The Republic of Georgia
Trip dates…
October 12-21, 2024
Highlights and Trip Summary
Inspired by the rich heritage of this ancient land, you’re invited to join us and explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, indulge in mouthwatering Georgian cuisine, engage with local traditions, and unwind in natural sulfur baths.
You’ll experience Georgia’s winemaking history (in pots instead of barrels), visit Bronze Age cave towns, and learn to cook traditional Georgian dishes (many of these recipes have been handed down for centuries and are so good, you’ll see why they lasted the ages).
With private guides, fancy/boutique accommodations, and a carefully crafted itinerary, this trip is designed to offer you an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Why Georgia?
Breathtaking landscapes. Full cultural immersion. Cave cities where you can walk through millennia-old tunnels carved into the rock. Joyous Georgian polyphonic singing. Energetic traditional dance performances. Legendary hospitality. Rejuvenating spas/sulfur baths. It’s an incredibly well-rounded trip plus a food and wine lovers paradise.
You will eat and drink very well on this tour!
Why Visit Georgia Now?
An undiscovered gem that’s only just now gaining media attention (most mainstream tourists don’t know about it… yet!).
You’ll arrive ahead of the tourist flock, be “in the know” when the destination hits mainstream media, and experience it all in its original authenticity thanks to this tour.
Who will like this trip?
This trip is great for someone who wants a low-impact adventure to a destination that’s super cool and very few people know about it.
It’s also ideal for travelers who like to eat and drink well. And those who appreciate beautiful cultures and natural scenery.
If you appreciate music or you like to sing, the music here is the kind that can move you to tears.
If you like photography, there are several photography hot spots.
And if you like architecture, the architecture is from the Soviet Union. This tour is a great way to see it without going to Russia.
Here’s what you can expect…
*always subject to change based on weather and other circumstances
The airport code for your arrival and departure is TBS (Tbilisi)
October 10/11 – Departure days from your home airport
Most flights into Georgia need to depart 1-2 days early and return 1-2 days late depending on your home airport. This is due to long layovers en route where we suggest you look into airport sleep pods so you can get real sleep.
Your official arrival day for this tour is October 12 and it’s a light rest day. But since flights often arrive at 2am, we have also purchased October 11 for you to ensure you can check in at 2am and have a bed to sleep in.
This means, no matter what time you arrive on the 12th (even if it’s 2am)… or even if you find a flight that arrives on the evening of the 11th, the hotel will be ready to receive you without issue. You can be as flexible as you need to be with your flight just so long as you arrive by the 12th.
Day 1 – October 12- Official Arrival Day
As you touch down at Tbilisi International Airport (TVS) on the morning of 12th or evening of the 11th, you’ll have a chance to rest and recover from your journey. Some will go straight to sleep. Others can explore the area near your hotel.
Lunch today is on your own.
In the late afternoon, we’ll prepare for an authentic Georgian experience as we visit the Orbeliani Bath for traditional sulfur bath treatments — a great way to adjust to the time change and get acclimated while still calling this a rest day.
Dinner is on us this evening and all meals are included from this day forward unless otherwise noted below. Nearly every meal (except breakfast) includes wine. Wine runs freely in Georgia and is not an extra expense.
Day 2 – October 13- Tbilisi / Mtskheta
We’ll start the day with a visit to UNESCO-listed village of Mtskheta, where you’ll marvel at the historical significance of the Jvari Monastery and other treasures.
In Tbilisi’s Old Town, a photo tour and a cable car ride provide you with the perfect vantage point to absorb the city’s charm. The day concludes with a delightful dinner in Old Town Tbilisi.
Day 3 – October 14- Kakheti
Your day kicks off with a unique Felt Class in Tbilisi, offering you an immersive experience in Georgian culture.
As we venture towards Kakheti, we’ll break up the drive with lunch at a scenic spot. Take in the rich flavors of Georgia during a honey-tasting session on Gombori Pass. The afternoon is yours to unwind at the hotel. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner in Telavi.
Day 4 – October 15- Kakheti
Free time this morning to explore the village or catch up on some sleep and have a late breakfast. Suggestions will be given for activities.
Later, explore the local market, admire the Plane Tree, and discover the art of qveri building. A light lunch prepares you for the highlight of the day: the Harvest Experience.
Join a Khinkali class, soak in live music, participate in grape picking, and experience the unique tradition of grape crushing by foot. The day culminates in a traditional Harvest Supra dinner.
October 16 - Kakheti to Rabati
Your journey from Kakheti to Rabati promises a rich cultural odyssey.
Start the day with a visit to Alaverdi Monastery, an architectural marvel.
October 17 - Explore Rabati
Today is dedicated to exploring Rabati and its enchanting surroundings.
Begin with a visit to Rabati Fortress, a historical gem. Afterward, immerse yourself in a string cheese class at a local farm followed by a delightful lunch. You have the option to visit Vardzia Cave Town or enjoy more free time in the afternoon. The day winds down with a spa session at the Gino Wellness Resort, followed by an inviting home dinner.
October 18 - Akhaltsikhe to Kutaisi
Your scenic journey from Akhaltsikhe to Kutaisi includes captivating stops along the way.
