EXPLORE THE WINE ROUTE AND ENJOY DEVERSITY OF KAKHETI (Duration 3 days)
ITINERARY
Day 1: Tbilisi - David Gareji - Bodbe - Sighnaghi
In the morning representative of Travel Team Georgia will meet you at the hotel and take you to Kakheti region. Kakheti is renowned as the most important center of viticulture, winemaking and one of the provinces richest in historical monuments.
First destination will be David Gareji Cave Monastery of 6th century, located in a beautiful landscape in the rocky semi desert in the southeast of Georgia. After visiting the cave monastery and enjoying views to the desert of rainbow mountains you will visit a local family winery for wine tasting and lunch.
After the pleasant lunch you will continue our way to Bodbe convent, the burial place of St.Nino who had played a big role for fast spreading of Christianity in Georgia in the 4th century. The view point to the Caucasus Mountains range and Alazani Valley are mesmerizing from the monastery garden. Later you will visit medieval town Sighnaghi to explore its local beautiful architectural houses and narrow cobbled streets. You will have a chance to walk on a historical wall dated from the 18th century surrounded the town.
Optional: Visit the local historical Museum of Niko Pirosmanashvili.
Sighnaghi is famous for it's wine bars and restaurants. You will have a possibility to try one of be best wine and enjoy delicious dinner there.
After pleasant dinner we will have a rest for the next day adventure in Sighnaghi
Day 2: Sighnaghi - Lagodekhi National Park
One of the best adventure option in Kakheti is visiting Lagodekhi National park and wander through its amazing trails. Lagodekhi National Park offers one of the most diverse experiences for hikers and adventurers looking in the Caucasus Mountains.
In the morning you will begin a new adventure. The sound of the river, the little waterfalls, huge stones, and cool breeze wandering through the valley make the trip both highly entertaining and adventurous. Take a few steps and magic scenery will spread in front of you – a 40 m long Ninoskhevi waterfall which is one of the most beautiful in Georgia. trail is around 8 km. both way, Difficulty: medium
You will enjoy picnic lunch by the waterfall.
After hiking in a beautiful nature, you will have a rest in a local guesthouse. In the evening you will enjoy wine tasting and a dinner.
overnight in Lagodekhi
Day 3: Lagodekhi - Telavi Farmer’s market - Tsinandali- Studio Qvevri maker- Ikalto - Alaverdi - Tbilisi
Winemaking in earthenware vessels (Kvevri) is an ancient Georgian tradition. The method has been recognized by UNESCO since 2013. A lot of Georgian winemakers use the Kvevri method, especially in the Kakheti region, which can be said to be the homeland of Georgian wine.
In the morning you will be driven toward Telavi, capital of the wine region. To explore local farmers life, you will visit farmers market. Here you can buy fresh fruits and traditional sweets.
Next, you will visit King Erekle's house museum, one of the most remarkable king in Kakheti and in history of Georgia.
Afrer Telavi, you will be driven towards Prince Chavchavadze's palace in Tsinandali - memorial house, a landscape garden, a historical winery and wine cellar In Tsinandali the wine was first bottled in Georgia. Chavchavadze’s collection of vintage wines consists of over 15 000 bottles, with the oldest dated with 1814.
Afterwards you will visit the studio of the Kvevri maker, where you will see the clay vessels, which have been created over centuries and is used in winemaking even nowadays. You will have a Kvevri wine tasting at the host family.
For lunch, you will visit young wine maker who originally comes from the mountain region Tusheti and makes the wine by Kakhetian method. You will taste Tushetian special dishes and his wines. Here you will have a possibility to have a cooking masterclass.
After lunch you will visit Ikalto Monastery, where the first wine academy existed in the 12th century and Alaverdi monastery, masterpiece of Georgian architecture from 11th century.
For dinner and overnight you will be driven towards Tbilisi through the Gombori mountain pass and enjoy its magnificent views.
Three hours before your flight, A representative of Travel Team Georgia will ensure your smooth transfer to Tbilisi International Airport for departure.
End of service