Grand tour to Kakheti for wine lovers: Telavi-Kvareli-Sighnaghi

Explore Kakheti’s Historic Fortresses and Monasteries in a Full-Day Tour

This private tour from Tbilisi to Kakheti offers an in-depth journey through Georgia’s eastern wine country for $110 per person. With an approximate 12-hour duration, the tour combines scenic landscapes, ancient monuments, and exclusive wine tastings, all with the convenience of pickup from your Tbilisi hotel. The group size is limited to your party, ensuring a personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides.

While the tour features a full itinerary of stops, including Ujarma Fortress, Gremi Church, and Sighnaghi, it’s especially suitable for those with a keen interest in historic sites and Georgian wine. The tour is praised for its smooth logistics and engaging guide, making it an ideal choice for wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Key Points

• Private guided tour from Tbilisi to Kakheti with door-to-door pickup
• Includes visits to Ujarma Fortress, Alaverdi Cathedral, and the Gremi Citadel
• Wine tasting in Kvareli’s Tunnel Winery Khareba’s
• Travel through Gombori Pass, reaching 1,650 meters for panoramic views
• Visits to Bodbe Monastery and the romantic city of Sighnaghi
• Not included: lunch and wine tasting fees, allowing for personal preferences

Starting Point and Duration of the Kakheti Tour from Tbilisi

This full-day private tour departs conveniently from your Tbilisi hotel, with pickup included. It lasts approximately 12 hours, making it a comprehensive exploration of Georgia’s Kakheti region. The cost is $110 per person, with discounts often available for larger groups.

The tour is designed to offer a relaxed pace with multiple stops, making it accessible to most travelers. Its door-to-door service ensures convenience, especially for those staying in central Tbilisi.

Visiting Ujarma Fortress: Georgia’s 5th Century Stronghold

The first stop, Ujarma Fortress, dates back to the second half of the 5th century. It was once a residence of Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi, and served as a ruling center for Kakheti under his heir, Dachi. The fortress was destroyed in the 10th century by Arab forces but was restored in the 13th century by King George III.

While entrance tickets are not included, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into Georgia’s early medieval history. Visitors can expect to see ruins and ancient walls that tell stories of Georgia’s past rulers and conflicts.

Mountain Drive Through Gombori Pass and Its Scenic Views

A highlight of the tour is the drive through Gombori Pass, reaching an altitude of 1,650 meters (5414 feet). This mountain pass offers some of the most breathtaking panoramas of the Kakheti landscape. At the top, an observation deck provides the perfect backdrop for photos.

The drive continues through a magical forest, where visitors can enjoy the serenity of nature and even make a wish amidst the tall trees. This stop is free, but the views are well worth the brief halt, especially for photography enthusiasts.

Exploring Alaverdi Monastery and the Tallest Religious Building in Georgia

The Alaverdi St. George Cathedral is a central religious site in Kakheti. Founded by the Assyrian monk Joseph Alaverdeli, the monastery was built on a site formerly dedicated to pagan worship. The cathedral stands over 55 meters tall, making it the second tallest religious building in Georgia.

The free admission allows visitors to appreciate the architecture and the spiritual atmosphere. The monastery provides insights into Georgia’s religious traditions and the role of Christianity in Georgian culture.

Telavi’s Batonis-Tsikhe Fortress and the Heart of Kakheti

Next, the tour takes you to Telavi, the administrative center of Kakheti. The Batonis-Tsikhe Fortress is a key attraction here, offering historic insights into Georgia’s royal past. The site is not included in the ticket price, but the visit provides a vivid sense of Kakheti’s political and military history.

The city of Telavi itself is a lively hub, offering views of vineyards and mountain ranges that define the region. The stop here is about an hour long, allowing for quick exploration and photography.

Discovering Gremi: The 16th Century Kakhetian Capital

The Museum of Gremi introduces visitors to Gremi’s ancient past, including beautiful views of the Alazani valley. The Gremi Citadel and Church of the Archangels are the main highlights, built in the 16th century during the reign of King Levan of Kakheti.

The fortress exudes a sense of monumental architecture, and its gloomy yet impressive appearance makes it a popular photo spot. The site’s visit lasts about 45 minutes, with admission not included.

Tasting Georgian Wines at Tunnel Winery Khareba’s in Kvareli

In Kvareli, the tour features a wine tasting session at the famous Tunnel Winery Khareba’s. Here, visitors learn about traditional Georgian winemaking techniques and sample local wines.

The one-hour visit includes the opportunity to explore the underground wine tunnels, which are carved into the mountainside. While the admission fee is not included, this experience is a must for wine lovers eager to taste authentic Georgia.

Bodbe Monastery and the Remains of St. Nino

The Bodbe Monastery is an esteemed religious site, holding the remains of St. Nino, the Apostle credited with bringing Christianity to Georgia. The site features a nunnery and a new cathedral built with traditional techniques.

The 45-minute visit offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Entrance is free, making it accessible for all visitors interested in Georgia’s spiritual heritage.

Sighnaghi: The City of Love and Its Historic Walls

The tour concludes in Sighnaghi, often called the City of Love. Its charming cobblestone streets, restored facades, and narrow alleys create a romantic atmosphere. The city walls offer fantastic views over the Alazani Valley.

Known for hosting wedding ceremonies, Sighnaghi’s marriage chapel operates around the clock, making it a lively and picturesque spot. The one-hour stop allows for strolling, sightseeing, and taking in the historic ambiance.

Practical Tips and What’s Included

This private tour includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges, providing a hassle-free experience. The pickup service ensures comfort, with most travelers finding the pace manageable. The tour does not include lunch or wine tasting fees, giving flexibility to choose preferred dining options and tastings.

The minimum drinking age is 18, and service animals are allowed. Since the tour is booked in advance (averaging 78 days ahead), early planning helps secure a spot.

Who Will Appreciate This Kakheti Tour?

This full-day journey appeals most to wine enthusiasts, history lovers, and those seeking scenic mountain views. The personalized nature of the tour, with exclusive stops and guided explanations, makes it suitable for travelers who want an informative yet relaxed experience. The group discounts and private format add value for friends or family traveling together.

While the itinerary is packed, the long drive offers plenty of opportunities for rest and sightseeing. The main limitation is that lunch and wine tasting are not included, so travelers may want to plan these separately.

Kakheti: A Region of Heritage and Flavors

The Kakheti region combines ancient sites, mountain vistas, and world-famous wines. This tour captures its essence with visits to fortresses, monasteries, and vineyards. The guide’s expertise and the scenic route through Gombori Pass make it a memorable exploration.

For those wanting to explore Georgia’s rich culture and sample its wines, this tour offers a comprehensive and personalized way to experience Kakheti in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but the minimum drinking age is 18 years. The physical activity mainly involves walking and sightseeing.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, allowing flexibility to choose where and what to eat during the day.

Can I customize the stops or itinerary?
Since the tour is private, there may be room for personal preferences, but it’s best to confirm with the provider.

How long are the stops at each site?
Stops range from 30 minutes to 1 hour, giving enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking 78 days in advance on average helps secure the preferred date, especially during busy seasons.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
Most would say it’s the combination of historic sites like Ujarma Fortress, Gremi, and the opportunity to taste authentic Georgian wines at Kvareli.