In the morning we’ll visit a home winery. Then explore the Mghmivemi Rock Wall Convent and capture striking photo ops of abandoned Soviet cable cars. We’ll stop at the picturesque Katskhi Pillar on our route.
October 19 - Free Time in Kutaisi
Today is your day to explore Kutaisi at your own pace, with free time in the morning and early afternoon.
You can start by walking up to Bagrati Cathedral, followed by a scenic ride on the short cable car over the river and a visit to the White Bridge.
Later in the day, we’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery. Enjoy the golden hour with a walk in Tskaltubo, an old Soviet spa town. Tonight we’ll have dinner and music at a local agro home with the most delightful host - she’s sure to win over your heart.
October 20 - Kutaisi to Tbilisi
Start your day at a relaxed pace with an optional visit to the local market.
Depart Kutaisi at 11 am, with a stop at Uplistsikhe, a Bronze Age Cave Town..
As a special treat, you'll enjoy a memorable evening with a local family, feasting on whole-baked rabbit or lamb prepared in a traditional tone oven. Dive into Georgian culture with a dance class led by a professional teacher, formerly part of the national Georgian dance troupe.
October 21 - Optional Morning Activity
For your final day, we offer optional morning activities to suit your preferences.
Departures are generally scheduled for later in the afternoon or evening, allowing you to make the most of your last moments in Georgia. Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you've gathered during this unforgettable journey through the heart of Georgia.
Activity Level
Moderate activity. This tour is mostly moderate, low impact. There are some walks that require cobblestone streets and hills but for the most part, we often have access to a vehicle that takes us place to place without much issue.
Still, you should be comfortable walking 1-2 miles with breaks… on cobblestone or uneven surfaces.
Price:
In Georgia you get a lot of bang for your buck. This trip includes boutique accommodations, gourmet meals, free-flowing wine and lots of hands-on unique experiences.
All of this comes at a great price.…
The total cost of this trip is $4,997.
But you can save by inviting a friend or spouse. The cost goes down to $4,597 per person in a shared a room.
Your fee includes nearly all your meals, drinks (including wine), activities, guide and driver, as well as accommodations and entrance fees. We also pay all of your gratuities so you don’t have to hand out cash at every stop.
On the arrival and departure day there may be a meal or two that you’ll need to cover depending on your flight time. Other items not included are any incidentals such as laundry or mini-bar charges.
A deposit is due at the time of registration. The balance is due in two equal payments 30 and 60 days after your deposit.
Your registration includes:
Ten nights in boutique accommodations
Breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea, water daily
Gourmet meals with wine every day
Gratuities for your guides and entertainers
Pre-trip guidance including what to expect, what to pack, travel tips, and more
Access to local families only reachable through our connections as a food blogger
Access to photography hot spots
Airport transfers are included if you stick to the itinerary but if you arrive early or stay late, you’ll need to arrange your own transfers and any extra nights through the hotel
Your registration fee does NOT include:
Your roundtrip international flight. The airport code for your arrival and departure is TBS (Tbilisi).
Equipment—you must bring your own camera and accessories (e.g. memory cards, tripod, etc.)
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Covid-related expenses
Laundry
Any other incidentals or purchases you may want to make along the way
Our Commitment to Affordability
We pledge to offer expeditions at the best possible price.
We create tours for travelers, not tourists. Folks who want unique experience they wouldn’t likely find on their own. And we strive to make each and every expedition better than the last.
Many other tour companies use a simple formula, designed to shuffle tourists from one place to the next. They’ll use the same itinerary year after year, without making modifications. And that’s not who we are.
To keep our prices low, and our itineraries fresh, we stay on top of the trends, deals, and best-value opportunities that we can get our hands on. Often times $2,000-$3,000 less than what you’ll find elsewhere!
FAQs
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Yes, if you make your dietary restrictions known in advance they can, in most cases, be accommodated. If you have very restrictive or life-threatening needs/allergies it is imperative to let us know in advance so that we can discuss this with our team to ensure your safety.
The more information you can provide in advance, the better able we are to meet your
needs. -
As with all of our trips, we highly recommend you purchase your own travel insurance based on your own needs and situation.
All guests are responsible for their own well-being and safety.
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We have specifically chosen this time of year because of it’s mild weather and generally goodconditions. That being said, rain and poor weather can always happen. We do our best to keep to the itinerary but adjust to keep everyone safe.
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Wi-Fi is available at all of our hotels. Georgia is very connected and so you’ll find WiFi available in many locations. If you require a stable and consistent network we encourage you to look at options for eSIMS or portable wifi networks during your trip.
On this same note, we will communicate clearly the information you need each day. We also create a WhatsApp group for this trip and encourage each person to have a consistent wifi connection so that you can send and receive information at all times.
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Our standard cancellation policy applies to this trip. We do have payment options available and
are happy to discuss this with you.
*Your Gratuities/Tips (and Wine!)Are Included
Your fee includes nearly all your meals, drinks (including wine), activities, guide and driver, as well as accommodations and entrance fees. We also pay all of your gratuities.
On the arrival and departure day there may be a meal or two that you’ll need to cover depending on your flight time. Other items not included are any incidentals such as laundry or mini-bar charges.
A deposit is due at the time of registration. The balance is due in two equal payments 30 and 60 days after your deposit.
We guarantee:
You’ll never find a better tour at any price.
