Luxury travel to Georgia
Duration of this Trip 5 Days Priced From $767 per day per person
Georgia is a country balanced between its historic past and burgeoning future. The monarchs here adopted Christianity early on as the state religion and ancient churches and monasteries perch atop rugged valleys, framed by a background of snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, settings for the Greek myths of both the Golden Fleece and Prometheus. The picturesque shores and dark, deep waters of the Black Sea beckon holiday makers and dreamers. Its close proximity to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe made it a cultural crossroads throughout history and travelers, scholars, merchants and invaders arrived along the Silk Road.
The capital city, Tbilisi, is a bustling, growing city, with museums, universities, theaters, art galleries, and a busy cafe society. Bathe in the Ottoman-inspired hot springs, and explore the Old Town, a charming mix of wooden houses, open-air balconies and winding streets at the heart of the city. Mtshketa is one of the oldest cities and an ancient capital. It remains an important historical and religious center, with UNESCO World Heritage Sites and fabulous examples of fortresses, monasteries and castles.
Tourism is burgeoning in Georgia, from ski resorts at Gudauri to beaches in Batumi, and in countless traditional towns and ancient sites in between. Its foodie culture of locally sourced ingredients and world-class dishes brings travelers and gourmets from around the world. Known as the birthplace of wine, archaeological evidence dates back to the 6th century. Georgia grows hundreds of varieties of grapes especially in the Khaketi region and produces fine wines, brandies, and cognacs. Visit Georgia with us in the company of chefs, artisans, winemakers, and musicians. Hospitality is a way of life here and every visitor becomes an honored guest.
This five-day luxury tour to the Georgian Republic includes spectacular Tbilisi, legendary Mtskheta, breathtaking Kazbegi and the wine centers of Sighnaghi, Velistsikhe, Kisiskhevi, Tsinandali, and Gombori.
Feel the dynamics of culture and history on explorations of ancient and contemporary churches, synagogues and mosques, and through UNESCO World Heritage sites. Bathe in Ottoman-inspired hot springs in the Abanotubani district of Tbilisi, savor wines made according to centuries’ old methods on an estate set amongst terraced vineyards in Kakheti. Feast your eyes on fantastic views of mythical Mount Kazbegi with your gourmet lunch, and learn the time-honored art of Georgian enamel making at an historic cloisonné studio.
Georgia has everything you've ever dreamed of in a luxury destination at the crossroads of culture, history and continents.
At a Glance
Duration
5 DaysPriced From
$767 per day per personDepartures
- Choose your dates based on your schedule
Itinerary
Days 1-2: Tbilisi (the capital of the country)
Day 3: Sighnaghi
Day 4:Kazbegi-Tbilisi
Day 5: Mtskheta. Departure
Itinerary
Day 1: Tbilisi
Welcome to Georgia! Your guide will meet you at the airport and you will transfer to your hotel. After rapid check-in and time to freshen up, we'll be waiting for you with a welcome reception in the lobby.
Dinner and overnight. Your Tbilisi accommodation will be at a 5-star rated hotel
Day 2: Tbilisi
The capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi is named for the hot springs which abound in the area and the city truly embodies a more Mediterranean character. Situated along a river and surrounded on three sides by snowcapped mountains, it is the cultural, industrial and social heart of the country and typifies the blend of cultures seen across the country. Synagogues are side by side with mosques and the city is dotted with church spires. We'll see the new Sameba Cathedral which accommodates up to 15,000 worshippers and the 12th century Metekhi Church and hear how it was rescued from the destruction of the Communist purges.
