Hidden Treasures of Georgia

Georgia

Led by Bradt author Sophie Ibbotson

12 days £2,995 pp This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Deepen your understanding and appreciation of Georgia’s place in the history of the region in the company of Silk Road specialist and Bradt Guide author to Georgia, Sophie Ibbotson.

Starting in the capital, Tbilisi, swing east to the wine-growing region of Kakheti before doubling back and heading toward the Black Sea into Georgia’s wild west. This overland voyage gets truly underway in the foothills of the Caucasus in Georgia’s far east where lie some of the world’s original vineyards. Be taken on a journey into landscape and wine cultivation in Napareuli, where not only will you taste local grape varieties, but you’ll also lend a hand to the harvest.

Hit the heights of the Western Caucasus on a visit to one of Europe’s highest permanent farming settlements in Ushguli. Let Vardzia take you back to a twelfth century monastic world among the rock-hewn chambers of this dramatic high-rise cave complex. Wander the old port of Batumi under sculptures that tell tales and streets oozing Continental coolness. Revive an old national industry by doing a spot of tea picking in the Bakhvi plantations of Ozurgeti.

The maximum group size on this tour will be 14 people.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Taste the Saparavi grape in Napareuli village
  • Visit historic Tsinandali wine estate
  • Discover unique rock formations in the Prometheus Caves
  • UNESCO-listed forts of Mestia
  • Ushguli's high pastoral panoramas
  • Charming Black Sea resort town of Batumi
  • Stunning views over Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
  • Georgia's 'Tea Road' through Guria's highland region.

Places Visited

Tbilisi - Napareuli - Tsinandali - Vardisubani - Sighnaghi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Kutaisi - Prometheus' Grotto - Mestia - Ushguli - Batumi - Bakhvi - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia

What's Included

Shared group arrival & departure transfers *
Ground transport with driver
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

* if arriving on separate flights then private transfers can be arranged at an extra cost

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Itinerary & Map
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Day 1 : Arrival

Arrive in Tbilisi early morning on the BA flight landing at 05:30. You will be met by our rep and transferred to your hotel. Early check-in and rest of the morning at leisure. Have lunch at a local cafe/restaurant (pay locally) - your guide will accompany you or suggest where you can go to eat. Afterwards, take a cable car over Tbilisi to get lovely panoramic views of the city. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with the rest of your group and tour leader.

Note:  it is recommended to take the overnight direct BA flight from London Heathrow to Tbilisi, departing at 21:20 on 16th September.

Overnight in Strofi Boutique Hotel, Tbilisi

Meal plan: Dinner

Tbilisi, formerly known as 'Tiflis', is Georgia's capital and the largest city of Georgia. It lays on the banks of the Mtkvari River and has a population of roughly 1.5 million people. Founded in the 5th century by the monarch of Georgia's ancient precursor, the Kingdom of Iberia, over the centuries the city was taken by successive invaders. Historically diverse, an increase in the Armenian population was noticed in the 19th century. Tbilisi has many narrow streets and a mixture of religious and secular architecture. The old city features many churches, synagogues, mosques and 19th-century houses with multi-coloured wooden balconies. For outright weirdness Tbilisi also has a street named in honour of ex-president, George W Bush.

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Day 2 : Tbilisi

Spend the day exploring some of the capital’s most recognisable sights on foot and by public transport. This tour of the old town goes down a classic route, which includes the Narikala Fortress, the Mother of Georgia statue, Peace Bridge, Metekhi Church, Synagogue, Rike Park, & Botanical garden. Later, vist the Opera & Ballet Theatre for a behind-the-scenes tour (only possible if no premier is taking place). 

In the evening, enjoy a puppet show at the Gabriadze Theatre. Afterwards, return to your hotel.

Overnight in Strofi Boutique Hotel, Tbilisi

Meal plan: Breakfast

Tbilisi’s old town stands in the shadow of Mother Georgia’s silvery statue, perched on a hill overlooking a mosaic of multi-coloured houses constructed in the 19th century. Nestled together on narrow streets, the homes feature wooden balconies that allow residents to revel in the fresh air. Established in the 4th century and fortified over hundreds of years, the ruins of Narikala Fortress also tower over Georgia’s capital, offering visitors spectacular panoramic views.

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Day 3 : Tbilisi - Napareuli - Tsinandali - Napareuli

Following breakfast, depart for the Eastern region of Kakheti. Closely associated with viticulture going back millennia, this land of valley vineyards, hilltop villages, and spiny ridges of the Grand Caucasus welcomes you to experience a quintessentially Georgian way of life. We’ll head straight to Twin’s Winery in the village of Napareuli to partake of the annual grape harvest. Nail down the nation’s favourite nibbles in the kitchen learning the art of making Khachapuri and Khinkali. By then you’ll have earned a hearty lunch accompanied by local live songs.

