Overview
- Delve into Georgian culture with hands-on dance and singing masterclasses
- Panoramic exploration of Tbilisi's historic charm and modern vibrancy
- Discover UNESCO World Heritage gems Mtskheta, Bagrati and Gelati & more
- Experience rural Georgian life with traditional cooking and polyphonic music
- Adventure through the remote, picturesque landscapes of the Adjarian Mountains
- Taste the diversity of Georgian cuisine from Imeruli Khachapuri to local wines
- Traverse from bustling city life to serene mountain villages and historic towns
Begin a captivating 10-day journey through Georgia, a land where the vibrant tapestry of folklore and culture intertwines with stunning natural beauty and historical marvels.
This tour is not just a trip; it's a deep dive into the heart of Georgian heritage, offering a unique blend of immersive cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and architectural wonders.
Discover the soul of Georgia as you become a direct participant in its rich traditions. From the polyphonic melodies taught by conservatory professors to intimate village encounters, you'll unravel the threads of genetic memory that connect past, present, and future. Experience the warmth of Georgian families, learn the secrets of their unique wine-making in traditional clay kvevris, and savor the authenticity of rural life.
Cooking, a pivotal part of Georgian identity, will be taught in its natural setting, offering you a firsthand glimpse into culinary traditions passed down through generations. Delve into the philosophy and skill of Georgian choreography through master classes and a specially organized concert, gaining insights into an art form cherished for millennia.
Beyond cultural immersion, your adventure through Georgia will take you paddling in the emerald waters of Martvili Canyon, basking in the modernity of Batumi on the Black Sea, exploring ancient echoes in Kutaisi, and embracing the tolerance and charm of Tbilisi.
Join us on this unforgettable journey, where every moment is a step through time, and the spirit of Georgia comes alive in every song, dance, and landscape. It's more than a tour; it's an experience where the echoes of Georgian folklore resonate through time, inviting you to be part of its unbroken chain of history and tradition.
Itinerary
- Panoramic Tbilisi and the Art of Georgian Song
- Tbilisi Dance Masterclass and Historical Journey
- Historical Mtskheta and Uplistsikhe with Local Flavors
- Kutaisi Chronicles: Cathedrals, Cuisine, and Concerts
- Canyon Wonders and Megrelian Cooking Mastery
- Batumi's Blend: Cultural Landmarks and Culinary Delights
- Waterfalls, Bridges and Traditional Tunes of Adjaria
- Ancient Rhythms and Mountain Trails of Khulo
- Green Lake Escapade and Gonio Fortress Visit
- Batumi Farewell and Homeward Bound
Panoramic Tbilisi and the Art of Georgian Song
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Breakfast. On your first day in Georgia, we'll explore Tbilisi and discover why this cosmopolitan city is called the jewel of the Caucasus. After taking a cable car up to the Mother of Georgia statue, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city, you'll return through steep streets to the historic centre with its pedestrian streets, extraordinary theatre and cathedral. At the end of your visit, you will explore Meidan Square and the famous Sulphur Baths area and have lunch in the old town.
Then our driver will take us to a singing master class. On the way we will see the famous Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue, which is the heart of the city. This is where the Tbilisi Conservatory is located and we will have a real Georgian singing lesson with a lecturer from the Conservatory.
Your day will finish with the Art-Gene Festival, a major cultural event with traditional songs and dances, exhibitions and handicrafts, all in the centre of an open-air ethnographic museum where you can visit several traditional village houses on your own. Dinner and overnight stay in Tbilisi.
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Tbilisi Dance Masterclass and Historical Journey
After breakfast at the hotel, our teacher is already waiting for us in the dance hall for a dance master class. After the lesson, we will walk and discover bourgeois Tbilisi, have lunch in a colorful restaurant and continue to discover Georgia in the National History Museum.
Museum collection description: showcases a unique collection spanning natural and human history. Covering 40 million years of the country's history, the museum holds remarkable artifacts, including prehistoric human remains from Dmanisi dating back 1.8 million years — the oldest evidence of human existence outside Africa. A highlight is the Treasures collection, housing unique objects from the third millennium B.C. to the nineteenth century A.D., featuring gold and silver artifacts and jewelry from various regions.
Dinner in a restaurant with national dance and overnight stay in Tbilisi.
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Historical Mtskheta and Uplistsikhe with Local Flavors
Breakfast at the hotel. Our city tour in Mtskheta, one of Georgia's oldest cities, begins approximately 20 km (about 12 miles) north of Tbilisi, at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. We'll explore two significant monuments of Georgian Christian architecture: the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the 6th-century Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta. Next, we head towards Gori, stopping for lunch at a fish farm featuring baked salmon or sturgeon cooked in a traditional tone oven. Our journey continues to Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town in eastern Georgia, situated about 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Gori, Shida Kartli. Built on the high rocky left bank of the Mtkvari River, Uplistsikhe contains structures dating from the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages, showcasing the co-existence of pagan and Christian architecture. We'll then visit a farmer in Uplistsikhe for a wine tasting session, where he'll demonstrate honey extraction from a hive. Dinner will be served in the garden, and we'll stay overnight with the farmer.
