BEST OF GEORGIA

Tbilisi

Today we’re off for a day trip to the Kakheti region, famous for its 8000-year-old tradition of wine making. Yup, you’re heading to the homeland of wine alright!

Sighnaghi

First up, we’ll visit Sighnaghi – Georgia’s fortified ‘City of Love’, where many young locals come to get married.

Sagaredjo

Georgia is known for its hospitality and hugely generous people, and we’ll sample this today with 2 MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences. First, we’ll visit a local family for a homemade Georgian feast, complete with the wine you’ve already heard so much about. Next you’ll learn to become a great host yourself with wine-making and Mtsvadi (traditional Georgian bbq) cooking.

Tbilisi

On our way back to Tbilisi, we’ll stop off at a UNESCO World Heritage site – a local winery where wine has been made for centuries using huge clay jars known as ‘Qvevri’. Back in the capital, you have a free night (to sample more delicious wine, we assume.)

Tbilisi

Rise and shine. Today we’ll have breakfast and head out for a dose of religious and military history in Mtskheta.

Mtskheta

Welcome to Mtskheta, Georgia’s 3000-year-old ancient capital and religious centre. After marvelling at the Jvari Church and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), we’ll take a drive to the Georgian Military highway, where the country was invaded by Russia back in the 18th Century. For our natural beauty fix, we’ll see the magnificent Zhinvali Reservoir and then head to the Caucasus – the impressive mountain range nested between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Don’t fret, we’ll make plenty of photo stops for you to feed your feed.

Sno

Oh Sno we didn’t. Oh Yes we did. Surrounded by mountains, famed for its giant Head Sculptures (Google it), the small village of Sno is steeped in religious significance and natural beauty. Only around 150 people live here, so it’s a peaceful place to enjoy dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Sno

Today’s itinerary is more wholesome than a fruit smoothie, and just as sweet.

Stepantsminda

We’ll drive to Stepantsminda bright and early to take a walk, admiring the valleys, woodlands, mountains and churches as we go – plus a picturesque little village between two snow-capped mountains. Then, it’s off to Gergeti Church for even more oh-so-pretty views.

Juta

Surrounded by flowering meadows, rushing rivers, grazing cows and horses… Juta is just lovely. From here, we’ll make our way to Zeta, where you have a free afternoon to bask in your beautiful surroundings. You can even trek to the foot of Mt Chaukebi!

Sno

Back in Sno, sleepy from all the fresh air, we’ll enjoy an included dinner and then hit the hay.

Sno

Time to leave Sno behind but never fear, more wonders await!

Uplistsikhe

Georgia’s historic hotspot. A city carved into rock. There’s no double-glazing here… but plenty of wows.

Gori

We’ll make a quick stop at in this quaint little city to see the house where Stalin was born. (That’s right, he wasn’t actually Russian!)

Kutaisi

Our ancient history train keeps on chugging as we approach one of the oldest cities in the world, named after the myth of the Argonauts. Once Georgia’s cultural capital, Kutaisi is known for its cathedrals, nearby waterfalls and a club scene that’s said to give Tbilisi a run for its money. (Only one way to find out, right?)

Kutaisi

Before making our way to magical Mestia, we’ll visit the Kutaisi agricultural market where you can spoil yourself with a selection of local produce.

Martvili Canyon

It’s easy to see why Martvili Canyon was once a fav getaway for the Georgian Royal Family. Today we’ll spend some time gliding along the water – which is so clear you can see the riverbed below – marvelling at the steep-sided gorges that surround us.

Mestia

And then we arrive in the Region of Svaneti – the real jewel in our Georgian crown. Picture all the kinds of scenery you love: snowy mountains, rolling fields, picturesque little houses that are bursting with character. Yup, this place has ’em all. Plus lakes, waterfalls and colourful flowers.

Mestia

Today we’ll hop in 4x4s to visit Ushguli – the highest permanently settled village in Europe and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ushguli

Here, the colourful fields contrast with the snowy mountains to produce a swoon-worthy backdrop you’ll be dreaming about for decades to come. We’ll follow Georgia’s highest village with its highest point full stop: Shkara, where we’ll hike all the way to the glacier and then go exploring. Expect more scenic views of the Caucasus, plus ancient towers and awesome flowers.

Mestia

We’ve gone full circle today, as we arrive back in Mestia for a relaxing dinner this evening.

Mestia

With no time to waste, we’ll say goodbye to Mestia, making our way to our one of the last stops of the trip!

Kutaisi

Back in Kutaisi, your Trip Manager will give you an orientation tour of this charming city. Then, we’ll have dinner and rest our heads before waking up for our last full day. Nawww.

Kutaisi

Time to head back to where it all began but first we have one more stop.

Gelati

In Gelati we’ll see even more UNESCO sites and ancient architectural wonders, including one of the oldest education centres in Europe and the tomb of David the Builder (widely considered the greatest king of Georgia).

Tbilisi

After a scenic drive, you’ll have the whole day to make the most of Tbilisi.