Georgia
The Cradle of Wine Making Tour

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Georgia – The Cradle of Wine Making Tour – a 9 day Small Group Tour.

Georgia is a real hidden gem of Europe – in fact most people aren’t entirely sure whether it is actually in Europe. This trip encompasses the cultural heart primarily through the medium of food and wine.

T begin our wine tour, we spend time in atmospheric Tbilisi and marvel at the numerous and diverse cultures that have left their mark on this city, from Ancient Persia and Medieval European crusaders to Imperial Russia and Ottoman Turkey and explore its delightful old city.

We then travel to the ancient wine region of Kakheti, arguably the original home of all viticulture and taste the exquisite wines produced there and enjoy excellent cuisine and even try your hand at cooking local dishes.

We also will visit a number of fascinating historical sites on the tour including the magnificent 11^th century Alaverdi Cathedral situated at the foot of the majestic High Caucasus range and surrounded by vineyards.

Georgia is renowned for its local hospitality so travel with us on this cultural, historical and culinary adventure and discover this intriguing and stunning country where few outsiders have yet ventured.

Tour ratings.

Fitness
Off the beaten track
Culture

History
Wildlife

Tour pace

Busy

Tour style

Traveller

Relaxed Pace

Relaxed tours are easy paced with plenty of leisure time built in. The tour will in all probability still be off the beaten track, with the occasional early start and there may still be occasional long drives. In general on a relaxed pace tour you can enjoy easy-going activities and experiences with opportunities to absorb the sights and immerse yourself in the local surroundings.

Moderate Pace

Moderate pace tours are ideal if you want a tour experience that combines activities and experiences with some time to relax. Typically you will be active and busy for part of the day but then also have time to rest and recharge your batteries. In general on a moderate paced tour there may be some long journeys involved but the tour is not an expedition or a road trip. On a moderate paced tour it will be necessary to have some early starts.

Busy Pace

A busy paced tour means that you can expect to be doing, seeing or experiencing something new almost every day, and moving on from place to place to pack in as much as possible. There may be early starts, long journeys and tiring days along the way, but you’ll return home feeling you’ve really experienced as much as you possibly could.

Pioneer Class Tours

On our Pioneer tours, you will be amongst an elite group of intrepid travellers and some of the first to explore a country that few have been privileged enough to discover. Of course, exploring such areas of the world will come with its challenges; it may mean several nights camping, long journeys by 4WD and the need to maintain a degree of flexibility for when carefully laid plans change. These are challenging tours in countries and areas that may have poor infrastructure, high levels of poverty and illiteracy. This can translate in to low standards in hotels, bad roads and poor driving standards among other issues. We try and smooth out as much of these issues as we can but you should be prepared to experience the bad with the good.

Traveller Class Tours

Our Traveller itineraries are at the core of our programme. These journeys are designed for travellers who still want to discover a land away from the tourist crowds but expect minimum standards. Accommodation will be primarily hotel based, although you could still find yourself camping, or the guest of a local family. Depending on the destination and itinerary, you’ll likely be travelling in a private vehicle, with occasional use of public transport. This is adventure travel with some of the rough edges smoothed out.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Tbilisi

Begin your wine tour when you arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure with no guided activities. Overnight Hotel Kalasi or similar. No meals included.

Day 2 – Tbilisi Sightseeing

Today you will meet your guide for a tour briefing at 08:30am at the hotel. Afterwards, embark on a guided walking tour around old Tbilisi, taking in the fascinating history of this long-overlooked region. You spend the day discovering sites such as the Narikala citadel, Metekhi Temple and Sioni Cathedral. Visit Sarajishvili Brandy Factory and take the opportunity to try some high-quality Georgian brandy. After the brandy tasting, visit Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square before enjoying traditional Georgian food at a local restaurant. During the meal we will also try some local wines. Later this afternoon you can enjoy some leisure time to amble through the streets of old Tbilisi. This evening is at your own leisure and our local guide will be able to make dinner recommendations. Overnight Hotel Kalasi or similar. (BL)

Day 3 - Tbilisi – Sighnaghi – Kvareli

(Approximate overall driving time today is 3.5 hours)

After breakfast drive east towards Kakheti. Visit the picturesque town of Sighnaghi and take a leisurely stroll through this beautiful town admiring the fabulous views towards the High Caucasus range in the distance. Continue to a local cellar producing artisanal natural wines according to ancient Georgian traditions, where tasting will be offered with light snacks. After wine-tasting we travel to Kvareli. On arrival we check in to the hotel and spend some time at leisure. For dinner we visit the Wine Yard №1, a local farmer’s house in the village of Akhalsopeli. You will be invited into this welcoming local establishment to enjoy organic food and wine and take part in the famous Supra, a feast led by the Tamada (the toastmaster). The experience here will allow you to be immersed in the food and wine of Kakheti and learn about folklore and agricultural traditions. Overnight at Hotel Chateau Kvareli or similar (BD)

