Georgia In-depth Exploration

This morning, your driver-guide will meet you at your hotel for a 40-minute drive to Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital. In the 4th century AD, Georgia became the second country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion. St. Nino, a female missionary who led Georgia’s conversion, erected a large wooden cross on a hilltop in Mtskheta as a memorial. This cross was later expanded into the Jvari Monastery, which you can see today. From this vantage point, you can enjoy sweeping views of the old city and the stunning landscape of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers merging. Afterward, we will visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a renowned pilgrimage site that houses Jesus’ holy robe, then head back to Tbilisi.

Let’s now explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, the third-tallest Orthodox cathedral globally. It was constructed to honor the 2000th anniversary of Christianity’s inception and the 1500th anniversary of the Georgian Orthodox Church’s independence. Its dome, exceeding 7 meters (23 ft.) in height and clad in pure gold, gleams continually, illuminating Tbilisi and standing as the city’s spiritual anchor.

Next, we’ll head to Metekhi Old Town by the Mtkvari River and visit the Metekhi Church. In front of the church, you’ll see the statue of King Vakhtang I Gorgasali, known as the “Father of Georgia.” Across the river, the “Mother of Georgia” statue holds a goblet in her left hand and a sword in her right, symbolizing Georgia’s welcoming spirit and bravery in battle. Then, walk with your driver-guide across the Bridge of Peace to Meidani Square, home to the historic underground market, once the largest trading hub in the Caucasus on the ancient Silk Road.

Later, continue to the Leghvtakhevi Gorge to see the 22-meter-high (72 ft.) Leghvtakhevi Waterfall. This waterfall is the origin of all sulfurous hot springs in Tbilisi, which led King Gorgasali to choose this location for the capital. Afterward, take a cable car ride to the ancient Narikala Fortress for sweeping city views and a look at the “Mother of Georgia.” Our tour will end on Shardeni Street, where your driver-guide will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Tbilisi (3 stars) or similar

After breakfast, meet your driver-guide at your hotel for a 2-hour private transfer to Sighnaghi in Kakheti, Georgia’s largest wine region. The town features many medieval buildings and the only well-preserved city walls in Georgia, evoking a sense of the age of chivalry. Sighnaghi is also famously called the “City of Love” because of its continuous marriage registry office, which attracts couples from around the world and makes it a popular wedding destination. Our visit will include the Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe, a sacred religious site where St. Nino is interred.

★ Discover the Flavors of Georgian Wines & Snacks

Next, we’ll drive for an hour to Khareba Winery, where you’ll explore the cellars and vineyards to discover the secrets of Georgian wine. Georgia alone has over 500 native grape varieties out of about 800 worldwide, giving it a unique advantage in winemaking. Wine production in Georgia dates back approximately 8,000 years, with early wines made in egg-shaped Qvevri clay pots, including the deep-colored Saperavi red. Even now, many family wineries in Kakheti continue to use this traditional technique. In addition to tasting wines, you’ll have the chance to learn how to make traditional Georgian foods like Shoti bread and Churchkhela candy. Churchkhela, a popular street snack connected to grapes, involves stringing together roasted nuts such as walnuts and almonds, then coating them in grape juice mixed with flour and sugar. Once dried, it becomes ready to enjoy.

After the exciting tour, your driver-guide will escort you back to your Tbilisi hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Tbilisi (3 stars) or similar

Today, your driver-guide will escort you to the Kazbegi region, nestled in the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Named after Mount Kazbek, standing at 5,054 meters (16,581 feet), this area is famous for stunning landscapes that attract hikers worldwide. As we journey along the Georgian Military Highway connecting Georgia and Russia, prepare to enjoy a mix of historic sites and natural beauty.

Our first stop is the Ananuri Fortress overlooking the Aragvi River, where we’ll explore its well-preserved medieval churches and detailed reliefs. Legend has it that during a siege, the fortress offered refuge due to its strategic position and a secret water passage. However, a local woman named Ana was captured by enemies and never disclosed the passage’s location before her death, leading to the fortress being named after her. Next, we’ll visit Georgia’s largest ski resort, Gudauri, followed by a stop at the natural Vedza Sour Waters to see the rust-colored pools and sample the mineral water.

