Treasure Land Georgia Tour 11 Nights 12

Day 1 Arrival at Tbilisi (Georgia)

You have arrived in Tbilisi, Georgia's capital. Your fascinating Tbilisi city tour will begin the moment you get off the plane at Tbilisi International Airport. Ride through the city's historic and cultural landmarks in the comfort of your own private cab. The Metekhi Church, a monument of Tbilisi's fortitude in the face of repeated assaults and devastation throughout the years. The next stop is the Narikala Fortress, which can be reached by cable car and has stunning vistas of the city below. On your way down, stop at Tbilisi's mosque and the neighborhood known for its sulfur baths. Stroll around the Sharden neighborhood, taking in the sights and sounds of the area as you go. Stop by the famous Rezo Gabriadze Theatre's clock tower and the historic Sioni Cathedral. Check in to your hotel where you will spend the night.

 

Day 2 Tbilisi – Telavi (approx. 1hr 50 mins) – Shumi – Akhasheni (approx. 35 mins)

After a hearty breakfast, you'll be leaving your accommodation and heading to the wine-producing Kakheti Region. Telavi, the region's administrative and historical center, will be your first destination. The Batonis Tsikhe is a notable castle that was constructed in the 17th century and is worth a visit.

The Shumi Winery in Tsinandali village, the cultural and economic heart of Georgia's wine region, is up next. You may learn about the long tradition of winemaking in Georgia by visiting the vineyard and seeing the Wine Museum there, and wine sampling is included.

You will go to Akhasheni after lunch and settle into your accommodation. In the evenings, you have the option of winding down and unwinding or venturing out on your own.

Day 3 Akhasheni – Kvareli – Sighnaghi (approx. 1 hr) – Bodbe – Tbilisi (approx. 2hrs)

You will have breakfast at the hotel on the third day of your tour and then leave. The Nekresi Monastery, a major tourist attraction in the Kakheti Region, will be your first destination. Built-in the sixth century, the monastery looks out over the beautiful Alazani Valley.

The next stop is the one-of-a-kind Winery Khareba, which is hidden away in a tunnel cut into the rock. Take a tour of the vineyard and sample some of the finest wines the area has to offer.

When the winery visit is over, it's on to Sighnaghi, the "City of Love." You'll have the afternoon free to do anything you choose in town, from shopping to eating at a sidewalk café.

Day 4 Tbilisi – Mtskheta (approx. 40 mins) – Ananuri (approx. 45 mins) – Kazbegi (approx. 1 hr 30 mins) – Gudauri (approx. 50 mins)

The fourth day of the vacation begins in Tbilisi and travels to Mtskheta, Georgia's "cultural and religious capital." The first visit is to the World Heritage Site and architectural marvel that is Jvari Monastery. The next attraction is Svetitskhoveli, the cathedral of Mtskheta and one of Georgia's holiest places. The next stop on the trip is Ananuri, a historical site that was formerly home to the Argveti Dukes.

Following time in Ananuri, you will travel north to the Georgian town of Kazbegi. Mount Kazbek, one of the highest peaks in the nation, provides the backdrop for this picturesque hamlet. The trip stops at a mineral spring on the route to Kazbegi, which runs down a hillside. The trip finally reaches Gudauri, where you settle into their respective hotels for the night.

Day 5 Gudauri – Gori (approx. 2 hrs) – Kutaisi (approx. 2hr 30 mins)

You will leave Gudauri on day 5 and go to Kutaisi, the largest city in Western Georgia. Stop at Gori, where Joseph Stalin was born, en route to Kutaisi to learn about the man's life and legacy at the Stalin Museum. Next up on the itinerary is Uplistsikhe, a cave village established in the sixth century BC. After seeing Uplistsikhe, you will travel to Kutaisi to see the renowned Ubisa Monastery and its vibrant, well-preserved murals. The trip also makes a stop at the town of Shrosha, where you may learn about the many uses to which Georgian pottery can be put.

Day 6 Kutaisi – Okatse Canyon (approx. 1 hr) - Kutaisi

The sixth day of the excursion takes you to Kutaisi, once called "Aia," a magnificent historic town. Bagrati Cathedral, built in the 11th century and regarded as one of the finest specimens of Georgian medieval architecture, is the first destination. Further, you will then travel to Prometheus Cave, where you may explore a 1.5 km tunnel and gaze in awe at the stalactites and stalagmites that line the walls. The next stop is Okatse Canyon, a Georgian natural landmark with breathtaking vistas included in the trip.

Day 7 Kutaisi – Tskhrajvari (approx. 1 hr) – Nikortsminda – Kutaisi (approx. 1 hr)

The journey stops at Gelati Monastery on day seven since it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was constructed by King David the Builder in the 12th century. The journey then continues north, crossing the stunning Nakerala Pass and stopping at the "nine crosses" of Tskhrajvari. Then stop at Shaori Lake for pictures, which is well-known for its pristine waters and picturesque surroundings. The next stop is the beautiful and historically significant Nikortsminda Monastery. After a long day of sightseeing, you'll go back to Kutaisi to spend the night.

Day 8 Kutaisi – Katshi Pillar (approx. 1 hr 20 mins)– Chiatura – Borjomi (approx. 3 hrs)

On day eight, you make the journey to Katskhi Pillar, a strange and beautiful monolith of natural limestone rising 40 meters above the Krishna River canyon. After seeing the Mevlevi Monastery in Chiatura, an industrial town established in 1879, you will spend the night in Borjomi.

Day 9 Borjomi – Akhaltsikhe (approx. 1 hr)

On Day 9, stroll through Central Park, known for its mineral water reserves across the globe, before heading to Akhaltsikhe to see the Rabati stronghold, a historical site that has elements from a number of various civilizations and faiths.

Day 10 Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia (approx. 1hr 15 mins)

After having a delicious breakfast, pack your essentials to spend the night at Vardzia, Georgia's historic cave and monastery complex, after seeing the Georgian National Astrophysical Observatory on Day 10.

Day 11 Vardzia – Akhalkalaki (approx. 4 hrs) – Paravani Lake (approx. 45 mins) – Tbilisi (approx. 2hr 30 mins)

At the Poka Nunnery/St. Nino Monastery (built in the 11th century) close to Akhalkalaki, guests have the opportunity to sample a variety of delicious traditional Georgian cheeses, jams, oil, chocolate, and honey on Day 11. They continue on to Tbilisi, taking in the sights along the way, including the country's largest lake, Paravani. Spend the night in Tbilisi after crossing an astonishing glass suspension bridge in Tsalka.

Day 12 Departure from Tbilisi

On the morning of Day 12, have breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to Tbilisi Airport.