Day 4 – Kakheti Province including Alaverdi Cathedral

(Approximate overall driving time today is 3 hours)

After breakfast we visit Nekresi Monastery, founded in the 4^th Century and Gremi architectural complex of the 16^th c. This will be followed by a visit to the family run Chelti winery where we enjoy tasting with light snacks. Continue to spectacular Alaverdi Cathedral 11^th Century located in the shadow of the Greater Caucasus range. Also visit the Apiary located nearby to Alaverdi Monastery where you will be able to taste natural local honey. Back to the hotel there will be some time at leisure before later visiting Winery Khareba, tasting some excellent wines and an opportunity to participate in traditional Georgian bread making and also the churchkhela making process (a traditional candle shaped candy). Here you will also enjoy dinner and some wine. Overnight at Hotel Chateau Kvareli or similar (BD)

Day 5 – Kvareli – Ikalto Monastery – Tsinandali Residence - Telavi – Kvareli

(Approximate driving time today is 4 hours)

This morning, visit Ikalto Monastery and its academy founded in the 11^th Century, where viticulture was taught as well as theology and philosophy. Continue to Vardisubani and witness the ancient tradition of winemaking in Georgia recognised now by UNESCO as a significant intangible cultural heritage. Enjoy wine tasting at a Telavi wine cellar and visit the lovely Tsinandali Residence and its attractive grounds dating from the 19^th century. After Tsinandali, lunch will be taken at Schuchmann Wines. Later there will be a short sightseeing tour in Telavi, an important town in Kakheti region. Dinner this evening will be at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Chateau Kvareli or similar (BLD)

Day 6 - Kvareli – Kardenakhi Winery – Tbilisi

(Approximate driving time today is 3 hours)

After breakfast we leave Kakheti region and return to Tbilisi. On the way visit Kardenakhi wine factory #1. This is a unique cellar built at the end of the 19^th Century as it is the biggest Qvevri winery in Georgia and a place of historical importance with respect to local viticulture. Here we will enjoy lunch and wine tasting before arriving in Tbilisi where any remaining time this afternoon will be at leisure as will be the evening for you to sample one of the many restaurants showcasing Georgian and regional cuisine. Overnight at Hotel Kalasi or similar (BL)

Day 7 – Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Chateau Mukhrani – Tbilisi

(Approximate driving time today is 2.5 hours)

Drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and a site of immense historical and cultural significance. Mtskheta is packed full of historical monuments and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the 6th century Jvari Monastery. Continue to Chateau Mukhrani, known for the famous residence and winery of Prince Mukran Bagrationi, where we have the opportunity to taste some of the wines and enjoy some local snacks for lunch. Return to Tbilisi where your evening is at leisure. Our local team will make recommendations for you to go out in Old Tbilisi. Overnight at Hotel Kalasi or similar (BL)

Day 8 – Tbilisi

After breakfast take the funicular for panoramic views of the city, followed by a visit to the National Museum (closed on Mondays) which will give excellent context to your experiences from the tour. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax, go shopping or enjoy a glass of wine at one of the many nice cafes or wine shops. There will be a farewell dinner this evening at an excellent local restaurant and of course there will be Georgian wines to enjoy. Overnight at Hotel Kalasi or similar (BD)

Day 9 – Tbilisi Departure

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight at the end of the Georgia wine tour. (B)

Dates & Price.

Dates and Prices

Tour Notes

Important Note - Provisional Tour Dates

Please note that tour dates for the 2022 and 2023 wine tour are still provisional and may change by a few days.

Minimum Group Size

This group tour operates subject to a minimum group size of 2 travellers.

Wine Expert Tours in October

The October departures will take place around the time of the grape harvest in Georgia. This departure will be accompanied by a wine expert from the UK as well as a local guide as normal. So we recommend this departure for those that wish to experience Georgia and its wines and also to be able to talk to an industry expert about all things wine related as you are on tour. The tour around harvest has a minimum group size of 4.

Flights

Return flights from London to Tbilisi start at £350. Contact us for a quotation.

Single Supplement

Main tour single supplement starts from £225.

Extra Accommodation

Extra night accommodation pre and/or post tour in Tbilisi costs from £40 per person, per night sharing a twin/double room and £70 per person in a solo occupancy room.

Please note that the prices quoted above are for the category of accommodation and hotel used for this particular tour. Depending on the hotel eventually confirmed there may be some difference in the rate advertised by the hotel, and the prices available through Undiscovered Destinations. It should be noted we will not apply a surcharge should more expensive accommodation be used. At the same time in the event that a lower rate is available for the confirmed hotel we are unable to offer a refund.

Georgia - The Cradle of Wine Making Private tour

Kindly note that if you do not wish to travel as part of a group, this wine tour can also be arranged on a private basis. Prices start at £1850 per person based on 2 people travelling and sharing a room. Larger private groups or a private solo tour can be also arranged on request – contact us for details.

If you wish to have your own Georgia experience tailored to your requirements please get in touch with Mark Huggins who will be pleased to design your perfect tour.