Kakheti

Bus & Minivan Tours

Explore Kakheti, the wine region of Georgia, located in the eastern part of the country. Kakheti wine region is an excellent place to visit beautiful sightseeings, try delicious local food, listen to traditional folk songs, study how Georgian wine is made, and have wine degustation. Your first stop is village Badiauri, where guests are welcome to see a local bakery and taste delicious Georgian bread, cheese, and Chacha (Georgian Vodka). The second stop is Bodbe Convent. According to the legend, it is built on the burial place of Saint Nino. A Saint for Georgians who converted their religion into Christianity. The site is very spiritual and has impressive views for taking beautiful pictures. Then go to Sighnaghi, known as "The City of Love." You will have a walking tour in Sighnaghin and discover " The Great Wall of Georgia." After the walking tour, you can join lunch with a beautiful view of Alazani Valley, and try traditional Georgian food. The fourth site of the day is Khareba Winery, the largest of Georgia's wine cellars. Khareba is a unique place with perfect storage conditions for wine, 7.7 kilometers of tunnels, and galleries that maintain a constant temperature of 12-14 degrees 0C. Listen to traditional Georgian folk songs, have a walking tour in the tunnel, explore the ethnographic museum, get information on how Georgians make wine, and finish it with wine degustation. The last place to visit during the day is Corporation Kindzmarauli. The winery's history dates back to 1533 and produced wine exclusively for the royal family for much of its history. You have a tour in the winery and wine degustation for four different wines.

Departing from the center of Tbilisi, embark on a full-day tour to visit the sunniest regions of Georgia. The eastern region of Kakheti is Georgia’s premier wine-producing area, where almost everywhere you go you’ll be invited to drink a glass of traditional amber wine. Along the way, make a stop at the village of Badiauri where you can learn how to bake traditional Georgian bread and can even try to do it by yourself. For those that love cheese, there are many cheeses in Georgia which you can try accompanied by hot, fresh, crusty bread. Next up, visit the Bodbe Monastery, one of the most important religious sites in Georgia. Today there is a nunnery where the monastery used to be, and the St. George Cathedral, part of the monastery, which holds the remains of St. Nino. There is also a new cathedral built, using much of the same construction methods used to make the most famous cathedrals in Georgia centuries ago. You'll then arrive to Sighnaghi, known as the town of love. There your guide will tell the legend that happened in this city many centuries ago as you walk along the cobbled streets of the city, climb the fortress wall, and visit one of the towers. There is also a local market where you can try and buy Georgian spices, sweets, sauces and much more. Finally, it's time to go to a winery to taste Georgian wine. There are so many different wines, and you are bound to find something that you like. Your local guide will also tell you the secrets of making wine and how to drink it.

In the morning, the guide and driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Tbilisi (if you choose the private option), or alternatively meet the tour group at Europe Square. Then, head to David Gareja complex via Sagarejo village. Turning from the Eastern main road, drive on a dirt road to the semi-desert. The complex was established in the 6th century AD by one of the 13 Assyrian monks and expanded through the centuries. Here, have a tour of the caves and monasteries, and enjoy 2-3 hours easy trekking in the semi-desert. On your way to Signagi, you’ll visit the Bodbe monastery. The monastery is one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia, due to its association with St. Nino, the 4th-century female evangelist in Georgia. In Sighnaghi, a small town surrounded by 18th-century defensive wall and remnants of fortifications, take a relaxing walk in the town, explore the defensive wall and fortifications, and enjoy the views of Alazani Valley. In the evening, drive back to your place of stay or Europe Square in Tbilisi.

