Tbilisi Walking Tour - - Meeting Time: 09:30

Metekhi Cathedral - The Virgin Mary Metekhi church is perched on a cliff plateau on the left bank of the Mtkvari River. The first church here was likely built by Vakhtang Gorgasali, symbolically mirroring the church on Virgin Mary’s tomb in Jerusalem’s Gethsemane garden. Legend has it that in the 7th century, the former catholicos Kirion moved Saint Shushanik to this church.

Monument of King Vakhtang Gorgasali - Vakhtang I Gorgasali, from the Chosroid dynasty, ruled Iberia (now Kartli) in the late 5th and early 6th centuries. His reign is difficult to date precisely. Allied with the Byzantine Empire, he led a prolonged struggle against Sasanian Iranian dominance, which ended in his defeat and the weakening of Iberia. Tradition credits him with reorganizing the Georgian Orthodox Church and founding Tbilisi. Ivane Javakhishvili dates his rule to around 449–502, while Cyril Toumanoff suggests 447–522.

Europe Square - We cross Europe Square to learn about the crucial relationship between Georgia and the European Union.

Rike Park - Rike Park, the newest recreational area in Tbilisi, is located on the left bank of the Kura (Mtkvari) River. It has quickly become a favorite spot for locals and tourists, especially families, during the summer. The park is easily accessible, with its main entrance near the picturesque pedestrian ‘Bridge of Peace.’ It offers various entertainment options, including singing and dancing fountains, artificial climbing walls, a children’s maze, mega-chess boards, footpaths, and quiet corners. The park is also the starting point for a cable car ride to Narikala Fortress and features several trendy bars and restaurants.

The Bridge of Peace - The Bridge of Peace is a must-see in Tbilisi. This pedestrian glass and steel bridge, designed in a bow shape, spans the Mtkvari (Kura) River. Opened in May 2010, the bridge was transported to Georgia from Italy in 200 unassembled pieces. It is 156 meters long and features over 10,000 LED bulbs that light up 90 minutes before sunset each day.

Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater - In 2010, Rezo Gabriadze constructed a unique clock tower next to the marionette theater in Tbilisi’s old town. Every hour, an angel emerges to ring a bell with a small hammer. The tower houses a small puppet theater that performs the show “The Circle of Life” twice daily at 12:00 and 19:00. Rezo adorned the tower with hundreds of tiles he designed, making it a notable architectural landmark in Tbilisi. It is often referred to as the Tower with a clock or the Tower with the angel.

Anchiskhati Basilica - Located in the historical district of upper Kala on Shavteli Street, the Anchiskhati Basilica dates back to the 6th century. Historical sources attribute its construction to Dachi Ujarmeli (from Ujarma). Initially named after the Virgin Mary’s Birth, it was later renamed Anchiskhati when Peter Meskhi moved the image of Christ not made by hand from the Anchi church to this one in 1675. Peter was appointed pastor by the Catholicon Domenici, and his family, the Meskhishvilis, continued to serve as pastors. Peter’s son, Alex, founded the calligraphers’ dynasty known as the Aleximaskhishvilis.

საქართველოს საპატრიარქო გრემის სასულიერო სემინარია - We stop at the Patriarchate of Georgia to learn interesting facts about the place.

Sioni Cathedral Church - Sioni Cathedral is situated on Sioni Street in one of Tbilisi’s oldest districts, upper Kala. According to legend, the first church on this site was built by King Vakhtang Gorgasali in the 5th century.

Tamada (Toastmaster) Statue - Tamada means toastmaster in Georgian. We stop to hear fascinating stories about this tradition.

Shardeni Street - Shardeni Street is one of Tbilisi’s most popular and beautiful pedestrian streets. It is so well-known that no visitor leaves Georgia without seeing it.

Tbilisi Cable Car - We take a cable car to the Mother of Georgia statue for stunning views.

