Classic Georgia
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
The lush and green heart of the Caucasus, Georgia is well known for its culture, landscapes and cuisine. Filled with ancient churches and cave cities, it is home to the birthplace of Stalin and one of the world’s oldest Christian Churches.
The journey begins on the banks of the Mtkvari River, in Georgia’s charming capital, Tbilisi. You will have a chance to wander the old streets of the city and discover it’s many historical sites as well as colourful markets, before ...
The lush and green heart of the Caucasus, Georgia is well known for its culture, landscapes and cuisine. Filled with ancient churches and cave cities, it is home to the birthplace of Stalin and one of the world’s oldest Christian Churches.
The journey begins on the banks of the Mtkvari River, in Georgia’s charming capital, Tbilisi. You will have a chance to wander the old streets of the city and discover it’s many historical sites as well as colourful markets, before heading out along the epic Georgian Military Highway to Stepantsminda in Kazbegi National Park and the slopes of Mount Chaukhebi, where you will enjoy a hike amongst the breathtaking Caucasus landscapes.
Over the course of the following days you’ll visit the spectacular cave town of Vardzia, a traditional Georgian winery, Gori, the birthplace of Georgia’s most infamous son, Joseph Stalin and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gelati Monastery, home to the most impressive collection of church frescoes in the country.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE TBILISI
DAY 1: ARRIVE TBILISI
On arrival into Tbilisi you will be greeted by your Wild Frontiers representative and transferred directly to your hotel for check in.
DAY 2: TBILISI: HISTORICAL SIGHTS
DAY 2: TBILISI: HISTORICAL SIGHTS
Enjoy a full day exploring old Tbilisi, a charming town built along the twisting valley of the Mtkvari river. Walk through narrow streets past colourful houses and patterned balconies, ancient domed sulphur baths and bustling daily markets. Take in some of the city’s most beautiful sites, before delving into the historical museum to discover why Georgia is known as the land of the Golden Fleece. Enjoy an evening of artistry and culinary delights, as you take in one of the most traditional of Georgian performances – a puppet show, held at the renowned Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre, before sampling some of the country’s finest cuisine and wine at one of our favourite local restaurants.
DAY 3: TBILISI - MTSKHETA - ANANURI - KAZBEGI NATIONAL PARK
DAY 3: TBILISI - MTSKHETA - ANANURI - KAZBEGI NATIONAL PARK
Today is an exciting trip into the sheer Caucasus Mountains along the Georgian Military Highway, an epic road which runs from Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz in Russia. Your first stop is Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia which contains many of Georgia's most beautiful and historical churches. Continue to the fortress of Ananuri before finally arriving at the town of Stepantsminda in Kazbegi National Park. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a climb up to the spectacular Holy Trinity Church for some magnificent views, after which you can enjoy some well-earned refreshments.
DAY 4: EXPLORE KAZBEGI NATIONAL PARK
DAY 4: EXPLORE KAZBEGI NATIONAL PARK
Today, you will set off through the spectacular Sno Valley and into the remote the village of Juta (2165m). Surrounded by gorgeous views in every direction, Juta is a small, traditional village which is completely cut off from the rest of the country for six months of the year. After exploring the village itself you can set off on foot to the lower slopes of Mt. Chaukhebi, offering some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. End the day with a delicious cooking class in the company of a local expert, who will teach you about some of Georgia’s most famous dishes.
DAY 5: KAZBEGI - GORI - CHIATURA - KUTAISI
DAY 5: KAZBEGI - GORI - CHIATURA - KUTAISI
Heading west today you descend from the mountains to reach Gori, birthplace of Georgia's most infamous son – Stalin. Here you can visit Stalin's house and take a guided tour of the museum, before continuing on to a traditional winery which produces Georgian BIO-wines in a different way to the wineries in the east. Enjoy a tasting here before driving through the mining town of Chiatura, home to around 20 soviet cable cars, still active to this day. Your final stop of the day will be Kutaisi, considered to be Georgia's second most important city.
DAY 6: KUTAISI - BORJOMI - AKHALTSIKHE
DAY 6: KUTAISI - BORJOMI - AKHALTSIKHE
Visit the local farmer's market this morning before exploring the sights of Kutaisi, capital of the ancient kingdom of Colchis where Jason and his Argonauts came looking for the Golden Fleece. Visit the UNESCO Site of Gelati Monastery, founded in the 12th Century by the most famous Georgian King, David the IV, the Builder, alongside an academy and monastery, which became the foremost centre of education in Georgia. From here then set off to Akhaltsikhe, travelling via Borjomi, a quaint little spa town known for its mineral water and sulphur water spring, the perfect place for some lunch. In the afternoon continue on to Akhaltsikhe where you will visit Rabati Fortress, standing tall over the town, and a completely restored Ottoman fort with an informative museum.
