We will tell you about the most informative excursion programs in Tbilisi and its surroundings, the cost of visiting and where to order a tour.
Modern Georgian capital, Tbilisi, is a wonderful city that magically combines the spirit of centuries-old struggle and global architectural trends. Authenticity coexists with cosmopolitanism here. All the tours that start in Tbilisi (there are as many as 220 of them!) can be divided into two main groups: city tours and excursions to the surrounding areas.
Tours in the Georgian Capital
Tbilisi is often compared to St. Petersburg and Italian towns at the same time. Only here you can find the amazing symbiosis of courtyards and wells that is familiar to the Russian northern capital, and the never-ending colorful songs. The spirit of ancient Eastern history intertwines with the modern and cosmopolitan influences of the West. Walking and car tours in Tbilisi include the following programs:
Getting to know the courtyards where families still live and treat guests with freshly baked bread and aromatic coffee.
Exploring the Old Town - Leselidze Street.
Visiting the holy sites: the Catholic Cathedral, Sameba Cathedral, and Jvaris Mama Church.
Exploring the Persian past at the Narikala Fortress and the Abanotubani quarter.
Taking a walk on the Bridge of Peace and in Rike Park.
Visiting the best sulfur baths in the country.
Learning about the Golden Age of Georgia and its heritage.
Taking a photo with the statue of the pheasant, which symbolizes the beginning of the city's history.
Wine tasting in a local wine cellar.
Unlike a car tour, a walking route allows you to take a ride on the Tbilisi Cable Car and see the Georgian Pantheon and the amusement park located at the top. The observation deck accessible by the funicular is separate from the car road and is not accessible to those who prefer car tours.
Getting acquainted with Georgia should start with Tbilisi, if only because it is here that tourists will learn the signature words without which a traditional toast is impossible. And a city tour is also an opportunity to combine gastronomic delights (wine tasting, churchkhela, pastries) with cultural experiences.
Cost of the tour
Children up to 10 years old can join the Tbilisi tour for free.
The cost of a walking tour for adults is around 25-40 EUR, depending on the duration of the route and the number of people in the group.
An car tour will cost around 100 EUR.
It's worth keeping an eye on discounts - sometimes guides post information about their "sale" days on special websites. During such periods, discounts can reach 50%, and then, with a small group of at least 3 people, a city tour will cost each person 10-15 EUR.
Excursions from Tbilisi
Mtskheta - the Heart of Georgia
The spiritual capital of Georgia attracts not only tourists interested in cultural landmarks but also Orthodox pilgrims. The city is often referred to as the second Jerusalem due to its incredibly high concentration of significant religious sites. Even along the Georgian Military Road, which leads to Mtskheta, there are many Christian holy places. The main highlights of this ancient city include the following churches:
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Samtavro Church, located in the heart of Mtskheta. Both churches are famous for being the coronation and burial sites of numerous Georgian kings. Some royal remains are still preserved in Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
The women's monastery located near Samtavro Church.
Jvari Monastery, situated on a hill overlooking the spiritual capital of Georgia. The monastery is located in the valley of the Kura and Aragvi rivers and is known for housing the first cross in the history of the country.
The Shio-Mgvime or Kvatakheli Monasteries can be visited upon request. Exploring these monastery complexes adds an additional 3 hours to the excursion time.
During the visit to Mtskheta, tourists will learn that the city was founded by St. Nino, who also crafted the first slightly curved cross from a grapevine here.
The visit to Mtskheta is suitable for both adults and children over 10 years old.
Cost of the tour
The price of the excursion for a small group (1-6 people) will be around 100 EUR. A group tour will be approximately half the price for each tourist.
Kakheti
Kakheti is an excellent option for lovers of alcohol. However, it is not recommended to bring children along on this excursion. Otherwise, the tour is relatively easy and suitable for tourists of all ages.
During the visit to the Kakheti region (including the famous Alazani Valley), tourists will have the opportunity to:
learn that when Georgians enter someone's home, they first inquire about the health of the local grapevines before asking about the host's well-being;
visit the residence of the Kakheti kings and the estate of Alexander Chavchavadze;
see the Kakheti Nekresi Monastery;
take a few photos near the local wedding palace;
hear that Kakheti is home to over 550 grape varieties;
visit several wine cellars, such as Kvareli and Telavi;
take a leisurely stroll through the town of love, Sighnaghi;
choose their favorite wine.
Tourists will also be fascinated to learn that the famous artist Niko Pirosmani lived in Kakheti. His unrequited love was the inspiration behind Alla Pugacheva's song "Million Scarlet Roses".
Cost of the tour
A group tour allows exploration of Kakheti for up to 18 people at a rate of 25 EUR per person. A small group tour (1-6 people) costs 100 EUR per participant.