The ruins of the 4th century Narikala fortress overlook Tbilisi, and are spectacularly lit up at night. We'll take a cable car up for the incredible views. Walk downtown past the traditional steam baths once favored by the likes of Pushkin, Dumas and Lermontov and discover fashionable Shardeni Street. On our way we will see the 6th century Anchiskhati Church, once the home of the most important icon in Georgia, now housed in the Museum of Fine Arts. Finally, the tour takes you to the treasures of the Georgian History Museum and Rustaveli Avenue, where the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Rustaveli Theatre, the old Parliament building, and art galleries and cafes create a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Just off the busy thoroughfare is the charming and cozy Prospero's Bookshop and Caliban's Coffee House where we will stop for a coffee break. There is time to relax at the hotel before dinner, and then this evening we will attend a performance of Georgian folk dances.
With so many good restaurants in Tbilisi, it may be hard to decide where to eat, but our guide and the hotel staff will be happy to help you with that. Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 3: Sighnaghi – Velistsikhe – Kisiskhevi – Tsinandali – Gombori - Tbilisi
Khaketi is the wine region here in Georgia and everywhere you go you will be offered a glass! Everyone makes their own wine, and our afternoon will include a visit to a local farm to learn more about the traditional, centuries-old methods. We'll also get a glimpse of Georgian home cooking and sample some specialties. Georgian shoti bread is baked in a clay oven like a traditional Indian tandur. Fresh, hot, and delicious this treat has crisp edges and a soft middle. The oddly sausage-shaped sweet churchkhela is known by many names around the Caucasus regions. Softened nuts or raisins are threaded on a string and dipped into a thick sweet sauce made from concentrated grape or other fruit juices and dried in the sun. No extra sugar is needed for this favorite Georgian treat.
The town of Sighnaghi is a picturesque first stop today. The miles of fortifications, 23 towers and 6 gates of its walls were created in the late 1700's to provide shelter for the surrounding villages from marauding tribes. The town has retained much of its original atmosphere, with red-tiled roofs, wooden balconies, open plazas, cobblestone streets and fabulous views over the surrounding hills and Alazani Valley. At the Pheasant's Tears winery we will enjoy a stirring performance of Georgian polyphonic singing,
one of the country's most important cultural traditions
Lunch will be at Schuchmann Wines in Kisiskhevi. Out in the countryside, this large estate has incredible views of the mountains and vineyards from its terrace, with a lovely Georgian menu and an extensive list of its own award-winning wines.
Tsinandali is next and the beautiful gardens of the 19th century estate and house museum of the noble Chavchavdze family is the setting for tales of wealth, wine, and kidnapping! After the tour we'll enjoy a coffee break and then head back to Tbilisi over the Gombori Pass. Keep your camera handy for breathtaking views from this pass; often above low-lying clouds here on the Georgian side of the Caucasus Mountains.
Dinner is at your discretion this evening. Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 4: Kazbegi - Tbilisi
Along the Georgian Military Highway, Ananuri is our first stop today, a complex of towers, churches and crenellated walls above the Aragvi River with views overlooking the Zhinvali reservoir and the surrounding area. Many of the Dukes of Aragvi who ruled here from the 13th century onward are buried here and the Church of the Assumption is still in use, candles burning below ancient frescoes and the exterior beautifully carved with angels, dragons, and vines.
A scenic drive through the Jvari Cross Pass past the popular Gudauri ski resort will bring us almost to the Russian border and the breathtaking village of Kazbegi. If the weather is clear, lunch here will include views of Mount Kazbegi, mythical home of Prometheus and the highest peak in the Caucasus range. We'll take 4WD vehicles more suited to the terrain through the valleys and up to the 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church, perched high on a hill at 2,170m, and silhouetted against the mountains overlooking the town and the valleys below. Truly these mountains are the heart of Georgia.
Driving back, we will enjoy the sights along the road and of course a coffee break on the road back to Tbilisi.
