About this experience
In Kakheti, you will encounter a very Georgian Georgia! This region warmly welcomes guests with mountainous landscapes, the aroma of bread, ancient monasteries, and the finest wine. Immerse yourself in the past of Kakheti and learn about Christianity in the eastern part of the country in the ancient fortresses of Gremi and Ujarma, the Shuamta Monastery, and the regional capital Telavi. The journey will certainly be delicious, featuring lunch in the cozy courtyard of the Shumi winery and culinary workshops hosted by the locals.
What to Expect
Ancient Shuamta Monastery and the Old Fort of Ujarma
Scenic journey in the 'company' of the Caucasus Mountains will lead you to the 9th-century Ujarma Fortress, whose walls remember the life of the outstanding King Vakhtang Gorgasali. You will learn about the treasures found here and about Christianity in eastern Georgia. An hour's drive from the fortress, you will visit the Old Shuamta Monastery, standing since the 5th century in a clearing amidst the Telavi forest, with special attention to the church replica of the Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta.
Two Capitals of Kakheti and Its Main Flavor
In the ancient Telavi, I will tell you about its role on the caravan route from the Middle East to Europe and the city's historical connection to the entire Kakheti region. You will see the fortress walls of the Irakli II Palace and make a wish by the 800-year-old plane tree.
🍷 Stories of Telavi will be followed by gastronomic discoveries - wine tasting and lunch in the company of Shumi, known for its variety of vineyards. Here, in a cozy, almost homely courtyard, you will taste two types of wine and learn about the principles of Georgian winemaking at the museum.
In the second part of the tour, we will head to the medieval capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti, Gremi, of which only one fortress remains. The monumental and somewhat gloomy stone castle rises above the Alazani Valley and preserves stories of a wealthy trading city.
Georgian Cuisine Workshops in the Company of the Locals
To experience true Georgian hospitality, you will visit the neighboring village of Eniseli, where, if desired, you can participate in making khinkali, khachapuri, shashlik, and churchkhela. You can also have lunch here: shashlik, greens, an assortment of pkhali, and the freshest Kakhetian bread will complement homemade wine and family chacha, while the head of the family reveals the secrets of Kakhetian viticulture.
Organizational Details
How the Tour Goes
- The excursion starts and ends in Tbilisi
- I or another guide from our team will conduct the tour for you
- Culinary workshops are held with a group of at least 3 people and upon the majority of travelers' desire
What is Included and What is Not
- Transportation expenses are included in the price
- Additional expenses: tasting at Shumi (about €3), lunch and workshops in Eniseli (€15 per person)
Elena
November 1, 2024
Everything is organized perfectly. The best organization ever: met on time, agreed in advance, and the tour was of the highest level. I will recommend you. Thank you.
Tatyana
September 24, 2024
Wonderful guide Karina conducted the tour in a very engaging and comprehensive manner, from profound historical insights to answering even our silliest everyday questions about life in Georgia and Kakheti! The program is rich and flexible according to the guests' wishes!
Tatiana
April 28, 2024
I really liked everything, thank you very much
