Bordering Turkey to the northeast, Georgia is a country with a distinct national identity, a rich and well-preserved history and an astonishing variety of landscapes - from the subtropical shores of the Black Sea to the permanently ice-capped peaks of the Caucasus mountains, which soar to heights of over 5,000 metres. In 2023, our managing director, Ghislain, was asked to put together a tour of Georgia for a private group, and he was so taken - not just by the country's wide range of attractions but also by the warmth and hospitality of her people - that we have decided to make the following itinerary available to inquisitive Cachet clients who wish to explore the country whilst it remains largely undiscovered by international tourists.
Itinerary
- Day 1; 28 August: ARRIVAL ISTANBUL
- Flight from the UK to Istanbul and transfer to Hotel Celal Sultan in the Sultanahmet area, overnight on B&B basis.
- Day 2; 29 August: ISTANBUL TO TBILISI
- After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport for our flight to Tbilisi, departs 13:15, arrives 16:35.
Transfer to your hotel in central Tbilisi and remainder of the day at leaisure. Overnight accommodation in Tbilisi. - Day 3; 30 August: TBILISI - MTSHKETA - JVARI
- Today, we explore Georgia's capital Tbilisi and the surrounding area, starting with a 3-hour tour of the Old Town, before visiting the striking "Chronicals of Georgia" monument,
the country's ancient capital Mtskheta and the imposing hilltop Jvari Monastery, which was built in the sixth century and has survived to the present day virtually unchanged.
Overnight accommodation in Tbilisi. - Day 4; 31 August: KAKHETI
- Today we will visit one of the most delicious regions of Georgia – the wine region of Kakheti. Georgia's wine tradition is the oldest in the World known to date: archaeologists have dated it back 8,000 years.
We will cross Gombori Pass and our first stop will be Kbilashvili Winery and Qvevri Workshop. Qvevri are large clay vessels used to ferment, store and mature Georgian wine. UNESCO recognized qvevri as heritage not just of Georgia but of humanity – wine history is just that important! Here you can enjoy a tasting session of special chacha made in qvevri, watch a demonstration of how qvevri are made, and taste the winery's organic wines.
After a visit to another wine producer, Vaziani Winery, for further tastings, we proceed to Batonis Tsikhe. This complex comprises the Persian-style palace of King Erekle II (also known as Heraclius II) - one of Georgia’s last monarchs - as well as remains of a bathhouse and two church buildings. Around 65,000 exhibits can be found at the museum venue, where a gallery for temporary exhibitions was also established for displays of paintings from around the world, including works by 17th-19th century European artists. In the evening, we visit the home of a local winemaker for dinner with their family.
Overnight accommodation in Akhasheni. - Day 5; 1 September: KAKHETI - SIGNAGI - BODBE - DAVID GAREJI
- Morning visit to Signagi, one of Georgia's smallest towns, set in the heart of Georgia's wine-growing region and noted for its picturesque landscapes, pastel houses with wooden fretwork balconies, and narrow, cobblestone streets.
Located on a steep hill, this amazing town overlooks the vast Alazani Valley, with the Caucasus Mountains visible in the distance. The town is surrounded by the remnants of 18th-century fortifications stretching some 5 kilometers and containing 23 towers.
Just outside the town, Bodbe Convent is an important pilgrimage site due to the grave of St. Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity in the 4th century.
In the afternoon, we visit David Gareji, a monastery complex of rock-hewn caves and one of the most notable religious and cultural centers of Georgia, before returning to Tbilisi.
Overnight accommodation in Tbilisi. - Day 6; 2 September: DMANISI – DASHBASHI – POKA - VARDZIA
- A two-hour drive takes us to Dmanisi Archaeological Museum. Comprising a medieval town, archaeological layers of the Late Bronze Age and the Early Paleolithic monument of Dmanisi, the site came to prominence after archaeologists discovered fragments of 1.8 million-year-old human bones during archaeological excavations. The remains found in Dmanisi are considered to be the oldest European hominids.
From here, we proceed to the Dashbashi Canyon, spanned by a 240-metre long glass bridge with a diamond-shaped bar-restaurant in its centre, suspended some 280 metres above the canyon, and thus offering spectacular views. We will pass Lake Paravani, a lake of volcanic origin at 2,073 m above sea level) on our way to Poka, a nunnery known for its delicious and organic handmade products, including chocolates and French-style cheeses, that can be purchased in the on-site gift shop.
Overnight accommodation in Vardzia. - Day 7; 3 September: VARDZIA – RABATI - BORJOMI
- After breakfast, we visit Vardzia, a vast monastery complex of caves carved in the 11th century rock, which comprised hundreds of monks' chambers, a throne room, a church, wine cellars and an irrigation system on 13 floors, capable of accommodating up to 20,000 people.
In the afternoon, we visit Rabati, a huge fortified complex comprising the 14th-century Sargis Jakeli Castle, a late-medieval Fortress Church, an 18th-century Palace and the Church of Saint Marine from 1865 with built-in relief works, as well as a Mosque, various courtyards, fountains, residential areas, defensive and watch towers, restaurant, visitor center, open area theater for events and concerts and history museum.
From here, we continue to the spa town of Borjomi, famed for its mineral waters, where you will have time to enjoy Borjomi Central Park and taste the local spring water.