Military-Georgian Road
The famous route, celebrated in poems and songs, leads from Tbilisi almost to the border with Russia, to the peaks of Kazbegi. During the journey, picturesque landscapes of green mountain riverbanks are replaced by the white summits of mountains. The trip along the Military-Georgian Road includes the following attractions:
Zhinvaleskoye Reservoir, known for its unique turquoise water;
Ananuri Fortress, built in the 16th century. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the watchtowers and swim in the nearby lake;
Hinkali tasting, the traditional Georgian dish, in the village of Pasanauri;
a walk along the Cross Pass. Here, guides make a short stop for visitors to admire the views of the Gudauri ski resort;
exploring the foothills of Kazbegi, where a small and cozy town is located. Those interested can visit the Gergeti Trinity Church built in the 14th century.
The excursion route is open from early spring until late autumn. In winter, the Cross Pass is not accessible to tourists. During the journey, which has a total length of 330 km, two meals are provided.
Cost of the tour
It is better to explore the Military-Georgian Road without young children, as the trip often lasts until midnight. For a group of up to 6 people, the cost of the route is 150 EUR.
Rabati Fortress and its Surroundings
The Rabati Fortress, also known as Akhaltsikhe Fortress, opens two parts to its guests - the upper and lower. It is unique in that it houses architectural monuments of two religions - Christianity and Islam.
Borjomi
If time does not allow for a longer stay in the city of Akhaltsikhe (where Rabati Fortress is located), you can explore the surrounding areas within 12 hours. The region is also home to the world-famous resort town of Borjomi, where you can:
try the famous mineral water;
take a dip in a pool filled with mineral water;
ride a Ferris wheel;
take a stroll in a natural park;
choose jewelry made of cloisonné enamel, known as minankari, as a gift for your loved ones;
enjoy a panoramic view of the city from a retro funicular cabin.
Cost of the tour
To reach the fortress from Tbilisi, a transfer service is available for 65 EUR for all participants of the excursion. The maximum number of participants is 18 people. Individual tours to the Akhaltsikhe Fortress will cost one and a half times more.
Uplistsikhe and Vardzia - Cave Cities
For travelers, a must-see destination is the cave city of Uplistsikhe. This complex of structures carved into the mountain ridge is located not far from Gori - the birthplace of Stalin.
Unlike Uplistsikhe, Vardzia serves not only as a defensive structure but also as a cave monastery. In the early second millennium, Vardzia was founded by the father of the great queen of the Georgian people, Queen Tamar.
On the way to the hidden cave city of Vardzia, guides make a stop near the Fortress of Khertvisi.
Cost of the tour
The cost of an excursion tour from Tbilisi to Uplistsikhe and Vardzia will be around 200 EUR. The tour is recommended for adults and children over 5 years old.
Other Excursions from Tbilisi
Since Tbilisi is the modern capital of Georgia, you can reach any part of the country from there. The following excursion routes are popular:
Adjara, including the seaside resort of Batumi. In Batumi, you should visit the botanical garden, the Makhuntseti Waterfall, St. Andrew the First-Called, Batumi Boulevard, and the Queen Tamar Bridge. It is advantageous to stay in Batumi for at least a couple of days and thoroughly explore the surrounding areas.
Kutaisi with the nearby Martvili and Okatse Canyons, as well as the Sataplia and Prometheus Caves. From Kutaisi, it is convenient to visit the ancient monasteries of the region - Gelati and Motsameta.
Features of Guided Tours
Even for those who are used to traveling and exploring cities on their own, the assistance of a professional guide can be helpful in discovering Tbilisi. Despite the compact size of Georgia's capital, a couple of days may not be enough to fully explore its attractions.
Private tours for 1-4 people save significant time compared to group tours, as there is no need to wait at souvenir shops or endure long bus embarkations and disembarkations.
Many interesting places may not be immediately noticeable, and it is often through the guidance of a tour guide that tourists truly discover new places.
To ensure that the tour leaves a positive impression, it is advisable to book in advance through one of the dedicated websites. It is not recommended to hire local guides without recommendations.
Types of Tours
City Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing tours in Tbilisi can be either walking or by car. Depending on the type, the duration of the tour can range from 4 to 7 hours.
One of the most popular options is an exciting bus tour of Tbilisi, which is available at a price starting from 25 EUR per person on an 8-seater minibus.
Tours to the Surrounding Areas
Private Russian-speaking guides in Tbilisi offer unforgettable off-road tours to the city's outskirts, such as a trip to the town of Stepantsminda, where you can enjoy the view of Mount Kazbek. The cost starts from 290 EUR.
Customized Programs
For those who are tired of standard activities, customized tours in Tbilisi are perfect, such as historical, wine, or gastronomic tours. The cost for such tours starts from 150 EUR per person (excluding restaurant services and wine tasting).
Exploring Tbilisi should definitely start with a sightseeing walk around the city. Then, you can use the capital as a starting point for exploring the Military Georgian Road, Kakheti, Adjara, or Mtskheta. Fans of ancient ruins will also appreciate the cave cities and fortresses, which can be accessed from Tbilisi as well.
