Travel to Georgia

Georgia Tour

10 days/9 nights

2011 Tour Departure Dates:
April 28
May 26
June 23
September 8
October 6

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Tbilisi airport and transfer to your hotel. Tbilisi is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Georgia. Archaeological evidence indicates that the site was settled as early as the 4th century BC on the important trade routes between Europe and Asia. Located in a mountain-ringed basin, Tbilisi is the economic, administrative, and cultural heartland of Transcaucasia. It is also a major transportation center. Industries include printing and publishing, machine building, food processing, tanning, silk weaving, and the production of machine tools, locomotives, and plastics. Orchards and vineyards surround the city. The region's mineral springs provide the basis for numerous health resorts. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 2: Tbilisi
Sightseeing tour of old Tbilisi takes you to places important to the history of the city from early centuries to present. Our tour includes the Metekhi Church, overlooking Mtkvari River; the Narikala Fortress, one of the oldest fortifications (4th century); the Synagogue; Sioni Cathedral (6-7th century) and Anchiskhati Church (6th century), as well as the famous 19th century houses with wooden multi-colored balconies. All these sights are in close proximity and make for a pleasant walk. Afterwards you visit the sulfur baths which made an unforgettable impression on Pushkin, Lermontov, and Duma. Later we visit the stunning treasury of the Georgian National Art Museum. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Tbilisi. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Tbilisi - Tsalka - Akhalkalaki - Vardzia - Akhaltsikhe
In the morning we travel to the beautiful regions of Georgia and enjoy the views of magnificent Paravani Lake. We visit the stunning cave town of Vardzia (12th century) that is one of the highlights of the trip. It stretches over half a kilometer along the Mtkvari River and has 19 tiers. There used to be about 3000 caves. A church hewn out in rock has amazing 12th century frescos. The complex also includes dwellings quarters, small hall-type churches, wine cellars, pharmacy, etc. Today we will also visit Khertvisi fortress (10th century). Dinner and overnight at a family guesthouse in Akhaltsikhe (sharing facilities). (B, L, D)

Day 4: Akhaltsikhe - Borjomi - Kutaisi
Today we visit the famous town of Borjomi loved by Russian Tsars for its beautiful coniferous forests and healthy mineral water. We visit Borjomi Public Park, taste some carbonated water, and see a big model of a map of Georgia. Later we drive to Imereti province in West Georgia, the region of cool springs, green fields, and beautiful gardens. Visit the pretty town of Kutaisi, the second largest in the country, more than 3000 years old. See Gelati Cathedral (12th century) one of the earliest academies in Europe and a UNESCO World heritage site. Dinner and overnight at a family guesthouse in Kutaisi. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Kutaisi - Batumi - Kutaisi
Morning departure for the Black Sea coast to visit the fascinating town of Batumi. The town, with its large port and commercial center, is also the last stop of the Transcaucasian Railway and the Baku oil pipeline. It preserves its original maritime image and welcomes visitors who like history, culture and nature. We visit Batumi Botanical gardens, the Gonio fortress (connected by legend to Jason and the Argonauts), and the Ethnographic Museum, where there are exhibited many interesting artifacts related to the history of the town and the province. We have some free time to wonder around the town and later drive back to Kutaisi. Dinner and overnight at a family guesthouse in Kutaisi. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Kutaisi - Gori - Gudauri
In the morning we will visit the town of Gori, the heart of the Kartli region and its historic places. Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC) is the site where the Great Silk Road used to pass. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out in rock, and even an ancient theatre. Visit Stalin's house and museum. Afterwards drive up the famous Georgian Military Highway (leading to the Georgian-Russian border). On the way visit Ananuri architectural complex (17th century), the two churches and the fortress overlooking the Zhinvali water reservoir. The drive is very scenic through high Caucasus Mountains. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Gudauri ski resort. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Gudauri - Kazbegi - Gudauri
A stunning drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River will bring us to Kazbegi, the main town in the region. From Kazbegi a leisurely 1.5-hour walk up through beautiful valleys and woodland leads us to Gergeti Trinity Church (14th century) located at 2170m. Weather permitting you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus - Mt Kazbegi (5047m). We walk back to the town and drive to Gudauri en route visiting a local artist who will tell us more about Georgian iconography and Teka or the making of woolen goods. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Gudauri ski resort. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Gudauri - Mtskheta - Tbilisi
After breakfast we will drive to the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia, Mtskheta (3000 years old) to visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Jvari Monastery (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is buried. Proceed to Tbilisi. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Tbilisi - Sighnaghi - Telavi - Tbilisi
In the morning we drive to the Kakheti region, well known for its wine producing. We will enjoy superb views of the High Caucasus Mountains and valleys of Kakheti, become acquainted with the traditions and culture of the country and region, and taste wines and delicious food. First we will visit the fortified town of Sighnaghi (18th century) which has preserved its original character and now offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding Caucasus Mountains. After we visit a farmer's house to see a unique 300-year-old wine cellar and get acquainted with the Georgian way of winemaking, which is quite different from the European way. Drink typical Georgian wine straight from the clay jars kept under the ground. We continue our way to Alaverdi Cathedral and later visit local Duke Alexander Chavchavadze's house-museum and park. Here we also have a chance to taste wine produced at a factory established as early as 1814. Later drive to Tbilisi and time at leisure. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Departure
Transfer to the airport and departure.

TOUR PRICE:

Land Cost Per Person:
(double occupancy)

10 travelers: $1430
8 travelers: $1470
6 travelers: $1530
4 travelers: $1660
2 travelers: $1930
1 traveler: $2770

Single Supplement: $260

Kutrubes Travel has SPECIAL AIRFARES - Contact us for details.

Price Includes:

Accommodation at 3* hotels in Tbilisi and Gudauri and guesthouses in Akhaltsikhe and Kutaisi
All meals
Transportation by A/C car
Experienced English-speaking guide
Excursion fees

Price Does Not Include:

Airfare (Unless otherwise arranged)
Departure and custom fees
Gratuities and individual expenses
Additional beverages
Travel insurance
Trip cancellation
Entry Visa fee to Georgia
Porterage
Medical and luggage insurance are recommended for coverage against all unforeseen circumstances

Payment and Refund Policies

If you have any questions or you'd like to book this trip, please contact us.

Custom itineraries available to this or any of the destinations we travel to.

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