Later in the afternoon, our route takes us on a fascinating diversion to the Tsinandali estate, former home to a 19th century Tsarist aristocrat and now a popular retreat for wine lovers and amateur historians alike. If the festival is happening, we’ll be in attendance. If not, we’ll go to the estate on the following day to taste wines sampled from their own cellar.

Overnight in Twins Wine House , Napareuli

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Premier producing village in a premier producing region, Napareuli's wineries bring the native Saperavi grape to life in the qvervi and the bottle. Set serenely in the lower Caucasus near Telavi, this village will put you at peace, with a glass of the local vintage in hand, naturally. 

The Tsinandali family estate and wine cellar once belonged to the 19th-century aristocratic poet Alexandre Chavchavadze (1786-1846), who was one of the most important figures of his time. He dedicated his life to promoting and developing Georgian culture, and was the first nobleman to produce and bottle Georgian wine. Chavchavadze's residence consists of a summer home, garden and winery, and now operates as a House-Museum. It has been welcoming visitors since 1947 and periodically hosts exhibitions by prominent Georgian and foreign artists.

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Day 4 : Napareuli - Vardisubani - Sighnaghi - Tbilisi

First on the cards for today is a cultural and educational visit to a local qvevri maker around the grape-growing village of Vardisubani. Georgia has a tradition of storing wines in large amphorae (qvevri), and not oak barrels. This ancient form of wine production has much artisanal value, as you will witness up close and personal in the presence of a craftsman. Try local wine and chacha, a spirit made with local grape varieties. Afterwards, we’ll move on to the walled hilltop settlement of Sighnaghi for sweeping views across the Alazani valley, and a village walk besides that.

Overnight in Strofi Boutique Hotel, Tbilisi

Meal plan: Breakfast

Sighnaghi was once the cultural centre of Eastern Georgia and, following extensive renovation, has reclaimed its heritage as a hub of workmanship and trade. This town is famous for wine and carpet-making. Known as a 'town museum', its unique architecture has been either preserved or recreated. Enjoy walking through Sighnaghi's narrow streets in the shade of balconies richly decorated with lacey-carved ornamentation. Sighnaghi was instrumental in defending King Erekle II from the Lekis in the 18th century due to its geographic location and its city wall, whose 23 towers span nearly 5 kilometres. A short climb up the restored portion of the wall provides a sweeping panorama of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains.

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Day 5 : Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Kutaisi

Leave the capital shortly after breakfast on a short, picturesque drive to what is often considered the spiritual heart of Georgia, Mtskheta. In a city deemed ancient by world standards, we’ll visit the dramatic eagle’s nest monastery of Jvari. Plus, we’ll enter the hallowed walls of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Mtskheta’s other great UNESCO heritage site.

In the afternoon, our journey continues to the cave city of Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town that offers a fascinating glimpse into early urban life from the early classical period to its destruction at the hands of the Mongols in 1240 AD. After immersing ourselves in its intriguing history, we journey on to Kutaisi, a vibrant town with a rich natural, as well as human history.

Overnight in Solomon, Kutaisi

Meal plan: Breakfast

Mtskheta is one of Georgia’s oldest cities, located roughly 20 km north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Within the city (which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of Georgia’s largest places of worship. The site, surrounded by a defensive wall, has housed churches since the 4th century, but the standing building was constructed in the early 11th century and artfully restored in the 1970s. According to Biblical canon, Christ’s robe was carried to Mtskheka after his crucifixion and buried beneath the cathedral. Inside, a painting illustrates the buried garment and the miracle of a pillar rising into the air during the church’s construction.  

Uplistsikhe (meaning 'Fortress of the Ruler') is a rock-hewn town that dates back to 1000 BC and covers an area of approximately 8 hectares. The town is divided over three levels that are connected by a series of narrow tunnels. Uplistsikhe used to be a main point on the Silk Road, but was abandoned in the 17th century.

 Kutaisi is Georgia’s second largest city and has a history that dates back to 2000 BC, when it served as the capital city of the Kingdom of Colchis. Ottoman forces conquered the city in the early 16th century, but it was reclaimed by the Georgian king in 1770. The city possesses two UNESCO World Heritage sites and sits on the banks of the Rioni river. 

