From Tbilisi: Bodbe, Sighnaghi and Telavi Day Trip

Experience the best of Georgia’s Kakheti wine country on this 9-hour full-day tour from Tbilisi. Priced affordably, this engaging journey takes you through sacred sites, charming towns, and historic landmarks, including Bodbe Monastery, Sighnaghi, and Telavi. A highlight is the wine tasting at a traditional Georgian winery, where you’ll learn about the ancient qvevri winemaking method and sample some of the region’s finest wines. The tour is guided by Davit Tutberidze, who ensures an informative and friendly experience.

This tour caters to those interested in Georgia’s rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and renowned wines, making it ideal for visitors who want a full, yet manageable, day trip. With air-conditioned transport, WiFi, and special tastings, the experience combines comfort with authentic local flavors. A potential consideration is that the tour does not include lunch, so planning ahead is advised.

Key Points

• Full-day excursion lasting approximately 9 hours from Tbilisi
• Visits to Bodbe Monastery, Sighnaghi, and Telavi, each with unique attractions
• Wine tasting at a traditional Kakhetian winery, including a masterclass
• Stops at scenic viewpoints and historical landmarks, like Batonis Tsikhe Fortress
• Includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi and bottled water
• Guided in English and Russian, led by expert guide Davit Tutberidze

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point at Pheasant Monument in Tbilisi

The tour begins at 3 Ioseb Grishashvili Street, where a minibus waits opposite the Bathhouses. This central meeting point simplifies access for travelers staying within Tbilisi. The tour duration is 9 hours, with starting times depending on availability. The group size tends to be manageable, and the comfortable transport makes the long day easy to handle.

The guide provides helpful tips for the day, including what to bring: comfortable shoes, sun protection, camera, water, and a sun hat. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

Exploring Bodbe Monastery: Georgia’s Sacred Site

A key highlight of the tour is the Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino, a place of spiritual reverence and one of Georgia’s most important religious sites. The monastery is set amidst lush greenery with spectacular views of the Alazani Valley. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour lasting about one hour, during which the guide shares stories about Saint Nino, who is believed to have brought Christianity to Georgia.

Bodbe offers a peaceful atmosphere perfect for reflection and photography. The site features beautiful architecture and the final resting place of Saint Nino, making it a meaningful stop for those interested in Georgia’s religious traditions.

Discovering Sighnaghi: The Pink City of Georgia

Next, the tour takes you to Sighnaghi, a hilltop town famous for its colorful houses and romantic vibe. Known as the City of Love, Sighnaghi offers spectacular panoramic views over the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. Visitors stroll through cobblestone streets, exploring local shops and cafes, and taking in the charming balconies and murals.

A guided walk of around 100 minutes allows time to visit the 900-year-old Plane Tree, a historic site, and the Batonis Tsikhe Fortress, which now functions as a museum. The town’s architecture and scenic outlooks make it a favorite spot for memorable photographs.

Visiting Telavi: Heart of Kakheti’s History

The journey continues to Telavi, the regional capital of Kakheti. Here, the focus is on historic landmarks like the 900-year-old Plane Tree and Batonis Tsikhe Fortress. The fortress provides insight into Georgia’s royal history and offers lovely views over the countryside.

The guided tour in Telavi spans about 30 minutes, giving visitors an overview of the town’s medieval architecture and cultural significance. This stop emphasizes the blend of ancient and modern that defines Telavi, making it an informative yet relaxed part of the itinerary.

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Gombori Pass and Scenic Views

A 15-minute guided stop at Gombori Pass provides a chance to admire stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. The pass is known for its picturesque scenery, and the guide offers commentary on the natural environment.

Another brief stop follows, rounding out the day with a look at more scenic views or local vantage points. These stops are brief but enriching, offering perfect photo opportunities and a chance to stretch.

Authentic Georgian Wine and Food Experiences

The tour’s highlight is the wine tasting at a traditional Georgian winery. Visitors learn about qvevri winemaking, an ancient technique that involves fermenting wine in large clay vessels buried underground. You get to taste some of Kakheti’s best wines, paired with authentic Kakhetian dishes like khinkali, mtsvadi, and churchkhela.

At Manavi, you also get to enjoy a masterclass in making and tasting Churchkhela, and sample mountain honey. The wine and chacha tastings are complemented by bottled water, ensuring a refreshing experience. These tastings are fully included, adding true value to the tour.

Practical Details and Additional Inclusions

Throughout the day, the air-conditioned vehicle provides WiFi and bottled water in summer, for maximum comfort and connectivity. The tour is guided in English and Russian, and the small group size fosters a personalized atmosphere.

Additional inclusions are the original mountain honey tasting and a chacha and wine tasting at the mini-factory in Sighnaghi. These authentic touches deepen the experience of Kakheti’s rich traditions.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour

This tour suits those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Kakheti’s cultural, religious, and scenic highlights in one day. It’s perfect for travelers interested in history, architecture, and local wine traditions. The moderate walking and short stops at scenic spots make it accessible for most visitors, though it might require some physical mobility for walking through towns and sites.

Since the tour does not include lunch, participants should plan to eat at local restaurants or bring snacks. The guided narration and well-organized schedule ensure a smooth experience, even on a busy day.

Limitations and Considerations

While highly praised, the tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or those in wheelchairs due to walking and site access limitations. The 9-hour duration can be long, so comfortable shoes and sun protection are advised. The tour does not include lunch, so travelers who prefer a sit-down meal should plan accordingly.

The Charm of Kakheti in a Day

This From Tbilisi: Bodbe, Sighnaghi, and Telavi Day Trip offers a rich taste of Georgia’s wine, history, and landscapes. The guided visits to Bodbe Monastery, Sighnaghi, and Telavi showcase the region’s spiritual, architectural, and cultural treasures. The wine tasting experience adds a flavorful dimension, highlighting Georgia’s ancient traditions.

The tour combines scenic views, historic sites, and authentic tastings, all within a manageable 9-hour window. With comfortable transport and expert guides, it appeals to those eager to explore Kakheti’s highlights without the hassle of planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, including all stops and sightseeing.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transport, WiFi, bottled water, guided tours at each site, wine tasting, chacha tasting, honey tasting, and a churchkhela masterclass.

Are meals provided?
No, lunch is not included, but there are restaurant options at Sighnaghi or Telavi for participants to enjoy local cuisine.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 12 years due to walking and site access.

Can I bring my own camera?
Yes, bringing a camera is encouraged to capture the scenic views and historic landmarks.

Are there any physical requirements?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking and uneven surfaces at sites.

What languages are the tours guided in?
The tour is guided in English and Russian.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it may not be suitable for wheelchair users because of site terrain and walking.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where does the tour conclude?
The tour ends back at the starting point at 3 Ioseb Grishashvili Street, opposite the Bathhouses in Tbilisi.

This full-day journey through Kakheti offers a well-rounded experience of Georgia’s spiritual sites, scenic towns, and wine traditions, making it a rewarding choice for those eager to see the region’s highlights in one day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby