Georgia Wine Tour - 8 days (GE-04)

Your tour begins in the Georgian capital Tbilisi, a city with a long past and an exciting future. Transfer to your hotel and settle in. Overnight in Tbilisi. (D)

Tbilisi’s old town is packed with ancient monuments and, built on the side of a hill, panoramic views. You’ll begin your city tour at the 13th century Metekhi Church, which occupies a prime site on the banks of the River Mtkvari. From there, ride the gondola up to the Narikala Fortress; Mother Georgia towers above you, her eyes fixed on the city below. Descend to walk the cobbled streets to a centuries-old synagogue, Anchiskhati Church and Sioni Cathedral. Passing Liberty Square with the golden statue of St George, you’ll make your way along Rustaveli Avenue to the Georgian National Museum and beyond. Overnight in Tbilisi. (B, D)

It’s a relatively short drive to the characterful town of Signagi, the most important place in the winelands of the Kakheti region. You’ll walk the walls of this 18th century royal town, which are punctuated by twenty-three towers. The views over the surrounding countryside from this lofty vantage point stretch for miles. You’ll visit one of the town’s acclaimed wineries and enjoy a wine flight to learn more about Georgia’s long history with wine and the techniques used in its production. On the edge of town is the delightful Bodbe Monastery. You’ll enjoy a guided tour before driving to Telavi in time for dinner. Overnight in Telavi. (B, D)

Alaverdi’s St George’s Cathedral is one of Kakheti’s architectural and religious highlights. This UNESCO listed cathedral forms part of a larger 11th century Georgian Orthodox monastery founded by a monk named Joseph. When it came to picking a site, he chose well, setting his monastery in a fertile river valley nestled against the Caucasus Mountains. Next you’ll drive to Napareuli where a visit has been scheduled to the “Twins Cellar” Winery. There’s an interesting museum to explore and you’ll have the chance to taste wine stored in traditional kvevris, earthenware jars which are sunk into the ground. Finally, we’ll move on to the ancient Church of Gremi before returning to Telavi in time for our evening meal. Overnight in Telavi. (B, D)

After breakfast a visit has been arranged to the former residence of Alexander Chavchavadze. This prince was born in St Petersburg in the late 18th century, the son of the Kakheti-Kartli ambassador to Russia. The palace and gardens that he commissioned in Tsinandali are spectacular, with lavish furnishings and formal planting. The home is as colourful as the man who created it and a joy to discover. Afterwards, you’ll be driven to Vardisubani, where you’ll watch a local artisan create amphorae, the earthenware wine pots used to ferment and store wine. Overnight Tbilisi. (B, D)

On the outskirts of Tbilisi you’ll find the country’s ancient capital Mtskheta. This 3000 year old city is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Jvari Monastery (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century). Both are of special interest, particularly the latter. According to local legend, a monk named Elias bought Jesus’ robes from a soldier at Golgotha. He returned to Georgia to be met by his sister; on touching the robe, she was overcome and died. She’s buried here, with the robes themselves. On leaving the cathedral, you’ll be driven to Iago’s Winery in Chardakhi for a wine tasting, after which you’ll return to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi. (B, D)

Your final wine tasting will be at the Chateau Mukhrani. Built in 1512 as the estate of a prince, wine production was established here in the 19th century. Abandoned during the Soviet era, the winery was resurrected in the 21st century and as a result, it boasts some of the most up to date technology of any winery in the country. The reconstructed cellar has space to store over 1000 barrels of wine. After a wine tasting, there’ll be free time back in Tbilisi. This evening, round off your trip with a gala dinner where you’ll be treated to a performance of traditional music and dancing. Overnight in Tbilisi. (B, D)

Transfer to the airport. Your visit to Georgia has sadly come to an end. We trust you’ll return home with plenty of memories from your trip. (B)