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Day 6 : Kutaisi - Gelati - Prometheus Grotto - Mestia

Well worth a closer look, Kutaisi’s agricultural market and Gelati Monastery - a World Heritage Site par excellence - are on the morning’s agenda. After lunch be prepared for subterranean delights at the Prometheus Grotto. Offering glimpses into nature’s awe-inspiring beauty, this cave complex contains tastefully-lit stalagmites and stalactites. Back in the glare of sunlight, we continue northwest on to Mestia. A hub for trekking, this charming huddle of stone houses set in a green valley in full view of some of the Caucasus’ highest peaks, is sure to impress all aficionados of true wilderness.

Overnight in Hotel Ushba, Mestia

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

The Gelati Monastery, founded by beloved Georgian ruler David IV (also referred to as ‘’David the Builder’’), consists of the main Church of the Virgin, the Church of St. George, the Church of St. Nicholas and a bell tower. The Academy building recalls the monastery’s history as a cultural centre of ancient Georgia, attracting great scientific and philosophical minds. Murals and mosaics, some of which date back to the 12th century, cover the spacious interior of the buildings, arching over windows, pressing backwards into alcoves and reaching the highest stretches of the vaulted ceiling. Despite damage from invasion and feuds, visitors can still admire detailed enamel and metal work from a bygone era.

Discover real masterpieces of nature - stalactites and stalagmites at Prometheus Cave, which are the most beautiful forms created by nature. One of Georgia's largest cave systems, the grotto comprises 22 grand halls, of which only 6 are on public display. A fairy tale world, and bonanza for all you speleologists. 

The Prometheus Caves were discovered in the Imereti region in 1984, and remain one of the largest systems of its kind in the world. The caves display a variety of extraordinary rock formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, cave pearls and underground rivers. Visitors can walk and choose to take a boat tour through the cave system, where a light display illuminates the natural wonders and unique features within Prometheus Cave. 

The highland townlet of Mestia is located in the Svaneti region of Georgia, at an elevation of 1,500 metres. The small settlement was historically an important centre for Georgian culture and arts - today, remaining home to a number of UNESCO-listed medieval monuments and forts. The surrounding mountainous landscape provides an idyllic backdrop for the quaint medieval town. Mestia has become a centre for visitors wishing to explore the mountains and hike through the rural region. 

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Day 7 : Mestia - Ushguli - Mestia

Truly a highlight of any adventure holiday, the voyage from Mestia to Europe’s highest permanently-populated village, Ushguli, is one for the ages. To hike the distance between Mestia and Ushguli takes four days. Though we’ll take the quicker route on four sturdy wheels. Once there you will find yourself at 2,100 metres above sea level, in this pastoral village that until the early 2000s was cut off for half the year by the extremes of alpine winter.

With the journey as intriguing as the destination we’ll stop along the way at the Svanetian villages that connect the challenging route from Mestia. There we can stroll around to get a feel for the subsistence agriculture of ox and plough, potato harvesting and raising horses that keeps life in the high Svaneti alive.

Enjoy a meal in the company of a local family who will prepare lunch for you before the equally spectacular journey back to Mestia, where you will stay.

Overnight in Hotel Ushba, Mestia

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Ushguli is a community of four villages that are located in the Engurgi gorge of the UNESCO-listed region of Upper Svaneti. Ushguli is one of the highest settlements to have been continuously inhabited in Europe, which retains a traditional and medieval feel through the authentic defensive towers and chapel that date back to the 12th Century. Situated at an altitude of 2,100 metres, the area of Ushguli is covered by snow for almost 6 months of the year. Its remote and rural location means that it is often isolated, as the road out to Mestia often becomes impassable.

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Day 8 : Mestia - Batumi

From mountain to coast, today the tour heads to Georgia’s far western Adjara region, and specifically to the so-called “Pearl of the Black Sea”, Batumi. This thriving port town is ideally seen on foot, so we’ll embark on a walking tour which takes in a whole host of sightseeing musts: Piazza square, Church of St. Nicholas, Europe square, Drama Theatre, Dancing fountains, Alphabet tower, the main boulevard, the port, plus a striking statue commemorating Ali & Nino, a visual tale of brave lovers betraying the cultural and religious divide.

Overnight in The Graphic , Batumi

Meal plan: Breakfast

The highland townlet of Mestia is located in the Svaneti region of Georgia, at an elevation of 1,500 metres. The small settlement was historically an important centre for Georgian culture and arts - today, remaining home to a number of UNESCO-listed medieval monuments and forts. The surrounding mountainous landscape provides an idyllic backdrop for the quaint medieval town. Mestia has become a centre for visitors wishing to explore the mountains and hike through the rural region. 

