Short Break in Georgia

Arrive in Tbilisi, Georgia's vibrant and atmospheric capital, where you will be meet at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel.

The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to settle into your surroundings and begin to appreciate the distinctive character of this fascinating city.

Tbilisi occupies a dramatic position in the Mtkvari River valley, where Europe and Asia meet, and its history has been shaped by Georgian, Persian, Russian, Armenian and other cultural influences. The result is a city of remarkable contrasts, with ancient churches and traditional houses standing alongside elegant 19th-century buildings and contemporary architecture.

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided sightseeing tour of Tbilisi, exploring the city's historic heart and discovering the remarkable layers of history that have shaped the Georgian capital.

Begin in the atmospheric Old Town, where narrow streets, traditional balconies and colourful façades climb the hillsides above the Mtkvari River. Visit the historic Metekhi Church, dramatically positioned above the river, before continuing to Abanotubani, the ancient sulphur-bath district from which Tbilisi takes its name.

Continue towards the Narikala Fortress, the city's great hilltop stronghold, from where there are impressive views across the Old Town, river and surrounding hills.

Returning to the historic centre, stroll through the atmospheric streets and browse some of the traditional carpet and souvenir shops. Visit Sioni Cathedral, an important Georgian Orthodox church with origins dating back many centuries, followed by the striking modern Bridge of Peace, which spans the Mtkvari River.

The sightseeing continues with Anchiskhati Basilica, one of the oldest surviving churches in Tbilisi, before visiting the National Museum of Georgia, home to important collections illustrating the country's rich archaeological and cultural heritage.

The tour concludes with Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue, the elegant main boulevard of Tbilisi and one of the city's principal cultural and civic thoroughfares.

The remainder of the evening is free to explore independently. Tbilisi has an excellent choice of restaurants, wine bars and cafés, making it an ideal city in which to experience Georgian cuisine and hospitality.

Please note: The National Museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays.

Today, leave Tbilisi behind and travel eastwards into Kakheti, Georgia's celebrated wine-growing region. The landscape gradually changes as the city gives way to vineyards, fertile valleys and the distant peaks of the Greater Caucasus.

Kakheti is particularly renowned for its ancient winemaking traditions, including the use of Qvevri, traditional earthenware vessels in which Georgian wine is fermented and matured. The region is also rich in historic churches, monasteries and small villages.

Our first destination is Sighnaghi, one of Georgia's most picturesque historic towns. Perched on a hillside overlooking the broad Alazani Valley, Sighnaghi is characterised by its narrow streets, colourful houses and defensive walls, with spectacular views towards the Caucasus Mountains.

Enjoy time to explore the town and take in the panoramic scenery before continuing through the vineyards to a local winery.

Here, discover more about Georgia's long-established wine-making traditions and enjoy a wine tasting, accompanied by a traditional Georgian lunch. This provides an opportunity not only to sample some of the country's distinctive wines but also to experience the importance of food, wine and hospitality within Georgian culture.

Continue to Alaverdi, home to the magnificent 11th-century Alaverdi Monastery and Cathedral. Rising dramatically above the surrounding vineyards, the cathedral is one of Kakheti's most impressive religious monuments and has played an important spiritual and cultural role in the region for centuries.

Later, return to Tbilisi through the changing landscapes of eastern Georgia.

After breakfast, travel a short distance north-west of Tbilisi to Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital and one of the country's most important spiritual and historic centres.

With a history stretching back thousands of years, Mtskheta was the capital of the ancient Georgian Kingdom of Iberia and became the place where Christianity was proclaimed the state religion of Georgia in the early 4th century. Its remarkable historic monuments are recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Continue to the hilltop Jvari Monastery, dating from the 6th century. Perched above the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, Jvari provides one of the most memorable views in the region, looking across the ancient town of Mtskheta and the surrounding countryside.

Return to the town itself to visit the magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of Georgia's most important religious buildings and a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture.

Allow time to wander through the atmospheric streets of Mtskheta and perhaps browse the local shops and stalls before returning to Tbilisi.

The afternoon and evening are at leisure, providing an opportunity to revisit one of the city's attractions, enjoy some independent exploration or relax at a local café or restaurant.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and transferring to Tbilisi International Airport for your onward flight.

Note – extra nights can be added on request and trips into the mountains for example.