The Cradle of Winemaking

The Cradle of Winemaking

Duration
9 days
Group Size
16 people
Price
From £1395
Region
Europe
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Overview

Georgia is one of the least known nations of Europe – in fact most people aren’t entirely sure whether it is actually in Europe. Hidden away and often eclipsed by its monumental neighbour it hides a wealth of diverse secrets.

This trip encompasses the cultural heart primarily through the medium of food and wine. First we spend time in atmospheric Tbilisi and marvel at the numerous and diverse cultures that have left their mark on this city, from Ancient Persia and Medieval European crusaders to Imperial Russia and Ottoman Turkey and explore its delightful old city. We then travel to the ancient wine region of Kakheti, arguably the original home of all viticulture and taste the exquisite wines produced there and enjoy excellent cuisine and even try your hand at cooking local dishes. We also will visit a number of fascinating historical sites on the tour including the magnificent 11th century Alaverdi Cathedral situated at the foot of the majestic High Caucasus range and surrounded by vineyards.

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed, B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
One glass of wine with mentioned lunches and dinners
Wine tasting where mentioned
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
International flights
Any airport taxes
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 2/5
Unexplored: 3/5
Culture: 4/5
History: 4/5
Wildlife: 1/5
Tour-pace: 3/5
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Map and Tour Itinerary

The Georgia Wine Tour is a 9-day small group journey that immerses travellers in Georgia’s rich winemaking heritage, exploring both the capital city of Tbilisi and the renowned Kakheti wine region. The adventure begins in Tbilisi, where participants can wander through the charming old town, experiencing the city’s diverse cultural influences. The tour then ventures into Kakheti, often referred to as the cradle of winemaking, to discover ancient traditions and sample exquisite local wines. Highlights include visits to historical sites such as the 11th-century Alaverdi Cathedral and the Ikalto Monastery, renowned for their architectural beauty and significance.

Throughout the journey, guests will engage in Georgian cooking masterclasses, learning to prepare traditional dishes that complement the region’s wines. The itinerary offers a blend of cultural exploration, culinary experiences, and historical insights, providing a comprehensive introduction to Georgia’s rich heritage. With a moderate fitness level rating of 2/5, the tour is accessible to most travellers seeking an enriching experience in one of Europe’s oldest wine regions.

Itinerary Highlights
Exploring Tbilisi's Old Town

Tbilisi’s old town offers a captivating blend of historic architecture, cobbled streets, and vibrant cultural influences, making it the perfect start to the journey.

Kakheti Wine Region

Kakheti is known as the cradle of winemaking, where travellers can experience centuries-old traditions, visit vineyards, and taste some of Georgia's finest wines.

Alaverdi Cathedral

The 11th-century Alaverdi Cathedral in Kakheti showcases stunning Georgian architecture and offers a glimpse into the country’s deep-rooted religious history.

Ikalto Monastery

This historic monastery is famous for its beautiful surroundings and significance in Georgia’s spiritual and cultural heritage, as well as its role in wine production.

Georgian Cooking Masterclass

Engage in a hands-on cooking experience, where travellers can learn to prepare traditional Georgian dishes that perfectly complement the wines of the region.

Dates and Prices

Tours & Dates
Destination Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing
Per person
Georgia – The Cradle of Wine Making

GWT/011025 Oct 01, 2025

Wednesday
Oct 09, 2025

Thursday
Guaranteed £1,395.00

Single Room Supplement: £210.00
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Georgia – The Cradle of Wine Making

GWT/100426 Apr 10, 2026

Friday
Apr 18, 2026

Saturday
Guaranteed £1,865.00

Single Room Supplement: £210.00
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Georgia – The Cradle of Wine Making

GWT/300926 Sep 30, 2026

Wednesday
Oct 08, 2026

Thursday
Guaranteed £1,865.00

Single Room Supplement: £210.00
Book Now

Interested in knowing more?

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Feedback from our Travellers

Essential Info

Foreign Office Travel Warnings

Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.

We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Georgia that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Visa Information

At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a tourist visit to Georgia. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.

British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html 

Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au

Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.

Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.

As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.

Passports

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Vaccinations & Protection

As with travel to most parts of Eastern Europe, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month you maybe advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent may also be recommended.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.

Local Conditions

When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.

The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.

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