contact us to customize arrangements and receive pricing details for bigger groups.

Equipment & Checklist

Summer in Georgia is a great time to visit both the lowlands and the mountains. The average temperature in the summer months (June to August) is around 25°C (77°F) in the lowlands and 15°C (59°F) in the mountains, although it can get quite hot during the day.

For this tour, it is recommended to bring lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton t-shirts and shorts for the lowlands. If you plan to spend time in the mountains, it's a good idea to pack some warm layers such as a fleece or sweater for cooler evenings, as well as waterproof gear for unexpected rain.

Remember to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Enjoy your summer tour to Georgia!

Here's a comprehensive checklist for your summer tour to Georgia:

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Last update: Nov. 11, 2024, 5:34 a.m.