Classic Georgia

Explore the old town of Georgia’s colourful capital. This walking tour will include visits to some of the most well-known and iconic historic sites, like Metekhi Church, Bath House area, Narikala Castle and other hidden secrets. 

Visit Simon Janashia Museum of History, part of Georgia’s National Museum, for a look at some of the country’s most significant archaeological finds. The museum hosts the exhibition of Soviet Occupation dedicated to the victims of Soviet Regime as well as stunning exhibition of Pre-Historic Georgia where you can see 1.8-million-year-old Homo erectus skulls unearthed at Dmanisi, from 1991 to 2005. 

The first settlement here appeared in the Late Bronze Age, developed in the Hellenistic period, and in the late Antique period a city-type settlement eventually emerged. In the Middle Ages it was one of the most important cities in Georgia with developed trade and crafts.  Telavi is best known for its historic neighbourhoods rich with traditional architecture.

Qvevri wine-making is practised throughout Georgia. The Qvevri is an egg-shaped earthenware vessel used for making, ageing and storing the wine. Knowledge and experience of Qvevri manufacture and wine-making are passed down by families. During Soviet rule the art of making Qvevri was almost lost. Luckily a few artisans managed to keep the knowledge. You will meet one of them and learn all about this tradition.

Alaverdi St. George Cathedral was built in the first half of the 11th century. The present day Cathedral is part of an 11th century Georgian Orthodox monastery. Kakhetian King Kvirike the Great built a cathedral in the place of a small church of St. George.
It sits in the scenic Alazani Valley with Mountains of Great Caucasus as a background.

This charming 14th century monastery is nestled on the top of a mountain offering beautiful views. Head the Dariali Gorge in Khevi province.  Since ancient times, Khevi has been of great strategic and military importance due chiefly to its proximity to the Darial Pass, which connects North Caucasus with Transcaucasia. Visit Village Tsdo and enjoy the panoramic views from the area.

Jimsher Tsiklauri is one of the very few residents of a small village Tsdo. Enjoy delightful meal of traditional food with a local family. You’ll learn how traditional meat dumplings, khinkali, are made.

Visit a studio where the local art of felt is kept alive using a traditional approach to create modern items. You’ll be able to participate in the process followed by a herbal tea tasting and delicious home- made preserves created using foraged goods.