Explore Georgia Tour

Arrive in the Georgian city of Kutaisi. You will be met by our driver for drop-off at the hotel, where check-in begins at noon. Have a rest after your flight before meeting your guide and driver for a private city tour of Kutaisi to the following:

• Colchis Fountain (2011), in Kutaisi’s David Agmashenebeli Square, with more than 30 statues and waterworks that recall the ancient kingdom of Colchis, believed to have been located near Kutaisi.
• Green Bazaar, a lively market with sellers and patrons as colorful as the produce itself. This is a great place to stalk up on fresh local snacks.
• Kutaisi State Historical Museum, easily one of the country’s finest museums that houses a small but unique collection of Georgian artifacts.
• Drive over Rioni River to Bagrati Cathedral (11th century), founded by King Bagrat III and visible from almost any point in the city. Its medieval architecture and detailed inner paintings are sure to impress.
• Continue to Gelati Monastery (12th century), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the center of Georgia’s spiritual and scientific life in the Middle Ages. Built by King David the Builder, this former academy holds the tombs of Georgian kings, plus three churches and a bell tower.
• Excursion to Motsameta Monastery (10th century), a small but amazing monastery surrounded by astounding nature which attracts crowds of religious pilgrims and travelers.

Overnight at the hotel in Kutaisi.
Tour duration: approximately 3 hours
Meals provided: none

In the morning, your driver and guide will meet you at your hotel in Kutaisi to begin your tour, starting with a drive to Martvili Canyon (48km, 55min).
Take a boat ride through the beautiful rock crevices of Martvili Canyon, which tower up to 40 meters. The ride covers about 1 kilometer of river and takes approximately 30 minutes. Continue exploration with a walk through the canyon to discover waterfalls, bridges and observation areas.
Drive to nearby Martvili Monastery (7th century). Also known as Chkondidi Monastery, its unique architecture, distinctive windows and colorful murals speak of the monastery’s rich history, while the site provides a magnificent view of the town.
Depart Martvilli and drive to Okatse Canyon (25km, 30min). Experience the canyon’s magnificent nature, a stretch of ravines up to 100 meters deep, as you walk an 800-meter-long suspension bridge to reach an observation deck dangling above the canyon depths.
Kinchkha Waterfall is just 4 kilometers from the canyon. Particularly gorgeous in the springtime, its cool, refreshing mists tumble from a height of 88 meters. Head for Prometheus Cave (45km, 1hr) in Tskaltubo. Also called Kumistavi Cave, it’s the largest cave in Georgia with six separate caverns open for visitor exploration. Walk through a 1400-meter-long tunnel as you enjoy the natural stalactite formations accentuated by colored lights and music. Drive back to Kutaisi (20km, 30min). Overnight at the hotel in Kutaisi.
Meals provided: breakfast, picnic lunch
Note: The canyons and Prometheus Cave are closed to visitors on Mondays.

In the morning, drive from Kutaisi to Akhaltsikhe (180km, 3hrs).
Explore Rabati Castle (dates vary). Climb the walls and watchtowers of the old stone fortress, which stands on a hill along the shore of the Potskhovi River, and tour the castle quarters, houses of worship and gardens.
Visit the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum on the premises of Rabati Castle. The museum will walk you through Georgian history, from its earliest history up to the 19th century, with informative exhibits.
Drive to Vardzia (60km, 1hr), with a short stop along the way at Khertvisi Fortress (10th-13th centuries), a former Silk Road post and one of the oldest citadels in Georgia.
Arrive at Vardzia Cave to wander through the tunnels, stairwells, chambers and temple of the largest cave city in Georgia. Erected in the 12th century by King George III and Queen Tamar, this cave monastery resembles a fantasy kingdom from Lord of the Rings.
Drive to Borjomi (90km, 1hr 30min). Overnight at the hotel in Borjomi.
Meals provided: breakfast

In the morning, take a walk in Borjomi Central Park and taste the famous “BORJOMI” mineral water from the spring itself. Ride the cable cars and enjoy the fresh air of the Borjomi forest.
Continue your tour to Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC) to explore the ancient fortress built entirely from rock. Translated as “Fortress of the Lord”, this amazing town was inhabited across millennia. Trace the various civilizations that inhabited the town as you climb through homes, churches and even a secret tunnel.
Your next stop is Ateni Sioni Church (7th century) a remote Georgian Orthodox chapel famous for its frescoes.
Finish your tour in Gori, a town built by King David the Builder in 1089-1125 and placed on the map by Joseph Stalin, who was born here in 1920. Learn more about the Soviet leader at the Stalin Museum, which includes the house in which Stalin was born, while enjoying the panoramic view of Gori.
Drive back to Tbilisi (100km, 1hr 30min) via Jvari.
Explore Jvari Orthodox Monastery (6th century), a UNESCO world heritage site and unique remnant of the early Georgian church. The church overlooks the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi Rivers and amazes its visitors with simple yet beautiful facades. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Meals provided: breakfast

Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Tbilisi to begin your city tour. Your private tour will include:

• Tour of Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest houses of worship in the world and the central chapel of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
• Drive to Tbilisi’s modern quarter, passing the Parliament Building on Rustaveli Avenue before reaching Freedom Square, which impresses with a golden statue of St. George and 18th-19th century architecture.
• Continue to Metekhi Church (13th century), guarded by a statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali.
• Walk across the Bridge of Peace into popular Rike Park.
• Take a cable car up to Narikala Fortress (4th century) and the best spot for a panoramic view of the city. Nearby stands the 20-meter-high statue of Kartlis Deda.
• Wander through Old Tbilisi, the city’s largest district.
• Discover the quaint and picturesque Bridge of Lovers near the cooling waters of the 22-meter-high Legvtakhevi Waterfall.
• Continue through the historic Abanotubani District, passing by the famous Tbilisi Sulfur Baths.
• Stroll along Jan Shardeni Street (Jean Chardin), an area filled with cozy coffee shops, wine tasting bars and souvenir stores.
• Enter Sioni Cathedral (7th century) to admire its jaw-dropping interior of gold and turquoise frescoes.
• Take a photo near the cartoonish Leaning Clock Tower of Tbilisi, which marks the site of the city’s famous Reza Gabriadze Puppet Theater.
• Stand in awe of Anchiskhati Basilica Church (6th century), a Georgian Orthodox Cathedral and the oldest house of worship in Tbilisi.

Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Tour duration: approximately 6 hours
Meals provided: breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a free morning. Check out of the hotel by noon and transfer to Tbilisi International Airport. End of Explore Georgia Tour.
Meals provided: breakfast