Full Day Tbilisi City Tour with Wine Tasting & Cable Car Ride

Explore Tbilisi’s Main Attractions in a Full-Day Private Tour

The Full Day Tbilisi City Tour with Wine Tasting & Cable Car Ride offers a comprehensive way to see Georgia’s capital in approximately 9 hours. Priced at $147.50 per person, this private experience is designed for those who want a detailed, personalized introduction to Tbilisi’s most famous sights. The tour includes private transportation, local guide services, and wine tasting, making it an engaging blend of sightseeing, culture, and culinary delights. With an impressive rating of 5.0 from 18 reviews and 94% recommending the tour, this experience stands out for its in-depth exploration and convenience.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a well-organized day in Tbilisi with comfortable logistics. It departs at 9:00 am, with pickup offered, and concludes with a hotel drop-off. While it covers many highlights, it also offers optional extras like the funicular ride for an extra $7, which adds a scenic ascent to Mtatsminda Park. The tour’s structured stops and expert guide help bring Tbilisi’s diverse history and culture vividly to life.

Key Points

• Private guided tour of Tbilisi lasting around 9 hours
• Includes visits to major landmarks like the Chronicles of Georgia, Sameba Cathedral, and Narikala Fortress
• Wine tasting and Georgian cuisine with a local lunch included
• Cable car ride offers panoramic views of the city and the Mother of Kartli monument
• Hassle-free transportation with a private driver between sites
• Not suitable for travelers with mobility issues due to walking and varied terrain

The Tour Starts at the Chronicles of Georgia for a Grand Introduction

The day begins at the Chronicles of Georgia, a striking monument that tells Georgia’s story through 16 tall pillars. This site offers great views of the Tbilisi Sea and features a grapevine cross of St. Nino and a small chapel. Visitors explore the monument and take photos of the impressive 30-35 meter-high pillars depicting kings, queens, heroes, and stories from the life of Christ. The site is free to visit and provides a wonderful overview of Georgia’s national history.

Visiting the Holy Trinity Cathedral: One of the Largest in the World

Next, the tour visits the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, built between 1995 and 2004. This cathedral is the main church of the Georgian Orthodox Church and is notable as the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral globally. It was created to commemorate 1,500 years of autocephaly and 2,000 years since Jesus’ birth. Visitors can admire its vast interior and exterior architecture, all free of charge.

Scenic Cable Car Ride to Mtatsminda Park

A highlight of the day is the cable car trip to Mtatsminda Park, situated at 770 meters above sea level. The 501-meter-long funicular takes visitors up the hillside, with a 28-33° incline through a tunnel, providing breathtaking views of Tbilisi. The park itself is located at the highest point of the city and offers a chance to enjoy the cityscape from above. While the funicular ride costs around $7, the scenery and views make it a worthwhile addition.

Discovering Old Town Tbilisi’s Eclectic Architecture

The core of the city’s charm unfolds during a three-hour exploration of Old Town. Here, visitors walk among buildings that showcase a mix of medieval, neoclassical, Beaux Arts, Art Nouveau, Stalinist, and modern styles. Tbilisi’s history as a crossroads of Europe and Asia is visible in its architecture, and its diverse culture is reflected in the neighborhood’s ambiance. The area features narrow streets, colorful balconies, and hidden courtyards, all waiting to be explored at a comfortable pace.

Visiting Metekhi Cathedral and its Historic Significance

The Metekhi Church of Assumption, built by King Demetrius II, dates back to the 13th century. Its history includes periods of damage, restoration, and even use as a soldier’s base under Russian rule. A statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali stands nearby, commemorating the city’s founder. The site offers a glimpse into Tbilisi’s medieval past and the resilience of its religious heritage.

Aerial Tramway to the Mother of Kartli and Narikala Fortress

The cable car ride to the Mother of Kartli monument, erected in 1958, delivers panoramic views of Tbilisi. The statue depicts a woman in Georgian national dress, holding a bowl of wine and a sword, symbolizing Georgian character. From this vantage point, visitors visit Narikala Fortress, established in the 4th century. The fortress has been expanded by King David the Builder and features 16th-17th-century fortifications. Visitors can enjoy sweeping city views and photo opportunities, with entry included.

