Day 1: Arrival ( / / )
Arrival in Tbilisi Airport. Transfer to the hotel and overnight (transfer excluded).
Day 2: Tbilisi City Tour (B/ / )
Today we will discover one of the oldest and most remarkable cities in the world, Tbilisi, which is situated at the crossroads of East and West and comprises the colorfulness of the East and refinement of the West. Today we will navigate through the Old Town on foot and see the main sites, historic buildings with the most beautiful facades and districts with terraces, typical houses with carved balconies, narrow and beautiful streets and amazing examples of modern architecture. On the way up the cable car towards Narikala Fortress, the entire city will unfold before our eyes and we will enjoy an amazing view.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 3: Tbilisi – Sighanghi – Tsinandali – Telavi (B/L/ )
Today we will travel to the region of Kakheti, which is renowned for its remarkable hospitality, fertile fields, huge vineyards and excellent wine. And of course, we will taste the wines here and will hear about the traditional methods for preparing them, which have been around for more than 8,000 years. The Georgian Method of wine making is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. We will first visit the small town of Sighnaghi, which enchants visitors with its special charm. Here you can see old houses with typical Georgian carved balconies. Sighnaghi with an amazing position perched on a lofty hilltop faces the snowcapped Caucasus looming in the distance across the vast Alazani valley. Delicious lunch and wine tasting at the local wine cellar. Visit the house-museum of Alexander Chavchavadze, famous Georgian poet (19th century) with its beautiful garden.
Overnight in Telavi.
Day 4: Telavi – Alaverdi – Gombori Pass – Ananuri – Gudauri (B/ /D)
In the morning we will visit farmers market of Telavi, where everyday fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese and fish are sold by locals. Visiting this vibrant place provides one with a truly authentic experience. Visit the impressive Alaverdi Cathedral (11th c.). Scenic drive via Gombori Pass (1620 m.). Afterwards we’ll pass over the historic military road as we make our way to the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The Georgian Military Road was described by the Roman geographer Strabo (1st century) in his works, and he characterized it as a path with the most beautiful landscapes. The combination of green fields, alpine meadows, sparkling rivers, high mountains and peaks truly creates a mystical atmosphere, which won’t leave anyone feeling indifferent. On the way we will go sightseeing at the Ananuri Complex (17th c.), which overlooks Zhinvali Reservoir, and view the carved facades of its main church, upon which we can find special works of craftsmanship: carved crosses, archangels, fictitious creatures and trees of life. It is a unique example of Georgian ecclesial architecture. In the evening we will end up in the ski resort Gudauri. Dinner and overnight in Gudauri.
Day 5: Gudauri – Stepantsminda – Gudauri (B/ /D)
In the morning a serpentine path will lead us down to Stepantsminda via Jvari Pass (2,395 m.). From Stepantsminda we will climb a steep forest trail, which will take us up to one of the most beautiful cathedrals, Gergeti Trinity (2,170 m.). From there amazing views will unfold before our eyes and in good weather you have a feeling, as if you can touch the gigantic mountain Kazbegi (5,047 m.), with its eternally white snowcap, with your hands. If we are lucky, we will be able to spot birds of prey.
Up and down: 400 m, walking time: 3.5 hrs.
Day 6: Gudauri – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Tbilisi (B/ / )
Drive to the region Kartli. The ancient silk road leads us to Uplistsikhe – the ancient rock-hewn cave town (6th c. B.C), which was an important point of the famous silk road and one of the most important pagan religious centers of pre-Christian Georgia. Here we’ll find well preserved, impressive ancient caves. In Gori, in the birth town of Stalin, Photo-stop at his Museum. Drive to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 7: Departure (B/ / )
Transfer to the airport and departure (transfer excluded).
