Author's VIP Tour of Georgia "First Encounter"

So, you're venturing into Georgia for the first time, huh? What do you know about this captivating country?

• Georgians are renowned for their warm hospitality,
• The men are true romantics at heart,
• They drink wine like it's water, and trust me, it's some darn good wine,
• The polyphonic singing will leave you awestruck,
• Oh, and did I mention they've got both breathtaking mountains and stunning coastlines?
• That's just the tip of the iceberg!

The history of Georgia spans a staggering 1.8 million years! Ancient Georgian realms like Iberia and Colchis have intrigued people since the days of ancient Greece. Winemaking in Georgia traces back to around the 7th century BCE. Christianity became the official religion of Georgia in the 4th century AD. With over 5,000 monasteries and temples, Georgia is a true haven for spiritual seekers. Mtskheta, the ancient capital, has stood since at least the 3rd century BCE, while Tbilisi was founded in the 5th century. And let's not forget the countless ancient fortresses, mystical cave cities, and awe-inspiring monasteries, all set against a backdrop of rivers, lakes, mountains, deserts, and enchanting forests.

Now, pay close attention! To unravel the secrets of Georgia's beauty and charm, we don't believe in rigid itineraries. Our VIP tour is a tailor-made experience just for you! We'll ask you a multitude of questions, from your food preferences to how far you're willing to wander each day, from your favorite book to your go-to tunes, and even your age and relationship status. In return, you'll be treated to the perfect tour, like a bespoke suit crafted by a master tailor, designed exclusively for you. Your every wish, both spoken and unspoken, will come true! You'll see precisely what your heart desires—a personal rendezvous with Georgia!

We're certain that you and Georgia will hit it off splendidly!

All that's left is to make your booking and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Tour program:

✅ Day 1 - "Welcome"

You've arrived! Gamarjoba, dear guests! The hotel is ready for you. Let's settle in and take a leisurely stroll through the evening capital of Georgia - Tbilisi. As we wander the illuminated streets of the "Old Town," we gather for a "Welcome Dinner." We'll be together for the next two weeks, and let this meeting evolve into a warm friendship!

📌 Sulfur Baths District, Leghvtakhevi Waterfall, Metekhi Fortress, Rike Park, Dinner at "Shadow of Metekhi" restaurant, Hotel

✅ Day 2 - "Two Capitals"

Everyone knows that the capital of Georgia is Tbilisi! It's an ancient and beautiful city that has preserved its uniqueness and distinctiveness despite invasions, destruction, arson, and attempts at Sovietization. But not everyone knows that just a 15-minute drive from Tbilisi lies the first capital of the Georgian state, which was the capital as early as the 3rd century BCE! Well, everyone knows about Mtskheta near Tbilisi and that it's a must-visit, but not everyone knows that Mtskheta is older than Tbilisi, and Roman legions once stood by its walls...

We'll embark on a walking tour of Tbilisi, the Old Town, Mother Georgia, and many other interesting and delightful places. In the second half of the day, we'll head to Mtskheta to visit the Jvari Monastery, a masterpiece of Georgian architecture, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and the ancient Samtavro Monastery, which dates back to the adoption of Christianity by Georgia. And let's not forget about lunch at a restaurant by the Kura River and dinner in a courtyard restaurant.

📌 Mother Georgia, Narikala Fortress, Main Mosque, Meidan Bazaar, Synagogue, Armenian Church, Tbilisi Zion, Silver Streets, Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater, Soldier's Bazaar, Orbeliani Palace, Dry Bridge, Saarbrucken Square, "Armazi's Heoba" Restaurant, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Samtavro Women's Monastery, Shio-Mgvime Monastery, Jvari Monastery (sunset visit), Dinner, Hotel

✅ Day 3 - "Love and Wine"

After breakfast, we'll visit the city of love, Signagi, with a short walk along its fortress walls, the Park of Love, and the square that was once covered in roses. We'll also visit one of the holiest places in Georgia, the Bodbe Monastery, the final resting place of Saint Nino, the enlightener of Georgia. Afterward, we'll enjoy a splendid lunch at the Shumi Winery, complete with a tour and wine tasting, from white to red, with a brief stop for rosé and orange wines. The entire wine palette of Georgia - choose your color. Towards the end of the day, after exploring the Palace of Erekle II and the Ikalto Monastery, we'll return to Tbilisi for dinner and the hotel.

📌 Bodbe Monastery, Signagi Town, Fortress Walls, Park of Love, Million Scarlet Roses, Shumi House Winery, Rtveli (grape harvesting during the season), Churchkhela making, Wine tasting, lunch, Palace of Erekle II in Telavi, Ikalto Monastery, Gombori Forest and Pass, dinner, hotel

✅ Day 4 - "Legends of Shida Kartli"

On the fourth day of the tour, we'll explore the legend of the royal stableman who became a powerful prince, courtier, and founder of a noble family that lasted until the dissolution of the Russian Empire. We'll start the day with the Skhvilo Fortress, which proudly overlooks the Trans-Georgian Highway from east to west. We'll then take a walk through the ancient castle and estate, marvel at the grandeur and amazing stone carvings of the Ascension Cathedral in Samtavisi, and visit the legendary Surami Fortress. After lunch in the Borjomi Gorge, we'll visit the Urbnisi Monastery and explore the city of Gori, including the Cathedral and a stroll through the streets of the old town. To end our day, we'll have dinner with a winemaker-wizard who specializes in medicinal wines and liqueurs.

