Highlights / General details
Learn about Georgia’s long traditions of toastmasters and wine-making; Wander past some of Tbilisi’s most notable historic sites, from an ancient fortress to the seminary where Stalin studied; Visit an underground winery and taste those famous Georgian wines; Dig into a delicious lunch starring vegetarian Georgian cuisine.
Inclusion
Local English-speaking guide; Wine tasting; Lunch.
Exclusion
Hotel pick-up and drop-off; Additional food and beverages; Souvenirs and items of a personal nature; Gratuities for your local guide.
Hours of operation
Available daily departing at 10:00am.
Duration
Approximately 4 hours.
Location
Tour departs from Metekhi Church; Tour ends Rustaveli Avenue.
Itinerary
You’ll start your Tbilisi tour from the point where the city started. You’ll hear about the history and heritage of this ancient town, and the legends that surround it to this day. You’ll cross the Metekhi Bridge — the first bridge in the city to span the Mtkvari — and continue on to the sulphur baths. These natural hot springs come straight from the depths of the Earth, and they’re one of the region’s most popular activities. (If you’d like to book a session at the baths, your guide can help you to make arrangements for later during your travels).
Your walking tour will then take you across Chardin Street to the Tamada statue, which honors Georgia’s traditions of toastmasters and wine-making, and is a copy of an archaeological relic that dates back to the 8th century BCE.
We’ll then visit the Great Synagogue and ancient Sioni Cathedral, which holds St. Nino’s cross — an important relic for Georgians. As we continue, we’ll also pass by the Spiritual Seminary where Stalin studied, reminding us of Georgia’s Soviet past.
Along the way, we’ll stop to visit a basement bakery, where you can see how Georgians make traditional bread in a tone (a deep, circular clay oven), and stop in at a local carpet shop where you can learn about the styles and traditions of carpet-making.
Your Tbilisi tour will then lead you to an underground winery, where you’ll get to taste different kinds of Georgian wines, fermented using 8,000-year-old traditions.
Finally, we’ll arrive at Freedom Square and walk down Pushkini Street, passing by the ruins of the city’s ancient fortress. We’ll then arrive at Anchiskhati Church, the oldest church in Tbilisi.
We’ll finish it all off with a delicious vegetarian lunch at a cozy, charming café.
Additional Information
Please wear comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing on foot. While visiting the churches, women are requested to cover their hair and wear either long dresses or long trousers. Shoulders need to be covered. Men are requested to take off their hats and to wear long pants.
Participant restrictions
Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
Policies
Cancellation: 2 days prior 100% penalty. No show 100% penalty.
Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.
**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**