Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine and we now know that they began their wine-making tradition 8000 years ago. This tiny country tucked between the Black and Caspian Seas and in the shadow of Europe’s highest mountains, is not only beautiful, it has wonderful food, wine, architecture and culture.
Georgia’s charming capital, Tbilisi, was a crossroads of the old Silk Road and you will feel this mix of Europe and Asia in the architecture and in the food. We will explore old Tbilisi including its ancient sulfur bath district, and have time to walk along the beautiful pedestrianised streets filled with restaurants, cafes and shops. But we will also look at contemporary Tbilisi and its urban bars, boutiques and art. Georgia and in particular Tbilisi has become a hotbed of talent, innovation and style.
A trip to the mountain town of Kazbegi to stay in the famous Rooms Hotel will provide magnificent views of Mount Kazbeg. Here we visit the famous Gergeti Trinity Church by four wheel drive or by foot for those would like to do a three hour round trip hike.
This tour will explore the best that Georgia has to offer with wine-tastings, visits to food bazaars, polyphonic singers, amazing architecture and fascinating museums, all in stunning locations.
We will visit one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world, and learn from local winemakers about the ancient tradition of making wine in Qvevris, huge terracotta vessels that are buried in the ground. And we will dine at a winemakers home where a group of polyphonic singers will join us.
The hotels in each location are chosen for their unique Georgian character, architecture and beauty.
Itinery:
September 9, 2026
Arrivals at Tbilisi airport
Optional - Visit Ioseb Grishashvili Tbilisi Historical Museum – Carvasla
Visit the Ioseb Grishashvili Tbilisi Historical Museum – Carvasla, located in a beautifully restored 17th-century caravanserai in the heart of the Old Town.
The museum houses collections that represent Tbilisi history, everyday life and culture. There are collections of archaeology, ethnography, documents, folk and applied art. The museum collection contains unique objects, weapons, various kind of ceramic, china, musical instruments, numismatics, textiles and household accessories starting from the Bronze Age. The museum has the collection of artist paintings as well as masterpieces of other renowned Georgian artists.
Optional - Dinner at Honore Restaurant in Tbilisi
Owned by a photographer and friend, this is a great restaurant in an old German hospital.
Overnight in Qarvasla Hotel Tbilisi 5*
Check-in: 15:00
September 10 - Day 2: Tbilisi City Tour
Breakfast
Tbilisi City Tour
You’ll combine driving and walking through the city and visit:
Holy Trinity Sameba Cathedral - the main Georgian Christian Orthodox cathedral, it is the largest religious building not only in Georgia but in the region of South Caucasus, and is listed among the largest Orthodox churches in the world. The cathedral was constructed between 1995 and 2004, as a "symbol of the Georgian national and spiritual revival".
Metekhi church 13th c presents one of the most important architectural monuments of old Tbilisi.
Narikala Fortress 4th c dominates the Old Town as a most impressive architectural landmark. With its inaccessible slopes, the fortress served as a main fortification and defended the city for centuries.
Legvtakhevi(“Fig Ravine”) and a little bridge across the river.
Old Sulfur Bathhouses with healing natural warm water have been praised by numerous travelers who visited the city.
**Meidan square & Shardeni street neighborhood -**famous for cozy cafes, bars, restaurants, souvenirs‘ shops, picture galleries.
The Bridge of Peace is the modern architectural glassy bridge in Old Town.
Anchiskhati Basilica 6th c is one of the oldest churches of Tbilisi. The first foundation dates back to 4th c and is associated with the adoption of Christianity in Georgia.
Excursion in National Museum of Georgia
Have a guided excursion in the permanent exhibition "The Archaeological Treasury" of Simon Janashia National Museum of Georgia. It houses cultural artifacts from the 3rd millennium B.C. up to 4th century A.D. After finishing the tour you can visit ''Soviet Occupation Hall'' representing seven decades of the Soviet rule in Georgia (1921-1991). Also other temporary exhibition halls: Georgian weaponry, Oriental Art, etc.