Then, let’s visit one of Georgia’s most famous landmarks, the Gergeti Trinity Church perched on a mountain. From below, this 14th-century stone church stands out against the snowy peaks cloaked in mist, resembling a fairy-tale scene – perhaps why it’s called “the church closest to heaven.” Follow your driver-guide to hike up to the summit, offering views of Mount Kazbek and the townscape, and enjoy the peaceful alpine meadows and fresh air. Afterward, we’ll return to Tbilisi in about 4 hours.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Tbilisi (3 stars) or similar

This morning, enjoy a 1.5-hour private transfer with your driver-guide to Gori, beginning with a visit to Uplistsikhe Cave Town, one of the world’s oldest rock-cut towns. Located by the Mtkvari River, it contains hundreds of houses, theaters, temples, and other structures carved into the sandstone hillside, with origins dating back to the 1st century AD. Your driver-guide will point out the temples dedicated to the sun goddess and the earth god, along with Christian churches. Why do different religions coexist peacefully here? The answer lies in the difficulty of excavating and demolishing these rock-cut rooms – making them a three-dimensional record of 2,000 years of history. Despite this, the ancient winepresses and cellars survive unchanged, reflecting the Georgian people’s deep-rooted love for wine.

Next, we’ll head back to Gori’s city center to visit the Stalin Museum. This historic city is the birthplace of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin (1878-1953). The museum, housed in a Soviet-style building expanded from Stalin’s birth house, displays personal items from his childhood, along with his signature clothing, pipe, and even a bulletproof train carriage. Despite his controversial reputation, you’ll gain a more detailed and balanced view of him. Afterward, your driver-guide will escort you to Borjomi in 1.5 hours for the night.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Borjomi Bridge Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Grab your water bottle in the morning and join your driver-guide for a trip to Borjomi Central Park to taste the renowned mineral water! Borjomi’s thermal spring water, originating from a volcanic underground system, has a salty, slightly astringent flavor. Naturally effervescent, it is believed to support gut health. In the 20th century, Borjomi mineral water was highly regarded for its therapeutic properties and became a staple in sanatoriums across the Caucasus. Legend has it that Yuri Gagarin (1934-1968), the first human in space, after returning to Earth and undergoing a medical exam, immediately requested, “I want to drink some Borjomi.” Let’s experience the legendary water firsthand! 

Next, we’ll drive for an hour to Akhaltsikhe Town to explore the Rabati Fortress, Georgia’s largest and most stunning medieval fortress. Akhaltsikhe is a vibrant cultural melting pot: inside the fortress, you’ll find buildings representing different faiths, such as synagogues, mosques, and Orthodox churches. Don’t miss the Akhmediya Mosque, inspired by Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. The architect beautifully combines Islamic and Orthodox features, reflecting a spirit of cultural and religious harmony.

After another hour of driving, we will reach the Khertvisi Fortress, perched on a rocky cliff where rivers meet. Its strategic position enabled fortifications to be established as early as the 2nd century BC. Historically, the fortress was besieged and destroyed numerous times, even by Alexander the Great (356-323 BC). Finally, your driver-guide will escort you back to your hotel in Borjomi.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Borjomi Bridge Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Begin your day by meeting your driver-guide at your hotel, then enjoy a two-hour private car ride to Kutaisi, one of Georgia’s oldest and largest cities. We’ll first visit the 11th-century Motsameta Monastery, dedicated to two princes martyred for their faith. In the 8th century AD, these brothers bravely resisted Arab invaders but were captured. The Arabs offered to spare their lives if they renounced Christianity and converted to Islam. Despite enduring ten days of torture, they stayed true to their faith. Ultimately, they were thrown into the river, which flowed red with their blood. The local community later recovered their bodies, buried them, and built the monastery in their memory.

Our next destination is the Gelati Monastery, Georgia’s oldest surviving monastery, founded in 1106 AD by King David the Builder (1073-1125 AD), one of Georgia’s greatest medieval rulers. Upon entering, you’ll pass through the Gate of King David, who requested to be buried here so that all pilgrims could pass by his tomb as an act of humility. Beneath the monastery’s modest exterior lies an interior adorned with ancient frescoes. Outside, you can enjoy sweeping views of Kutaisi and the surrounding mountains.

Then, we’ll visit the exterior of Prometheus Cave, famous in Greek mythology as the place where Prometheus endured suffering in its rugged, slippery passages after stealing fire. Afterward, we’ll head to Batumi, a coastal city, often called the “Pearl of the Black Sea.” Your driver-guide will then help you with hotel check-in.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: New Wave Hotel, Batumi (4 stars) or similar

This morning, meet your driver-guide at your hotel for Batumi sightseeing. Begin by exploring the beautiful Batumi Botanical Garden, one of Georgia’s oldest gardens, featuring nearly 2,000 plant species from around the world. Meandering paths invite peaceful walks through the lush forest. Keep an eye out for an ancient grove of Liriodendron trees, including a century-old giant that spans a shallow stream, creating a natural bridge. Its trunk, covered in vibrant green moss, adds a magical touch, reminiscent of Alice’s Wonderland. Also, don’t miss the stunning views of the Black Sea from the Upper Park observation deck.

