Classic Georgia
Discover architectural and archeological Highlights of Georgia. Explore the Caucasus Mountains and Black Sea coastline. Taste traditional wine and delicious food.
Travel Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Tiblisi
Arrival in Tbilisi. Transfer to your hotel. Check-in after 15:00h. Time at leisure.
DAY 2
Tiblisi City Tour
Tbilisi Sightseeing tour after breakfast. The historic part of Tbilisi is located at the foot of Narikala Fortress. It charms visitors with its romantic, narrow streets, beautiful facades and picturesque sites next to each other, including Metekhi Church, Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral, Bridge of Peace, Anchiskhati Church and famous sulphur bathhouses. Take a cable car to Narikala Fort and enjoy the panoramic view over the Old Town. Later visit the National Museum treasury with Golden artifacts from the period of Golden Fleece. In the afternoon you will have some time at leisure before your Dinner at a Georgian restaurant with traditional dishes. Overnight in Tbilisi.
DAY 3
Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Tbilisi
Drive to visit the old capital and religious center of Georgia – Mtskheta (UNESCO World Heritage). Christianity in Georgia started from this town in 4th century. Visit Jvari Monastery at the top of a high cliff and enjoy a splendid panoramic view of how two rivers, Aragvi and Mtkvari join each other. Later, visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), spiritual centre of the country. Return to Tbilisi and take a stroll along Betlemi street, Gudiashvili and Orbeliani Square, visit Dry bridge Flea Market and continue walking along New Tiflis pedestrian street. In the end of the day take the Funicular to the panoramic Mt. Mtatsminda and enjoy the view over the city. Back to the hotel. Time at leisure.
DAY 4
Tbilisi - Bodbe - Signagi - Gremi - Telavi
Today you will be visiting the eastern region of Kakheti, noted for its hospitality and winemaking. First visit Bodbe Convent with the tomb of St. Nino, she converted Georgia to Christinaity. Walk in the town of Signagi, situated on a hill with a picturesque view on Alazani Valley. It is surrounded by defensive wall built in 18th century. Later visit Gremi Fort, which served as the residence of the Kakhetian Kings during the 15-16th centuries. You will get acquainted with the history of this settlement in the Museum and go upstairs to visit the Archangel Church, with wonderful views over the Valley from the terrace and bell tower near the Church. Drive to Telavi, administrative centre of Kakheti region. Check in into your hotel for 1 night. In the evening drive to visit Schuchmann or Mosmieri winery, where you will enjoy a visit and wine-tasting, followed by traditional dinner. Back to your hotel.
DAY 5
Telavi - Tsinandali - Alaverdi - Gombori - Ananuri - Stepantsminda
In the morning take a short walk in Telavi city center. Then visit Chavchavadze Duke’s Estate in Tsinandali with beautiful gardens. Next visit St. George Church in the beautiful Alazani Valley. This is one of the three impressive cathedrals, built in the 11th century in different regions of the country as a symbol of unified Georgia. Next visit a local family that produces huge clay jars “qvevri”, essential for making and keeping wine according to the Georgian traditional method of wine-making. Continue to drive along the Georgian Military Highway leading to Ananuri Fortress (17th century) and to Ski Resort Gudauri. Dinner and night at the hotel in Stepantsminda.
DAY 6
Stepantsminda - Gori - Uplistsikhe – Borjomi
Stepantsminda is famous for Mt. Kazbek (5047m), one of the highest and most beautiful, permanently covered in snow, peaks of Caucasus. According to an old Greek legend, Prometheus was chained to this mount as a punishment for stealing fire from Zeus. Take local Jeeps to drive through the Village and on the forested slopes to Gergeti Trinity Church, dating from the 14th century. A beautiful vista opens from there, over the settlement Stepantsminda and its surrounding mountains. Later drive to Kartli region, to the city of Gori, home town of J. Stalin. Have a photo-stop at his house and Museum. Next visit Uplistsikhe Cave Town nearby, built back in the 1st millennium, BC by pagan tribes. Continue to drive to the Spa Town Borjomi. Dinner and night at the hotel in Borjomi.
DAY 7
Borjomi - Vardzia – Borjomii
Drive along the beautiful Mtkvari Gorge to the Village Vardzia. Visit Cave Town Vardzia, not far from Turkish border. The town was founded in the 12th century during Queen Tamar’s reign, which is known in history as the Golden Age of Georgia. The Cave Town has several floors connected with numerous tunnels. On the way one can see a lot of Castles and Fortresses, built in different centuries for protection against invaders. Lunch at local family, near Vardzia. On the way back visit Rabath Fortified complex, which has played an important role over the centuries and combines architectural styles of different periods from 12th to 19th century.
DAY 8
Borjomi - Tskaltubo - Kutaisi
Drive to Imereti province, situated along the middle and upper reaches of the Rioni River in Western Georgia. This region is known as the land of the Golden Fleece, the rich kingdom of Colchis, where Argonauts sailed in search of the Golden Fleece. The second largest city of Georgia, Kutaisi, is the centre of this region. First visit Promete Karst Cave near Kutaisi, famous for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Later visit Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi from 11th century, which rests upon the top of Ukimerioni hill. In the evening walk in Kutaisi city center. Dinner in a local restaurant at the river Rioni.