Kartlis Deda - Kartvlis Deda (Mother of a Georgian), often mistakenly called Kartlis Deda, is a monument in Tbilisi that has become a city symbol. Erected in 1958 to mark Tbilisi’s 1500th anniversary, the 20-meter aluminum figure of a woman in Georgian national dress was designed by sculptor Elguja Amashukeli. She holds a bowl of wine in her left hand to welcome friends and a sword in her right hand for enemies.

Narikala Fortress - Narikala Fortress is Tbilisi’s most famous landmark. Visitors can feel the city’s history despite the fortress’s dilapidated state. Overlooking the Mtkvari River, Narikala is a must-visit site in Tbilisi.

Juma Mosque - During the tour, we visit a mosque and learn about the importance of tolerance in Georgia.

Leghvtakhevi Waterfall - Leghvtakhevi Waterfall is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to cool off during hot weather.

Chreli Abano Spa - Chreli Abano is a sulfur bathhouse that resembles a mosque. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals to relax and have fun.

Abanotubani - Abanotubani is the name of the district in Tbilisi’s Old Town known for its public bathhouses that use the area’s natural sulfurous hot springs.

Day Trip to Kazbegi and Gudauri - Meeting Time: 08:30

Jinvali Water Reservoir - The Jinvali water reservoir, also known as a lake, is located on the Georgian Military Highway. Constructed by the Soviets in the 1980s, it is a beautiful spot for taking photos.

Ananuri Fortified Castle Ensemble - Dating back to the 16th-17th centuries, the Ananuri fortress is located on a promontory by the Aragvi River. It was the seat of the Eristavis (Dukes) of Aragvi, a feudal dynasty that ruled the area from the 13th century. The fortress, which saw many battles, offers stunning views of the Jinvali Reservoir and is a perfect spot for landscape photography. It remained in use until the early 19th century and was added to the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Site inclusion in 2007.

Hotel-Restaurant Kakhaberi طريق القوقاز - Before lunch, you can go rafting for an exhilarating experience. We then enjoy a meal in a pleasant atmosphere, sampling various traditional Georgian dishes.

Russian Georgian Friendship Monument - Built in 1983 to commemorate the bicentennial of the Treaty of Georgievsk and the friendship between Soviet Georgia and Soviet Russia, this monument is located on the Georgian Military Highway between Gudauri and the Jvari Pass. The large round stone arch and concrete structure overlook the Devil’s Valley in the Caucasus mountains. Gudauri, a ski resort in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, offers maximum sun exposure and fresh air, making it a fabulous sightseeing destination. You can also try paragliding, horse riding, or quad biking at the monument.

Rooms Hotel Kazbegi - Rooms Hotel Kazbegi offers a luxurious stay in Stepantsminda, with amenities designed to enhance your visit. Located near Gergeti Trinity Church, the hotel features a stylish restaurant serving international cuisine, a lobby bar, and a terrace with mountain views. You can also enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Gergeti Trinity Church - From Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, you can hire a local driver with a 4WD to visit Gergeti Trinity Church, where the driver will wait for 30 minutes. Located on the right bank of the Chkheri River under Kazbegi Mountain at 2170 meters above sea level, the church was built in the 14th century and is the only cross-cupola church in the Khevi province. It served as a safe haven for precious relics during times of danger. Despite the Soviet prohibition of religious services, the church remained a popular tourist destination. It is now an active establishment of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church, offering panoramic views of the valley.

Day Trip to Uplistsikhe Gori and Mtskheta - Meeting Time: 08:30

Uplistsiche Cave Town - Arrive at Uplistsikhe at 11:00. This ancient rock-hewn town in eastern Georgia, built on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, features structures dating from the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages. It is notable for its unique blend of rock-cut cultures from Anatolia and Iran and the coexistence of pagan and Christian architecture.

Gori - Arrive for lunch at 13:00. Experience local life by visiting a family and enjoying homemade traditional Georgian food.

