Kakheti

Educational Activities

Armenia, with its distinctive culture, its beautiful rocky mountains and ancient history is a must-see when traveling in the Caucasus region. Discover the beauty of Northern Armenia on this day trip from Tbilisi, with your tour starting at 9:00AM, after which you will head for the border. From here the landscape will begin to change, as you drive through the narrow gorges of the Debed River in between the high rocky mountains. The time seems to stand still in this part of the country, with its typical Soviet cars and huge copper factories built in the middle of the mountains, the scenery is full of bizarre beauty. The tour includes several main sightseeing objects of Northern Armenia, such as the historic Lori region, the fortified monastery of Akhtala, a unique example of wonderfully preserved frescoes from the 11th century and the two UNESCO protected monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat. The history of the two monasteries in Alaverdi is connected by a legend of father and son and you can see many similarities, but also differences in their architecture. Both places are known for their beautiful architecture and the unique hachkars, as well as the stone crosses, a signature of Armenian art. Before heading back to Tbilisi you can taste authentic Armenian food in a traditional restaurant by the river.

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.

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.

Meet your guide in front of your hotel after the lunch to start your journey: You will cross the beautiful Aragatsotn Province hills as you drive west from Yerevan in an air-conditioned vehicle. You will arrive at the village Artashavan which is the home of the monument of Armenian Alphabet. Here you will find giant 39 stone letters dedicated to the founder of Armenia's alphabet. Your tour will make its second stop in Sanain village where the medieval Sanahin church is located. It's one of the greatest Medieval monasteries of Armenia with beautiful architecture. The complex has numerous khachkars (stones with elaborate engravings representing a cross) and bishop grave sites scattered throughout it. After lunch, you will make a stop in Alaverdi town, where the medieval Sanahin bridge is located. It's one of the most significant architectural constructions of medieval Armenia. The bridge is located above narrow and fertile banks of the River Debed flow. The basalt bridge with its bewitching outlines, type of stone and colour combines with the picturesque surrounding becoming its inseparable treasure. Finally, the tour heads to Hagpat village, where you will enjoy postcard-perfect landscapes and medieval Hagpat Monastery complex which has a unique architecture including the unusual gavit, the defence of the monastery. Haghpaht had a significant influence on Armenian culture. The Sanahin Bridge along with the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. In the evening you will be returned to your Yerevan hotel.

This tour focuses on the traditional wines of Kakheti, wines that are produced in special cellars in big clay vessels called Qvevris. These natural wines continue an 8000-year-old tradition of wine making in the region and you are invited to taste selected artisan wines on this tour, including the unique Amber wines. The tour starts with pickup from your hotel or apartment in Tbilisi and takes you to Kakheti region, through the mountain pass of Gombori, where you can enjoy a moment of silence surrounded by beautiful panoramic views. Your first stop will be the workshop of one of only 3 remaining Qvevri makers in Georgia, where you will see how a Qvevri vessel is made, learn why it is buried underground and even taste some wine directly from a Qvevri. You will continue to a family winery in Telavi, where a traditional lunch with wine is waiting for you. Meet the winemakers and learn about the history of their vineyard throughout the ages. After lunch, you can visit the recently renovated Telavi Fort or the famous market of Telavi, where you can sample and buy local products. Next is an artisan winery in Signagi, where you can taste 5 different wines while enjoying the view over the Alazani Valley from the terrace. From there it's only 2 hours to reach Tbilisi, where the tour ends.

Visit a traditional Georgian wine cellar in Kakheti. Wine and brandy, chacha, is prepared according to the traditional Georgian standards and recipes. Your host will tell a real Georgian toast as you enjoy your drinks. Take a master class in baking Georgian bread, Puri. Learn how to bake it the traditional way, in a deep circular clay oven called a tone.  At Pirosmanashvili Museum, learn the sad story of the world famous Georgian painter, Niko Pirosmanashvili, also known as Pirosmani. The museum was established in Pirosmani’s home village of Mirzaani in 1960 and includes his family home and an exhibition hall displaying some of his original works and personal belongings. Explore the Monastery of St. Nino in Bodbe. it was originally was built in the 9th-Century and 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. It has a breathtaking view of the Alazani valley and snowcapped Caucasus mountains.  Continue to Sighnaghi, the City of Love. It is the prettiest town in Kaheti. Sighnagi was originally developed in the 18th-century by King Erekle II. The defensive walls and 28 towers were built to protect the city against a Lezgian invasion. There are wonderful views over the Alazani valley to the Caucasus beyond. Take a walk then have a traditional dinner with a workshop to learn how to cook traditional meals. Taste traditional candies of Churchkhela and Pelamushi. 

For those planning a trip to Georgia, discover why Sighnaghi is famous as a holiday destination. You will find the most popular  sightseeing places, with theis magical town offering a long collection of historic buildings, markets, and top attractions that you must visit once in a life.   Downtown is just the beginning of the city's charms. The vibrant and contrasting city offers you the chance to discover some of the richest examples of Caucasian history. You will be presented with the chance to attend a unique wine-tasting experience, with your tour including the opportunity to taste two different Georgian wines, an experience to remember. Get ready to experience Georgia from a different perspective. A local charismatic guide will reveal the secrets and interesting facts about one of the last secluded European cities.