Highlights of Georgia: Tbilisi, Caucasus Mountains, & More - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tbilisi

Welcome to Georgia! Upon your arrival, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Tbilisi.

After you check-in, you can choose to rest or make the most of your free time and take a walk through the charming capital city of Tbilisi. Dining is taken seriously in Georgia, so heading out to grab a large meal will be a great way to start learning about this country's welcoming people and their passion for indulging in good food.

Day 2: Tour of Old Tbilisi

Today, you'll head out on a walking tour of Old Tbilisi, the historic sector of this elegant and charming multi-ethnic capital situated at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. As you walk along its narrow streets, you'll get to soak in the special charm of the traditional stone and brick houses of Tbilisi with their intricate balconies. As you continue, you'll see the Georgian Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Catholic churches along with the Great Synagogue and the blue-tiled Juma Mosque. After your tour concludes, you'll have the rest of the evening free to continue exploring, but we suggest planning stops at the Tbilisi History Museum and the National Gallery to learn more about Georgian culture.

Day 3: Day-Trip to Jvari Monastery

This morning, a guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the 6th-century Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities in Georgia. Due to Mtskheta's historical significance and its cultural monuments, the city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. After your tour of the monastery, you'll visit the 11th-century Cathedral of Svetiskhoveli, which is the second-largest church in Georgia and claims to house the mantle of Christ. After a full day in Mtskheta, your driver will return you to your hotel in Tbilisi for a night of leisure time. 

Day 4: Day-Trip to Gremi & Signagi

Today, a driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to the town of Gremi, which was the capital of the former Kachetian Kingdom. Here, you'll see the ruins of the Gremi Citadel, a 16th-century architectural monument, and the frescoed Church of the Archangels. After you explore these sites, you can see more of the architectural sites from the Late Middle Ages in Gremi, which is located southwest of the present-day eponymous village in the Kvareli district.

Your driver will then take you on to Signagi, a town in Georgia's easternmost region of Kakheti and the administrative center of the Signagi municipality. Although it is one of Georgia's smallest towns, Signagi is a popular tourist destination due to its location at the heart of Georgia's wine-growing region, as well as its picturesque landscape, pastel-colored houses and cobblestone streets.

If you're interested in learning more about Georgian wine, you can then continue on to Tsinandali and visit the Prince Alexander Chavchavadze House Museum, where you can tour the beautiful gardens and taste five types of wine in the cellar. Alexander Chavchavadze inherited this village, located in the valley of the Alazani River, from his father, Prince Garsevan. Chavchavadze then built the oldest and largest winery in Georgia, where he combined the wine traditions from Europe with those established in Georgia. After your full day in the Georgian countryside, your driver will return you to your hotel in Tbilisi.

Day 5: Day-Trip in the Caucasus Mountains

This morning, a private driver will take you to Gergeti Trinity Church, which is situated on the slopes of Kazbegi Peak. After you're done exploring, you'll take a 10-minute ride to the town of Stepantsminda, which is known for its scenic location in the Greater Caucasus Mountains. After you do a bit of trekking around and take some panoramic photos, your driver will begin the trip back to Tbilisi. On the way, you can stop and visit the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument before you continue traveling toward the medieval Fortress of Ananuri on the banks of the Aragvi River. You'll have time to tour the complex of two castles before you complete the final portion of your transfer back to your hotel.

Day 6: Visit the Caves of Uplistsikhe -> Night in Kutaisi

Today, a driver will take you to see the late Bronze Age settlement of Uplistiskhe–a rock-hewn city located on the famous Silk Road—where you can explore the caves, see wine cellars (marani), learn about traditional Georgian stoves (thone), and tour the three-nave basilica and the ancient theater. Uplistsikhe is remarkable for its unique combination of architectural styles from ancient civilizations in Turkey and Northern Iran. You'll also be able to visit the Bagrati and Gelati Monasteries in nearby Kutaisi. Both are among the most important and popular religious monuments of Georgia. Your driver will return you to your hotel in Tbilisi for a night of free time.

Day 7: Visit Zugdidi

Today, a driver will take you to Zugdidi, a city in the Western Georgian historical province of Samegrelo. Historically, Zugdidi was the capital of the Principality of Mingrelia until 1867, when the principality was abolished by the Russian Empire. You'll be able to take a full tour of this city, and you'll want to make sure you schedule time to see the stunning Dadiani Palace. After lunch, you'll continue to Mestia, a town that is dominated by defensive stone towers known as Svan Towers.

Day 8: Day-Trip to Ushguli

Today, a driver will take you to visit Ushguli, a community of four villages that are located at the head of the Enguri Gorge in Svaneti. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, Ushguli is one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. Compared to somewhat more developed towns like Mestia, Ushguli isn't in an easily accessible location, which has preserved many of the village's quaint characteristics. We’ll take 4x4 vehicles to the center of the community where you can visit Lamaria Church, where locals believe that Queen Tamara, who was a central figure in Svans history, was buried. After you spend a full day marveling at the stone buildings wedged between the towering mountain peaks and doing some light trekking, your driver will take you back to your hotel in Tbilisi. 

Day 9: Boat Trip through Martvili Canyon

After breakfast, a driver will pick you up for your trip to Martvili Canyon half an hour away from Kutaisi. You'll begin your day in the small city of Martvili, where you can see a few historical monuments before you venture into the nature preserve. You'll take a boat ride on the deep green water that snakes between the high rocks of the canyon, where you'll come across plenty of waterfalls. After your excursion, your driver will take you to your hotel in Kutaisi.

Day 10: Hiking in the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

Today you'll be driven to Borjomi, a resort town in southern Georgia. Once there, you'll see the picturesque Borjomi Gorge on the eastern edge of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. You'll take a hike around the park, where you'll be treated to some breathtaking views. After you finish hiking the trails, you'll get back in the car and head to Javakheti where you can see the Chitakhevi St. George Monastery deep in the woods.

Day 11: See Vardzia Cave Monastery

Today, you'll take a quick trip to the Rabati Fortress before continuing to Vardzia, a monastery carved into the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain on the left bank of the Kura River. Then you'll see the Phoka Monastery where Saint Nino first came to Georgia. At the end of the day, a drive will take you back to Tbilisi.

Day 12: Depart Tbilisi

It's time to say goodbye to Georgia! After having a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you'll have time to take one last walk through Tbilisi. A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home.