Highlights of Caucasus Mountains-Jinvali,Ananuri,Gudauri,Kazbegi(Group tour)

The Highlights of Caucasus Mountains tour offers an affordable, expertly guided way to experience some of Georgia’s most breathtaking landscapes and historic sites. For just $11.90 per person, travelers enjoy a 14-hour day that covers iconic stops like Jinvali Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress, Gergeti Trinity Church, and the Kazbegi region. This group tour is praised for its excellent guide service, well-organized itinerary, and stunning scenery, making it ideal for visitors who want to see a lot without the hassle of driving through mountain roads themselves. While the tour includes many highlights, it does not cover food and drink, and optional activities like paragliding or a 4WD ride cost extra.

This tour is best suited for culture and nature enthusiasts who appreciate well-paced sightseeing, professional guides, and value for money. It is a long day but designed to maximize sightseeing while maintaining safety and comfort. The tour’s strong reviews, with a perfect 5.0 rating from over 2,300 reviews, reflect its popularity and consistent quality.

Key Points

• Affordable group tour at $11.90, with a 14-hour duration
• Stops include Jinvali Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress, Gudauri Viewpoint, and Kazbegi
• Guided by experienced English-speaking guides praised for their knowledge and friendliness
• Optional activities like paragliding available at Gudauri (extra fee)
• Visit Gergeti Trinity Church with an easy ride up to the mountain village
• Includes transportation and guide services, but lunch and optional activities are extra

Start in Tbilisi with a Convenient Meeting Point at Rose Revolution Square

The tour begins promptly at 8:30 am in front of the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel at Rose Revolution Square, just 50 meters from Rustaveli metro station. If you are traveling in a group larger than four, the tour provider offers hotel pickup, streamlining the start of the day. The tour features a comfortable transportation service, driven by professional guides who ensure safety on mountain roads, which can be narrow and winding.

You can expect to join a group of up to 50 travelers, providing a lively yet manageable atmosphere. The tour uses a mobile ticket system, making check-in quick and straightforward. Returning to Tbilisi, the tour drops off at Rose Revolution Square around 11:00 pm, making it suitable for those who want to pack an entire day of sightseeing into one trip.

Exploring Jinvali Reservoir’s Scenic Waters

The first highlight is the Jinvali Water Reservoir, located along the Georgian military highway. Known for its vivid blue water, this stop offers fantastic photo opportunities between the surrounding mountain cordilleras. Visitors have 20 minutes to enjoy the view, take pictures, and soak in the scenery. The reservoir remains free to access, allowing for a quick but memorable introduction to the region’s natural beauty.

This spot provides a glimpse of the imposing Caucasus landscape and serves as a perfect start to the day’s sightseeing. The calm waters and panoramic views make Jinvali a favorite for landscape photography and nature appreciation.

Ananuri Fortress: A Window into Georgia’s Past

The Ananuri Fortress is a well-preserved 16th-18th century complex situated on the Aragvi River. It served as a castle and seat of the Dukes of Aragvi, with a history of many battles. Visitors spend about one hour exploring the fortress and enjoying sweeping views of both the fortress and Jinvali Reservoir.

The complex features multiple structures including castles, churches, and watchtowers, all contributing to its historical charm. On the 2007 tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status, Ananuri offers rich architecture and scenic vistas, perfect for landscape photography and understanding Georgia’s feudal past.

Lunch at Hotel-Restaurant Kakhaberi with Optional Rafting

The tour includes a lunch break at Hotel-Restaurant Kakhaberi, where traditional homemade dishes, especially Khinkali (Georgian dumplings), are highly praised. The 1 hour 30 minutes stop allows for a relaxed meal amid nature.

For adventure seekers, rafting is available before lunch (additional cost), adding an extra thrill to the day. The restaurant’s setting provides a peaceful environment to enjoy Georgian cuisine and local hospitality.

Paragliding at Gudauri Viewpoint (Extra Fee)

At the Gudauri Viewpoint, visitors have the chance to paraglide over the mountains, with additional costs (~$100 USD). The views from this scenic overlook are breathtaking, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of the Caucasus. While the paraglide itself is optional, the viewpoint provides fantastic photo opportunities, especially on clear days.

