From Tbilisi: Town Treasures & Wine Pleasures Tour

Discover the From Tbilisi: Town Treasures & Wine Pleasures Tour, a full-day experience that takes you into the heart of Georgia’s renowned Kakheti region. This 12-hour journey, departing at 9:00 AM and returning by 9:00 PM, begins with a private transfer from your Tbilisi accommodation and ends back at the same spot. The tour is ideal for those eager to explore authentic Georgian culture, sample traditional wines, and get hands-on with local culinary practices. It features visits to Sighnaghi, often called the “City of Love,” and the Bodbe Monastery, along with a memorable tasting at Kardanakhi Estate.

A standout feature of this tour is the guided wine tasting of six estate wines combined with a farm-to-table Georgian lunch. The inclusion of interactive workshops such as bread baking and Churchkhela making adds a tactile element to the experience. This tour suits most fitness levels, involves light walking, and is limited to small groups of up to three participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Key Points

• Full-day tour lasting 12 hours from Tbilisi to Kakheti, with pick-up and drop-off included.
• Visit Sighnaghi, known as the “City of Love,” and enjoy picturesque streets and scenic views of the Alazani Valley.
• Explore Bodbe Monastery, a revered religious site with stunning vistas and spiritual importance.
• Enjoy a traditional Georgian lunch paired with six estate wines during a guided tasting session.
• Participate in interactive workshops: bread baking and Churchkhela (Georgian candy) making.
• Limited group size (up to 3) ensures a more intimate experience, led by an English-speaking guide.
• Suitable for most fitness levels, but not for children under 18 or those with mobility issues.
• Booking is flexible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

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Scenic Drive from Tbilisi to Kakheti

The journey begins early with private transportation from your Tbilisi accommodation. The drive offers glimpses of Georgia’s rural landscapes, setting the tone for the cultural richness ahead. After roughly two hours, the group arrives in Sighnaghi, a town famed for its well-preserved walls, cobblestone streets, and spectacular views of the Alazani Valley. The guide provides insights into Sighnaghi’s history and architecture during a 1.5-hour sightseeing tour.

This town’s charm is amplified by its colorful houses and fortifications, making it a perfect spot for photos. The walk involves light walking, suitable for most participants, and offers a chance to explore at a relaxed pace.

Bodbe Monastery: Georgia’s Spiritual Landmark

Next, a 30-minute visit takes the group to Bodbe Monastery, a sacred pilgrimage site dedicated to St. Nino, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Georgia. The monastery complex provides serene surroundings and stunning panoramic views of the valley. Visitors are encouraged to observe modest dress codes—covering shoulders and heads for women and wearing long pants for men—and scarves or shawls are available at the entrance.

The site is a place of quiet reflection and offers a glimpse into Georgia’s religious traditions. This stop also enhances the cultural depth of the tour, blending spiritual significance with scenic beauty.

Kardanakhi Estate and Georgian Cuisine

By early afternoon, the journey continues to Kardanakhi Estate, where a traditional Georgian lunch is served. The farm-to-table meal features local ingredients paired with estate wines, emphasizing Georgia’s long-standing wine tradition. The estate’s setting provides an authentic environment to appreciate Georgian hospitality and culinary practices.

Following lunch, the guide leads a microlearning session focusing on Georgia’s Qvevri winemaking tradition, a method dating back thousands of years. This is complemented by a guided tasting of six estate wines, giving a comprehensive insight into Georgia’s rich viticultural heritage.

Hands-on Workshops: Bread and Churchkhela

The experience continues with interactive workshops designed to introduce participants to local culinary skills. The bread baking workshop lasts about 30 minutes, during which participants learn traditional bread-making techniques, gaining practical skills in Georgian baking.

Simultaneously, a Churchkhela making session also lasts around 30 minutes, allowing guests to craft this iconic Georgian candy using local ingredients. These workshops provide a tactile connection to Georgia’s culinary traditions and are suitable for most participants.

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Afternoon Tasting and Cultural Engagement

Post-workshops, the group has the chance to enjoy the estate’s wines further or relax at the estate. The guided wine tasting session features six wines, allowing for detailed tasting notes and discussions about Georgian wine styles. The tasting lasts approximately 1.5 hours, providing ample time for questions and appreciation.

Throughout the afternoon, travelers can also explore the estate grounds or enjoy the peaceful rural atmosphere, making this an ideal moment for relaxation and reflection.

Return to Tbilisi

The day concludes with a departure from Kardanakhi Estate around 7:00 PM, followed by the roughly two-hour drive back to Tbilisi. The tour ends with drop-off at your hotel or accommodation in Tbilisi, bringing a full day of exploration, tasting, and cultural discovery to a close.

Throughout the day, an English-speaking guide ensures smooth communication, sharing insights into Georgian culture, history, and winemaking traditions.

Practical Details and Tips

This tour is suitable for most guests with light walking involved, making it accessible for many. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially for the outdoor walking sections. Since the tour involves visits to religious sites, modest dress is required—scarves and modest clothing are advised.

Participants must be at least 18 years old to partake in wine tasting, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or children under 18. The group size is limited to three participants, emphasizing personalized service and interaction.

Booking can be made in advance with a free cancellation policy available up to 24 hours prior. Payment is flexible—reserve now and pay later—adding convenience and flexibility to your planning.

Unique Aspects and Considerations

What makes this tour stand out is the balanced combination of heritage sightseeing, culinary immersion, and hands-on activities. The visit to Sighnaghi offers picturesque scenery, while Bodbe Monastery adds spiritual depth. The guided wine tasting at Kardanakhi Estate introduces guests to Georgia’s famous wine-making tradition, especially the Qvevri method.

The inclusion of interactive workshops like bread baking and Churchkhela making offers a memorable, tactile experience not found on all similar tours. The small group size ensures a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those who value depth over volume.

Final Thoughts on the Town Treasures & Wine Pleasures Tour

This 12-hour journey from Tbilisi delivers a comprehensive taste of Georgia’s cultural, spiritual, and vinicultural heritage. The blend of sightseeing, tasting, and hands-on activities makes for an engaging and authentic experience. The guided approach and small group setting allow for meaningful interactions and tailored insights.

While the tour involves some walking and religious dress code considerations, its highlights—scenic Sighnaghi, Bodbe Monastery, and the estate wine tasting—more than justify the experience. The flexible booking options and free cancellation add practical appeal.

This tour offers a rich, well-rounded introduction to Kakheti’s charms, perfect for those eager to explore Georgia beyond Tbilisi’s borders and indulge in its renowned wine and hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts 12 hours, starting at 9:00 AM and ending around 9:00 PM.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins with pick-up from your Tbilisi accommodation and concludes with drop-off at the same location.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, participants must be 18+ for wine tasting, and the tour is not recommended for children under 18.

What should I wear on the tour?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advised. Modest dress is required for religious sites like Bodbe Monastery.

Are meals included?
Yes, a traditional Georgian lunch is included at Kardanakhi Estate.

How many wines are tasted during the session?
Six estate wines are included in the guided tasting.

Can I participate in the workshops?
Yes, the bread baking and Churchkhela making workshops are included and last about 30 minutes each.

Is booking flexible?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Georgian, and Russian.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves light walking and is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Are there any additional costs?
Personal expenses or additional wine purchases are not included and are optional.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to small groups of up to three participants for a more personalized experience.

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