Georgia Beyond

Arrival in Tbilisi and transfer to the hotel (not included). Overnight in Tbilisi.

A full day dedicated to discovering one of the world’s oldest and most remarkable cities: Tbilisi, located at the crossroads of East and West. During a walk, you will explore its main highlights: historic buildings with ornate façades, colourful terrace-lined districts, traditional houses with carved wooden balconies, narrow winding alleys, and striking examples of modern architecture. A cable car ride to Narikala Fortress offers panoramic views over the city. In the evening, enjoy a mini tour of Tbilisi’s most vibrant area with an aperitif at Fabrika, a lively cultural and social hub housed in a former Soviet textile factory. This multifunctional space includes a hostel, co-working areas, cafés, bars, art shops, and studios, and has become a meeting point for artists, travellers, and locals, fostering creativity and exchange. Dinner and lunch in traditional restaurants. Overnight in Tbilisi. Full board.

Departure along a scenic route through Tsalka into the Javakheti region. Along the way, admire the striking landscapes of the Lesser Caucasus, where volcanic plateaus, deep blue lakes, and green valleys meet. Visit Poka Monastery near Lake Paravani, the largest lake in Georgia. Picnic lunch en route. In the village of Gorelovka, meet the Doukhobors, a religious community exiled from Russia in the 19th century, and enjoy a tasting of their homemade herbal teas and sweets. Continue through the Mtkvari Valley and stop at the impressive Khertvisi Fortress. The journey continues to Vardzia, an extraordinary cave city carved into the Erusheti mountain, a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture. Among its remarkable remains, discover the Church of the Virgin Mary with unique frescoes depicting King Tamar, a key figure in Georgian history. Dinner and overnight stay in Vardzia. Full board.

Morning departure to Saro, a picturesque village perched on a cliff, featuring pre-Christian megalithic ruins, underground shelters, and a small church dating back to the 7th–8th century. In Aspindza, visit a local brewery and taste craft beers fermented in qvevri, traditional Georgian clay vessels. Lunch with locals in a traditional Meskhian house in Chobareti. Continue to Akhaltsikhe to visit the Rabati Fortress complex, home to a mosque, madrasa, church, and archaeological museum. Dinner and overnight stay in Borjomi. Full board.

After breakfast, visit Borjomi Park, famous for its natural mineral water springs. Continue to the ancient capital Mtskheta, visiting the Jvari Monastery with its panoramic views, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where, according to legend, the Holy Shroud is buried. Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After a traditional family lunch near Mtskheta, enjoy homemade wines, chacha (Georgian grappa), and jams. Drive along the Georgian Military Road, surrounded by the majestic landscapes of the Greater Caucasus. Final stop at Ananuri Fortress overlooking the Zhinvali Reservoir. Dinner and overnight in Stepantsminda. Full board.

Morning hike (3.5 hours) through a scenic forest trail leading to the iconic Trinity Church of Gergeti at 2,170 m altitude. From here, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kazbegi and its glaciers. Birdwatching opportunities along the trail are common. Lunch at a local restaurant en route to Tbilisi. In the afternoon, meet a local artisan specialising in felt craftsmanship. Return to Tbilisi and overnight. Full board.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport (not included) for your return flight.