About Your Trip
Whether hiking in the stunning Caucasus Mountains or enjoying a feast from a local farmer’s market, this nine-day journey offers a truly immersive Georgian experience. You will begin your adventure in the Old Quarter of Tbilisi, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites in nearby Mtskheta. Discover the ancient winemaking and drinking traditions of the region before exploring Lagodekhi National Park. Marvel at the spectacular Truso Gorge, hike to the Gergeti Church, and enjoy a scenic walk beyond the remote village of Juta, showcasing the best of the High Caucasus. Return to Tbilisi rejuvenated, where you can unwind with a relaxing sulfur bath before heading home. This trip is flightless at the destination, with 100% of all carbon emissions offset, allowing you to explore the world while being kind to it.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains and trek to a remote church
- Visit Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Taste exquisite Georgian wine and learn to prepare traditional dishes
- Hike through the lush, hilly forests of Lagodekhi National Park
- Experience the warmth and hospitality of the Georgian people
Your Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), you will head to your central hotel, where you’ll meet a local insider who will accompany your group throughout this journey. An informal welcome drink at 6 PM will be an opportunity to connect with fellow travelers. Enjoy dinner together before settling in for a restful night, as tomorrow promises a day filled with adventure.
Accommodation: Folk Boutique Hotel
Activities Included:
- Welcome dinner
Wander through the narrow streets of Old Tbilisi, where picturesque houses rest beneath a dramatic cliff topped with a fourth-century fortress. After a leisurely stroll, take a cable car to the fortress for panoramic views of the city. Treat yourself to a delicious lunch featuring Kubdari, a traditional pie-like bread filled with pork, lamb, or goat, complemented by fragrant Georgian spices. In the afternoon, consider visiting the Museum of Georgia, where you can admire ancient gold artifacts, reminiscent of the fabled Land of the Golden Fleece, before enjoying evening drinks at a local pub.
Accommodation: Folk Boutique Hotel
Activities Included:
- Guided Tbilisi walking tour
- Traditional Georgian lunch
- Museum of Georgia visit
Discover vibrant markets across Tbilisi, brimming with fresh produce, spices, and home-brewed wine and spirits. At a local farmer’s market, meet chef Teona, who will guide you in selecting ingredients for a delightful cooking masterclass in her home, where you’ll enjoy your delectable creations for lunch. Afterward, embark on a tour of nearby Mtskheta, the ancient fortified capital, and explore its famed UNESCO monuments, such as the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
Accommodation: Folk Boutique Hotel
Activities Included:
- Guided farmer’s market tour
- Cooking lesson
- Guided Mtskheta tour
Known as the cradle of wine, Georgia boasts a rich viticultural heritage, where winemaking dates back to 6,000 BCE. During your visit to the Kakheti region, east of Tbilisi, witness these ancient traditions as wine is still produced in qvevri—large clay vessels often buried in the ground. Attend a demonstration by a master craftsman, enjoy a visit to the 16th-century citadel of Gremi, and savor home-baked bread and churchkhela, a traditional sweet made from nuts and thick grape juice, during a festive lunch hosted by a local family.
Accommodation: Royal Palace Hotel
Activities Included:
- Qvevri wine workshop
- Bread baking and churchkhela experience
- Lunch with wine and a traditional toastmaster
Step outside your hotel and find yourself at the entrance of Lagodekhi National Park, a serene protected reserve nestled in the Caucasian foothills. Enjoy a five-hour (9km) hike through tranquil forests teeming with wildlife, setting the stage for the stunning landscapes of the higher Caucasus looming ahead. After returning to Tbilisi, visit a local winery to taste a selection of Georgia’s unique wines, many crafted by small-scale producers.
