Georgia Discovery Journey

Our adventure begins in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. Our hotel is a short stroll from the beautifully restored historic centre with its relaxed pavement cafés and bars. You can check in from mid afternoon and there are no planned activities today, as many flights arrive late tonight or early tomorrow. If you would like more time in Tbilisi, you can arrange extra pre tour nights through your sales representative.

We take the morning to rest at the hotel after late arrivals, or you can make the most of your time with a self guided wander through galleries, markets or cafés. In the early afternoon we meet our tour leader and fellow travellers for a briefing on the journey ahead, then explore on foot – the ancient sulphur baths, Sioni Cathedral and the ornate early 20th century synagogue – plus Rustaveli Avenue, the city’s main artery, and the Treasury of the State Museum, home to superb pre Christian gold artefacts and jewellery. This evening we share a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

We begin in Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin. After seeing Stalin Square – where a huge statue once stood – we tour the museum, which presents a notably sympathetic view of his life, and view his bulletproof train carriage used for the 1945 Potsdam Conference. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Uplistsikhe, a vast rock hewn town by the Mtkvari River, remarkable for its blend of pagan and Christian architecture. We walk up the sandstone steps for wide views across the river and plains. We then travel via the mineral town of Borjomi to the historic town of Akhaltsikhe, where we stay for the next two nights. Today involves about five hours of driving.

Today we venture deeper into Samtskhe–Javakheti, often described as the cradle of Georgian culture. At Rabati Castle we see the mix of faiths reflected in its church, mosque, minaret and synagogue. We continue towards Vardzia through arid, stone terraced landscapes, passing the famed 10th century Khertvisi Fortress. Vardzia is closely linked to Queen Tamar, Georgia’s most famous and loved royal, who reigned in the 12th century and founded this cave town, which became a cultural hub. We explore the monastery to view remarkably well preserved frescoes of the young queen, then return to Akhaltsikhe for the night. Driving time today is about two hours.

We head north along the Georgian Military Highway – the main route linking Georgia with Russia through the Greater Caucasus. Our first stop is Ananuri to visit the 16th century fortress complex built by the dukes of Aragvi to control the road. We then continue to Gudauri, a popular mountain resort town, where we spend the next two nights. Total driving today is about five and a half hours, much of it wonderfully scenic.

We continue through alpine meadows and high passes, dotted with medieval watchtowers, to the dramatic Dariali Gorge – a cleft about 9 miles – 14 kilometres long. We admire snow capped Mount Kazbegi, Georgia’s highest peak, an extinct volcano rising to just over 16,500 feet – 5,047 metres. From the base of the hill we walk across meadow and up a fairly steep, stony path to Tsminda Sameba Monastery – a 14th century church perched at around 7,200 feet – 2,200 metres. At lunchtime we enjoy a khinkali masterclass, watching the making of these Georgian dumplings and tasting the results. Later we return to Gudauri for the night. Driving time is about two hours.

We descend from the mountains to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of eastern Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Christianity reached Georgia here in 337 CE, and the town remains a key religious centre. We visit the Church of Jvari, poised on a cliff above the city, and the Sveti Tskhoveli Cathedral – the first Christian church built in Georgia and the largest functioning cathedral. We then continue to Telavi, a picturesque, fertile region along the Great Caucasus known for wine making. Georgia cultivates around 500 grape varieties, and wine is woven into the nation’s culture and hospitality. Today involves about five hours of driving.

We visit the Tsinandali family estate, once the home of the 19th century aristocratic poet Alexander Chavchavadze, with its summer residence, garden and winery. We continue to Sighnaghi for lunch and a wine tasting with a local family, before returning to Tbilisi. We will be driving for about three hours today.

Our journey ends in Tbilisi this morning. If you would like to explore further, you can speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.