The Heart of East Georgia

Day 0:

• arrival in Tbilisi in the late evening hours

 Day 1: Tbilisi Airport – Tbilisi Sightseeing (20 km)

• arrival in Tbilisi in the early morning hours, accommodation in the hotel, rest, breakfast at the hotel
• visiting the old town and the main monuments of the capital: Sioni Cathedral and the Anchiskhati Basilica – the oldest monastery in Tbilisi, entry by cable car to the Narikala fortress, from which there is a wonderful view of the city, walk to the waterfall located in the city center, in the sulfur baths district
• for those interested (optional) a visit to the famous Tbilisi sulfur baths, a visit to private baths with a sauna and hot health waters, massages and peeling
• dinner at a famous restaurant, combined with a show of traditional Georgian dances, return to the hotel for the night

 Day 2: Tbilisi – David Gareja – Signagi – Bodbe – Signagi (250 km)

• after breakfast, drive to the southern part of the country for a visit to the David Gareja complex of rock monasteries, carved as early as the 6th century, near the border with Azerbaijan
• snack break in Udabno at a local restaurant serving Swan cuisine specialties
• transfer to Signagi – a town with a 2.5-kilometer defensive wall, known for the oldest wine festival in Georgia, and the birthplace of painter Niko Pirosmani and singer Hamlet Gonashvili
• en route, visit Bodbe Monastery – the burial place of St. Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity
• dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight stay in Signagi

 Day 3: Signagi – Vashlovani National Park/Lagodekhi National Park/Eagle Canyon and Khornabuji Fortress – Signagi

• after breakfast, choose one of three optional tours:

1. Vashlovani National Park

• travel southeast towards Vashlovani National Park on the border with Azerbaijan
• registration at the Dedoplistskaro park office, shopping before continuing your journey
• safari in the Vashlovani National Park with a unique semi-desert climate and African landscape, drive through the Pantischara canyon
• picnic break
• off-road canyons, dried riverbeds, stops at viewpoints

2. Lagodechi National Park

• transfer to Lagodechi National Park located on the border with Russia and Azerbaijan
• shopping at a market full of local specialties
• about 5-6 hours trekking to the Gurgeniani waterfall
• picnic in nature with previously purchased products

3. Eagle Canyon and Khornabuji Fortress

• a trip to the Eagle Canyon to a viewpoint from which you can admire the area,
• transfer to Dedoplistskaro and shopping at the market full of local specialties
• transfer and walk to the Khornabuji fortress
• picnic in nature with previously purchased products
• return to Signagi, overnight stay

Day 4: Signagi – Gurjaani – Wine tour – Gremi – Supra – Signagi (160 km)

• after breakfast at the agritourism farm, departure to the Alazani Valley with a stop at the local one
• market in Gurjaani
• visit to the vineyard and museum in Numisi, Kindzmarauli wine factory, Khareba vineyard – a tunnel converted into a wine warehouse – tastings
• visiting the Gremi fortress, which was the capital of the kingdom of Kakheti until the 16th century and offers a beautiful view of the Alazani Valley
• organization of supra – a traditional Georgian feast at a friendly host’s vineyard, combined with tasting wines and local dishes, Georgian cuisine workshops (baking bread or making churchkhela)
• return to Signagi, free time, dinner and overnight stay

Day 5: Signagi – Ananuri – Gudauri/Stepantsminda (260 km)

• after breakfast, depart from Kakheti towards the famous Georgian Military Highway, connecting Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz
• individual meal break en route
• stop at Ananuri Fortress from the 17th century, beautifully located above the Zhinvali reservoir
• pause at a scenic viewpoint just before the Cross Pass (2395 m above sea level)
• transfer to Gudauri/Stepantsminda for dinner and overnight stay

 Day 6: Gudauri/Stepantsminda – Truso Valley – Tsminda Sameba – Gudauri/Stepantsminda (40 km)

• after breakfast, off-road trip to Truso Valley, known for its mineral springs, lakes, medieval watchtowers, Abano Monastery, and Zakagori Fortress
• walk in the valley, tasting mineral waters, and having a picnic with local shepherds while barbecuing
• visit Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi) and ascend to one of the most beautifully located monasteries in Georgia – Tsminda Sameba, located at an altitude of 2170 m at the foot of Mount Kazbek (5033 m)
• return to Gudauri/Stepantsminda for dinner and overnight stay

 Day 7: Gudauri/ Stepantsminda – Rafting – Mtskheta – Tbilisi (160 km)

• after breakfast, sightseeing around Tbilisi – the city of Mtskheta, which until the 5th century AD served as the capital; visiting the legendary temple of Svetitskhoveli, the place of coronation and final resting place of the rulers of Georgia; transfer to the Jvari Monastery located on the top of the hill,
• free time for shopping for souvenirs and a break for an individual meal
• optional rafting
• optional cable car ride to the Mtatsminda viewpoint
• farewell dinner, return to the hotel for overnight stay or rest before the flight

Day 8: Transfer to the airport

• transfer to the airport for departure.