Short Break in Georgia
Tailormade Tour

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.

Tour ratings.

  • Fitness
  • Off the beaten track
  • Culture 
  • History 
  • Wildlife 

Tour pace

Moderate/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

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.

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)

(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)

 

(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.

 

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

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 from £195.

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.

Mapped itinerary.

Want to see details of your itinerary on a map?

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)

The hospitality of the people was amazing – a very warm welcome and such great food. The villages in Svaneti were a real highlight.

 

Anne Lupton, USA