Georgia
Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Mtskheta, Borjomi, Vardzia, Kutaisi, Akhaltsikhe
Embark on a 10-day journey through Georgia, traversing both its eastern and western regions. From the lush expanses of the Alazani Valley to the ancient wonders of Vardzia cave town and the tranquil shores of Batumi seaside, immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of this captivating country.
Upon arrival at Tbilisi International Airport, we meet you to take you to your hotel.
Afterwards, stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets and charming quarters of Old Tbilisi. For scenic lookouts, visit a 4th century Narikala fortress providing breath-taking views of the cityscape.
Right on the other side of the fortress, visit a truly hidden GEMs; visit Botanical Garden and take a relaxing stroll along the Fig gorge, a verdant deep canyon in the heart of the Old Town.
The gorge is connected through a series of charming paths and small bridges, leading to a beautiful waterfall. Pay a visit to Georgian State Museum, known for its collection of gold and silver artifacts and jewelry from the pre-Christian period from various regions of the country. If time permits, take a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue, where notorious architectural and historical buildings such as the Palace of Youth, Parliament of Georgia, Kashueti Church, Rustaveli Theater, National Picture Gallery, and the Academy of Sciences reside.
Today a scenic drive will take you to Kakheti – Georgia`s wine-producing region known for its abundance of historical monuments at the backdrop of golden hills, deep valleys, snow-capped Caucasus mountains, blue rivers and countless vineyards. Our first stop will be in Telavi, the administrative and historic center of the region. Have a short walk-through charming streets of old Telavi and have a photo stop at the monument to Erekli II. Drive to Tsinandali the residence of dukes of Georgia with beautiful English garden, a museum, and the wine cellar which belonged to prince Chavchavadze, 19th century public figure and poet. Next head take a guided city tour of Sighnaghi. Meaning “shelter,” Sighnaghi is one of the smallest towns in the country with one of the richest histories. The city is sits on a hill surrounded by a fortified wall. A large variety of languages and nationalities mingle with the unique mountain landscape to make Signagi one of the most breathtaking places on the planet.
Explore multiple architectural monuments and learn about the traditions of local people, all while enjoying the splendid views that open on the gorgeous Alazani Valley, known as the cradle of Georgian wines.
Today a beautiful drive takes us along charming Caucasus Mountains, to a small town Stepantsminda located at the base of Mount Kazbek (5047 m) in the mountains. On the way to Kazbegi there will be a few stops for taking breathtaking pictures and enjoying the majestic beauty of the Caucasus Mountains.
En route visit Mtskheta, an ancient capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia, predating Tbilisi by nearly thousand years. Though Mtskheta is less than an hour of drive from Tbilisi, the picturesque town, feels like a world away. While in Mtskheta, visit iconic monuments of the town – Jvari monastery and Svetitskhoveli cathedral located at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Mtskheta is known as second Jerusalem. According to the Georgian historical accounts Lord’s tunic was brought to Georgia by Elios, Jewish citizen of Mtskheta. The tunic is buried in the foundation of Svetitskhoveli cathedral. Continue drive along the stunning Caucasus Mountains to Kazbegi.
Check into your hotel, the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, a modern, cozy resort with breathtaking mountainous views and consistently friendly service. The first of its kind in Georgia, this luxurious escape boasts a simple, open design that allows guests to feel right at home.
There is much to see and do in and around the Kazbegi. After breakfast embark on 4-wheel adventure to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church, built in the 14th century situated on the hill at an elevation of 2100 meters. From this spot you have an unforgettable view of Mount Kazbek, reaching 5047 meters and covered with glaciers and permafrost. This is one of the absolute highlights of our trip. According to the legend, the titan Prometheus who brought fire to men was chained on the Mount Kazbek. Next drive to Dariali gorge and Gveleti waterfall.
Today in the morning depart to Borjomi – a resort town in south-central Georgia with a population of just 14,500 but a rich history. It is one of the districts of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region situated in the picturesque Borjomi Gorge on the eastern edge of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, the largest in Georgia with more than 110 000 hectares of land.
The town is famous for its world-renowned mineral water, which is the number one export of Georgia. Borjomi mineral water bottled since 1890. If you wish you can have a nice walking experience in Borjomi Central Park
After breakfast head to Akhaltsikhe; According to historical sources, the town Akhaltsikhe was founded in the 9th century. Visit Rabati quarter and Rabati castle; Rabati quarter at the fortress, was the place where earlier mainly Jewish merchants and craftsmen lived in the Rabat quarter. The fortress is located near the river Potskhovi, on the mountaintop, around 1000 meters above the sea level. It consists of different kinds of constructions from the Middle Ages.
This small district of Akhaltsikhe shows to the world how people with different religions can live together peacefully and friendly.
Next head to Vardzia cave town explore one of the magical sites in Georgia – the ancient Vardzia cave city. It is as dramatic as the Great Caucasus Mountains. The road follows the upper Mtkvari River, passing through narrow canyons and then veering south along a particularly beautiful valley cutting like a green ribbon between arid, rocky hillsides.
The impressive cave town was founded by King George III in the XII century. Overnight in Borjomi or in Vardzia.
Today you will drive to Kutaisi, city with magnificent history and marvelous natural wonders. First stop you will make is in Bagrati cathedral, early 11th century building, defining Georgian architectural standards of that time. Once the largest and richest cathedral, now is favorite destination for many visitors of the city. After Bagrati cathedral, you will visit Prometheus cave. Western Georgia is renowned of it’s caves (in total more than 2000 caves are discovered in Georgia) and Prometheus cave is one of the most beautiful out of all. Walk 1,5 km long pass with a local guide and discover underground life and formations, including underground rivers, stalactites and stalagmites, formed for hundreds of thousands of years. Later on, drive back to Kutaisi and check in to the hotel.
On day eight, drive to Batumi, second largest city of Georgia and gem of Georgian Black sea coast. City with more than 2000 years of history now is being transformed into tourist and trade center of region. Upon arrival to Batumi, you will walk to have a city tour of Batumi, visit old town, Piazza square, Batumi boulevard, New Batumi and much more, after which you will ride longest cable car in Georgia to visit Argo observation deck to have panoramic views on the city, surrounding mountains and sunset at the Black Sea. Overnight in Batumi.
In the late morning, visit Gonio fortress, located 30 minutes’ drive from Batumi. This 2000-year-old fortress built by romans gives you good point of view on ancient lifestyle and relations between Georgian kingdoms and foreign empires of that time. Later, drive back to Batumi and have the rest of the day for your leisure.
In the end of your journey, you will be transported to the airport for departure.
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Tour manager: Alex
E-mail – tours@tikatours.com
Tel : +995511455250
This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist. Rate of this itinerary starts from 2000 $