Stalin Museum - Arrive at the Stalin Museum at 14:45. Dedicated to the life of Joseph Stalin, who was born in Gori, the museum retains its Soviet-era characteristics and includes Stalin’s original house and railway carriage.

Optional Free Time in Gori - If time permits, explore Gori, a city with a history dating back to the early Bronze Age. According to medieval Georgian annals, King David IV founded Gori. The Gori Fortress (Goris Tsikhe) has been in use since the 7th century, and archaeological evidence indicates an urban community in Classical Antiquity. The city was also affected by the 2008 Russo-Georgian war.

Jvari Church - Arrive at Jvari Monastery at 16:35. The name translates to the “Monastery of the Cross.” This 6th-century Georgian Orthodox monastery near Mtskheta is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It stands on a rocky mountaintop at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking Mtskheta, the former capital of Iberia.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - Arrive at Svetitskhoveli in Mtskheta at 17:25. Founded by ancient Meschian tribes in the 5th century, Mtskheta is one of Georgia’s oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was the capital of Iberia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD and continued to serve as the coronation and burial place for most Georgian kings until the 19th century. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the second-largest church in Georgia, is known as the burial site of Christ’s robe and is one of the principal Georgian Orthodox churches.

19:00-19:30 - Return to the Traveler’s Meeting Point (50 meters from Avlabari metro station).

Day Trip to Kakheti Wine Region - Meeting Time: 08:30

Badiauri - At Badiauri Bakery, you can taste delicious Georgian bread, cheese, and Chacha. Try your hand at making traditional Georgian bread and be amazed by the unique baking process.

Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino - After Badiauri, we visit Bodbe Nunnery. On the way, we stop at a viewpoint in Sighnaghi for stunning photos. Located 2 kilometers from Sighnaghi, the Bodbe Nunnery of St. Nino is built on the burial site of Saint Nino, who converted Georgians to Christianity. Georgian kings have repaired and restored the monastery many times.

Sighnaghi - Sighnaghi, a town in Kakheti 75 km east of Tbilisi, is one of Georgia’s smallest towns but a popular tourist destination. It is known for its location in the heart of Georgia’s wine-growing region, picturesque landscapes, pastel houses with wooden fretwork balconies, and narrow cobblestone streets. The Great Wall of Georgia offers stunning views, and the town is surrounded by it. In Sighnaghi, we have lunch with a beautiful view of the Alazani Valley. Before lunch, we participate in a Khachapuri cooking masterclass and then enjoy various delicious Georgian dishes. Making your own Khachapuri, drinking good wine, and overlooking the Alazani Valley is a must-do experience in Georgia.

Tunnel Winery Khareba - Winery Khareba is Georgia’s largest wine cellar, with 7.7 km of tunnels and galleries maintaining a constant temperature of 12-14 degrees Celsius, ideal for wine storage. A local guide will lead a walking tour, providing detailed information about wine, and you will have the opportunity to taste it. The complex also features an excellent museum in the tunnel.

Kindzmarauli Corporation Wine House - The history of Corporation Kindzmarauli dates back to 1533 and is linked to the construction of the historical Kvareli fortress. The fortress’s wine cellar produced wine and molasses exclusively for royal families for much of its history and is now open to the broader local and international market.

• Four wine tastings at Kindzmarauli Winery
• Transportation service
• Two wine tastings at Local Family Winery
• Traditional Georgian Lemonade for Tbilisi Walking Tour
• Private airport transfers
• Two wine tastings for Tbilisi Walking Tour
• Traditional Georgian Pie for Tbilisi Walking Tour
• A bottle of water
• Certified guide service
• Entrance fees to the wineries

• Lunch
• 4WD car from Kazbegi to Gergeti church (20 GEL - about 7 USD per person)
• Entrance fee to Uplistsikhe (15 GEL - about 6 USD per person)
• Entrance fee to Stalin Museum in Gori (15 GEL - about 6 USD per person)
• Pick up and drop off from/to a hotel for the tours.