Optional - Dinner at Shavi Lomi Restaurant
Drive to Shavi Lomi Restaurant for the dinner and taste Georgian traditional food.
Overnight in Qarvasla Hotel Tbilisi 5*
September 11 - Day 3: Tbilisi – Kardenakhi – Telavi
Breakfast then depart for Kardenakhi Estate
Kardenakhi Estate
Wine tasting at Kardenakhi estate
The cellar is built with bricks typical of the late 19th century, which have a cross on them and were referred to as "French bricks". The youngest pitcher dates back to 1904 and is the nephew of the famous pitcher Isidore Chubinidze, the other pitchers also belong to the period of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is interesting that the oldest pitcher of Marni, on which there is a sign of the Nal shape, is also the largest, and its volume reaches 4 tons.
Taste: 4 type of wine+1 Fortified wine+ 1 chacha
S5, Anaga, Kakheti, GE
Wine tasting at Mosmieri Winery, Telavi
The complex consists of a winery, a wine shop and a restaurant built in an elegant blend of modern design and Georgian ethnic accents. The Chateau is located on the slope, surrounded by vineyards and stunning views of the Alazani Valley and the snow capped heights of the Caucasus Mountains. Taste 3 types of Georgian wine: white dry, amber dry and red dry
Free time at Mosmieri before dinner
Mosmieri - Togonidze's Wine
Approx. Driving distance: 4 Km / 7 min
Dinner at Togonidze's Wine
Enjoy a memorable dinner at Togonidze’s family winery, where you’ll taste delicious local dishes paired with their finest wines. While you dine, you’ll be treated to live performances of traditional Georgian polyphonic songs by local singers, creating a truly authentic atmosphere.
Overnight at Château Mosmieri Hotel & Winery Telavi
September 12 - Day 4: Telavi – Kvetera – Ananuri - Kazbegi
Breakfast
Telavi - Kvetera
Driving distance: 40 km, 55 min
Drive to Kazbegi through town Akhmeta, and visit Kvetera Church
Drive to Kazbegi through town Akhmeta.
En-route visit Kvetera church, built in the early 10th century. It is a relatively small church and with the Georgian cross- dome architectural style (note that 1 km walk, uphill is necessary to reach the church from main road).
Kvetera Church - Ananuri Fortress
Approx. Driving distance: 52 Km / 1 hr 15 min
Explore Ananuri fortress & enjoy views of Zhinvali reservoir
Drive to Ananuri fortress 14-17th cc. The complex consists of fortifications and residential buildings of Aragvi Dukes. The purpose of the monument was to control the trade route and to guard the country from North
Ananuri - Gudauri
Approx. Driving distance: 53 Km / 1 hr
Take a break at Gudauri viewpoint
A cylinder monument with a spectacular views, overlooking Devil’s Valley and the Caucasus Mountains.
Gudauri Viewpoint was erected by the Soviets in 1983 in the mountains of northern Georgia. The famous Georgian architect Giorgi Chakhava designed it and placed it on a spot offering a spectacular view over the surrounding landscape
Gudauri - Stepantsminda
Approx. driving: 40 min (34.4 km)
Overnight at the famous Rooms Hotel with spectacular views of Mount Kazbegi and Gergeti Monastery
September 13 - Day 5: Kazbegi – Gergeti – Dariali - Kazbegi
Breakfast
Drive up to Gergeti Trinity Church by 4x4
Drive to Gergeti mountain and iconic Gergeti Trinity church overlooked by Mt. Kazbegi. Gergeti Holy Trinity Church is an important altar of 14th century, located on the slope of Mount Kazbegi. The church facade preserves stone decorations depicting ancient rituals and beliefs.
If we are lucky with weather, we will see Mount Kazbegi (5047 m. above sea level). According to the legend Amirani – a cult hero and a prototype of Greek Prometheus, punished by Gods was chained on the mountain.