After being picked up from your hotel at 8:00AM, your first stop will be the Ujarma fortress. It is believed that in the second half of the 5th century, the famous Vakhtang Gorgasali (founder of Tbilisi) erected numerous buildings in Ujarma and moved his residence there. In the 10th century, Ujarma was destroyed by the Arabian forces of Abul Kassim. Later on in the 13th century, the fortress was restored by King George III, where he arranged treasury. Moving on, your tour will continue through the Gombori Pass, which will see you drive to an altitude of 1,650 meters (5,414 feet). At the top you will discover an observation deck, the perfect place for a photo shoot. After a small stop, you will continue your journey through the magical forest, where you will be able to make a wish. The next stop will be to the Alaverdi Monastery. At a height of over 55 meters, the Alaverdi Cathedral is the second tallest religious building in Georgia. You will then visit the city of Telavi, the main city and administrative center of Georgia's eastern province of Kakheti. On the way to Kvareli, you will stop at the Gremi. Standing above the green valley of Alazan, Gremi attracts travelers whose road goes between Telavi and Kvareli. Gloomy and monumental, the castle is one of the most visited tourist points in Georgia. In Kvareli, you will have the opportunity to taste Georgian wines, finding out how they are made. Following your wine tasting, you should find yourself with a new strength. You will then go to the Bodbe Monastery, which is one of the most important religious sites in Georgia. Continuing your trip, you will venture toward Sighnaghi. Its charming cobblestone streets and alleys consist of restored original nouveau woodwork, and detailed facades give the town a romantic mystique. Billed the "City of Love", Sighnaghi is a popular wedding venue. The wedding chapel here was the first to operate around the clock, and put Sighnaghi on the map as a destination. Its marriage chapel now hosts ceremonies which take place at all hours of the day and night.

Your tour starts in Tbilisi at 9:00AM, at which point you will depart for your first destination, Telavi. This city served as a capital of the Georgian kingdom Kakheti in the late middle ages. Here you will be able to explore its well-preserved palace called Batonis Tsikhe (“Fortress of Master”), which was built between the 17th-18th centuries and was used as a residential place for Kakhetian kings. You can also explore Alaverdi Cathedral, which is the second highest church in Georgia and represents a beautiful 11th century Georgian architecture. Following this, you will visit the Qvevri Wine Museum in Nafareuli. Georgia is widely considered as a cradle of wine. The wine culture was widespread in Georgia since the 6th millennium B.C., and since that time, wine has been produced by special methods. The most famous of these methods is using huge clay earthenware vessels called Qvevri, and in the Qvevri Museum, you will find out Georgian wine making methods in detail. Near the museum is the Twins Winery where you can taste three Georgian Qvevri wines made by Rkatsiteli, Kakhetian Green and Saperavi. Following this, you will visit Gremi, a 16th century architectural complex including the Royal Citadel and the Church of the Archangels. Here you will discover how Georgian (Kakhetian) kings lived, including their clothes, furniture and other items. Afterwards you will experience the Kindzmarauli Corporation, one of the largest wineries in Georgia where you will taste 4 different kinds of wines. Finally, you will visit the Tsinadali Museum, which is a historic winery that once belonged to the aristocratic Chavchavadze family. Your full-day tour will then end at 8:00PM, at which point you will be returned to Tbilisi.

Enjoy an excursion to a wine cellar with a free wine tasting. This traditional family-run wine cellar is on the way to the city of love, Signagi. This is an ideal place for those who prefer homemade Georgian wine and chacha prepared according to all traditional standards and recipes. Be greeted by your host who will show the superb ChachaGon and tell a real colloric Georgian toast. Taste the Georgian bread Puri, which is traditionally baked in a deep circular clay oven called tone. Visit Pirosmanashvili Museum. The Niko Pirosmanashvili State Museum was established in Pirosmani’s home village of Mirzaani in 1960 and includes his family house and an exhibition hall displaying some of the artist’s original works and personal belongings. The Monastery of St. Nino in Bodbe was originally was built in the 9th-century. It is one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia. It holds the tomb of St. Nino, the Cappadocian maiden who converted Georgian people to Christianity as early as 337 AD. See the breathtaking view of the Alazani valley and snowcapped Caucasus mountains.  See Sighnaghi, the City of Love. It is the prettiest town in Kaheti. Sighnagi originally was developed in the 18th-century by King Erekle II. The defensive walls and 28 towers were built by him against a Lezgian invasion. The city has wonderful views over the Alazani valley to the Caucasus beyond. After a walk, have a traditional dinner with a workshop to learn how to cook traditional meals. You can also taste traditional candies, with grape juice, called Churchkhela and Pelamushi.

