6 Days of Food, Wine & Culture in Georgia

Wake to the crisp morning air of Tbilisi, as your second day leads you deep into Georgia’s spiritual and winemaking heartlands. Your journey begins with a scenic drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and cradle of Georgian Christianity. Stand in awe atop the hill at Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century marvel overlooking the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers — a spot so majestic it inspired poets and saints alike. Descend into the UNESCO-listed town to explore Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where legend says the robe of Christ lies buried beneath the ornate stonework. The air is rich with reverence, history, and architectural grandeur.

Next, travel to the fertile lands of Shida Kartli, where you'll be welcomed at Chapidon Winery — a family-run estate preserving Georgia’s 8,000-year winemaking tradition. Here, amber wines are still aged in ancient qvevri clay vessels, buried underground as they have been since antiquity. You’ll sip on rare local varietals like Chinuri and Tavkveri, tour the vineyards, and enjoy a rustic lunch paired with regional delicacies in a setting that feels as timeless as the wine itself.

Your day continues with a walk through the stone corridors of Uplistsikhe, a stunning rock-hewn city dating back to the 1st millennium BC. Once a bustling religious and trade center, its caves, pagan temples, ancient streets, and royal halls reveal centuries of stories carved into the mountain.

Return to Tbilisi in the evening for an intimate tasting experience at Laliashvilebi's Wine Cellar, a hidden underground gem where warm hospitality and aged wines flow freely. It's a cozy, candlelit farewell to a day that has touched the spirit and delighted the senses — from sacred stones to liquid gold.

Leave the capital behind and venture east into Kakheti, Georgia’s most cherished wine region, where centuries-old traditions thrive among sun-kissed vines. Enjoy a comfortable scenic drive through rolling countryside dotted with artisan villages before arriving in Manavi, where you’ll taste homemade fruit leathers, wild honey, and natural sweets—a delicious introduction to rural life.

Next, stop in Badiauri to witness shoti bread being baked in ancient toné ovens and browse handcrafted ceramics made by local artisans. Continue your journey to the serene hilltop Bodbe Monastery, nestled among cypress trees and overlooking the Alazani Valley. This sacred site is the final resting place of Saint Nino, Georgia’s patron saint, offering peaceful gardens and stunning views perfect for reflection and photos.

By midday, dine at Mtevani Restaurant & Wine Cellar, where an outdoor lunch features hearty Kakhetian specialties like mtsvadi and chakapuli accompanied by qvevri-aged wines—enjoyed al fresco with the majestic Caucasus Mountains framing the backdrop.

In the mid-afternoon, settle into the welcoming charm of Kvareli Lake Resort. Nestled by the tranquil waters of Lake Kvareli and surrounded by vineyards, your 4-star resort offers comfortable rooms, spa services, and a peaceful retreat after a day of cultural discovery.

To cap off the day, take a leisurely stroll around the lake, sip sunset cocktails by the water, or unwind at the resort’s wine bar. Tonight, dinner is on-site—an intimate local feast paired with vineyard-fresh wine. As evening falls, enjoy cozy comfort by the lake and the promise of more adventures in Georgia’s soul-filled wine country.

Awaken in the tranquil embrace of Kvareli Lake Resort, where the morning mist dances over the water and the vineyards stretch endlessly toward the Caucasus peaks. After breakfast by the lake, set off to explore the royal and cultural heart of Kakheti — a day woven with history, heritage, and flavor.

Your first destination is Telavi, where the grandeur of Batonis Tsikhe Castle invites you into the 17th-century world of King Erekle II. Wander through restored palace halls, admire the original fortress walls and hidden tunnels, and visit the ethnographic museum to uncover the traditions of Kakheti’s noble past.

Next, arrive at the enchanting Tsinandali Estate, once home to poet and aristocrat Alexander Chavchavadze. Meander through its romantic English-style gardens, explore Georgia’s oldest wine cellar — with over 20,000 bottles — and step into rooms that still echo with music from the poet’s original grand piano. The estate captures a refined fusion of European elegance and Georgian soul.

For lunch, you’ll visit Wine Yard N1, a hidden gem where innovation meets tradition. Here, bold winemakers are reviving rare Kakhetian grape varieties through experimental qvevri techniques. Enjoy a curated tasting session alongside creatively reimagined Georgian dishes, all served in a cozy vineyard setting.

Return to Kvareli Lake Resort for a peaceful evening. Whether you relax with a glass of Saperavi on your balcony or take a twilight stroll by the lakeshore, today’s royal tales, sacred sites, and unforgettable flavors will linger like a perfect vintage.

As the sun rises over the calm waters of Kvareli Lake, enjoy a final breakfast in Kakheti before checking out and beginning your journey back to Georgia’s vibrant capital. But this isn’t just a return — it’s a grand finale, blending natural beauty, monumental architecture, and heartfelt celebration.

Your road back to Tbilisi winds through the scenic Alazani Valley and over the hills of eastern Georgia, offering one last glimpse of Kakheti’s vine-clad landscapes. Upon arrival in the capital, ascend Mtatsminda Hill via the iconic Tbilisi Funicular Railway — a beloved vintage ride that leads you to sweeping city views from the sky. At the summit, lunch is served at the elegant Funicular Restaurant, where Georgian classics are paired with panoramic vistas stretching across rooftops, rivers, and ridgelines.

Next, visit the towering Sameba Cathedral — the spiritual crown of Tbilisi and the largest Orthodox church in the Caucasus. With its golden dome, soaring architecture, and tranquil gardens, it’s a symbol of modern faith and national pride.

Continue to one of Tbilisi’s most extraordinary yet under-visited landmarks: the Chronicle of Georgia. This colossal hilltop monument tells the story of Georgia’s kings, saints, and mythic past through intricately carved stone pillars that rise like a modern-day Stonehenge. From here, enjoy breathtaking views over the Tbilisi Sea and surrounding landscapes.

As twilight falls, celebrate your journey with a festive farewell dinner at Ethnographer Restaurant, a cozy haven of vintage charm and rustic elegance. Savor shared tasting plates from every corner of Georgia, raise a final glass of qvevri wine, and enjoy live polyphonic singing — a moving finale to a deeply immersive experience.

With full hearts and unforgettable memories, you’ll return to your hotel in Tbilisi for your final night — the city lights glowing below as your Georgian story nears its close.

Your final morning in Georgia begins with gentle light spilling over Tbilisi’s rooftops — a day designed for reflection, freedom, and fond goodbyes. After breakfast, take time to explore the capital on your own terms. Revisit your favorite corners of the Old Town, pick up last-minute souvenirs at Meidan Bazaar, or simply wander the atmospheric streets, pausing for one more cup of strong Georgian coffee and a warm slice of shoti bread fresh from the oven.

This unscheduled time is yours to shape: stroll across the Bridge of Peace, linger in a cozy wine bar, or take in the panoramic views from the Mother of Georgia statue one last time. Whether you're hunting for gifts, photographing architectural gems, or enjoying a quiet moment by the river, today is about personal connections — to the city, to the journey, and to yourself.

At your convenience, we’ll ensure a smooth check-out from your hotel and provide private transfer to Tbilisi International Airport. As you leave, carry with you not just souvenirs, but stories — of ancient wine cellars, fortress walls, soulful songs, and the warmth of Georgian hospitality.

This is not just the end of a trip. It’s the beginning of a lasting connection with Georgia — a country that doesn’t just welcome you, but embraces you like family.