DESTINATION GEORGIA 7 DAYS/ 6 NIGHTS GASTRONOMIC TOUR PACKAGE FOR 2017
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TBILISI
Meeting at Tbilisi International Airport with a guide. Transfer to the hotel. Hotel check-in and short rest.
DAY 2: TBILISI CITY TOUR
Breakfast in the hotel. Explore Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia founded in the 5th c by King Vakhtang Gorgasali. First visit to Metekhi church (13th cc) a cross – cupola church, part of the Royal residential complex. Continue the tour going down to Sioni Cathedral, considered the symbol of Tbilisi. A short glimpse Anchiskhati basilica and bell tower (6 -18th cc.). Lunch at a restaurant. After lunch visit to Narikala Fortress (4th c.) – main citadel of the city, which overlooks the oldest part of Tbilisi. During centuries Narikala was considered the best strategic point of the city. Ascending by funicular road, descending by foot. After the getting panoramic view we visit Sulphur bath aria. Walk through the old town, the ancient streets where the souvenir shops are located. Visit to “Vino Underground” and degustation of Georgian wine. Next visit to National Museum of Georgia that contains an exhibition of gold work. These are extraordinary specimens of gold filigree and reposes work discovered at important archaeological sites. Dinner at a local traditional restaurant. Overnight in Tbilisi.
DAY 3: TBILISI – STEPANTSMINDA (KAZBEGI) – ANANURI – TBILISI
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from Tbilisi for Mtianeti region. drive along the Georgian Military Highway and cross Jvari pass (2395m) with stunning ponoramic views. Arrival in Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi) – a small town located in 15 km from the Russian-Georgian border. Hiking on the terrain and visiting Gergeti Ttrinity Church – located at an altitude of 2170 m, offering beautiful views of Mount Kazbek (5047m). Lunch at the local restaurant. Culinary master-class: see and take part in making Georgian national dish Khinkali. Drive to Tbilisi and visit Ananuri architectural complex (16-17th cc) – one of the best monuments of the Georgian architecture of the later period. In the later middle ages Ananuri served as the residence palace of Aragvi Eristavis (rulers) and hub of the Saeristavo – land ruled by an eristavi. Arrival in Tbilisi. Dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight in Tbilisi.
DAY 4: TBILISI – MTSKHETA – MUKHRANI – TBILISI
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Mtskheta – the ancient capital of Georgia. You will have the opportunity to visit: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11 th c) – one of the sacred places of Georgia, the burial place of the Holy Mantle of Christ and Jvari Church (6th – 7th cc) – church of the Holy Cross, masterpiece of the early Medieval Period. Lunch at a local restaurant. Drive to Chateau Mukhrani. Visit Prince Ivane Mukhranbatoni’s royal castle built in XIX century, garden, unique underground cellars,stable and vineyards. Culinary master-class: see and take part in baking Georgian bread. Departure for Tbilisi. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Tbilisi.
DAY 5: TBILISI – BODBE – SIGHNAGHI – VELISTSIKHE – TELAVI
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Kakheti region. Visit to St. George’s monastery complex in Bodbe. The monastery now functions as a nunnery and is one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia, due to its association with St. Nino, the 4th c. female evangelist of Georgians, whose relics are kept there. Drive to Sighnaghi. Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we will visit 300 year-old wine cellar (marani) in Velistsikhe. Tasting georgian red and white wines will give you opportunity to join the Georgian culture and traditions. Driving to Telavi. Arrival in Telavi. Hotel check-in. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Telavi.
DAY 6: TELAVI – ALAVERDI – GREMI – KVARELI – TBILISI
Breakfast at the hotel. First we will visit Alaverdi Monastery – the greatest temple of the mediaeval Georgia. Earliest parts of it date back to 6 c. The present day cathedral dates to the 11th c. The monastery as well as other cathedrals in Kakheti is almost deprived of all decors however, it still makes a strong impression thanks to its immense sizes and harmony and the stretched high in the sky accentuated dome. Next stop – Gremi –16th century architectural monument. The complex is what has survived from the once flourishing town of kingdom of Kakheti in the 16-17th cc. It functioned as a lively trading town on the Silk Road and royal residence until being razed to the ground by the arms of Shah Abbas I of Persia in 1615. Lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the “Tunnel” – modern tourist complex, situated near the town of Kvareli. “Tunnel” is a place where you can relax in the cool of the Kvareli Mountains during the hot Kakhetian summer. Here you can visit a historic wine cellar located in a tunnel. Master class in making Churchkhela – traditional Georgian candy. Return to Tbilisi. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Tbilisi.
DAY 7: DEPARTURE DAY
Transfer to the airport and departure.