Great Georgian Discovery - 11 days (GE-03)

Arrival in Tbilisi and check in to the hotel. (Dinner)

Tbilisi is one of those places which manages to retain a small town charm while successfully juggling capital city functions. The city’s setting is a dramatic one, bisected by the Kura River and overlooked by hills. Take a cable car up to the Narikala Fortress, which dates from the 4th century. The compact old town below is crammed full of historic balconied mansions and ancient churches. You’ll see the 13th century Methekhi Church, the 6th century Antchiskhati Church and the 12th century Sioni Cathedral for starters. A visit to the excellent Georgian National Museum will help tie it all together and a walk along Tbilisi’s most important street, Rustaveli Avenue, will bring you right back to the present. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Tbilisi hasn’t always been the Georgian capital. From the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD, Mtskheta was the seat of government and to this day remains an important place. Mtskheta has two UNESCO World Heritage sites and you’ll visit both: the 6th century Djvari Church and the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Leaving Mtskheta, we’ll travel three hours west to Kutaisi and onwards to nearby Kumistavi. There, we’ll admire the wonderful collection of stalactites and stalagmites in Prometheus. Dinner and overnight in the spa resort of Tskaltubo near Kutaisi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 265 km / 166 ml.

Today’s itinerary commences with a visit to a bazaar frequented by local farmers who bring fresh produce to sell each day. From there, we’ll move on to Gelati Monastery, which dates from the 12th century, and the Bagrati Monastery which forms part of the same complex. Ownership was transferred to the Georgian Orthodox Church, so you may see services being held. Visitors are equally welcome if they simply wish to admire the distinctive architecture. Tonight’s dinner and overnight accommodation is at Akhaltsikhe. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 213 km / 133 ml.

Georgia is a country where the journey is often as memorable as the destination and today is no exception. The breathtaking road that connects Akhaltsikhe to the cave complex of Vardzia is one of the most thrilling, winding its way through the dramatic canyon of the upper Mtkvari River, flanked by bare rock. Vardzia is also compelling, featuring more than 300 underground caves hewn straight from the rock to form wine cellars, churches and refectories. Back in Akhaltsikhe, we’ll visit the Ethnographic Museum located in Rabati Fortress. Dinner and overnight at Akhaltsikhe. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 122 km / 76 ml.

On our way to Gori this morning, we make a stop at the resort town of Borjomi, noted for its mineral springs. We’ll stretch our legs at the city’s park before continuing on to Gori. The town is infamous as the birthplace of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. His humble family home now forms part of a museum complex and memorial which also includes his private railway carriage. Via the characterful cave city of Uplistikhe, we head back to Tbilisi, where we’ll enjoy dinner in a traditional restaurant accompanied by folk dancing and/or singing. Overnight in Tbilisi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 240 km / 150 ml.

Wine has been produced in Georgia for around 8000 years, making it one of the oldest wine growing regions on the planet. Today’s itinerary takes us to Kakheti region’s Gremi Fortress and Alaverdi Monastery, before our included wine tasting in Napareuli at the Twins Wine Cellar. The jewel in Kakheti’s multi-studded crown is undoubtedly the walled city of Signagi. It’s possibly the most famous wine growing town in the country and the views from its walls and towers across the surrounding valley are first class. Signagi is today’s dinner and overnight stop too. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 219 km / 137 ml.

Bodbe Monastery of St Nino is located only 2 km from Signagi but this delightful monastery complex feels entirely different. As well as the church, it’s very pleasant to stroll amongst the flower beds and garden landscaping and find a tranquil corner despite the crowds. From here we’ll take you back to Tbilisi for dinner and a tonight’s accommodation. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 109 km / 68 ml.

Though the thought of driving along the Georgian Military Highway might sound forbidding, in fact it’s one of the most scenic drives in the country. At Ananuri, the castle and church form a beautiful architectural complex overlooking the Zhinvali reservoir. Continuing north, you’ll see the colourful Georgian Friendship monument and perhaps pick up some locally produced honey. Passing the ski resort of Gudauri we enter the dramatic mountain landscapes of the Great Caucasus. Our destination is the 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church at Kazbegi. Its lofty position atop a hill makes this the most memorable church in the country. It’s possible to hike to the top, but equally thrilling to jump in a jeep for the included (but bumpy!) ride on the potholed track which takes us to the top. At 2170m, the air has a chill to it, but a more spectacular setting you won’t find anywhere. When you can drag yourself away, tonight’s dinner and bed awaits in Gudauri. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 197 km / 123 ml.

After breakfast drive back along the Georgian Military Highway to reach Tbilisi. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your leisure. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 121 km / 76 ml.

This morning, check out and depart for your transfer to the airport. (Breakfast)