Later, we’ll return to the city center to see the 130-meter-high (426.5 ft.) Alphabetic Tower. This massive steel structure is wrapped with two bands resembling DNA’s double helix, featuring the 33 unique Georgian letters. The Georgian language has been spoken since the 3rd century BC and is deeply woven into the identity of the Georgian people. From the tower’s top, you can overlook the whole of Batumi city.

Nearby, you’ll find the modern Ali and Nino Monument, an installation artwork featuring two hollow, 8-meter-tall (26 ft.) metal figures. They depict a tragic love story, performing every 10 minutes by approaching, kissing, embracing, and then passing through each other, gradually drifting apart. Your driver-guide will share the story of Ali, an Azerbaijani boy, and Nino, a Georgian girl, whose love was shattered by war and religious differences.

Our final stop today is Batumi Piazza Square, filled with Italian charm. A soaring clock tower rises among colorful buildings, mostly trendy restaurants and cozy cafes. Look down at the ground—it’s decorated with Europe’s biggest marble mosaic, made of over 88 million tiny tiles, illustrating graceful marine deities and mermaids. After some leisure time in the square, your driver-guide will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: New Wave Hotel, Batumi (4 stars) or similar

Today, you’ll have a free day to enjoy your fantastic holiday in Batumi! Consider setting aside a whole day for relaxing by the sea.

► How to Plan a Coastal Getaway (on your own)
Start your day at Batumi Beach with thrilling water sports like jet skiing and paragliding, or enjoy a Black Sea cruise while feeling the gentle salty breeze. Take a swim or relax on the beach with sun and sand. Remember to prioritize safety and monitor your physical condition during water activities. In the afternoon, ride the famous Argo Cable Car over Batumi’s port for stunning views of the city and sea. Beneath the surface, black sludge builds up on the seabed, giving the Black Sea its characteristic dark blue color.

In the evening, walk along Batumi Boulevard, enjoy the sculptures, distant mountains, and a sunset. As night falls, the boulevard energizes with outdoor concerts and events, creating a lively, romantic vibe. For a unique view of Batumi’s beauty, riding the Ferris Wheel offers a stunning vantage point over the city’s nightscape.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: New Wave Hotel, Batumi (4 stars) or similar

Today offers another free day for you to discover Batumi’s cultural charm.

► Suggested Activities to Explore Old & New Batumi (on your own)
Walking through Old Batumi’s cobblestone streets, you’ll feel transported to the 19th century, surrounded by Ottoman-era wooden houses. Elegant iron railings, the Medea Statue, and Gothic spires of the Central Cathedral showcase timeless beauty. Just around the corner, the Batumi Tower’s modern design offers a striking contrast, creating a captivating blend of historic charm and futuristic appeal—a scene that feels like space-time folding. 

For an authentic local experience, visit the Agricultural Market. It offers nearly all local fruits, vegetables, spices, honey, and traditional Georgian treats like salty cheese and ham. Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to meet friendly locals and observe their daily routines.

► Recommended Restaurant (at your own expense)
Tavaduri, just a 15-minute walk east of your hotel, is worth trying. It serves authentic Georgian dishes like Khachapuri cheese bread and Georgian dumplings. Locals often pair their meals with kebabs and wine. 
Average Cost per Person: USD 10-15
Address: JJQG+XW3, Batumi

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: New Wave Hotel, Batumi (4 stars) or similar

Before leaving Batumi, your driver-guide will accompany you to explore a hidden Roman ruin in the mountains: Gonio Fortress. Originating from the 1st century AD, when Batumi was a remote frontier of the Roman Empire, it was personally constructed by Emperor Hadrian (76-138 AD) to secure the eastern Black Sea coast. Today, you can ascend the ancient walls for a panoramic view of the fortress, which includes remains of two bathhouses and the water pipes that supplied their water.

After the tour, we will drive for 5 hours back to Tbilisi, where your driver-guide will assist you with hotel check-in.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Tbilisi (3 stars) or similar

As per your flight schedule, your driver-guide will escort you to Tbilisi Airport to bid you farewell. We hope to see you again!

If you’d like to explore other countries in the Caucasus, such as touring medieval ruins in Armenia or enjoying the Caspian Sea’s scenery in Azerbaijan, don’t hesitate to contact our travel consultants for customizable itineraries!

Meals: Breakfast