Weather conditions influence whether paragliding happens, but the viewpoint remains a popular stop due to its panoramic vistas. Even without the flight, the scenery here is memorable and worth the visit.

Visiting the Russian-Georgian Friendship Monument

The Friendship Monument, built in 1983, symbolizes the bicentennial of the Treaty of Georgievsk and the friendship between Soviet Georgia and Soviet Russia. Located between Gudauri and the Jvari Pass, it overlooks Devil’s Valley in the Caucasus.

The 1-hour visit offers a chance to learn about Georgia’s Soviet history and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. The monument’s large round structure provides a unique photo subject, and the location is a significant cultural landmark.

Stepantsminda and the Drive to Gergeti Trinity Church

The village of Stepantsminda serves as the gateway to Mount Kazbegi. Known for its scenic mountain views, it is a hub for trekking and mountain climbing. Visitors have about 30 minutes in the village, enough to enjoy the alpine scenery and prepare for the trip to Gergeti Trinity Church.

An optional $5-7 USD 4WD ride takes visitors up the steep mountain road to the church, which is located at 2170 meters elevation. The ride is quick, but the church itself is a highlight, with its 14th-century architecture and panoramic views of the Kazbegi Valley.

Visiting Gergeti Trinity Church: A Mountain Icon

The Gergeti Trinity Church is a 14th-century cross-cupola church built on the steep slopes near Mount Kazbegi. It remains an active religious site and a popular photo subject thanks to its remote location and dramatic backdrop.

From the church, visitors are treated to an epic panoramic view of the valley and mountains. The 30-minute stop allows time for photos and exploration; the optional short jeep ride makes access easier, especially for those with limited mobility.

Staying in Kazbegi or Returning to Tbilisi

After visiting the church, guests have a choice: stay overnight in Kazbegi at the Rooms Kazbegi hotel, arriving around 7:00 pm, or return to Tbilisi on the same day. The hotel stay offers an extended experience of the mountain town, while the same-day return suits travelers with time constraints.

For those staying, the tour provider can arrange drop-off at the hotel in Kazbegi, making the journey comfortable and flexible. The cost of the jeep transfer to Gergeti Trinity is about 20 GEL (~6-7 USD) per person.

The Return and End of the Tour

The tour wraps up with a drop-off at Rose Revolution Square around 11:00 pm, completing a full day of sightseeing. The trip provides excellent value for the price, combining cultural sites, scenic viewpoints, and adventure options.

The tour’s professional guides and well-maintained transportation ensure safety and comfort throughout, even on the mountain roads known for their narrowness and twists.

Final Thoughts on the Caucasus Mountains Group Tour

This group tour from Tbilisi offers a cost-effective way to see Georgia’s highlights in one day, with expert guides and a carefully curated itinerary. Travelers who enjoy landscape photography, cultural history, and mountain scenery will find this tour rewarding.

The flexibility to stay overnight in Kazbegi or return to Tbilisi makes it adaptable for different travel plans. The tour’s strong reviews reflect consistent quality and satisfaction, especially praising the knowledgeable guides and stunning views.

While optional activities like paragliding or a 4WD ride cost extra, they enhance the experience for adventure seekers. The only potential limitation is the long duration and reliance on weather conditions, which may affect certain activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The transportation and guide service are included. Food, drinks, and optional activities like paragliding or the 4WD ride are paid separately.

Can I stay overnight in Kazbegi?
Yes, the tour allows for staying in Kazbegi at Rooms Kazbegi hotel. The driver will drop you off around 7:00 pm.

What is the meeting point for the tour?
You meet at Rose Revolution Square in Tbilisi, in front of the Radisson Blu Iveria hotel, at 8:30 am.

Is this tour suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Yes, but note that visiting Gergeti Trinity Church involves a short walk and a jeep ride. The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but those with mobility issues should consider the optional 4WD transfer.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but the lunch at Kakhaberi is highly recommended and offers traditional Georgian dishes.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is dependent on good weather; if canceled due to weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked 16 days in advance but can fill quickly due to its popularity, so early booking is advised.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of scenic spots, historic sites, professional guides, and affordable price makes this a top-rated option for exploring Georgia’s Caucasus region in one day.