Visit Dariali Monastery
Dariali Monastic Complex is beautifully nested in Dariali Gorge, between the high mountains of the Greater Caucasus, in just 10 km from the administrative center of Khevi region - townlet Stepantsminda.
The complex is situated in picturesque Dariali – the canyon of river Tergi (Terek), at an elevation of 1300 meters above sea level.
Dinner with masterclass at Keti's Family Cafe
Have masterclass of Khinkali & dinner at Keti's Family Cafe
Overnight at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi
September 14 - Day 6: Kazbegi - Chateau Mukhrani – Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – Jvari Monastery - Tbilisi
Breakfast
Kazbegi - Chateau Mukhrani
Approx. driving: 141 km, 2 hours 30 min
Wine-tasting & Tour at Chateau Mukhrani
Drive to Château Mukhrani – former estate of Ivane Mukhranbatoni Royal family.
Here you will have a guided tour at the estate, gardens, stable and old wine-cellars, learn the history of Georgian royal family, visit the contemporary winery and factory and find out how Château wines are made. The excursion will be followed by tasting finest Château Mukhrani wines with snacks.
Chateau Mukhrani- Mtskheta
Approx. driving distance: 28 min (23.4 km)
Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - Mtskheta UNESCO site
Drive to Mtskheta – the ancient capital of East Georgia. Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral of 11th c - one of the most sacred places in whole Georgia, with the Christ’s robe preserved in the Cathedral. Monument is included in UNESCO world heritage list.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - Jvari Monastery
Approx. Driving distance: 14 Km / 20 min
Visit Jvari Monastery - Mtskheta UNESCO site
Drive to Mtskheta – the ancient capital of East Georgia. Visit Jvari monastery of 6th c -included in UNESCO world heritage list
Jvari Monastery - Tbilisi
Driving distance: 25 Km / 45 Min
Overnight in Qarvasla Hotel Tbilisi 5*
Check-in: 15:00
Check-out: 12:00 Number of rooms: 48
September 15 - Day 7: Departure from Tbilisi
Breakfast
Departures to Tbilisi Airport
There is an opportuntity to continue to extend the tour to Armenia for those not ready to return home!
Price - GBP£1780 per person sharing twin/double. Single supplement £450
Prices include
Staff:
Professional English-speaking guide service during the tour
Professional driver service during the tour – days 1-7
Jo from 45+NG who has extensive experience in Georgia and has been visiting since the early 90s will be with the group throughout.
Transport:
2 x transfers to/from airport to/from the hotel by a comfortable Climate Controlled minibus (6-12 pax) or bus (14-16 pax) – days 1, 7
Transportation by a comfortable Climate Controlled minibus (6-12 pax) or bus (14-16 pax) – days 1-6
4x4 vehicles to Gergeti mountain – day 5
Accommodation:
3 x nights in Tbilisi Qarvasla Hotel 5* or Similar (B/-/-)
1 x night in Telavi Château and Winery Mosmieri or Similar (B/-/-)
2 x nights in Kazbegi Rooms Hotel or Similar (B/-/-)
Meals:
7 x Breakfasts-on days 1-7
2 x Dinners - on days 3, 5
Entertainment and other:
2 x bottles of spring water per person daily
Excursions in accordance with the program
Entrance fees in accordance with the program
National Museum of Georgia
Wine tasting at Kardanakhi Estate
Wine tasting at Chateau Mosmieri
Dinner at Togonidze’s Wine Cellar with Folk Singers
Khinkali Masterclass & Dinner at Keti Sujashvili’s Home
Wine tasting & Tour at Chateau Mukhrani
All local taxes
Prices exclude
Visa Fees (when needed - not required for UK or EU)
Insurance
International Flight tickets
Early Check Ins/Late Check outs
Optional Dinners
Alcoholic beverages (except for included wine tastings and Toganidze's dinner)
