Christmas in Georgia

With group members arriving throughout the afternoon, evening and night, today is a 'free' day for you to arrive, be transferred to the start hotel, and to shake off any travel fatigue and get your bearings. Your adventure starts in earnest, tomorrow, after breakfast.If you are able to arrive earlier in the day, please feel free to ask us for guidance on how to spend this free day, where to eat and what to visit (or to try to save for the tour). We are on hand to help!

Today, we will explore Tbilisi and soak up the festive atmosphere.  Wander in the old districts of the city which are structured like terraces, as well as walking through winding streets admiring patterned balconies and wonderful samples of modern architecture. We will start the tour from Metekhi church built in the 13th century which boasts magnificent views of old Tbilisi. We will also enjoy a cable car trip up to the ancient Narikala Fortress, built in the 4th century and crucial for the capital’s former defence strategy. On the way enjoy panoramic views of the whole city. After exploring the fortress we will continue our tour into the historical domed sulphur bath quarter, where hot springs run under the ground. No trip to Georgia at Christmas would be complete without a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue. With huge festive lights and stalls selling traditional Georgian toys, gifts and food it is a worthy contender for a place in Europe’s best Christmas markets. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide and really get to know the rest of your group. The evening continues with a truly special experience - attending the Christmas Midnight Mass. We`ll see a lot of people standing before the altar, thousands of candles lit up and the choir singing a beautiful hymn in multipart harmony. After the service we will return to the hotel to wind down for the night. 

After breakfast, we will drive to the Kakheti region. This side of Georgia is considered the homeland of wine. However, apart from winemaking, Kakheti has a rich cultural history and has several monuments from different periods as well as beautiful and diverse nature. We will visit the fortified town Sighnaghi, which leaves a special impression with its beautiful streets and distinctive natural location. Walk along the cobbled streets with colourful houses and balconies, enjoy the amazing view of the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains and the vast valley of Alazani. Afterwards, visit Bodbe monastery, built in the 4th century, which holds the tomb of St. Nino, the Cappadocian maiden who converted Georgian people to Christianity as early as 337 AD. A visit to Kakheti is incomplete without a local family lunch to taste a variety of Georgian cuisine. The tradition of generously hosting guests is further intensified during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.  We will get into the pre-Christmas spirit helping the family prepare New Year’s sweets – Churchkhela and Gozinaki, made from honey and walnuts. We will also be able to try special homemade wine before visiting a Georgian traditional wine cellar. The host has a special passion for wine, which is reflected in the quality produced by him. Here we taste wine made in the traditional way using a Kvevri (clay vessel). This method of wine making is even inscribed in UNESCO intangible heritage list. After a day of delicious food and wine we will return to Tbilisi where the remainder is free for you to enjoy.

In the morning, drive to the historical town and the first capital of Georgia, Mtskheta. In Mtskheta, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jvari Monastery built in the 6th century and the beautiful Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. From Jvari Monastery there is an amazing panoramic view of the city at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Later, we will visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which is the largest surviving historical building in Georgia. Continue our adventure to the fabulous Chateau Mukhrani, the royal estate of Duke  Ivane Mukhranbatoni. During his travels to France, he learnt more about winemaking and on his return home he decided to start producing wonderful Georgian wines on his forefathers’ land. After visiting the cellar we will have lunch and taste the premium wines made by combining the traditional Georgian wine technology and the classic French method. Later we will return to Tbilisi where the remainder of the day is free to enjoy.

After breakfast we will take a train to the Western part of Georgia, Kutaisi. We will arrive in time for lunch at a local restaurant before driving to visit Gelati monastery, which dates back to the 12th century and used to be a complex of churches and educational centres. It was an academy in the 12th century, founded by King David the Builder, who is buried in the complex, as well. The main church of Gelati has fascinating 12th century frescoes and mosaics. We will then continue to Bagrati Cathedral, built in the 11th century. Both Gelati and Bagrati Cathedral are UNESCO World heritage sites. Georgia has a rich and vibrant traditional music genre, which is primarily known as arguably the earliest polyphonic tradition of the Christian world. It was recognized by UNESCO as a Human masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage in 2001. After the accession of Georgia to the Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible Heritage, Georgian polyphonic singing was inscribed on its Representative List in 2008. In the courtyard of the Bagrati Cathedral, with the background of the beautiful views, we will have the opportunity to listen to the ensemble, which will sing a traditional Georgian song for us, a truly memorable experience. Tonight we will stay in a hotel in Kutaisi.

In the morning, we drive to the Black Sea coast, Batumi, Georgia`s summer holiday capital. We will take a stroll along the pleasent Batum Boulevard, with its trees, paths, fountains, cafes, beach bars and some quirky attractions. On the Boulevard you`ll find a large Ferris wheel, the Alphabet Tower, a monument to Georgian script and culture, an ornamental lake which showcases the Dancing Fountains, an entertaining laser, music and water show. During the city tour we'll visit Europe square with its Astronomical clock and Medea statue. We will also visit Piazza Square, one of the most beautiful squares in the whole Georgia. Distinguished by its painting, as well as by its exquisite mosaics and stained glass windows, Piazza Square has become the venue of numerous entertaining and cultural events. Enjoy some free time here before returning to Kutaisi for the night.

In the morning, we drive to visit Uplistsikhe Cave Town which dates back to the 1st millennium BC. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three nave basilica church hewn out in rock and even an amphitheatre. Afterwards, we drive to Gori, which is the birthplace of Joseph Stalin and here we will visit his house and museum, stopping for lunch on our travels. In Kaspi we will visit a local wine cellar. This place is a great example of how the younger generation continues the tradition left by their ancestors. Here we will learn about the history of wine making and will taste the natural wines made from the unique grape varieties, that were on the verge of extinction, just a few years ago Finally, we will return to Tbilisi.

Today is a free day for you to enjoy Tbilisi sites and pick up any last minute souvenirs. Today is a wonderful opportunity to visit the thermal baths (speak to your guide!), browse the Christmas markets for a final time and try even more local delicious Georgian food. In the late afternoon, we will drive to a local family for a little cooking class and final dinner together. It will be last opportunity for you to sit at the local's table, share a delicious meal prepared with family recipes, and eat like a Georgian...

Today your adventure in Georgia comes to an end. It's time to return home, rejuvenated!