7-Day Adventure in Eastern Georgia: Exploring Tbilisi-the Capital, Kakheti Wine Country, and Remote Pankisi Valley

Hosted by

Ia

Guided trip
What's special?
special Immersive Cultural Experience
special Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
special Trip with a local
This diverse 7-day trip offers you the chance to explore various facets of Georgia. We'll begin our adventure in the captivating capital, Tbilisi, where you'll experience its cultural vibrancy and rich heritage. Next, we'll venture into the remote beauty of Pankisi Valley, known for its unspoiled nature and traditional way of life. This area in the Kakheti region is inhabited by a Muslim ethnic minority known as the Kists, who have their own distinctive traditions. You'll have the option to participate in an easy 3-4 hour horse riding tour in Pankisi Valley, no prior horse riding experience is necessary or an on-foot exploration led by a local young Kist guide. Concluding the journey, we'll explore the picturesque Kakheti region, renowned for its fertile Alazani Valley where Georgia's famous wine is produced. We'll also visit an array of monasteries and cultural sites. During the trip, you'll get to savor delicious Georgian cuisine, bursting with flavor and diversity, and, of course, indulge in the country's renowned wines. 🏘️🍽️🍷Accommodations will be reserved in family-run guest houses, and some meals will be provided by small entrepreneurs, many of whom are local women. 🚗 Transportation with a driver will be included. While not overly physically demanding, a reasonable level of fitness is required. 🌟 Join on this memorable adventure in Georgia! 🌟

About me! I'm Ia, a tourism pro with a passion for wanderlust. Working as a tour guide since 2016 in Georgia. This carefully created 7-day itinerary is perfect for culture enthusiasts, food and wine and nature lovers alike.

Details about the accommodation: Hostel in Tbilisi: - Shared common areas are available for relaxation and interaction. - Accommodation options include a bed in a 3/4 person dormitory or a private room for an additional price. Cozy family-run guest houses: - Experience genuine Georgian hospitality and culture with friendly hosts. - Single bed in a triple room or a private room for an additional price. All guest houses offer free Wi-Fi to stay connected during your stay.

What's included?
Transportation with a driver
Entrance fees
Accomodation in shared rooms
Wine tastings on day 2 and 5
Family meals on day 2, 5, 6
Dinner on Day 2 and 3
Your Booking includes free protection from Trip cancellations.
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Curious adventurer and cultural explorer, sharing the love of travel

You can chat with Ia once you reserve your spot.
Trip Itinerary
1

Tbilisi

Day 1-2
Tbilisi is the vibrant capital of Georgia, home to one-third of the country's population. Our first day will be filled with a walking tour of the charming old city, including highlights like the Narikala Fortress, Abanotubani-sulphur bath district, Sioni Cathedral, Peace Bridge, and the Marionette Theater. After this 3-hour walking tour, we'll stop at a nice restaurant, where we can enjoy delicious food (please note that this meal is not included in the tour price). Later, we'll continue our exploration by visiting the Dry Bridge and its flea market and then take a leisurely stroll through Dedaena Park. Our overnight stay will be in Tbilisi, and throughout the trip, we'll explore most places on foot, opting for a taxi when necessary. For those interested, it's also possible to reserve a room in a sulfur bathhouse for the evening.
2

Jokolo

Day 2-4
On the second day, we'll begin our journey towards the picturesque Pankisi Valley, inhabited by the ethnic minority of Kists. Private transportation with a driver will take us there. En route, we'll visit an 11th-century Georgian monastery and stop for wine tasting and lunch in a local family's home. In the afternoon, we'll arrive at the village of Jokolo or Duisi in Pankisi Valley, where we can participate in a felt-making demonstration, visit a small museum (if open), or simply relax in the guest house garden. It's essential to be mindful that the Kist community follows Muslim customs, so alcohol consumption should be avoided in the guest house, and modest clothing is advised. The third day offers a unique opportunity to attend the Sufi Muslims' old religious ritual conducted by local women at the mosque every Friday morning. The ritual involves walking in a circle and prayer. Later, we'll embark on a 3-4 hour horse-riding tour to explore the valley's beauty. We'll spend another night at the same guest house, where breakfast and dinner will be provided.
3

Telavi

Day 4-5
On the fourth day, we'll travel to Telavi, the heart of the Kakheti region, and a picturesque city overlooking the Alazani Valley. After leaving our luggage at the guesthouse, we'll explore the city, visit a museum and the king's palace, and savor a delightful meal at a nice restaurant (not included in the price). Our next stop will be the famous Georgian noble and writer's house museum in Tsinandali, where we'll have the chance to taste some wines, as the man behind it was the first to bottle wine in Georgia. In the evening, we can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Telavi (not included in the price).
4

Sighnaghi

Day 5-6
On the fifth day, we'll head to Sighnaghi, a charming, small town in Kakheti region. Along the way, we'll visit the historical complex and monastery of Gremi and a social enterprise where professionals and volunteers care for disabled individuals and help integrate them into society. We'll have a wine tasting session and lunch at this location. Afterward, we'll continue our journey to Sighnaghi, where we can relax and take a leisurely stroll through the town.
5

Udabno

Day 6-7
On the sixth day, our itinerary takes us to Bodbe Nunnery, a significant site for Georgians as it houses the tomb of Saint Nino, a woman who played a crucial role in converting Georgians to Christianity. We can take a walk down to the spring, a famous pilgrimage site. Next, we'll head towards Udabno, a tiny village in a semi-desert area inhabited by the ethnically Svan people (eco migrants from the northern mountainous region who settled here during the Soviet Union). On the way, we'll stop at Melaani to have lunch at a family house with an interesting host who also collects wild tea. After lunch, we can take a stroll in the village and enjoy breathtaking views of Alazani River. Our overnight stay will be in Udabno.
6

Tbilisi

Day 7-8
On the seventh and final day, we'll visit Davida Gareja cave monastery, an important historical heritage site in Georgia. Please note that we can only visit the lower part of the monastery currently. After the visit, we'll head back to Tbilisi, leaving the rest of the day free for you to explore the city at your own pace.
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hostel & Other
8 days trip
Tbilisi, Jokolo & 4 more
Transportation
Car
What's excluded?
International Flights
Meals which are not mentioned above
Horse riding or on-foot tour in Pankisi
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