Accommodation: Folk Boutique Hotel
Activities Included:
- Lagodekhi National Park hike
- Picnic lunch
- Traditional Georgian wine tasting
Prepare for a picturesque drive north along the Georgian Military Highway, an ancient trade route between Georgia and Russia. Enjoy splendid views as you journey across the Jvari Pass, passing Ananuri Castle and the Gudauri View Point until reaching the charming town of Stepantsminda. From here, embark on a three-hour (6km) hike to the medieval Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on a scenic ridge.
Accommodation: Intourist Kazbegi
Activities Included:
- Ananuri fortress visit
- Guided hike to Gergeti Church
Marvel once again at the dramatic scenery as you retrace your steps down the Terek valley, following the river’s winding path into increasingly wild terrain. Explore the enchanting Truso Gorge, dotted with quaint hamlets and their historical chapels. Moreover, take a detour to Juta, one of the region’s highest villages, where a short walk offers breathtaking views of the Chaukhi Massif, reminiscent of the Italian Dolomites. Return to Stepantsminda for a well-deserved dinner and restful night.
Accommodation: Intourist Kazbegi
Activities Included:
- 4WD Truso Gorge tour
- Juta village visit
On your return along the Military Highway, take the chance to capture those missed moments on camera. Back in Tbilisi, indulge in optional pampering at the famous sulfur baths, legendary since the city’s founding in the fifth century. Choose to revitalize with a kisa massage and exfoliation before savoring a farewell dinner with your group.
Accommodation: Folk Boutique Hotel
Activities Included:
- Farewell dinner
- Sulfur Bath Experience
- Traditional Kisa Massage
After a leisurely breakfast amidst the charming hotel garden, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow travelers. By midday, make your way to the airport for your return journey home or choose to extend your stay in beautiful Georgia.
Accommodation: n/a
Activities Included:
- n/a
What’s Included
- 5 nights boutique hotel accommodation
- 3 nights mountainside hotel accommodation
- Private and local transport
- 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
- Local insider guide
- Guided Tbilisi walking tour
- Guided farmer’s market tour and cooking lesson
- Guided Mtskheta tour
- Wine workshop
- Wine tasting
- Bread baking and churchkhela lunch with traditional toastmaster
- Guided Lagodekhi National Park and Gergeti Church hikes
- Ananuri fortress visit
- 4WD Truso Gorge tour
- Juta village visit
What’s Not Included
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from the destination
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Rating: 4.6/5
Independent Service Rating based on 153 verified reviews.
Accommodation
Folk Boutique Hotel
Located in the heart of Old Tbilisi, this modern four-star property stands where an 18th-century battle took place. The museum-like displays in the lobby, featuring traditional garments, echo the quirky folk atmosphere throughout the hotel.
Royal Palace Hotel
The Royal Palace is perfectly situated where the Georgian plains transition to the lush forests of Lagodekhi National Park. With extensive gardens and a large pool, it offers a peaceful retreat.
Intourist Kazbegi
Nestled in a rugged valley at the foot of Mount Kazbegi, this delightful boutique hotel boasts spectacular views of the Caucasus Mountains. Enjoy vistas from the outdoor terrace, stylish indoor lounge bar, or your light, airy room designed for your comfort.
Covid Safety
Your safety and wellbeing are paramount, and the following measures are in place during all trips:
- Our average group size is 10 people (max 18), allowing a sense of community while minimizing crowding.
- We prefer small boutique accommodations, ensuring fewer guests and reduced exposure.
- All accommodation providers are required to communicate their health and hygiene protocols.
- Included activities are tailored exclusively for our group whenever possible to minimize interactions.
- A Covid-19 negative test result or vaccine certificate may be required; please verify entry requirements.
- Refrain from traveling against government guidelines to ensure your insurance remains valid.
Important Information
- Participants must be 25 years or older to join this trip.
- Verify if you need a visa for entry into Georgia.
- Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions or accessibility needs to our customer support team.
- Solo travelers will not incur additional charges but may be assigned a twin room with a same-gender companion.
- Travel insurance is compulsory for all attendees.
- The itinerary, accommodations, and activities may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
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