DAY 7: AKHALTSIKHE - VARDZIA - TSALKA CANYON - TBILISI
DAY 7: AKHALTSIKHE - VARDZIA - TSALKA CANYON - TBILISI
This morning you will visit Khertvisi Fortress before moving on to the magnificent 12th century Vardzia Cave Town, one of the highlights of any visit to Georgia. There used to be about 3000 caves here, but now there are just over 500, which include a church hewn out of rock with amazing 12th century frescos. Your route back to Tbilisi will take you close to both the Turkish and Armenian borders across a high plateau and past Lake Parvani, a large lake with villages dotted along the shore and surrounded by mountains. As you descend towards Tbilisi the barren plateau gives way to wooded valleys and farmland, and you will also get the chance to explore Tsalka Canyon, known for waterfalls and lush landscape, and home to a 2400-metre long glass bridge.
DAY 8: TBILISI: CULINARY BACKSTREETS AND COLOURFUL MARKETS
DAY 8: TBILISI: CULINARY BACKSTREETS AND COLOURFUL MARKETS
Delve deep into the food culture of Georgia as you explore markets, backstreets and beyond on your final day in Tbilisi. Begin the tour at a bakery, where you will sample puri, traditional Georgian bread, before exploring the Deserter’s Bazaar, the capital’s oldest market, named after the soldiers who sold their equipment here at the beginning of the 19th century. Continue on to Freedom Square to enjoy a meal in a family-owned restaurant, before the final stop at the city’s first wine bar, where you will enjoy a guided tasting to discover the 8,000-year-old Georgian art of wine making, the perfect end to the perfect Georgian adventure.
DAY 9: DEPART TBILISI
DAY 9: DEPART TBILISI
Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport in time to catch your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Lomsia, Akhaltsikhe
In the centre of Akhaltsikhe, the Hotel Lomsia is a modern three-star hotel, recognizable by its clock feature overlooking the entrance. The restaurant and bar have large windows, allowing in plenty of light, and lead to a delightful pavement street terrace. At the end of a long day sightseeing, enjoy a glass of Georgian wine on the terrace with views of the illuminated fortress at night. The hotel is tastefully designed with careful use of marble, deep carpets and dark wood. Rooms are comfortable and well furnished with additional extras such as kettles, satellite television and bath tubs.
Porta Caucasia, Stepantsminda
Travel through the Caucasus range towards Mount Kazbegi to reach the four-star Porta Caucasia Kazbegi Hotel. Standing 1740 metres above sea level, the hotel has fantastic picturesque mountainous landscapes on all sides, as well as thirty-three rooms, each with a seating area, air-conditioning, a desk, flat-screen television and a private bathroom, while some have the added luxury of a terrace overlooking Mount Kazbegi. Guests can enjoy the large breakfast spread on the shared terrace with views of the church. The Georgian restaurant is open for dinner and pairs well with a flavourful wine from the hotels own wine shop. The Spa, sauna, massage rooms and hair/beauty salon will ensure you are pampered after a long day exploring the surrounding mountains.
Brim Hotel, Tbilisi
Located in one of Tbilisi's oldest neighbourhoods, Brim Hotel offers a comfortable and well-located option in the heart of Georgia's capital. Rooms are clean and spacious, and the terrace restaurant offers fantastic views of the city, not to mention some delicious local dishes. The stylish urban design throughout is complimented by some classical elements, and the hotel is known for being the first solar-powered hotel in Tbilisi. Take advantage of the location as you'll be within walking distance of some of the main sights as well as some of Tbilisi's best cafes and restaurants.
Grand Opera Hotel, Kutaisi
A great new addition to Kutaisi, the Grand Opera Hotel offers excellent upper mid-range accommodation in the heart of the city. Set within a beautiful traditional building, the hotel's decor includes tasteful, modern furnishings and artwork, and the spacious rooms and suites all offer en suite facilities and good amenities. There is a hotel restaurant serving up delicious Georgian food and guests can also access the hotel's wine cellar to sample some local wines.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Natalie
Natalie is our Causcaus expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Natalie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258