Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Georgia – Tbilisi – Stepantsminda – Telavi
100% customisable for you
Passports at the ready – your getaway to Georgia kicks off today. Head to the airport, breeze through security and slip away to the lounge for some peace and quiet before taking off. Flights to Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, take around five hours, giving you plenty of time to sit back and shift into holiday gear.
When you land, grab your bags and meet your private driver to transfer to a hotel in the bustling city centre. Then, once you’ve taken some time to unpack, spend the rest of the afternoon scoping out your suave new digs.
For dinner this evening, settle into the Georgian capital in style by asking our local Concierge for some local restaurant recommendations. No better way to kick things off than with a mouth-watering meal.
Tuck into a tasty breakfast this morning before heading out to meet a friendly local guide for a private tour of the Georgian capital. Stretching along the banks of the Koura River, Tbilisi boasts narrow streets and vibrant architecture, making it a delight to discover on foot. Time to rack up those step counts…
Start by heading to the (deep breath) Metekhi church of the Nativity of the Mother of God, which dates back to 1280. Afterwards, head to Narikala, an ancient fortress overlooking the city. Then, round out your day of discovery by descending towards the Abanotubani sulphur baths for a serene soak.
Come afternoon, retreat to your hotel for more rejuvenating R&R before hitting the streets again for your dinner reservation in one of the city’s best restaurants. Think authentic Georgian cuisine with a modern twist – food comas pending...
After breakfast, grab your bags and meet your private driver to swap the capital for the highlands. First stop: Mtskheta (pronounced ‘m-skyta'), the ancient and religious centre of the country, set just 45 minutes north of the capital.
Here, you’ll visit the Jvari Monastery, which sits atop a hill and boasts sweeping views over the valley. Then, head to the UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where the (also UNESCO-listed) Seamless robe of Jesus is buried.
After this, hop back in the car to continue your journey north. For the next 50 minutes, glide along the historic Georgian Military Highway, passing through the high Caucasus Mountains – eyes on the windows.
Then, visit the 17th-century Ananuri architectural complex. Yet another UNESCO-listed gem – we're spoiling you on this trip – it features two churches, a watchtower and a defensive wall.
Arrive in Stepantsminda after a two-hour drive this evening, ready to check in, drop your bags and head out in search of a delicious dinner. Yum.
Wake up to fresh mountain air and a hearty Georgian breakfast this morning, then meet your private guide and set off on a hike to the Gergeti Trinity Church. Perched atop Mount Kazbeck, this 14th-century church enjoys an altitude of 7,120ft – a must-see for anyone visiting the country.
While you’re wandering through the surrounding valleys and woodlands, be sure to take in the breathtaking green slopes, dotted with mountain flowers. Of course, there’s also the majestic Caucasus Mountains themselves to admire.
Having reached the church, continue to the Dariali Gorge, an eight-mile-long river canyon teetering on the border between Georgia and Russia.
Then, return to Stepantsminda this afternoon to visit the ‘Art House.’ Here, you can witness the craft of Georgian felt-making and sample various types of jams – ideal for whetting your appetite for dinner tonight.
Bid Stepantsminda a fond farewell this morning as you meet your private driver and set off toward the enchanting Kakheti region. This leg of your journey begins with a visit to the rarely explored Pankisi Valley, three and a half hours away.
Here, you’ll be welcomed by the warm and resilient Kist community, whose traditions have been preserved for generations. Savour the flavours of Kist-Georgian dishes over a lovely lunch while you gaze over the serene splendour of your surroundings.
Then, delve into the surrounding landscape on a horse-riding adventure through the Pankisi Gorge – time to giddy up and test your cowboy skills.
Hop back in the car this afternoon for the final 50-minute trip to Telavi, where you’ll stay for the next two nights. Having arrived, drop your bags, divvy up the sides of the bed and... relax.
Opt for a lighter breakfast this morning to prime you for a day of gourmet tastings and cooking lessons. Then, grab your day bags and meet your driver to begin your exploration of the vineyard-strewn Alazani Valley.
Start at the 16th-century Gremi Architectural Complex, then continue to the Nekresi Monastery, which dates back to the sixth century. Cue oohs and aahs from all in tow.
Afterwards, visit the famous Kindzmarauli Winery for a tasting of local wines and cheeses (yes, please). Primed for lunch, head to a farm to handpick fresh fruits and vegetables before rolling up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class.
You’ll be taught how to make Churchkhela, a classic Georgian dessert of grape juice and walnuts. Prefer savoury to sweet? Don’t worry: a barbecue and traditional bread-baking class are also lined up.
After a wine-filled day, journey back to your hotel to freshen up before venturing out to the restaurant, where we’ve booked you in for another delicious dinner.
Enjoy one last breakfast overlooking the mountains this morning before delving into Telavi’s market, strolling along rows of stalls and nabbing some souvenirs. Then, meet your driver to head back to Tbilisi.
To embellish the two-hour journey, stop in the 18th-century town of Sighnaghi, often referred to as the ‘City of Love.’ Boasting cobbled streets, elegant houses and ancient walls, it offers stunning views over the Alazani Valley and Caucasus Mountains.
Later on, visit a traditional Georgian wine cellar to taste wines made in qvevri (egg-shaped clay vessels). This winemaking method is so specific to the region that it has been honoured with UNESCO status.
Warmed up on wine, return to Tbilisi to check into your hotel this afternoon. To make the most of your final night, we’ve secured you a spot at another well-renowned restaurant. Time to toast to a trip well spent.
Sadly, your Georgian jaunt comes to an end today. Luxuriate in a delightfully decadent breakfast this morning (you are on holiday, after all), before grabbing your bags, checking out and meeting your private driver to transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.
The journey back to the UK takes around five and a half hours, meaning you’ll arrive just in time for dinner. We hope you picked up a bottle from one of the wineries to pair with your meal...
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
