DAY 1

• TBILISI

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• Get Settled
• On arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted outside customs by your private guide. You'll be escorted to your awaiting vehicle for a private transfer to your hotel.
• A welcome package with a city map, train tickets (if relevant), and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

DAY 2

• TBILISI

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• Sights and Insights
• With a private guide, set out on a half-day walking tour of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. In the Old Town, many of the sites are within walking distance of each other, and you'll start on foot at the 13th century Metekhi Church, a riverside structure dating back to the middle ages, with a commanding cliff side location. Continue to the Great Synagogue, and then on to medieval Sioni Cathedral, and the Anchiskhati Basilic, the city's oldest-surviving church, with history dating back to the 6th century. Take a cable car ride to ancient Narikala Fort, which was built in the 4th century, and overlooks the city. In the afternoon, find yourself in the historical domed sulfur bath area – learning about how its connected with the name of the city. You'll also make your way to see the massive Holy Trinity Church, a modern construct boasting a stunning courtyard, and considered one of the largest religious buildings in the world. Conclude on arrival back to your hotel.

DAY 3

• TBILISI

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• Taste and Tipple on a Vineyard Visit
• Embark on a day trip to Kakheti with your private guide and driver, discovering the famous wine-growing region. Explore the region's incredibly unique traditions and culture, while tasting Georgian wines, and indulging in some delicious food. Archaeologists believe Georgia is the oldest wine producing country in the world, and Kakheti is at the heart of it all. Begin with a drive to Signagi, taking a pleasant walk through the beautiful 18th century fortified town, spotting quaint pastel-colored houses on cobbled lanes. Continue to the home of a local family where you'll be treated to a delightful homemade lunch of typical Georgian dishes among the people who made it. Head to a winery where you'll enjoy a tasting of 4 traditional Qvevri wines, produced in the clay jars of the same name, a centuries-old method inscribed on UNESCO's heritage list. Continue along with a visit of the 16th century Gremi architectural complex, which used to be center of the Kakheti region for several centuries. Here you'll visit the hilltop Church of the Archangels, along with the museum, part of the historic citadel. Continue to a local village to see a unique wine cellar and taste more wine, this time of the homemade variety. Conclude your day with a return to Tbilisi via the Gombori Pass, known for its picturesque mountain landscape.

DAY 4

• TBILISI TO BORJOMI

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• The Journey Continues…
• After check-out, embark on a full day transfer to Borjomi with your private guide and driver, experiencing historic and cultural delights along the way. The morning will see you visiting the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia, Mtskheta. Here you'll visit the hilltop Jvari Monastery, dating back to the 6th century, and the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – both prized UNESCO World Heritage sites. Continue to the town of Gori, the heart of Kartli region, where you'll visit the Stalin Museum, walking through its exhibition dedicated to the life of former Soviet leader Josef Stalin, who was born in Gori. Arrive to Borjomi in the afternoon, visiting Borjomi Central Park, a lush area where you can take a riverside stroll and try some fresh mineral water right from the spring. Conclude the day on arrival to your hotel in Borjomi.

DAY 5

• BORJOMI

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• Medieval Moments
• Set out with your private guide and driver on a full day tour to historic Vardzia and Akhaltsikhe. Located in southern Georgia, Vardzia is a cave monastery site constructed during the reign of Queen Tamara in the 12th century. Immerse yourself in a Vardzia's collection of caves, tunnels and beautiful frescoes, while a beautiful array of scenic lookouts will present themselves during your drive. Afterward, you'll be treated to lunch with a local family amidst beautiful surroundings, indulging in a variety of traditional and delicious Georgian dishes. Continue with a drive to Akhaltsikhe, visiting the Rabath fortress and museum. This medieval castle is thought to be built in the 9th century and features unique architecture along with a captivating and fascinating multicultural history. Rejoin your driver for a return transfer to Borjomi.

DAY 6

• BORJOMI TO GUDAURI

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• It’s All Ancient History
• Leave Borjomi behind as you transfer to Gudauri in the company of your private guide and driver, visiting the unique Uplistsikhe, plus a local winery en route. Head to the ancient Uplistsikhe cave town, an absolute must-see, which dates all the way back to the Iron Age. It was here, where in ancient times caravans from distant lands would gather. At present in the city, there are well preserved ancient halls and caves from thousands of years ago, as well as an ancient theater, pharmacy, and wine cellar among many other things. Continue your day to the Chateau Mukhrani winery, where you'll be treated to a lunch and wine tasting in a beautifully picturesque setting, set in the palace of the ancient Bagrationi royal dynasty. Mukhrani is known for using an 18-month oak barrel process for its signature wines. Afterward, drive along the famed Georgian Military Highway (leading to the Georgian-Russian border), as you arrive in Gudauri for check-in.

DAY 7

• GUDAURI

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• Breathe the Mountain Air
• Set out with your private guide and driver on a day tour to Stepantsminda, a beautiful town nestled against a mountain backdrop in northeastern Georgia. Enjoy the stunning drive along the Tergi River en route. On arrival, embark on a leisurely walk uphill from the center of town, through stunning valleys and beautiful forest to the mountaintop Gergeti Trinity Church. Built in the 14th century, this church is surrounded by vast natural beauty, with majestic panoramic views out in all directions. Weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt. Kazbegi, at 16,550 feet. Walk back to town, and enjoy an afternoon visit to a local art house, where you'll be treated to some herbal tea and a selection of homemade jams while you witness a felt-making demonstration, learning of this traditional Georgian folk craft. Conclude with a return transfer back to Gudauri.

DAY 8

• GUDAURI TO TBILISI

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• A Healthy Dose of History
• Meet your private guide and driver for a transfer to Tbilisi, pausing en route to visit the historic Ananuri Fortress complex. Dating back to the 17th century, the complex features two churches and a fortress in a beautiful setting overlooking the Aragvi River. Historically, the castle was the scene of numerous feudal battles featuring the dukes of Aragvi. Continue onward to Tbilisi where you'll be treated to lunch with a local family, along with a Khinkali (dumpling) making demonstration. Round out the afternoon with a visit to Tbilisi's open-air Ethnographic Museum, led by a local guide, where you'll witness original rural houses and folk craft dating back centuries. Conclude on arrival to your hotel.

DAY 9

• TBILISI
• Until Next Time…
• Meet your private driver for an airport transfer.

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Rooms Hotel Tbilisi

Crowne Plaza Borjomi

Gudauri Lodge