Visiting the Sulphur Waterfall and Leghvtakhevi

After the fortress, the tour includes a visit to Sulphur Baths, with thermal springs at 40-50°C. These springs have traditional therapeutic uses, such as treating skin issues, joint pain, and insomnia. Nearby, the Leghvtakhevi Waterfall flows from a botanical garden, adding natural beauty to the day. The waterfalls and baths are free to enjoy, offering a relaxing break amid the city’s historic sites.

Exploring Sioni Cathedral and the Church of Golgotha

The Sioni Cathedral, built initially in the 6th-7th centuries, serves as a major religious symbol. Its current structure reflects modifications made from the 13th century through the 17th-19th centuries. Nearby, the Golgotha Church, dating from the 16th century, is associated with legend involving St. Nino. Both sites are free to visit and deepen understanding of Tbilisi’s spiritual heritage.

Visiting Anchiskhati Basilica and the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater

The Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi, dates back to the 6th century. Originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was renamed after a treasured icon moved here in 1675. Nearby, the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater, established in 1981, features a famous clock tower with a moving angel figure that strikes the bell at every hour. Visitors can enjoy a glimpse of Georgia’s artistic side with this unique cultural experience.

Crosswalks and City Views at the Bridge of Peace and Rike Park

The Bridge of Peace, completed in 2010, is a modern, wave-shaped structure designed by Michele De Lucchi. The bridge connects the old town with Rike Park, where visitors find open spaces and city views. The boat tour on the Mtkvari River is an optional extra, offering a different perspective of Tbilisi’s skyline and river scenery.

Including Georgian Cuisine and Folk Entertainment

The tour concludes with a transfer to a luxury Georgian restaurant, where visitors enjoy traditional dishes, folk music, and dancing. This experience allows visitors to indulge in authentic local flavors, complementing the sightseeing with culture. The included lunch and wine tasting enhance the overall experience, making it a balanced blend of history, scenery, and gastronomy.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The full-day tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, with bottled water and alcoholic beverages provided throughout the day. While the funicular ride costs an extra $7, most sites are free to visit, with some requiring no admission. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though walking in Old Town involves stairs and varied terrain, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

The tour operates with a confirmation at booking and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. It’s designed to cater to small groups or private parties, ensuring a personalized experience. Travelers should note that ladies need headscarves and dresses for religious sites, and short trousers are not permitted in Orthodox churches.

Summing Up the Tbilisi Full-Day Experience

This private tour in Tbilisi provides a rich overview of the city’s highlights, blending historical landmarks, stunning viewpoints, and cultural experiences in a manageable schedule. The wine tasting and local lunch give a taste of Georgia’s famous hospitality and cuisine, while the cable car rides and fortress visits offer memorable vistas and insights. Although the experience relies on a good guide, the overall structure ensures a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration.

For those looking to see major Tbilisi sights comfortably and efficiently, this tour delivers significant value. It particularly suits visitors wanting a balanced day of sightseeing, culture, and scenic views in a private setting designed around their interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The full-day private tour includes transportation, guide services, bottled water, and wine tasting. The funicular ride is optional and costs an extra $7.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 9 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending with a hotel drop-off.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour features a local lunch with Georgian cuisine, and wine tasting is part of the experience.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but walking involves stairs and uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this a group or private experience?
This is a private tour, ensuring exclusive attention from your guide.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
Key sights include the Chronicles of Georgia, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Narikala Fortress, Sulphur Baths, and Golgotha Church.

Do I need to prepare anything for religious sites?
Yes, ladies need headscarves and dresses, and short trousers are not permitted in Orthodox churches. Scarves and appropriate clothing are available near entrances.

Can I customize the stops or activity options?
The tour is designed as a set itinerary, but optional activities like the boat ride on the river are available at an additional cost.

Is there any physical requirement for this tour?
The tour involves walking in Old Town with stairs and varied terrain, so comfortable shoes are advisable.

How do I book or get more information?
Booking can be done directly through the provider SelectGeorgia-For Holiday, with contact details available for further questions.

This private full-day Tbilisi tour offers a well-rounded experience of Georgia’s vibrant capital, combining history, culture, and scenic views into a single, smoothly organized day.