The Davit Gareji Monastery complex was founded in the first half of the 6th century by one of the holy Assyrian fathers - David. The settlement of David in one of the caves was the beginning of the foundation of that religious and cultural center, which numbered 12 monasteries once. The complex of Davit Gareji carved into the rock is one of the largest among such carved complexes. The monastery of Bertubani is one of the cave monasteries in the Davit Gareji complex, the painting of which arouses the interest among visitors. The monastery of St. John the Baptist is also located in the Davit Gareji complex, 12 kilometers west from the lavra of David, is a single complex carved into the rock. It was founded in the 6th and 7th centuries by a disciple of David Garedjeli, Lucian. Then, visit the medieval Udabno (desert) Monastery in the Davit Gareji complex. The cave monastery encompasses many cell churches. The main structure of the ensemble is the Church of the Virgin Mary. In the monastery, there is a painting preserved in which the life cycle of David Garedjeli was recorded for the first time. The oldest layer of the main temple painting dates from the second half of the 10th century.    

Depart Tbilisi and travel to a dry desert region surrounded by hills and only inhabited by a few shepherds. Arrive at the historic David Gareji Monastery complex, founded by hermits who chose a secluded life in the early Middle Ages. Take an optional hike to the top of the hill separating Georgia and Azerbaijan, and get stunning views of the surroundings as you look for more of the abandoned caves. Continue to the small town of Signagi overlooking the Alazani Valley and Caucasian Mountains. Stroll the narrow streets to buy souvenirs and enjoy lunch at leisure. Sample the local Marani wine and an authentic chacha (brandy) at a traditional winery and learn the history of wine making in Georgia. Visit the nearby convent at Bodbe, famed as an important site of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians. Return to Tbilisi via a village that makes the local churchkhela candies to try some of the best sweet treats in Georgia!

Take a one-day tour in wine country. Kakheti is one of the ancient hearths of wine and wine-growing, where wine cultivation started 8,000 years ago. Since then, during the centuries, a native type of the feast wine was made, which greatly differed from the existing types of wines. Here we have spread up to 80 cultivars. Taste wine made with the oldest traditions and modern technology. You will be given the opportunity to taste the wine directly from Kvevri. The oldest method of wine-making is listed as one of UNESCO's non-material cultural heritages. This area is rich with historic monuments and natural sights. It is impossible to visit Kakheti in one day but it is possible to get acquainted with it and fall in love. During the tour visit some of the main sights of the region, such as ancient churches, Signagi the city of love and small villages with their interesting traditions.

Visit two of Armenia’s ancient monasteries and the town of Alaverdi on this small group tour from Tbilisi. Cross over the border with your experienced guide who will take you through the highlights of Northern Armenia in just 1 day.   Depart at 9:00 AM sharp for a 1.5-hour trip across the Georgian-Armenian boarder. Almost immediately you’ll start to notice changes in the landscape—the fields will become rocky mountains and the scenery takes on a certain apocalyptic touch, due to the many abandoned Soviet mines and factories. Your first stop is the fortified monastery of Akhtala, where you can marvel at the beautifully preserved frescoes and learn about the thrilling history of this Georgian-Armenian creation.   Then, you’ll reach the UNESCO-listed monastery complex of Haghpat, where you’ll learn about the Armenian stone crosses and the mystical poet Sayat-Nova. The next stop is a small authentic restaurant by the river, where you can try authentic Armenian cuisine. Travel another 30 minutes to the center of the town of Alaverdi, famous for being the hometown of MIG fighter jet engineer Mikoyan, and the 10th century monastery of Sanahin. Arrive back in Tbilisi by around 6:00 PM after a full and fascinating day.