Georgia New Year Tour

Arrive in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. You will be met by our driver for drop-off at the hotel, where check-in begins at noon. Have a rest, followed by a private walking tour of Old Tbilisi. Your tour begins at Metekhi Bridge and includes the following sites:

• Metekhi Church (13th century), guarded by a statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali.
• Cable car ride from Rike Park up to Narikala Fortress (4th century). Nearby stands the 20-meter-high statue of Kartlis Deda, also known as the Mother of Georgia.
• Old Tbilisi’s narrow winding streets, on which you’ll see the famous Jumah Mosque.
• Bridge of Lovers, situated near the cooling waters of the 22-meter-high Legvtakhevi Waterfall.
• Historic Abanotubani District, where you’ll pass by the famous Tbilisi Sulfur Baths.
• Jan Shardeni Street (Jean Chardin), an area filled with cozy coffee shops, wine tasting bars and souvenir stores.
• Sioni Cathedral (7th century), with a jaw-dropping interior of gold and turquoise frescoes.
• Leaning Clock Tower of Tbilisi, a cartoonish landmark next to the city’s famous Reza Gabriadze Puppet Theater.
• Anchiskhati Basilica Church (6th century), a Georgian Orthodox Cathedral and the oldest house of worship in Tbilisi.
• Bridge of Peace, which spans the Kura River into Rike Park.

Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Tour duration: 3-4 hours
Meals provided: none

Free day to continue exploring Tbilisi on your own. Enjoy the festive streets and holiday atmosphere of the city as it awaits the arrival of New Year. Visit the large New Year Tree and book your table at one of the best restaurants in Tbilisi. Stand among the crowds enjoying the spectacular fireworks show at midnight. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Meals provided: breakfast

Free time in the morning to rest up before your tour continues. In the afternoon, meet your driver and guide at your Tbilisi hotel and drive to Mtskheta (25km, 30min), ancient capital of Iberia and a holy pilgrimage site for most Georgians. Explore Mtskheta’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Jvari Orthodox Monastery (6th century), a unique remnant of the early Georgian church built at the top of a hill. The church overlooks the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi Rivers and amazes its visitors with simple yet beautiful facades.
• Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), where one of the holiest items of the orthodox Christian world - the seamless robe, or chiton, worn by Jesus Christ at crucifixion - is believed to be buried. Admire the stunning architecture and moving frescoes as you learn the various legends connected with the church.
• Samtavro Monastery (11th century), former center of the Georgian Orthodox Church and burial site of Queen Nana and King Mirian, who founded the monastery. The complex attracts many religious pilgrims and includes several churches, bell towers, frescoes and an active convent.
• Take a walk on the lovely streets of Mtskheta to admire the homes and balconies, or shop for Georgia’s famous national sweet, churchkhela.

Drive back to Tbilisi. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Meals provided: breakfast

In the morning, drive from Tbilisi to Georgia’s wine country, Kakheti Region, via Gombori Pass (95km, 1hr 30min). On the way, visit Akhali Shuamta Monastery Complex (5th and 16th centuries), site of two monasteries reflecting distinct architectural styles.
Continue driving to Telavi, capital of Kakheti Region, through picturesque rivers and valleys. Take a short walking tour through Telavi’s charming streets, stopping for photos with the 900-year-old Giant Plane Tree and a monument of Irakli II, king of Kakheti in the 18th century.
Drive to Tsinandali to tour the Tsinandali Estate, a historical complex which includes a lovely garden and the House Museum of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, the 19th century poet and stateman who developed the manor.
Enjoy lunch and wine tasting at the adjacent Shumi Georgian Winery and Museum, an ancient winery that produces exclusive wines and boasts of a unique collection of Georgian and European varieties. All wines are made according to traditional winemaking methods in centuries-old qvevri vessels.
Continue to Sighnaghi, a small Silk Road town in east Kakheti surrounded by 23 towers and defensive walls. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets of this outpost known locally as The City of Love.
In Sighnaghi, explore Bodbe Monastery Complex (9th century). Also known as St. George’s Monastery, it’s one of Georgia’s most significant religious sites, for St. Nino, credited with converting Georgia to Christianity in the 4th century, is believed to be buried here.
Return to Tbilisi (110km, 1hr 40min). Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Meals provided: breakfast, lunch and wine tasting

Free morning to pack up and prepare for your return flight home. Check out from the hotel by noon. Transfer to Tbilisi International Airport. End of the Georgia New Year Tour.
Meals provided: breakfast