Tbilisi – David Gareja – Signaghi, Kakheti
We will leave Tbilisi at about 9am so that we can make the most of the day and head due East for the David Gareja monastery complex (6th century) – cut into the rocks of the surrounding area. Those who are interested in a good hike can walk up to the Udabno Complex which takes about two hours but offers spectacular views into neighbouring Azerbaijan.
After our hike we will carry on to the main wine producing-province of Georgia, Kakheti, located in the East of Georgia passing through many villages and small towns which huddle along the western side of the flat, wide Alazani valley. On the way we’ll be a bit hungry by now and so we will try the fresh, warm, home-made bread and cheese and buffalo yoghurt (matsoni) along the way as a snack en route.
Kakheti region is rich in historical and architectural monuments, wine factories and smaller vineyards. The local people are some of the friendliest and most hospitable that you’ll find anywhere in Georgia.
Most low-rise homes have their own underground cellar and press their own grapes and you will have a chance to learn more about the wine-making process firsthand. We finish the day in the heart of the wine region, in the town of Sighnaghi: a Royal town from the18th century which was built by King Erekle II.
The town is surrounded by walls and has 23 towers at strategic points. After a long day the activities for the day culminate in wine tasting and dinner at our favourite boutique winery “Pheasant’s Tears”. We will stay the night in Sighnaghi.
Signaghi – Gurjaani – Kvareli- Signaghi
On our second day we will make a visit to the winery Shumi, in Ancient Georgia the word “shumi “ means genuine, undiluted wine. This winery also boasts the first wine museum in Georgia which we will also visit.
Then we will travel north to the wine tasting area of Kvareli where we will visit the Khareba winery – the wine here is stored in tunnels several kilometres long. These fascinating tunnels, which have formed an amazing if accidental cellar, were originally built in the Soviet period for military purposes and have since been bought by the Khareba Winery for the more peaceful aim of storing wine at a constant temperature. We will return to Signaghi in the evening for dinner with a local family.
Signaghi – Telavi – Tsinandali – Tbilisi
The next day we will leave Signaghi and make our way back to Tbilisi on a different route via the capital of the province of Kakheti, Telavi. We will visit King Erekle’s castle and enjoy its fantastic views before visiting the charming estate and museum of the famous Alexander Chavchavadze in the town of Tsinandali.
We will return to Tbilisi by early evening.
This is a sample tour taking in several of Kakheti’s historical sights as well as visiting selected wineries. The tour can be made longer or shorter and the exact locations we visit can be changed as well. Kakheti offers a variety of accommodation options from three, four or five-star hotels to hostels or home-stays.
Travel Eurasia can help you to create your own tour and contact us so that we can arrange your personal tour.
