8-Day All About Georgia Tbilisi Guided Tour with Accommodation

Explore Georgia in Just 8 Days on a Guided Tour with Accommodation

For travelers eager to see Georgia’s top sights without the hassle of planning every detail, the 8-Day All About Georgia Tbilisi Guided Tour offers a comprehensive experience. Priced at $499 per person, this small-group journey is designed for those who want an efficient, well-organized trip. With about 8 days of exploration, the tour covers highlights from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, Borjomi, and Vardzia, including accommodation, airport transfers, and daily breakfast. The group size is limited to 15 people, ensuring personalized attention and a warm, intimate atmosphere.

This tour stands out for its variety of activities, including wine tastings in Kakheti, visits to centuries-old monasteries and castles, and off-road trips to Gergeti Trinity Church. The itinerary balances cultural insights with leisure, making it suitable for those who appreciate history, scenic views, and local cuisine. A noteworthy feature is the private guide, who enriches the experience with stories and context at every stop. While it offers a rich experience, travelers should be prepared for a busy schedule, especially on the longer days.

Key Points

• Affordable Price at $499 per person for an 8-day guided tour including accommodation and transfers
• Limited Group Size of 15 travelers for a more personalized experience
• Visits to Key Sites such as Mtskheta, Signagi, Kazbegi, and Vardzia
• Wine Tasting included in Kakheti, along with Georgian bread and cheese master classes
• Expert Guide provides historical context and local stories throughout the trip
• Transportation and Accommodation in three-star hotels, with VIP cars and airport transfers included

Starting the Journey from Tbilisi Airport and the Aerial Tramway

The tour begins with a hotel transfer from Tbilisi Airport and a ride on the Aerial Tramway to start your adventure. This 30-minute ride offers a scenic view of the city and sets the tone for the trip. The first evening gives travelers free time to acclimate, relax, and explore the vibrant city of Tbilisi independently.

This initial setup provides comfort and convenience, especially with pickup included. The tram ride signals the beginning of a well-organized experience that emphasizes ease of travel and immersion into local sights from the very start.

A Full Day Exploring Signagi and Bodbe Monastery

Day 2 is dedicated to Sighnaghi, known as the city of love, perched on a mountain slope in Kakheti. The visit includes the Bodbe Monastery, built on the tomb of St. Nino, a key figure in Georgian Christianity. The monastery has undergone multiple restorations, reflecting its importance through ages.

In Sighnaghi, travelers can walk along the longest fortress wall in Europe and admire panoramic views of the Alazani Valley. The town’s Italian-style streets and charming atmosphere earn it the nickname “little Italy.” A special highlight is the cheese-making master class and tasting Georgian bread, which showcase local culinary traditions.

Later, the tour explores Telavi, home to the King Erekle II Palace and a 900-year-old chador tree. The day ends with a visit to a wine cellar overlooking the Caucasus Mountains, where free wine tasting and traditional dishes await, offering an authentic taste of Kakheti’s wine culture.

Discovering Historic Mtskheta and the Cave City of Uplistsikhe

Day 3 shifts focus to Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient religious center. The Jvari Monastery provides breathtaking views of the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers, while Svetitskhoveli Cathedral hosts relics such as the cloak of Jesus Christ.

A visit to Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn city, reveals the country’s pagan past. The site features labyrinthine caves, secret passages, and remains of ancient trade with Urartu and Media. Visitors should prepare for a physically engaging exploration of over two hours, with spectacular views of the Kura Valley.

For those interested in Georgia’s political history, the Stalin Museum in Gori is available as an optional stop, providing insights into the controversial leader’s life.

Exploring Tbilisi’s Old Town and Modern Architectural Highlights

Day 4 emphasizes Tbilisi’s early history and vibrant cityscape. The tour begins at the Metekhi Plateau, offering views of the Narikala Fortress and the Old Town. The guide explains Tbilisi’s origins, dating back to pre-Vakhtang Gorgasali times.

The walk includes Meidan Bazaar, an ancient trading spot linked to the Silk Road, and the Sulfur Baths, famous for legends involving Marco Polo. Alongside these, travelers stroll through Inzhira Gorge to admire a small waterfall and the unique Tbilisi balconies with diverse patterns and histories.

The afternoon highlights religious sites like Sioni Cathedral and Metekhi Church, where stories about Saint Nino and Georgian religious traditions unfold. The tour ends with a wine tasting session in a 17th-century cellar, where servers explain Georgia’s renowned wine culture.

