Short Break in Georgia
Short Break in Georgia – Tailormade Tour 5 Days from £995 per person based on 2 people travelling sharing a room.
Georgia is one of the least known nations of Europe – in fact most people aren’t entirely sure whether it is actually in Europe. Hidden away and often eclipsed by its monumental neighbour, it hides a wealth of diverse secrets.
This short break will give you an enticing flavour of this enigmatic nation. In Tbilisi one can 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. Take a trip out to the fertile Kakheti Valley in the foothills of the Caucasus range. Here you will visit charming hilltop towns, the magnificent Alaverdi Cathedral and enjoy being immersed in one of the truly ancient wine growing regions and taste some of Georgia’s best wines before returning to Tbilisi. In contrast the vines of Kakheti, we snake our way into the majestic scenery of the High Caucasus and visit the dramatically perched Gergeti Sameba church. Georgia is renowned for its local hospitality so travel with us on this short break, and get to know this this intriguing and stunning country where few outsiders have yet to tread.
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. Your accommodation is situated right in the middle of the old town, great for access to the thriving restaurant scene in Tbilisi. Overnight Hotel Kalasi. No meals or guided activities today included.
Note – As this is a tailor-made tour, we can arrange different accommodation options in Tbilisi.
Day 2 – Tbilisi Sightseeing
Today you will meet your guide for a short 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. Later this afternoon you can enjoy some leisure time to amble through the delightful streets of old Tbilisi. Alternatively you may wish to take the funicular for panoramic views over the city. This evening is at your own leisure and your local guide will be able to make dinner recommendations. Overnight Hotel Kalasi (B)
Day 3 – Kakheti region including Sighnaghi and Alaverdi Cathedral
(Approximate overall driving time today is 5 hours)
We leave the city after breakfast and travel to the picturesque hill top 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 vineyard where you will have the opportunity to taste excellent Georgian wines and have enjoy local dishes for lunch. This afternoon, continue to spectacular Alaverdi Cathedral dating from the 11th Century located impressively 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. Later return to Tbilisi via the forested slopes of the Gombori Pass. Your evening will be at leisure. Overnight Hotel Kalasi (BL)
Day 4 – Tbilisi – Ananauri – Gergeti Trinity Church – Mtskheta - Tbilisi
(Approximate overall driving time today is 6 hours)
Today we have an exciting full day into the mountains. Leaving the capital early this morning, we join the Georgian Military Highway and snake our way up into the majestic scenery of the Higher Caucasus range. En route we stop briefly at the castle complex of Ananauri, situated on the Aragvi River, before continuing the climb through dramatic scenery and over the spectacular Jvari Pass where we can stop to photograph the interesting contours of the surrounding peaks and valleys. If weather conditions are fine, take the 1.5 hour hike to the iconic Gergeti Trinity church situated at 2150 metres underneath the brooding presence of Mt Kazbek (5054 metres). Return to Tbilisi stopping at 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. Your evening is at leisure in Tbilisi. Overnight Hotel Kalasi (BL)
Note – for clients not wishing to hike to the Gergeti Sameba church, it is possible to arrange a jeep to transport you for approximately USD 30.
Day 5 – Tbilisi Departure
At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Note –if you prefer to have some additional time in Tbilisi then we can arrange this for you or if you wish to visit other parts of Georgia or perhaps a visit to neighbouring Armenia or Azerbaijan. Contact us to discuss the many possible options in the Caucasus region.
Dates & Price.
We offer this tour for private departures only.
Prices start from £995 per person, based on two people sharing a room.
We can also tailor a similar or totally different itinerary to meet your requirements. Please contact us to discuss your travel plans.
Tour Notes
Flights and overland by train
Return flights from London to Tbilisi start at £350. Contact us for a quotation. You can also travel to Georgia overland by train. Contact us for details.
Single Supplement
Single supplement from £195.
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.
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 (not guided)
- All accommodation as per itinerary (different accommodation can be booked)
- Services of English-speaking driver/guide from Days 2 – 4
- Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
- Wine tasting where mentioned
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
- Private transport on tour
Tour exclusions.
- International flights
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Visas if applicable
- Drinks
- Tips (Discretionary)