Essential Georgia

Arrive at the Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport and meet our local representative who will escort you to your hotel. Check-in to the hotel and soak in the wonderful sights of Tbilisi. Rest of the day will be at your disposal to relax or just walk around. Set in a dramatic valley, surrounded by an alluring landscape, Tbilisi is a wonder full of beauty, architecture and culture. Spend the night in the comfort of your hotel room in Georgia's capital city, Tbilisi.

After a lovely buffet breakfast, start the day by exploring the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. Wander in the old districts of the city which are structured like terraces. Take a walk in the narrow streets to enjoy the colourful houses, patterned balconies and wonderful samples of modern architecture. You will start the tour from the 13th century old Metekhi church facing the magnificent views of old Tbilisi. A stroll along the winding little streets allow you to see the main sights of the city. Afterwards, take a cable car up to the ancient Narikala Fortress built in the 4th century. Enjoy the panoramic views of the town and then walk down to the historical domed sulphur bath area. We will then take a funicular tram up to Mtatsminda Park and enjoy stunning views over the city. Return to the hotel for a peaceful overnight.

Have a relaxed breakfast early in the morning today. Complete the check-out procedure at the hotel and drive to the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia – Mtskheta. Located about 20kms from Tbilisi, the town of Mtskheta is of a great historical importance to Georgia. Visit its historical places such as Jvari monastery from the 6th century and an impressive Svetitskhoveli Cathedral where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Continue onward to Borjomi spa town, famous for its mineral water, Borjomi. Visit the park and taste the mineral water which is sure to rejuvenate your body and mind. Arrive in Bakuriani and check-in. A local dinner will be served tonight followed by an overnight at the hotel in Bakuriani.

Tuck in a local breakfast on a pleasant morning. In the morning, travel to Vardzia. On your way, visit the 10^th century Khertvisi fortress. The magnificent cave town is one of the highlights of this excursion. It stretches over half a kilometre along the river Mtkvari and has 19 tiers. It houses a church hewn out of rock with amazing 12th century frescoes. The complex also includes dwellings, quarters, small hall-type churches, wine cellars, pharmacy and many more. After an enriching experience at Vardzia, return to Bakuriani for a local dinner and overnight.

Complete your check-out process at the hotel after a delicious breakfast. We will start the trip with a visit to the town of Gori and its historical places such as the cave town of Uplistsikhe, known to be constructed in 1st millennium BC. Uplistsikhe is the place where the Great Silk Road used to pass. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a church hewn out of rock and even an antic theatre. Afterwards, drive up the famous Georgian Military Highway leading to the Georgian-Russian border. On the way, visit Ananuri architectural complex which also consists of two churches and a fortress that overlooks the Zhinvali water reservoir. The carvings on the churches are one of the best examples of Georgian art. The drive is very scenic through high Caucasus Mountains. Spend the night at a stunning ski resort in Gudauri.

Have your breakfast and check-out from the hotel. Leave for Tbilisi following a panoramic drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River. Halt at Kazbegi, the main town in the region. Weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse of  At an additional supplement, you may visit the beautiful valleys and woodland at the Gergeti Trinity Church located at 2170m. Drive onward to Tbilisi and check-in at the hotel. Rest of the evening is at your disposal. Spend the overnight in your hotel at Tbilisi.

Enjoy your last breakfast on the tour today. Depending on your flight, leave to Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport for your onward flight. Cherish the memories of your Georgia vacation.