Georgia is located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia, known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty. This nation of 3.7 million is still untouched by mass tourism, making it a unique journey for travelers. Visitors can join one of the best tours of Georgia and discover the ancient cave cities of Uplistsikhe and Vardzia, medieval monasteries such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gelati, and churches like the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi.
The country’s landscapes are diverse too. They range from snow capped peaks – including one of the highest mountains in Europe, Mount Kazbegi – to lush subtropical regions. Opportunities abound for outdoor adventures including hiking, skiing and rafting. Georgia is also home to some fantastic local cuisine with the traditional dishes of khinkali (meat-filled dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) being a few of the favorites.
Furthermore, Georgia is the oldest wine-producing country in the world. Recently, archaeologists found a qvevri (wine vessel) dating back 8,000 years. When you combine these factors with a multicultural population, you have a destination unlike any other. The best way to experience this hidden gem is to book one of the best tours in Georgia with Georgian.travel, a company that has operated successfully since 2013.
Not only can Georgian Travel take you to the most authentic and spectacular parts of Georgia, but additionally they can incorporate other areas of the Caucasus into a comprehensive tour (Armenia and Azerbaijan being two examples of this). Their local knowledge is indispensable for tourists and it can transform an ordinary trip into an extraordinary one. With that in mind, here are 10 of the best tours in Georgia which they offer.
Best Tours in Georgia
1. Beautiful Georgia (from Kutaisi) – 5 Days
Beautiful Georgia is the perfect introduction to the country for those short on time. It kicks off in Kutaisi and Tbilisi with city tours. Tbilisi is a highlight for most travelers to Georgia and it’s easy to see why. Be spellbound by the capital as you visit Metekhi Church and Narikala Fortress, as well as seeing a folklore show at a traditional restaurant. The third and fourth days are all about the Kakheti wine region and the UNESCO-listed sites of Mtskheta.
2. Local Tastes of Georgia – 5 Days
Foodies will have a ball on Local Tastes of Georgia, as it’s centered around delicious cuisine. From dinner and a folklore show at a traditional restaurant in Tbilisi, to a lunch consisting of various dishes in Mtskheta, to a masterclass of making khinkali with meat and spices in Ananuri/Kazbegi – this tour will leave you hungry for more. Of course, sightseeing is included on the five days, with several impressive spots visited.
3. Caucasus Mountains and Black Sea from Tbilisi – 7 Days
This week-long adventure has it all. See the sights of Tbilisi, taste the wine of Kakheti, visit the Ananuri Fortress, marvel at the Darial Gorge at the base of Mount Kazbegi, explore the ancient rock-cut town of Uplistsikhe which dates back to the Iron Age, enjoy a tour of Kutais and spend a night in the Black Sea city of Batumi. As you travel from the Caucasus Mountains to the Black Sea, you will be able to soak in Georgia’s natural diversity.
4. Georgian Highlights with UNESCO Sites – 8 Days
Georgian Highlights starts at the usual hotspots like Kutaisi, Tbilisi and Kakheti but before you know it you are transported to the otherworldly sites that make Georgia such a fascinating country to visit. Gergeti Trinity Church is one of those places. The church is perched at 2,170 meters and sits beneath Mount Kazbegi. Photographers will fall in love with its setting. Another treasure on this tour is Vardzia, a cave monastery in the south.
5. Wine, Cooking & Caucasus Mountains – 8 Days
An eight day trip that focuses on three things Georgia is world-class in: wine, cooking and mountains. The tour begins in Tbilisi, and then heads to the Kakheti wine region for wine-tasting and a cooking class. The next day sees guests visit Mount Kazbegi with its majestic presence – before checking out the rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe and touring Kutaisi. The final activities are exploring Martvili Canyon and visiting Jvari Monastery.
6. Shopping Tour in Georgia – 8 Days
Tbilisi and Batumi are the two shopping destinations selected on this eight day tour – both of which offer something different for customers. In Tbilisi, guests will be able to browse through the Gold Market in search of precious jewelry and sample leading Georgian cuisine at the Bazari Orbeliani. On the other hand, Batumi is home to dozens of boutique shops that sell Georgian fashion brands – some at cheap prices (in comparison to other countries).
7. Authentic Georgia with Trekking – 9 Days
Nature-lovers will be in heaven on Authentic Georgia with Trekking, run by the experts at Georgian Travel who can organize all of your shelters along the way. After a day in Tbilisi, the hike begins at Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park by taking on the four day St. Andrew Trail. This trail peaks at Sametskvareo Mountain before coming down into a beautiful gorge. Other stops on the tour are Mtskheta, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Sighnaghi.
8. Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan – 9 Days
Three countries in nine days might sound like a stretch but trust us: the team at Georgian Travel knows the Caucasus region like the back of their hands and can deliver a fun and smooth experience for all. Tbilisi is the start point where you base yourself for two nights and take day trips in and out of the city, before venturing to the Armenian capital of Yerevan. Then it’s back to Tbilisi for more excursions and after visiting Baku in Azerbaijan.
9. Highlights of Georgia & Armenia – 10 Days
Highlights of Georgia & Armenia gives you a more in-depth look at Armenia (in comparison to the tour above), while ticking off all the bucket list spots in Georgia too. For some context, you will be visiting Yerevan as well as the Geghard Monastery in Armenia. Back in Georgia, the national jewel of Khertvisi Fortress will also be on the itinerary – creating a tour that covers all the highlights, plus a few hidden gems that make your trip a special one.
10. Authentic Georgia (from Kutaisi) – 10 Days
For travelers who are looking to uncover the authentic side to Georgia, rather than just stopping by all of the tourist attractions, this is the experience for you. On the sixth day of Authentic Georgia, guests spend three nights in Mestia – a small town in the Caucasus Mountains which is bursting with medieval monuments and cultural significance. Highlights here include hiking to Hatsvali and visiting the quaint village of Ushguli.
