Georgia
The Cradle of Wine Making Tour

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.

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)

(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)

(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)

(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)

(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)

(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)

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)

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