Day 1
Arrival to Tbilisi Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Time for rest, free time
Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, its cultural, economic and political center, and what is more very interesting and diverse city. According to the legend, the king of ancient Iberia, Vakhtang I Gorgasali, once hunted in the forests. After some time, he saw a pheasant, then shot and killed the bird. The king sent his falcon to find the prey. In search of birds, Vakhtang Gorgasali with his hunters came upon the source and saw that both the falcon and the pheasant got into its waters. The source turned to be hot. And amazed with this find Vakhtang I decided to found here the city realizing a great advantage of that location. In addition, to the hot sources, the location had many important for the city construction factors: a protected position between the mountains, location on a trade route, strategically favourable factors. Thus, according to the legend, the city of Tbilisi was founded. The word Tbili is translated from Georgian as «warm». Tbilisi is a city of warm sources. Today terracotta dome baths are combined with modern business centres, but above all this is still hovering spirit of the old Tbilisi.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 2
Tbilisi City Tour.
Departure to the city to get acquainted with the sights. Acquaintance with the city you will start with the Cathedral “Sameba” – a symbol of Georgian Revival, Unity and immortality. It stands in the centre of Tbilisi on a mountaintop of St. Ilia “Sameba”.In English “Sameba” means “Holy Trinity”. Then you will move to the monument of the founder of Tbilisi-great Georgian ruler Vakhtang Gorgasali. Gorgasali is the nickname, given to him at the war, meaning “beware of the man with the head of a wolf.”
Metekhi Temple was built in the fifth century according to the order of the King Vakhtang Gorgasali. Queen Shushaniki (V c.), tortured by her husband Varsgen Pitiakhshi for her devotion to Christian religion is buried here.
Next in a few minutes by lift you will find yourself in a fortress “Narikala”, Narikala also called the Mother Fortress of Tbilisi; Narikala is an ancient symbol of Tbilisi’s defense. The fortress was established in the 4th century, around the period when the city itself was founded. It was then known as Shuris-tsikhe (Invidious Fort). And of course, you will see monument “Mother of Georgia”.
You will be able to feel the flavor of the old Tbilisi. The ancient sulfur baths are located on the oldest part of the city. All bath rooms below ground level and covered with semi-circular arches.
Sioni Cathedral was originally built in the 6th and 7th centuries, but has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, and what you see today is mainly 13th century. It is of special significance for Georgians because its home to the sacred cross of St Nino which, according to legend, is made from vine branches bound with the saint’s own hair.
After the tour transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Tbilisi .
Day 3
Breakfast in the hotel.
Travelling along the Georgian Military Highway. During this travel we’ll see the Zhinvali reservoir. Further travel to the Georgian Military Highway – is a town of Stepansminda situated at the foot of the Mount Kazbeg – the most famous and picturesque mountain of Georgia. Above the town like a fairy castle, rises Gergeti Trinity Church. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 4
Breakfast in the hotel.
Today you will travel to the home of wine – Kakheti.
Since the ancient times Georgia is considered to be one of the birthplace of viticulture and the origin of grapevine. Without exaggeration, we can say that the vine and human were born in the land of Georgia at the same time. In Georgia, wine and vine are idealized; they are presented in architecture, folklore, poetry and culinary culture. Fertile land of Georgia, burning sun, the mild climate and restless, purposeful work preserved 450 native grape varieties. The most famous from them are Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, Mtsvani (or Mtsvane), Alexandrouli, Tsolikauri, Tetra, Mujuretuli ,Ojaleshi,Usakhelauri, Tavkveri ,Asuretuli, etc. The motherland to most of them is the fertile region Kakheti.
Wine cellar Gurjaani, which has a very special atmosphere, filled with the smell of the wine, fresh grapes, and home-made food. You will visit the museum, which has the itimes used for winemaking in Georgia.Amoung them you will see 2 centuries old press (equipment used for wine squeezing), which is until now used for the purpose of making wine and which presents the pride of the cellar; old earthen crocks (“kvevri”), where different types of wine are stored. Wine house produces its own vintage wine (Kvevri), which is decorated with appropriate etiquette and production history.
Khareba Wine tunnel- is a large and unique Georgian winery offering tours and tastings conducted inside long manmade tunnels lined with wine. Visitors can have a unique experience tasting Khareba wines in a tunnel. Winery Khareba produces three million bottles of wine.
Day 5
Breakfast in the hotel .Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
