Discover Georgia’s Historic Heart and Flavor in One Day

The Day Trip: Mtskheta, Wine Tasting & Uplistsikhe Caves offers an engaging 8-hour journey through some of Georgia’s most iconic landmarks. Priced at $266 per person, this tour from Tbilisi combines visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, a 3,000-year-old cave city, and a family-owned winery for an authentic taste of Georgian culture and tradition.

The tour is perfect for those interested in history, architecture, and wine, providing a well-rounded experience with a relaxed pace. The group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personal guide and detailed storytelling. Keep in mind, the tour includes a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

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Key Points

8-hour full-day tour departing from Tbilisi for a comprehensive experience
Visits Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, both UNESCO-listed sites
Explores the 3,000-year-old Uplistsikhe cave city with a guided tour
Enjoys a wine tasting and homemade lunch at a family-owned winery
Stops at Samtavro Monastery and other historic sites in Mtskheta
Includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and a local English-speaking guide

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Starting Point Near David Agmashenebeli Mural

The tour begins at Anton Purtseladze / Rezo Tabukashvili Street, near the Mural of David Agmashenebeli. From here, a comfortable, air-conditioned van whisks guests away on the journey. The meeting point is convenient and easy to find, setting a relaxed tone for the day ahead.

The Journey to Jvari Monastery and Mtskheta’s Sacred Sites

The first stop is Jvari Monastery, a UNESCO-listed church perched above the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. From the viewpoint, visitors enjoy one of the most iconic views in Georgia. The guide explains the significance of the monastery and its role in Georgia’s conversion to Christianity in the 4th century.

Following this, the tour continues to Mtskheta, Georgia’s spiritual center and former capital. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is a highlight here, where legends say the robe of Christ is buried. The Samtavro Monastery, resting place of Georgia’s first Christian monarchs, offers peaceful surroundings with centuries of religious traditions.

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The guided tour inside Svetitskhoveli Cathedral reveals intricate architecture and storied relics. Visitors walk cobblestone streets that have connected this town to Georgia’s history for centuries. The guide shares detailed stories about local legends and the architectural marvels, making the experience more meaningful.

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Wine Tasting at a Family-Run Winery in Shida Kartli

After a morning immersed in spiritual and historical sites, the tour moves to Shida Kartli, renowned for its elegant wines and ancient winemaking traditions. At a family-owned winery, guests enjoy a guided tasting of georgian wines, including qvevri-aged amber varieties. The tasting session offers a chance to appreciate local craftsmanship and unique flavors.

A homemade lunch, prepared with locally sourced ingredients, complements the wine tasting. The setting provides an authentic experience, offering insight into Georgia’s wine culture and its importance in social and family traditions.

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Exploring the 3,000-Year-Old Uplistsikhe Cave City

In the afternoon, the group travels to Uplistsikhe, a rock-hewn town carved into sandstone cliffs. The guided tour takes visitors through pagan temples, Christian basilicas, throne rooms, and secret tunnels. The site’s panoramic views over the Kura River valley add to its dramatic appeal.

The 3,000-year-old cave city served as both a spiritual and political center long before Tbilisi emerged as the capital. The tour includes plenty of photo stops and opportunities to appreciate the unique architecture of this ancient site.

The Pacing and Duration of the Tour

The itinerary is carefully structured to give ample time at each stop without feeling rushed. The drive times between locations range from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours, allowing for scenic views along the way. The total duration of 8 hours balances sightseeing, learning, and relaxation.

Guests can expect to spend approximately 30 minutes at Jvari Monastery, 70 minutes exploring Mtskheta, 1.5 hours at the winery, and about 2 hours at Uplistsikhe. The schedule allows for a comfortable experience with breaks and photo opportunities.

Practical Details and Group Experience

The tour operates in a small group, limited to 10 participants, which fosters an intimate atmosphere. An English-speaking guide leads the journey, providing informative commentary and answering questions.

Included in the price are entrance fees to Uplistsikhe, visits to Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and the wine tasting at the local winery. The transportation in a comfortable vehicle is also part of the package. However, lunch, personal expenses, and hotel transfers are not included.

The Physical and Practical Considerations

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes suitable for walking and standing, as both Uplistsikhe and Mtskheta involve significant foot traffic. The tour is not suitable for children under 18 or people over 70, due to the physical nature of some sites and the tour’s pace. Participants should also carry cash for personal expenses and any additional purchases.

Unique Features That Distinguish This Tour

What makes this Georgia day trip special is the combination of UNESCO sites, a 3,000-year-old cave city, and a local winery experience in one day. The inclusion of homemade lunch at a family-owned winery adds authenticity, while the personal guide ensures a rich storytelling experience.

The scenic drive back to Tbilisi concludes the day, leaving travelers with lasting impressions of Georgia’s spiritual heritage, ancient architecture, and winemaking traditions.

Suitable Audience for the Tour

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, wine lovers, and anyone eager to explore Georgia’s cultural treasures in a relaxed, structured setting. It suits those who prefer guided experiences with minimal planning.

Those who dislike long walks or physical exertion may find the itinerary challenging, while travelers looking for luxurious amenities should note the focus on cultural exploration over luxury.

Final Thoughts on the Day Trip Experience

The $266 price reflects a well-curated experience that covers key historic sites and local traditions efficiently. Expect a day filled with highlights, balanced with opportunities to sample local wines and enjoy authentic Georgian cuisine.

While the itinerary is packed, the small group size and engaging guide make it easy to ask questions and stay connected. This trip offers a compact yet comprehensive glimpse into Georgia’s spiritual, architectural, and vino-cultural landscape—a worthwhile choice for those eager to see the highlights in one day.

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Day Trip: Mtskheta, Wine Tasting & Uplistsikhe Caves

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included unless specified.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours from start to finish.

What locations are visited during the tour?
Stops include Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Samtavro Monastery, a family-owned winery, and Uplistsikhe cave city.

Are there any physical requirements?
Yes, comfortable shoes are recommended, as sites involve walking and standing. The tour is not suitable for children under 18 or people over 70.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, entrance fees to Uplistsikhe, guiding services, and the wine tasting with homemade lunch at the winery.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is food included in the tour?
A homemade lunch with local ingredients is included at the winery, but other meals are not included.

What is the group size?
The tour operates in a small group limited to 10 participants.

What makes this tour different from similar experiences?
It combines UNESCO sites, wine tasting at a family-run winery, and the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe — all in one day, with personalized guiding and authentic experiences.

Is there an age restriction?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 or people over 70 due to the physical and scheduling aspects.