Day 5’s Mountain Highlights and Kazbegi’s Iconic Church

Day 5 takes travelers to Stepantsminda, including visits to Ananuri Fortress and the Gergeti Trinity Church. The fortress, dating from the 16th-18th centuries, offers a glimpse into Georgia’s feudal era with its well-preserved walls and bas-reliefs depicting historical battles.

The Gergeti Trinity Church, perched at 2200 meters near Kazbek, is the tour’s crown jewel. Access involves a jeep ride up the mountain, which is an additional expense, but the views of the snow-topped peaks and the church itself justify the effort.

Along the way, stops at Zhinvali Water Reservoir and Pasanauri provide scenic landscapes and opportunities to taste mountain dishes at local restaurants. The Friendship Arch monument marks the highest point of the pass, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains.

A Free Day in Tbilisi or Optional Excursions

Day 6 offers a free day in Tbilisi, giving travelers a chance to relax or explore independently. The tour operator provides optional excursions, like the Borjomi-Rabati-Vardzia trip, for those eager to extend their experience. This flexibility allows guests to tailor their visit to Georgia’s highlights at their own pace.

Visiting Borjomi, Rabati Castle, and Vardzia

Day 7 focuses on southern Georgia, starting with Borjomi. Travelers learn about the mineral water famous worldwide, and have time to walk around Borjomi Central Park, ride a cable car, and see the Prometheus monument.

The journey continues to Rabati Castle, a vibrant fortress combining Christian and Muslim influences. Its spacious halls and ornate decor showcase Georgia’s diverse history. The day concludes with a trip to Vardzia, an impressive 12th-century cave monastery complex with over 500 rooms spread across 13 levels.

Vardzia’s tunnels, churches, and reservoirs demonstrate ancient Georgian ingenuity and spirituality, offering a full immersion into history and architecture.

Final Day and Departure from Tbilisi

The tour wraps up with a breakfast at the hotel and a transfer to Tbilisi Airport. The entire experience provides a well-rounded glimpse of Georgia’s cultural, historical, and natural treasures, all within a manageable 8-day schedule.

The Practicalities and Value of the Tour

This all-inclusive tour covers 6 nights in 3-star hotels, airport transfers, VIP transportation, and guided excursions with entrance fees included. The breakfasts are provided daily, with lunch and dinner left optional, allowing flexibility for personal dining preferences.

Thanks to the small group size and professional guides, travelers enjoy personalized attention, interesting storytelling, and quick access to sights without crowds. The tour’s structure is particularly suited for those who appreciate a balance of sightseeing and relaxation, with an emphasis on cultural insights and scenic views.

The Sum Up: A Comprehensive and Well-Organized Tour of Georgia

The 8-Day All About Georgia Tbilisi Guided Tour offers a strong value for travelers eager to see the country’s major sites in a short timeframe. The tour impresses with its variety of stops, from religious monuments to mountain landscapes, and its inclusion of wine tasting and local traditions enriches the experience.

While the schedule can be busy, the professional guides, comfortable accommodations, and all logistics handled make this trip accessible and enjoyable. It appeals most to those who want a guided, immersive introduction to Georgia’s culture, history, and natural beauty, without the stress of planning every detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers 6 nights in 3-star hotels, airport transfers, VIP transportation, guide service, entrance tickets, and daily breakfast.

Are meals included?
Only breakfasts are included; lunch and dinner are not, allowing flexibility for personal dining.

How many people are in the group?
The small-group size is capped at 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

What are the key stops on this tour?
Major stops include Tbilisi, Signagi, Telavi, Mtskheta, Uplistsikhe, Kazbegi, Borjomi, Rabati Castle, and Vardzia.

Is there an option to visit Gori and the Stalin Museum?
Yes, visiting the Stalin Museum in Gori is available as an optional stop.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Most activities involve walking and exploring sites, with some off-road jeep rides to Gergeti Trinity Church. The tour is suitable for travelers comfortable with walking.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, the private guide provides detailed stories and context at each stop, greatly enriching the experience.

Can I customize my experience?
Day 6 offers free time in Tbilisi, and optional excursions can be booked, allowing some flexibility.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of well-organized logistics, small groups, diverse highlights, and local storytelling makes this tour a practical choice for those wanting a thorough overview of Georgia.

How do reviews rate this tour?
It holds a perfect 5.0 rating based on 4 reviews, praising the professional guides, interesting sites, and great value.

What is the best time to book?
Most bookings are made 109 days in advance, indicating high interest and the need for early reservation.

Who is this tour ideal for?
Travelers seeking an organized, comprehensive overview of Georgia’s main attractions, with cultural insights and scenic views, will find this tour particularly satisfying.