Group tour “RTVELI” – GRAPE HARVEST TIME IN GEORGIA from Finland to Kutaisi

Arrival to Kutaisi, group transfer to Tbilisi. In Tbilisi meeting with driver and transfer to the hotel of your choice and accommodation.

Breakfast in the hotel. Free day.
We offer you the following optional excursions (price upon request, depends on amount of pax in the group):
1. Stalin’s house museum in Gori and amazing cave city Uplistsikhe
2. Dashbashi canyon -one of the most impressive natural monuments of Georgia, green and beautiful all year round

After breakfast, you will meet the guide in the hotel lobby and start your personal discovery of Georgia with a city tour of its capital city, Tbilisi. First stop will be at glorious Sameba – the main cathedral and the tallest religious building of the country. Next up is Metekhi Church located in the neighborhood of the same name and gracefully situated on a cliff above Mtkvari River. Your guide will then take you to the new Rike Park to admire the view and perhaps take a few photos in front of The Bridge of Peace, a stunning modern structure designed by Italian architects and one of the new symbols of the city.
One of the highlights of the day is a visit to Narikala – the capital’s ancient fortress, where the stunning views over the city will open out before you. You’ll be whisked to the top in a cable car and after your visit will wander down by foot through the narrow and historic streets of the Old Town, among them the newly renovated Shardeni street – the street which never sleeps, and one of Tbilisi’s nighttime hot spots.
Walking to Legvtakhevi gorge, where you’ll see the waterfall. Then under the tunnel Meidanbazar you will have opportunity to buy Georgian sauces and spices. Free time to have a lunch.
Drive to monument the Chronical of Georgia was created by Zurab Tsereteli, a Georgian born Soviet-trained sculptor. There are 16 pillars, which are between 30-35 meters and present several episodes of Georgian history.
After excursion transfer to the hotel. Free time.
At 19:30 transfer to Georgian restaurant to have dinner with glass of wine. After dinner free time (going back to hotel by yourself).

Breakfast in the hotel. Depart for excursion to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda). On the way you’ll visit Jvari Monastery in city Mtskheta (Monastery of the Cross), previously a pagan temple and latterly turned into Christian church. Perched on a windblown, rocky promontory, take some time to enjoy the exceptional scenery and take some photos of this amazing UNESCO world heritage listed structure.
Our journey will take us along the Georgian Military Road to the fortress and monastery of Ananuri which is located on the bank of Jinvali reservoir. Ananuri is the seat of the Dukes of Argavi, a dynasty which ruled the area during the middle ages and saw many battles won and lost. Remaining occupied by various Dukes and Kings until the early 19th century the complex included two fortifications and two churches, one of which, the Church of Assumption contains the remains of frescos, most of which were destroyed in a fire in the 18th century. Later on you will visit the pride of many Georgians – the ski resort Gudauri, located at an altitude of 2195m. With kilometers of ski runs, the cheapest ski passes in Europe and sun drenched south facing slopes the resort offers fabulous terrain for beginners and advanced skiers alike. In summer hiking, horse riding, birdwatching and climbing are some of the many activities on offer.

Finally, will go up the mountain and enjoy the breath-taking views from the Gergeti Trinity Church – built in medieval time the church is located on the slope of Mount Kazbek with the Caucus Mountains rising in the background. The only cross-cupola church in Khevi, photos of the church and detached bell-tower have become symbols of Georgia, inspiring travelers to from across the world to visit Georgia.
Here in Kazbegi you’ll visit local family, have lunch with famous mountain Khinkali and have master-class of baking Khabizgina (it is a kind of Khachapuri bread filled with potatoes and cheese).
In the evening drive back to Tbilisi, transfer to the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel. Check out. This day is dedicated to Kakheti, wine region of Georgia.
You’ll visit nunnery of Bodbe, a significant pilgrimage site in Georgia due to its association with St Nino. We’ll then move on to the highlight of today’s tour – Signagi, the so-called “city of love”. Packed full of 19th century architecture Signagi resembles an Italian city with its Mediterranean-style colorful, small houses and narrow old streets. With views over the Alazani valley to the Caucasus on the horizon the town is a very pleasant place to while away an afternoon.

Proceed to village Velistsikhe, where we will participate in the “Rtveli”: grape harvesting, wine preparation by feet in Satsnakheli.
In winery-museum you’ll have excursion and degustation of wine and Georgian vodka Chacha. Also you will bake Georgian bread in Tone, participate in making «Georgian Snickers» Churchkhela.
After arrival to Telavi – administrative center of Kakheti. You will enjoy amazing views on the green river valleys, mountains slopes of the Major Caucasus with its peaks and wood-grown slopes and Alpine meadows.
Hotel accommodation. Free evening.

Breakfast in the hotel. Check out. Drive for excursion to Nekresi Monastery. The first church you come to is a three-church basilica from the 8th and 9th centuries, with a plan unique to early Georgian churches.
Thereafter you’ll visit Gremi, built by the King of Kakheti, Levan in 1565. The paintings were finished in 1577. The history of Gremi, as a city, begins from XV century, when the first king of Kakheti George (1466-1476) turn it into the capital of Kakheti Kingdom.
After excursion you’ll visit winery “Kindzmarauli Corporation”, here you will taste Georgian wine.
The last wine degustation will be held at winery Khareba. The complex consists of two main tunnels linked by 13 smaller galleries 500 meters long. After excursion to winery and wine degustation transfer to Tbilisi.
Hotel accommodation.

Breakfast in the hotel. Free day.
We offer you the following optional excursions (price upon request, depends on amount of pax in the group):
1. Tour to Balneological resort Borjomi- where you will taste famous Borjomi water directly from spring and visit monasteries near Borjom-Kharagauli national park: Timotesubani and Chitakhevi (Green monastery).
2. Tour to amazing Rabati castle with cave city Vardzia.

Breakfast in the hotel. Check-out. Transfer to Liberty square from where you will have group transfer to Kutaisi airport.
We are looking forward to arrange another vacation for you in the future.