The attractive coastal resort town of Batumi, in the south-west of Georgia, has become the go-to destination for holidaying Georgians. Formerly the western terminus for a railway carrying oil from Azerbaijan, Batumi became cut off during the Soviet era, when the nearby border with Turkey was closed. However, in recent decades, time and money has been spent to turn it into a charming seaside resort on the Black Sea.

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Day 9 : Batumi - Bakhvi - Borjomi

From Batumi we move inland to Bakhvi to discover at first hand Georgia’s tea-growing traditions that go back a surprising 170 years. We’ll also learn something about how tea is prepared there. From tea plantation to teapot, you’ll practise everything from picking to preparing, and of course drinking local varieties.

Overnight in Golden Tulip Borjomi, Borjomi

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Bakhvi is one of four tea estates in the Western Guria region to revive an old planting tradition going back to the mid-19th century, and that once made Georgia the world's fourth largest tea exporter. Circumventing expensive tea imports from China through Siberia, tea from Guria and Adjara helped fuel the Russian Empire. 

Founded in 1829, Borjomi is a resort town that was popularised when the Russian royal family built a summer residence here in 1895. Today, Likani Palace belongs to the Georgian president, and the town remains famous as the source of Georgia’s number one export - naturally carbonated mineral water. This water is exported to over 40 countries and is said to have medicinal and restorative properties. Borjomi is known for its picturesque location and setting within the protected Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, one of the largest national parks in Europe. The town of Borjomi is also home to the most extensive ecologically-themed amusement park in the Caucasus.

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Day 10 : Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Borjomi

Setting off from Borjomi, our journey takes us through the small city of Akhaltsikhe in the southwestern Samtskhe–Javakheti region. The centrepiece of today’s excursions is without doubt the 12th century cave monastery complex of Vardzia. Its dramatic setting on the flanks of Mount Erusheti overlooking the Kura river augments the atmosphere of one of Georgia’s premier tourist sites. On a mesmerizing tour of what once was a functioning cave complex, learn of Georgia’s medieval flourishing by stepping into chambers that performed a myriad of functions to help self-sustain the monastery: church frescoes, dwelling quarters, wine cellars and granaries, pharmacy and even the library can still be seen here.

On the return leg of the drive back to Borjomi, we make a fitting finale at Rabath Hilltop castle (closed Mondays). 

Overnight in Golden Tulip Borjomi, Borjomi

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Founded in 1829, Borjomi is a resort town that was popularised when the Russian royal family built a summer residence here in 1895. Today, Likani Palace belongs to the Georgian president, and the town remains famous as the source of Georgia’s number one export - naturally carbonated mineral water. This water is exported to over 40 countries and is said to have medicinal and restorative properties. Borjomi is known for its picturesque location and setting within the protected Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, one of the largest national parks in Europe. The town of Borjomi is also home to the most extensive ecologically-themed amusement park in the Caucasus.

With most construction taking place during the second half of the 12th century, Vardzia is a complex of cave dwellings set over 13 levels that centre around a main church and throne room. The Church of the Dormition, dating back to the 1180s, is decorated with religious and royal murals. The site at Vardzia, however, was destroyed beyond repair by an earthquake in 1283.

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Day 11 : Borjomi - Tbilisi

Transfer back to Tbilisi after breakfast for a taste of institutionalised learning at the National History Museum. Later in the day, why not get out and discover more of this enchanting little capital city on your own.

End what we hope is a memorable trip with a final group dinner in a Tbilisi restaurant enlivened with a spot of folk dancing.

Overnight in Strofi Boutique Hotel, Tbilisi

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Founded in 1829, Borjomi is a resort town that was popularised when the Russian royal family built a summer residence here in 1895. Today, Likani Palace belongs to the Georgian president, and the town remains famous as the source of Georgia’s number one export - naturally carbonated mineral water. This water is exported to over 40 countries and is said to have medicinal and restorative properties. Borjomi is known for its picturesque location and setting within the protected Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, one of the largest national parks in Europe. The town of Borjomi is also home to the most extensive ecologically-themed amusement park in the Caucasus.

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Day 12 : Tbilisi - Departure

Early morning transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Alternatively, consider extending your trip to Armenia or Azerbaijan.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Strofi Boutique Hotel

Tbilisi (4 nights)

Hotel Strofi is nestled in the heart of Tbilisi. Our hotel is a beautiful heritage building from the 19th century that has been carefully restored to preserve its original charm and character.
Located on the same street where Georgian poet Lado Asatiani once lived, our hotel is steeped in history and culture. From the moment you step through our doors, you will be transported back in time to a bygone era of elegance and sophistication.
 

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Twins Wine House

Napareuli (1 night)

The tourist complex is always open for both Georgian and foreign guests. The complex includes both hotel rooms and open and closed wine cellars, Kevari and Qvevri wine museum, restaurant and banquet spaces. 

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Solomon

Kutaisi (1 night)

A new hotel in the heart of Kutaisi, Solomon offers a comfortable stay within close proximity of Kutaisi's key attractions. All rooms boast a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, air conditioning, a table and chair, and a private bathroom. Some rooms in the Deluxe category feature a terrace so you can take advantage of the mountain views. A continental breakfast is served daily in the hotel's on-site restaurant.

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The Graphic

Batumi (1 night)

New Boutique addition to Batumi's accommodation sector. This stylish, modernist residence is well-situated and fully-equipped. 

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Golden Tulip Borjomi

Borjomi (2 nights)

Considered a unique cultural monument, the beautiful and stylish Golden Tulip Borjomi is a renovated 19th century house, originally built by the consular of Iran in Russia as a summer house with spa facilities. The hotel has an excellent location right next to Borjomi Central Park, and facilities include an on-site restaurant, lobby bar, terrace and spa. Each of the 17 rooms is decorated in a classic style with touches to reflect the building's history, and comes equipped with air conditioning, a safe and tea/coffee-making facilities. Rooms are located around a central courtyard with shared walkways outside the rooms.

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Extensions

Hills and Mountain Villages of Georgia (1-10 days)

Hike the hills and mountain regions of Georgia

Mix and match Georgia (1-5 days)

Discover more of Georgia's quirks and hidden corners

Hiking in Svaneti (12 days)

Explore Georgia's stunning mountains on foot

Best of the Caucasus (15 days)

Charms & contradictions of Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

Eastern Turkey & Georgia Explorer (14 days)

From Ancient Anatolia to the Heart of Georgia.

Armenia & Georgia Explorer (12 days)

Journey through the rich history of Armenia & Georgia

Around the South Caucasus (12 days)

Three small countries. All neighbours. All totally different.

Ancient World of the Caucasus (12 days)

Archaeology laid bare on Europe's balcony.

Hidden Treasures of Georgia (12 days)

Led by Bradt author Sophie Ibbotson

Georgia Explorer (9 days)

Unadorned monasteries, lofty peaks, ancient vineyards, and faultless hospitality.

Rural Georgia (9 days)

Experience local village hospitality in rugged backcountry

Six Days in Georgia (6 days)

Visit Tbilisi and the Khaketi wine region.

Three Days in Georgia (3 days)

Visit Tbilisi and the Khaketi wine region.

Reviews

We had a fantastic time on our Best of the Caucasus tour. We loved eating with the families in Georgia and visiting the Molovan family in Armenia, definitely highlights of the trip. Our Georgian guide in particular was the best you could possibly have, giving a true insight into the country. He should be recommended for an award!

Pam Bowers & John Simpson , Best of the Caucasus

We are a fairly fussy bunch of travellers, but this was one of our best trips. We were were impressed with the overall organisation, and our young and very capable guide was an excellent ambassador for her beautiful country.

Valerie Newberry , Tailormade Georgia

We asked Travel the Unknown to come up with an unusual trip to 6 counties of the Caucasus and the ex-Soviet Union countries. They did so in a tour that flowed seamlessly the whole 38 days. The most impressive part was when Ukrainian Airlines cancelled our connecting flights from Kiev to Minsk, for 2 consecutive days. We contacted Travel The Unknown that morning and asked them to arrange an overnight train with a sleeping compartment. When arrived in Kiev, we were met at the airport, driven to the train station where tickets where waiting for us. They arranged for our pickup at the station in Minsk, as we left the train, and we went on our planned tours without losing a minute. That is what I call great service!

Irwin Drangel & Linda Schain , Tailor-made Caucasus and Soviet Fringes

Loved the Caucasus with Travel the Unknown. I learnt of their ancient history and the current geopolitical significance of the cross roads between West and East. Another first class trip from Travel the Unknown with extremely knowledgeable guides and great hotels.

Margaret Small , Best of the Caucasus

The trip to the Caucasus was both illuminating and fun. It was particularly interesting to visit all three countries, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, to try to understand the area and the problems they face from each country's very different perspective. The scenery in the whole area is breathtaking. The tour introduced us to many local people who were all very hospitable and generous. They welcomed us warmly and joined in our enjoyment of "having a go" at various crafts, eg bread making, felt-making, learning a bit of Georgian script, etc. In each of the three countries, religion is fundamental to their lives and visits to mosques, temples, churches, monasteries and cathedrals were a large feature in the tour. I would highly recommend the tour to anyone who likes an activity-packed holiday in places that are off the beaten track.

Doreen , Best of the Caucasus
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