DAY 9
Kutaisi - Martvili - Gelati - Motsameta - Kutaisi
Drive to visit beautiful Martvili Canyon in the north from Kutaisi. Enjoy boat trip in the canyon and drive to visit tea plantation nearby. On the way nack to Kutaisi visit one of the most important sites of Imereti region, the Gelati Monastic Complex (UNESCO World heritage site). The complex was founded as a centre of enlightment by the greatest Georgian king, David the Builder, at the beginning of the 12th century. Time at leisure.
DAY 10
Kutaisi - Vani - Petra - Batumi
In the morning visit a local farmer’s market in Kutaisi with fresh vegetables and fruits. Then drive to discover the ancient city of Vani. The collection of Vani Museum encompasses the period between the 8th and 1st centuries BCE. One of the exhibitions includes the city of temples, most representative of Vani culture. Continue to drive to the Black Sea coast to the city of Batumi. On the way visit another important archeological site, Petra Fortress on a rocky mountain, overlooking the Black Sea. After long restoration time Petra opened its doors for visitors in May 2021 (alternatively visit dendrological park in Shekvetili, closed on Mondays and Thursdays). Upon arrival in Batumi, check in your hotel for the next 2 nights. In the evening enjoy dinner in a fish restaurant.
DAY 11
Batumi
In the morning explore the city Batumi. Batumi is the main port of Georgia and an attractive summer holiday destination for both locals and visitors from neighboring countries. Many buildings in Batumi’s Old town are designed in the Art Nuevo style and recently, some attractive new structures have joined the scene, for example, an Italian style Piazza. The square hosts the concerts of world-famous musicians. Near this square is the statue of Medea with the Golden Fleece, a reminder of the legend about the Argonauts. Another attractive part of the city is Batumi Seaside Park and Boulevard. Originally created in 1881, today, Batumi Boulevard stretches 7 km along the beachfront. After the city tour drive to visit the Botanical Gardens 9km from Batumi. The Botanical Gardens offer visitors a diverse array of plants divided into 9 geographical districts. With over 5000 foreign and endemic species, the gardens cover a hillside rising straight up out of the sea. In a 1.5 hour tranquil walk in this garden, one will not only get acquainted with its wide variety of flora but will also be rewarded with beautiful views of the sea. Back to Batumi say goodbye to your guide and enjoy free time.
DAY 12
Batumi Departure
Day free for leisure until check-ou and departure transfer to the International Airport of Batumi.
What´s included
- 11 nights 3 star hotel accommodations
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
- Private touring with English-speaking driver
- Private English-speaking guide from 4 pax onwards
- Entrance Fees
- Return airport transfers to accommodation
- Meals as indicated
Excluded
- Any Personal Expenses
- Tips and Gratitudes
- Any other meals than mentioned
- Tourist tax (payment in the hotel)
Additional Information
- All pricing is reflected in British Pounds unless otherwise specifically denoted and is valid at time of publication but is subject to change.
- All prices are per person sharing a double room. Single and Triple room rates available upon request.
- ‘From’ prices represent land only and low season twin share prices (unless otherwise clearly stated).
- Unless otherwise stated, prices include all government levies and airport taxes as at the date of publication.
- Dates, itineraries and prices are indicative only and subject to change by time booking.
- Private Travel prices are valid for travel during low season and will vary depending on date of travel.
- Some Private Journeys do include group excursions. These excursions are not operated privately and guests join a scheduled departure tour.
- All Journeys are subject to availability. Some Journeys do not operate all year around and may not take place at desired date.
- All Hotel Names stated in the tour itinerary may change to one of a similar Standard without prior notice.
- Some countries charge additional destination tax which are either per Person or per Night. These taxes can vary and must be paid directly at the location or hotel.
- Items listed under Booking Exclusions are NOT included in the price and must be paid directly at the location.
- All Tours are escorted by English-Speaking Guides unless otherwise mentioned.
- All Excursions are based on Join-In Capacity unless “Private Tour” is explicit mentioned. Private Tours are available upon request and with surcharges.
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- All our Insider Journeys itineraries as shown on our website and in our brochures will outline the relevant touring schedule and inclusions and will be priced accordingly to reflect this. Prices may vary based on the selected travel season and any individual amendments required.
- Even if the tours are requested as displayed, on occasion Insider Journeys may be required to impose surcharges depending on variables in the destinations outside of its control. Due to hotel availability in some destinations the accommodation stated in the itinerary may change to that of a similar standard. In light of recent worldwide events and due to the ever-changing current situation, there may also need to be more flexibility applied to the touring content and schedule in certain incidences and sometimes at short notice. Please note that we will always endeavour to keep the inclusions as close as possible to those shown and to notify you as best we can should such changes arise, although we appreciate your understanding in that this may not always be possible.
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