Best of Tbilisi & Beyond

(6 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Tbilisi with Kakheti, Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Uplistsikhe & Mtskheta

The ideal introduction to Georgia, this private tour uses Tbilisi as a base for private city touring and day excursions to Georgia’s top wine region, most interesting historical sites and most beautiful landscapes.

Begin in Tbilisi, the riverside capital of Georgia. During flexible private touring, visit the Old Town, and walk winding streets past colorful traditional houses. See the impressive ramparts of Narikala Fortress and the monumental Mother of Georgia statue in the hills above. Visit the Abanotubani bath district, where bathhouses have provided access to Tbilisi’s natural hot springs for centuries. See revered religious sites such as Sioni Cathedral, the Juma Mosque and the Great Synagogue. Visit Freedom Square, and stroll along tree-lined Rustaveli Avenue past elegant historical buildings that house the Parliament of Georgia and major cultural institutions. Tour the archaeological highlights of the Georgian National Museum. See bold recent architecture such as the Bridge of Peace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Also visit a bustling food market and top local boutiques. If desired, ride the funicular up Mount Mtatsminda or the gondola to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to the beautiful Kakheti wine region, the most important wine region in Georgia. Among the vineyard-draped hills and river valleys, learn about the 8,000-year history of winemaking in Georgia, including the traditional use of qvevri (giant clay amphorae) for fermenting and aging. During private wine tastings, sample wines made from indigenous grapes such as Saperavi and Rkatsiteli. Visit Kakheti’s most interesting villages, such as Sighnaghi, a charming hill town with traditional architecture and panoramic views of the rural Alazani Valley and the peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. At Tsinandali Estate, sample local wines and tour the restored house of a 19th-century Georgian aristocrat. Upon request, we can arrange additional touring in the region such as driving over scenic Gombori Pass, touring rock-hewn Davit Gareji Monastery, and visiting the 11th-century Alaverdi Monastery and its winery.

Another day, take a private excursion to Kazbegi National Park in the Caucasus Mountains. Drive on the scenic Georgian Military Highway to the village of Stepantsminda, and take in breathtaking views of Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba), an iconic 14th-century church in a dramatic hilltop setting framed by high Caucasus peaks. Also enjoy a private cooking demonstration to learn to make Georgian specialties such as khinkali (dumplings). Depending on timing, stop at other sites along the way, such as the picturesque 17th-century Ananuri castle complex and the Gudauri Viewpoint, which has memorable mountain panoramas. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange this day excursion by private helicopter.

Also enjoy a private excursion to Uplistsikhe and Mtskheta. First, visit Uplistsikhe, a centuries-old cave city with rock-cut churches, residences and other structures carved into a stone mountain overlooking the Kura (Mtkvari) River. If desired, also visit the nearby town of Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin, to see the Stalin Museum and the historic Gori Fortress. Continue to Mtskheta—the ancient capital of Georgia, an important Christian pilgrimage destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Jvari Monastery, a landmark sixth-century structure that sits high atop a hill with commanding views. Also tour the venerated 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which is deeply connected to the Georgian Orthodox Church and contains the tombs of renowned Georgian kings and religious patriarchs.

Artisans of Leisure will make reservations at Tbilisi’s best restaurants to enjoy famed Georgian hospitality and delicious Georgian food and wine. We can also arrange tickets to performances of traditional Georgian dancing and polyphonic singing, subject to scheduling.

This private Georgia tour can be fully customized according to the interests of the travelers.