Overnight accommodation in Borjomi. - Day 8; 4 September: BORJOMI - OKATSE CANYON – KINCHA WATERFALL
- Today we are heading to Kutaisi district to see local natural wonders.
Okatse Canyon, one of the most picturesque sights in the Kutaisi area, was previously a little-known, hard-to-reach place, but the site has recently been developed and a narrow, 1-km long suspension bridge was built over the gorge, which ends at a viewing platform that offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding nature.
We then proceed to Kincha waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls of Georgia.
Free evening in Kutaisi.
Overnight accommodation in Kutaisi. - Day 9; 5 September: GELATI - SATAPLIA CAVES - MARTVILI - BATUMI
- In the morning, we visit Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in 1106 in the west of Georgia, this monastery is a masterpiece of the Golden Age of medieval Georgia, a period of political strength and economic growth between the 11th and 13th centuries. It is characterized by the facades of smoothly hewn large blocks, balanced proportions and blind arches for exterior decoration. One of the largest medieval Orthodox monasteries, it was also a centre of science and education and the Academy it housed was one of the most important centres of culture in ancient Georgia.
From here, we continue to the impressive stalagnite caves of Sataplia and the deep canyon of Martvili before reaching the Black Sea port of Batumi. After time to settle in, we meet for a night-time tour of this bustling port city to appreciate the striking contrast between its historic Old Town and its modern, lit-up skyscrapers.
Overnight accommodation in Batumi. - Day 10; 6 September: BATUMI ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM – MACHAKHELA VALLEY
- We will start this day by visiting Batumi Archaeological Museum, one of the oldest museums in Georgia. The museum displays artifacts from the stone, bronze and iron ages as well as ancient, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and late medieval periods, which were mainly found in South-West Georgia (Kobuleti, Gzurauri, Pishvnari, Tsikhisdziri, Batumitsikhe, Gonio-Apsaros, Achariskali valley, etc.).
In the afternoon, we set off on an amazing tour to the Adjara mountains and Machakhela valley. Machakhela Gorge is a historical monument located on the border with Turkey, boasting areas of untouched nature, mountain rivers with suspension bridges, waterfalls, beautiful mountain slopes and the road, disappearing in the sky. At the end of tour you will enjoy dinner with a local family where you will have chance to watch children dancing Georgian national dances.
Return to Batumi for overnight accommodation. - Day 11; 7 September: BATUMI TO FARALYA, TURKEY
- After breakfast, transfer to Batumi Airport for our flight to South-West Turkey:
Depart Batumi 10:35, arrive Istanbul 11:45, depart Istanbul 13:55, arrive Dalaman 15:25.
Transfer to Mandarin & Mango Boutique Hotel for our stay on Turkey's beautiful Turquoise Coast. Accommodation on half board basis.
(Those wishing to join only the Georgia tour without the stay in Turkey can connect through Istanbul Airport to fly back to the UK). - Days 12-17; 8 - 13 September: FARALYA, TURKEY
- During our week-long stay at Mandarin & Mango Boutique Hotel, those keen to explore further can visit nearby achaeological sites such as Cadyanda, Pinara, Tlos or Patara or the atmospheric ghost village of Kayakoy. Other optional activities include hiking in the surrounding countryside, paragliding off the summit of Mount Babadag, scuba-diving from the popular beach resort of Oludeniz or indulging in some retail therapy in the bustling market town of Fethiye. But perhaps most importantly, Mandarin & Mango's peaceful location and beautiful gardens provide the perfect setting for some well-deserved rest and relaxation at the end of our trip!
Accommodation at Mandarin & Mango on half board basis. - Day 18; 14 September
- Transfer to Dalaman Airport for your flight back to the UK.
Price includes:
- Scheduled flights from Heathrow or Gatwick to Tbilisi via Istanbul with stop-over, from Batumi via Istanbul to Dalaman, and return to the UK from Dalaman. Regional departures on request and at a supplement.
- 17 nights accommodation in boutique-style hotels: 1 night on B&B basis at Hotel Celal Sultan in Istanbul, 9 nights on B&B basis at various locations in Georgia as per the itinerary, and 7 nights on half-board basis (dinner, breakfast plus complimentary 5 o'clock tea and cakes) at Mandarin & Mango Boutique Hotel in Faralya.
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure in Istanbul, Georgia (Tbilisi/Batumi) and Dalaman.
- English speaking guide and driver and tour organizer throughout the tour in Georgia.
- Two special dinners in Georgia: at local winemaker's home on Day 4 and in Adjara Mountains on Day 10.
Not included:
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites/museum etc (approx. £80 in total).
- Any tips/gratuities to guide/interpreter, driver, baggage handlers, housekeepers.
- Lunches and dinners where not mentioned.
- Drinks during lunch and dinner.
- Any optional activities or excursions during your stay in Faralya.
Extend or shorten your holiday:
For those keen to have more time to explore Istanbul at the beginning of the holiday, we can arrange flights to Istanbul a few days earlier with additional accommodation at the Celal Sultan Hotel.
Those with less time on their hands can shorten the stay at Mandarin & Mango in Turkey and fly back from Dalaman a few days earlier, or cut out the Turquoise Coast section entirely by connecting from Batumi via Istanbul to the UK on 7 September. Please contact us for a quote for these or any other variations you may be interested in.
To book, please call us on 020 8847 8700 or contact us by email.