Tbilisi: Mtskheta & Tbilisi Tour with Wine and Lunch

Experience the Best of Georgia in One Day: Mtskheta & Tbilisi with Wine and Lunch

This 6-hour guided tour offers a perfect blend of history, scenery, and local flavors. Departing from Tbilisi, the trip takes visitors to Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning monasteries and cathedral, then continues to the vibrant streets of Tbilisi. The tour includes a traditional Georgian lunch, organic wine tasting, and a cable-car ride, making it an ideal option for travelers eager to explore Georgia’s cultural treasures in just one day.

What makes this tour stand out is its balance of sightseeing, local cuisine, and wine experiences, all delivered by a knowledgeable guide in a small group setting. The private transportation ensures comfort and flexibility. While the tour is well-paced and highly praised, it involves walking for about 4 hours in Tbilisi, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta
• Explore Tbilisi’s charming streets on a 4-hour walking tour
• Enjoy organic Georgian wines in a cozy winery setting
• Taste a traditional Georgian lunch in a local restaurant
• Ride a cable car for scenic views over Tbilisi
• Small group experience limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention

Mtskheta’s UNESCO World Heritage Monuments: Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

The tour begins with a 20-minute drive from Tbilisi to Mtskheta, a town of immense historical importance for Georgians. You will visit Jvari Monastery, a 16th-century religious site perched above the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, offering impressive views of the surrounding landscape. Next, the guide leads you through Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an 11th-century church that has served as a key spiritual center for centuries.

Both sites are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and their well-preserved structures provide a glimpse into Georgia’s religious and architectural history. The guide shares insights into the significance of each site, emphasizing their cultural value. This part of the tour offers a peaceful yet enriching experience, perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in Georgia’s spiritual heritage.

From Mtskheta to Tbilisi: Driving and Transition

After exploring Mtskheta, the group heads back to Tbilisi by private vehicle. The drive takes approximately 20 minutes, giving everyone a brief chance to relax and enjoy the scenic views along the way. Upon arrival, your guide parks the vehicle at the starting point for the next phase of the tour—a walking exploration of Tbilisi.

This transition allows for a comfortable split between sightseeing and more active exploration. The flexibility of the schedule means you can discuss any specific interests or preferences with your guide before heading into the heart of the Georgian capital.

Walking Tour of Tbilisi: Streets, Squares, and Local Life

The 3 to 4-hour walking tour of Tbilisi covers the city’s charming streets, bustling squares, and hidden corners. Your guide takes you through areas filled with colorful architecture, lively cafes, and historic sites. As you stroll, you’ll learn about Tbilisi’s diverse history, from its medieval roots to its modern vibrancy.

The walk is paced to match the group’s energy levels, and the guide ensures you see the most notable sights while sharing interesting stories and facts. If hunger strikes during the walk, you’ll stop at a local Georgian restaurant for a tasty traditional meal, adding a culinary highlight to your day. The walk concludes in the city center, where you can continue exploring or request transportation to your accommodation.

More Great Tours Nearby

Tbilisi’s Top Sights and Streets: A Visual and Cultural Journey

During the walk, key sights include historic narrow alleys, beautiful balconies, and the famous sulfur baths. The guide points out architectural styles and explains their historical context, enriching your understanding of the city’s layered history. You’ll also encounter lively marketplaces and street artists, capturing the essence of Tbilisi’s unique atmosphere.

This part of the tour emphasizes visual charm and cultural richness. It’s suitable for those who enjoy immersive, leisurely explorations of urban environments, with plenty of opportunities for photos and local interactions.

Scenic Cable-Car Ride Over Tbilisi

A highlight of this tour is the cable-car ride, which offers sweeping views of Tbilisi’s skyline and the surrounding mountains. The cable car transports you from the city center to a vantage point that provides a spectacular panorama of the cityscape. This scenic ride is included as part of the experience, making it a memorable way to see the city from above.

The cable-car station is conveniently located, and the ride is brief but impactful, giving you the perfect photo opportunities and a sense of Tbilisi’s geographic beauty. The guide explains the significance of the views and points out notable landmarks visible from the cable car.

Georgian Organic Wines and Tasting Experience

No Georgian tour would be complete without sampling its famous organic wines. The tasting takes place in a small, cozy winery, where you get to sample amber wines and learn about Georgia’s unique wine-making traditions. The guide may share insights into the organic process and the importance of wine in Georgian culture.

This wine experience is often praised for its intimacy and quality, offering a genuine taste of local craftsmanship. The tastings are paired with some light snacks, enhancing the flavors and making it a relaxing moment amid your busy day.

Traditional Georgian Lunch in a Local Restaurant

Your tour includes a delicious Georgian lunch in a local restaurant. The meal features traditional dishes, providing an authentic taste of Georgian cuisine. The restaurant atmosphere complements the cultural theme of the tour, and the menu typically highlights regional specialties.

This meal offers a chance to relax and recharge after a morning of sightseeing. The guide usually recommends dishes and explains their significance, helping you appreciate Georgian culinary traditions.

Logistics, Group Size, and Booking Flexibility

This tour is designed for small groups, limited to 10 participants, ensuring plenty of personalized attention and interaction with the guide. It starts at 9:30 AM with hotel pickup, which is included in the price. Travelers need only to indicate their hotel or residence address in Tbilisi upon booking.

The tour’s flexibility is enhanced by the option to reserve now and pay later, providing peace of mind for planning. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, making it a low-risk choice for spontaneous or flexible travelers.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour appeals to those interested in combining history, scenic views, and local flavors in a compact, well-organized experience. It is particularly suitable for first-time visitors who want to see key sights without rushing, and for those eager to sample Georgian wines and cuisine in an authentic setting. The small group size and live guides in English and Russian contribute to an engaging, personalized experience.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Day of Culture and Flavors in Georgia

The Tbilisi: Mtskheta & Tbilisi Tour with Wine and Lunch offers a comprehensive introduction to Georgia’s cultural and scenic highlights. From the spiritual landmarks of Mtskheta to the lively streets of Tbilisi, the tour balances sightseeing with culinary and wine experiences. The inclusion of a cable-car ride and a traditional Georgian lunch enhances the overall value.

While the walking portion in Tbilisi is about 4 hours, it’s manageable with comfortable shoes, and the small group setting keeps the experience intimate and engaging. This tour provides a great snapshot of Georgia’s heritage and vibrant city life, making it ideal for curious travelers who want a mix of history, views, and local tastes in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 9:30 AM with hotel pickup.

What is included in the price?
The price includes hotel pickup, lunch, wine tasting, a cable-car ride, and private transportation.

Is the tour suitable for all physical levels?
The tour involves walking for about 4 hours in Tbilisi, so comfortable shoes are recommended. It’s best suited for those with moderate mobility.

Can I customize the tour?
Since the tour operates in a small group with a guide, you can discuss specific interests or requests with the guide during the day.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak English and Russian, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

How do I book and cancel?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start date.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby