Georgia
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 11th 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.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Tbilisi
Arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure with no guided activities. Overnight Hotel KMM 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. Overnight Hotel KMM or similar. (BL)
Day 3 - Tbilisi – Sighnaghi – Kvareli
After breakfast drive east towards Kakheti. Visit Bodbe Monastery of St. Nina. Then continue to 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 snack. 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 a local farmer’s house. 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
After breakfast we visit Nekresi Monastery, founded in the 4th Century and Gremi architectural complex of the 16th c. This will be followed by a visit to the family run winery where we enjoy tasting with light snacks. Continue to spectacular Alaverdi Cathedral 11th Century located in the shadow of the Greater Caucasus range. Also visit the Apiary located nearby 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. Overnight at Hotel Chateau Kvareli or similar (BD)
Day 5 – Kvareli – Tsinandali Residence - Ikalto Monastery - Telavi – Kvarel
This morning, visit the lovely Tsinandali Residence and its attractive grounds dating from the 19th century. Then continue to Ikalto Monastery and its academy founded in the 11th Century, where viticulture was taught as well as theology and philosophy. We visit one small winery for lunch and wine tasting. Continue to Vardisubani and witness the ancient tradition of winemaking in Georgia recognised now by UNESCO as a significant intangible cultural heritage. We have a short sightseeing tour in Telavi, an important town in Kakheti region. Later return to the hotel. Dinner this evening will be at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Chateau Kvareli or similar (BLD)
Day 6 - Kvareli – Giuaani Winery – Tbilisi
After breakfast we leave Kakheti region and return to Tbilisi. On the way visit Giuaani winery in the village of Manavi. Here we will enjoy lunch and wine tasting before arriving in Tbilisi where any remaining time will be at leisure as will be evening for you to sample one of the many restaurants showcasing Georgian and regional cuisine. Overnight at Hotel KMM or similar (BL)
Day 7 – Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Chateau Mukhrani – Tbilisi
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 you evening is at leisure. Our local team will make recommendations for you to go out in Old Tbilisi. Overnight at Hotel KMM 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 the 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 there will be Georgian wines to enjoy. Overnight at Hotel KMM or similar (BD)
Day 9 – Tbilisi Departure
You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
If you wish to spend more time in Georgia please contact us for tailormade extension options
Dates & Price.
Tour Notes
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.
Download PDF.
Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.
For expert advice get in touch now with our passionate,
well-travelled team.
+44(0) 191 296 2674 from THE UK
1-800-614-2967 from THE US & CANADA
1-300-956-415 from AUSTRALIA
Tour inclusions.
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All accommodation
- Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
- Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
- 1 glass of wine with mentioned lunches and dinners.
- Wine tasting where mentioned
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
- Transport on tour
Tour exclusions.
- International flights
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Visas
- Drinks
- Tips (Discretionary)