Tonight we'll take the cable car up the hill from Mtatsminda Park for dinner at the top-rated Georgian restaurant Funicular. Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 5: Mtskheta – Airport (Tbilisi)
Although Tbilisi has been the capital of Georgia for about almost 1500 years, the city of Mtshketa, just to the north, held that honor in ancient times. Situated at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers, these were once trading routes along the Silk Road. Still an important cultural and religious center, it is the seat of the Georgian Orthodox church today. Mtskheta is surrounded by forest-covered mountains, and its historic architecture and charming restaurants give it a quaint, village-like atmosphere. On the agenda first today will be the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Jvari Monastery. The Cathedral's origins lie in the holy legends and miracles of Christ's robe and it was the traditional resting place for the kings of Georgia. Damaged over the centuries by earthquakes, Arabs, Persians, Tamerlane and of course the Soviets, it has been restored many times. The Cathedral's interior walls are decorated with icons and surviving pieces of original frescoes, and its baptismal font dates from the 4th century.
The 6th century Greek Orthodox Jvari Monastery is perched on a hill overlooking the town. It is said that Saint Nino herself planted a cross in the earth here. There are several buildings in the complex, each reflecting the different architectural styles of their eras. Immortalized by the famous Russian poet Lermontov, the ruins of old Jvari look much the same today as they did when he visited. Nearby is the Tree of Wishes, on which pilgrims and visitors of all kinds fasten their hopes with ribbons.
We'll return to Tbilisi and visit a local cloisonné studio to learn about the Georgian enamel making tradition. Dating back to the Byzantine Empire, Georgian cloisonné was well known for artistry and value.
After lunch we'll transfer to the airport for departure and hope that your memories of Georgia bring you back again!
Land Tour Costs
From $767 per day for 6-10 travelersSingle Supplement
Please callScheduled Departures
- Choose your dates based on your schedule
Trip Highlights
- Experience hospitable Georgia
- Travel to some of the world's most beautiful and rarely visited locations with Georgian historians and experts
- Visit one of the charming wineries in the world
- Explore Georgia's UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Delight in the rich variety of Caucasian food from Georgian hachapuri to Turkish kebab!
Find yourself in some of the most pristine natural environments on Earth, and explore them with local naturalists
Visited Countries
GeorgiaVisited Cities & Places
Tbilisi, Sighnaghi, KazbegiSuggested Extensions
Uzbekistan Luxury Tour
Reading Lists
Lonely Planet: Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan (2012)
Thomas De Waal: The Caucasus, An Introduction (2010)
What's Included
- Visa support/invitations
- Meet and greet her with flowers at the airport
- Welcome cocktails in the suite
- A la carte catered dinner by the hotel's chef at each arriving city
- All Ground Transportation in private, climate-controlled vehicles.
- English-speaking guide/escort
- Accommodation in double room at 4 and 5 hotels
- Entrance fees to museums and monuments
- Folklore Show in Tbilisi
- Wine tasting
- Pre Departure Travel Packages along with Welcome Silk Road Gifts
What's Not Included
- International Flights
- Costs for private chartered flights if requested
- Charges in hotels for additional services
- Consular fees
- Room upgrades where available
- Vehicle upgrades where available.
- Optional Tours*
Image Gallery
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Visit the handicraft market and explore the embroidery and art Visit the handicraft market and explore the embroidery and art
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Ananauri, Georgia Ananauri, Georgia
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Mtskheta bazaar, Georgia Mtskheta bazaar, Georgia
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Spectacular Kazbegi, Georgia Spectacular Kazbegi, Georgia
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Fascinating crafts of Georgia. Meet world's popular craftsmen Fascinating crafts of Georgia. Meet world's popular craftsmen
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Georgia -wine country Georgia -wine country
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Explore the spectacular mountains and sacred churches of Georgia Explore the spectacular mountains and sacred churches of Georgia
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Signagi beauty, Georgia Signagi beauty, Georgia
https://silkroadtreasuretours.com/luxury-travel-to-georgia#sigProId8bb8176b03
Visited Countries
GeorgiaVisited Cities & Places
Tbilisi, Sighnaghi, KazbegiSuggested Extentions
Uzbekistan Luxury Tour
Reading Lists
Lonely Planet: Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan (2012)
Thomas De Waal: The Caucasus, An Introduction (2010)
Scheduled Departures
- Choose your dates based on your schedule