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Kutaisi Chronicles: Cathedrals, Cuisine, and Concerts
Breakfast, then we depart for Kutaisi. Upon arrival in this city, rich with 3000 years of history, we'll have lunch and then begin our city tour. Our first visit will be to the Bagrati Cathedral, a symbol of the Georgian monarchy. Following this, we'll explore the 12th-century Academy and Monastery of Gelati, where we'll also enjoy the singing of local musicians.
In the evening, we arrive at Agro House Korena. Here, we'll participate in a master class on making Ketsi Mchadi and Imeruli Khachapuri, traditional Georgian dishes. Dinner will be accompanied by a folklore concert. This concert is interactive, allowing us to practice the skills we gained in Tbilisi.
The day concludes with an overnight stay in Gelati village at Agro House Korena.
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Canyon Wonders and Megrelian Cooking Mastery
After breakfast at the agro home, we head to Zugdidi. On the way, we visit Martvili Canyon, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The canyon features emerald-green waters, lush greenery, impressive rock formations, cliffs, caves, and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy boat tours along the river that flows through the canyon (optional activity).
After exploring Martvili, we continue to Zugdidi. Here, the lively and welcoming Mr. Beso Chitanava, a cantor from Lotbari, will be our gracious host. Mr. Beso is not only a talented cantor but also an excellent cook. Our Megrelian Culinary Workshop will take place amidst the soulful tunes of Georgian songs.
The evening is free for personal exploration. You might consider visiting The Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi, a historic residence that once belonged to the Dadiani family, prominent Georgian princes. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Zugdidi.
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Batumi's Blend: Cultural Landmarks and Culinary Delights
After breakfast, we will depart for Batumi. En route, we'll stop in Kobuleti to visit the 9th-century Petra Fortress. Located on a rocky hillside by the sea, Petra was once considered an inaccessible fortress. Its ruins, preserved amidst the rugged terrain, are a testament to its historical significance.
In Batumi, we'll enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants, savoring traditional Georgian dishes like Acharian khachapuri and baklava, accompanied by local wines.
Our Batumi City Tour with a local guide begins in Europe Square, surrounded by historic buildings and the statue of Medea. We'll then visit Piazza Square, known for its Italian-inspired architecture, cafes, and shops. Our exploration continues as we discover the Art Nouveau architecture in Batumi, walking through the area to admire the unique and artistic buildings influenced by this style.
In the evening, we'll discover the iconic Ali and Nino statue, a symbol of eternal love between a Muslim Azerbaijani boy and a Christian Georgian girl. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in Batumi.
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Waterfalls, Bridges and Traditional Tunes of Adjaria
After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a journey to the Adjarian Mountains. Our first stop is the Makhuntseti Waterfall, located 32 km (about 20 miles) away, which we'll reach in approximately 1 hour. We'll then visit the medieval arched bridge of Makhuntseti, a testament to the region's rich history.
Next, we head to the village of Merisi, just 35 minutes (20 km or about 12 miles) away. In the Turmanidze family's home, we will engage in a cooking workshop, learning how to prepare traditional Adjarian dishes. After the cooking session, we'll enjoy the fruits of our labor and delve into the enchanting world of Georgian polyphonic music. Our host will personally guide us in learning some traditional songs. Merisi is renowned for its beautiful views and cascades, offering a picturesque backdrop to our cultural immersion.
To conclude the day, we'll immerse ourselves further in the village's age-old traditions before continuing to Khulo, 55 km (about 34 miles) away, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay in Khulo.
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Ancient Rhythms and Mountain Trails of Khulo
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll engage with the residents of Khulo. A highlight of our visit is meeting Revaz Abuladze, the head of the Bermukha ensemble, and several ensemble members. Bermukha, known for its performances at festivals, preserves ancestral traditions and imparts unique dance movements in their master classes, unfamiliar to many Georgians.
Following the meeting, we'll enjoy lunch and then set off for Khikhani Castle, just an hour's drive from Khulo. The ascent to the castle is a physically engaging journey, taking about an hour and a half through the mountains. The trail, while not overly challenging, offers a rewarding experience with breathtaking views from the fortress and the castle.
If time allows, after returning from the castle, we may have the opportunity to meet the welcoming residents of Hihajiri village. Our day concludes back at the hotel with a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay in Khulo.
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Green Lake Escapade and Gonio Fortress Visit
After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a 1-hour drive by local SUV from Khulo, covering 24 km (about 15 miles), followed by an easy 6 km (about 3.7 miles) walk to visit Green Lake. This alpine lake in Adjara is remarkable for its changing colors in the evening and varying weather conditions. Located in the Khulo municipality, just 6 kilometers (about 3.7 miles) north of the Goderdzi pass, Green Lake offers a serene and captivating natural setting.
During our journey to the lake, we'll observe the local way of life. You might encounter memtheuri, mountain dwellers who look after their livestock. After enjoying a lovely picnic by the lake, we'll head to the valley to once again appreciate the stunning views of Adjara.
Before returning to Batumi, we'll visit the historic Gonio fortress. Once back in Batumi, we can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the night boulevard, have a delicious dinner, and spend our final night in Georgia at the hotel.
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Batumi Farewell and Homeward Bound
Our last day starts with a farewell breakfast in Batumi. We reminisce about our journey through Georgia's diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. With memories of scenic vistas, historical insights, and warm hospitality, we head to Batumi airport for our departure, carrying a piece of Georgia in our hearts.
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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.
