A Taste of Georgia in Tbilisi & Kazbegi

DAY 1 Fly to Georgia

The flight from the UK to Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, takes approximately five-and-a-half hours, with a stop in Istanbul. When you land you'll be met by our representative on the ground before taking a private transfer to your hotel just a short drive away in the bustling city centre. Take the rest of the evening to relax in the comfort of your hotel and look forward to a day of sightseeing with your local guide tomorrow.

DAY 2 Tbilisi Sightseeing

This morning you will be met at your hotel by your expert guide for a private tour of this elegant and fascinating city. Tbilisi's dramatic setting deep in the Valley of the Mtkvari River promises an interesting architectural landscape, plus there's so much to see and enjoy with a vibrant arts scene and host of wonderful restaurants. Best discovered on foot, your morning will include strolling and soaking up the atmosphere with visits to the Metechi church and the old parts of the city, including the sulfur bathhouses and Sioni Cathedral. Your afternoon can be tailored to your interests; discuss with your guide what you want to focus on, whether it be the fantastic National Museum or one of the numerous art galleries on Rustavelli Avenue. For great views of the city head up to the highest point in the city - Mtatsminda Park - which is particularly lively with locals in the evenings. If you're looking to suss out a good wine bar make sure to let your guide know; Georgia has one of the oldest wine regions in the world and wine is their passion, your guide will have the inside track on the best spots in the city.

DAY 3 Head North to Mtskheta then on to Kazbegi

It's time to leave the bustling capital today in favour of the Georgian countryside. Your local guide and driver will meet you in the morning to privately transfer you up into the Highlands, first stopping in Mtskheta, the spiritual treasure of the country 45 minutes north of the capital. This pretty sixth century Jvari monastery sits on top of a hill with sweeping views of the valley all around. There is some good shopping to be had in Mtskheta and this is the place for souvenirs of all sorts, such as jewellery and handmade dolls as well as good wine. Ladies, need to wear a headscarf to cover thier heads before entering an Orthodox church in Georgia, however if you forget there are normally plenty of baskets with scarves at the entrance. Next stop is Lago's winery where you will learn about (and taste!) wine produced using qvevri (clay vessels buried underground). Enjoy a delicious lunch paired with his local organic tipples before driving north-east up the old Russian military highway towards Kazbegi, stopping at the Ananuri church complex to admire views of the deep blue lake below. The road continues to twist and wind up and up through a small ski resort before reaching the heavens that is the little town of Kazbegi, your base for the next four nights.

DAY 4 Hiking, Eating and Exploring in Kazbegi

Wake in the morning to fresh mountain air and a hearty Georgian breakfast before meeting up with your guide to start exploring the valley town of Kazbegi. While you wander, make sure you turn your heads to the beautiful surrounding mountains, in particular to catch a glimpse of the silhouette of the Gergeti Holy Trinity Church that sits on top of Mount Kazbeg overlooking the town. If you want to get a little more active, we suggest walking from your hotel down to the little town and up the other side to hike up to Gergeti church. The hike should take around three hours and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views; it's the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch so ensure your guide has a bottle of local red to enjoy. Depending on how fit you're feeling you may want to challenge yourself and take the alternative, steeper back route up to Gergeti church which brings you out onto the mountain top away from the main tourist trail with spectacular views of the church in front of you. In the afternoon, drive towards the Russian border and enjoy the stunning views of the dramatic Dariali Gorge on one side of the valley. Once you're done exploring, head back to your hotel to enjoy relax, take a swim and perhaps book in for a massage before dinner.

DAYS 5 & 6 Hike the Hills of the Kazbegi region

Over these two days you will be driven around the gorgeous surrounding valleys and mountains of the the Kazbegi area to do some walking accompanied by your local guide, taking a fresh picnic lunch each day. On one day, start with a drive along the wonderful, wide Sno Valley to arrive at the remote village of Juta, the highest in the region at over 7,200ft above sea level, where you can enjoy fantastic views (weather permitting) of Mount Chaukhebi - a mountain renowned for challenging even the most experienced climbers. On your second day exploring the area, you will hike along the Tergi River through the Truso Gorge, spotting ancient watchtowers and grazing cattle and sheep en route. We can arrange a kinkali cookery class. This is a great way to meet a local Georgian family and learn the art of making - and eating - kinkali, the hearty, traditional, regional dumpling. Riding and quad biking can be arranged in Kazbegi and in the winter months skiing is a very popular activity. Both days you will finish hiking in good time to be driven back to your hotel to enjoy this beautiful peaceful spot in the heavens.

DAY 7 Kazbegi to Tbilisi via Chateau Mukhrani

It's your last morning in the mountains so enjoy a relaxed start before winding your way back down the mountain road. You'll stop in at the wonderful Chateau Mukhrani winery for lunch and a wine tasting tour before heading back to Tbilisi for your last night in the capital. The chateau has been beautifully restored to its former glory and is a perfect spot for lunch and there are stables should you wish to go riding afterwards. Wine has been produced here since the 19th century when a royal family representative returned from France with the chateau winemaking concept; today the chateau stores some 60,000 barrels of wine. We also offer an option to hear some polyphonic singing while in Georgia. We can book tickets for a concert at the Tbilisi Concert Hall or even arrange a private group of singers to perform for you.

After a fun, wine-filled day, you'll make the journey back to Tbilisi to check into your city centre hotel. Enjoy your last night in this beautiful town - we can recommend any number of restaurants and bars for you to choose from.

DAY 8 Goodbye Georgia

The morning is free for you to relax and enjoy, or head out into the city for some last minute shopping before returning to the airport in time for your flight home in the afternoon to arrive back into the UK at night.