Our eye-opening tour of the highlights of Georgia explores the fascinating current and ancient capitals of Tbilisi and Mtskheta, dramatic mountain scenery along the renowned Georgian Military Road, ancient citadels and churches in breathtaking locations, the unbelievable cave-city of Vardzia, the fruitful Kakheti wine region where ancient techniques are still used with modern methods, and so much more. Just over half the size of England, tiny Georgia boasts millennia of fascinating history, legacies of powerful civilisations from two continents, and spectacular landscapes certain to inspire wonder in even the most seasoned travellers.
Georgia has often been at the vanguard of world history yet remains little-known to modern-day travellers. Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it played an important role as a stop along the ancient Silk Road. It is bordered to the west by the depths of the inky Black Sea, and to the north and south by the sky-piercing Caucasus mountains, which dramatically define the landscape and serve as natural boundaries with Russia, Turkey and Armenia. With eternal snow and glittering glaciers, the highest peaks stay silver-white year-round and shield much of the country from the harsh cold. For more than 8,000 years, the fertile valleys have been devoted to viticulture, perhaps making this the birthplace of wine.
Georgians proudly call their country ‘Sakartvelo’, land of Kartvelians, which became one of the first kingdoms to embrace Christianity – its unique alphabet was created to help evangelise the people. The land has inspired myths and legends, such as Jason and the Golden Fleece, and Amirani the Georgian Prometheus was chained in a cave in the Caucasus after stealing fire from the gods. The medieval epic poem, ‘The Knight in the Panther’s Skin’, was inspired by Georgia’s first female ruler, Queen Tamar the Great, who expanded the kingdom’s influence to what is now modern-day Iran and eastern Turkey. Throughout the centuries, successive invasions by Mongol, Ottoman and Iranian armies caused the kingdom to fragment. At the end of the 18th century, an alliance with the Russian Empire marked the start of Russian influence till the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Despite these past conflicts, Georgia has upheld a long history of religious harmony, with groups of different faiths living together peacefully for centuries. Ancient pagan temples, Catholic cathedrals and remote monasteries can be found along with incredible Orthodox churches, mosques and synagogues.
Every bit a revelation is Georgian cuisine and Russia’s beloved father of literature, Pushkin, was said to have enthused: ‘Every Georgian dish is a poem’. Every family is said to have their own recipe for the pleated ‘khinkali’ or soup-filled dumplings. Then there are the flaky flatbreads stuffed with cheese or vegetables, an array of salads and vegetable dishes, and ‘mtsvadi’ skewers of meat – all flavoured by the east and the west. Georgians delight in their culinary traditions and eating seasonally, making the most of local ingredients.
Along the way you’ll encounter the welcoming Georgians – rightfully proud of their culture and heritage, they are disarmingly hospitable to guests whom they genuinely consider to be blessings. Here, this saying couldn’t be truer: enter as strangers, leave as friends.
The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability the relevant supplement. The price includes:
* Due to flight times, arrival will be in the early hours of day two.
Fact File
Visa Information
UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Georgia however must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/georgia/entry-requirements
We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.
Mobility
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitabilty of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found here.
Connecting Flights
Please contact us if you would like timings and/or further information on the connecting flights. All flight details will be listed in your booking confirmation.
All transfer times listed here are approximate, and dependent on traffic. If you have a question regarding transfer times please don't hesitate to contact us.
Airport | Hotel location | Transfer time |
---|---|---|
Tbilisi Airport | Tbilisi | 35 mins |
A holiday to mark a special occasion or the trip of a lifetime with family and friends, our tours by private car will take you on a voyage of discovery to the world’s most exciting destinations.
A unique travel experience - the same carefully crafted itinerary as our main tours and the same hand-picked hotels, the difference is in the depth of personalisation - this is what makes our private tours so special
Travel by private car with your own personal driver and local guide - inspiring local insights will bring your holiday to life.
More space at your own pace – wake early for sunrise or enjoy a leisurely start to your day, linger to take in an amazing view or indulge in a relaxing afternoon by the pool - the choice really is yours
Affordable exclusivity – prices for our private tours are based on just two people travelling, and best of all your holiday of a lifetime could cost less than you think
*Deposit for Private Tours is £500 per person.
Enjoy more space, time and flexibility with less than 25 people in your group.
All of UK & European tours currently on sale will be small group experiences with no more than 25 guests and social distancing in place.
Applies to new bookings only, made after 20 December 2020.