📌 Skhvilo Fortress, Samtavisi Monastery, Surami Fortress, Lunch at a restaurant, Urbnisi Monastery, Gori Cathedral, city walk, Nizhvisi Fortress, dinner with winemaker, hotel

✅ Day 5 - "Monasteries of the Wine Valley"

The fact that Georgia is the "Homeland of Wine" is undisputed by leading wine-producing countries such as France, Italy, and Spain. With 7,000 years of winemaking and viticulture, over 450 grape varieties grow in Georgia, with 70% of them found in Kakheti. The ancient Georgian academies of Gelati and Ikalto already studied viticulture and winemaking as sciences in the 11th century. We'll visit a wine museum, where we can witness the entire wine-making process from vineyards to the finished product and even taste it. We'll also admire the picturesque beauty of the fertile Alazani Valley and visit the grand monasteries of Kakheti - Alaverdi and Nekresi.

📌 Ujarma Fortress (passing by), Old and New Shuamta Monasteries, Alaverdi Monastery, Wine and Qvevri Museum, wine tasting, lunch, Pagan Sun Temple, Nekresi Monastery, dinner at Shua Kakheti restaurant, hotel

✅ Day 6 - "A Million Years BC"

Today, we will become archaeologists for a while. Our journey takes us to the village of Patara Dmanisi in Kvemo-Kartli. There, we'll find the Dmanisi Archaeological Museum-Reserve. This site features a medieval fortress, archaeological layers from the late Bronze Age, and a monument from the early Paleolithic era. The world learned about Dmanisi after archaeologists discovered human remains here dating back 1.8 million years. It was in Dmanisi that the first European, the Georgian Man, was found. However, there's more than just excavations awaiting us! Dmanisi was once one of the most powerful cities in the world, serving as a caravan route to the Far East. The city thrived in trade and crafts, with a functioning exchange shop, winemaking, oil and fabric production, and the creation of glazed ceramics. Its peak occurred in the 12th-13th centuries, but due to constant pillaging by invaders starting in the late 14th century, Dmanisi fell into decline and became an archaeological site by the 18th century. Additionally, we'll visit the 6th-century Dmanisi Sioni, remnants of the majestic Dmanisi Fortress, the Kvishi Fortress, enjoy lunch with a winemaker and tasting incredible wines, and have free time for a stroll and shopping in Tbilisi before our farewell dinner.

📌 Dmanisi Archaeological Site, Dmanisi Sioni, Dmanisi Fortress, Kvishi Fortress, Lunch with wine tasting in Bolnisi, free time in Tbilisi (souvenir shopping, optional guided shopping), farewell dinner at the "Old Mill" restaurant, hotel

✅ Day 7 - "Come Again!"

As you depart from Georgia, you leave with a deeper familiarity with the country. Leaving a piece of your heart behind, you take immense respect for this small nation and its proud people who have fought for their country and faith throughout the centuries. Have a safe journey, and please come back again!

📌 Departure preparations, depending on flight schedules, there may be a city walk, souvenir shopping, or free time. Transfer to the airport.
📌 The program of the last day may differ for participants departing from Kutaisi or Tbilisi airports.

❗️Don't forget to bring:

• Passport
• Backpack
• Non-slip footwear (preferably hiking boots)
• Windbreaker jacket
• Warm sweater
• Raincoat
• Buff/hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Personal hygiene items
• Individual first aid kit

❗️Tour rules:

1. The tour will be guided by knowledgeable guides.
2. All participants are required to follow the guide's instructions to ensure a safe, organized, and equally comfortable tour for everyone.
3. Participants are not allowed to arrive at the meeting point under the influence of alcohol. Those in such a state may be excluded from the tour at the guide's discretion.
4. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in the transportation vehicle during the journey is prohibited.
5. The use of headphones while walking is prohibited.
6. Let's keep the environment clean and refrain from picking flowers.
7. Pets are not allowed on the tour.
8. To avoid potential conflicts, we refrain from discussing topics such as a) politics, b) religion, and c) football during the hike.
9. In case of unforeseen circumstances, the guide reserves the right to change the tour route.
10. As a bonus, there will be photo and video sessions, drone footage, smiles, warmth, and our love.

❗️The indicated price is an average cost for a tour for two people. The final price is determined based on your requirements regarding the level of hotels, restaurants, and the number of people in the group. 
❗️If you have allergies to specific plants, animals, food products, or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance.