Winding the Wine Road and cuisine

Georgia is a country that invented wine. Out of the 2000 varieties of vine grapes in the world, more than 500 are endemic to . The wine industry is flourishing again – producing over 100 sorts of wine.

For Georgians, wine is a blessed liquid, not only because of Georgia’s Christian roots, but from ancient times, Georgians were proud of their viniculture which stretches back to the early Iron Age.

Wine lovers can taste superior wines like Rkatsiteli, , Kindzmarauli, Mukuzani, Chinuri, Tavkveri and much, much more…

Program Detailed Itinerary

Day 1/ Arrive to Arrive to Tbilisi International Airport. Meet with the guide and driver from Explore Georgia Ltd. Transfer to hotel for overnight. (-/-/-)

Day 2/ Tbilisi Sightseeing Tour Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of Tbilisi. Known as a capital of Georgia from 5th century the city is extraordinary for its turbulent history, elegant and remarkable architecture, destroyed and restored through centuries but keeping entire style of Georgian orthodox religion and traditions. Walk through old city. Visit to Metekhi church dated to 13th century, Sulfur bathes, Sioni cathedral initially built in 7th century. Visit to Tbilisi National Museum housing exhibition of ancient Qvevri’s. *Optional lunch in local restaurant. After lunch drive to Sarajishvili brandy factory. Introduction and brief lecture about the technology of brandy making, followed by brandy tasting. Meeting with the wine experts, wine makers, representative of Georgian Wine Association in Vino Underground - special lectures, talk and discussions. Wine tasting. Welcome dinner in traditional Georgian city restaurant. Overnight in hotel. (B/-/D)

Day 3/ Tbilisi – – Morning drive to eastern Georgia to – the main wine growing region. Visit to Schuchmann winery. Excursion with the chief wine maker and lecture about the technology of wine making, following by wine tasting. Continue to Ikhalto former academy and monastery complex of 12th century, Alaverdi cathedral of 11th century and visit to local winery run by monks where you can taste one of the best Georgian wines and

Explore Georgia Ltd introduction about the tradition of Georgian wine making. Continue to Nafareuli village close to Alaverdi. Visit local “Twin’s wine cellar”, taste Qvevri wine and lunch in the winery. Continue to architectural complex dated 16th-17th centuries – former residence of Kakhetian kings. *Optional visit to Khareba winery in Kvareli. Explore tunnel cellars followed by wine tasting. The next stop at Kindzmarauli Wine factory. Greeting of the wine maker, excursion around and wine tasting. Evening arrival to 4* hotel in Kvareli, “Royal Batoni”. Dinner and overnight in hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 4/ Kvareli – Breakfast. Drive to Telavi – center of Kakheti province. Brief visit to the museum of Erekle II and local food market. Continue to Velistsikhe village. Visit Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking. Excursion, lecture about technologies of wine making and taste different sorts of wine. Continue to local family in Velistiskhe. Cooking master class of Georgian dishes – Churchkhela, bread, barbeque and lunch. After lunch drive to Signagi – royal town surrounded by the defiance wall with 23 towers built by the king Erekle II in 18th century. The town had many gates through which Georgia was connected to Europe and Asia by various trade routes. Stroll through tiny and cozy streets and enjoy amazing view of Valley. Visit to local winery “Pheasant’s Tears”. Wine tasting and dinner with traditional Georgian singing. Overnight in local guesthouse. (B/L/D)

Day 5/ Signagi – Chardakhi – Mukhrani – Tbilisi Morning drive to Inner Kartli province. Visit to Chateau Mukhrani, former palace of Mukhran – Batoni Prince. Explore the site, factory, wine cellars, lecture about wine making and wine tasting. Continue to the village Chardakhi, Iagos’ winery. Your will be met the owner, winemaker for introduction and wine and Chacha – local grappa – tasting. *Optional lunch in the winery. Trip continues to – former capital of western Georgia via Gori – famous for being a birthplace of J.Stalin. Drive back to Tbilisi. Farewell dinner in traditional Georgian city restaurant. Overnight in hotel. (B/-/D)

Day 6/ Departure Transfer to Tbilisi International Airport 2 hours before departure flight. (-/-/-)

Package Includes: Transportation: Comfortable minibus will be provided from Explore Georgia Ltd Accommodation: Tbilisi – (4 nights) / at the best available 3* boutique style hotel “City”; Kvareli – (1 night) / at the best available 4* boutique style hotel “Royal Batoni”; Signagi – (1 night) / at local guesthouse. Clean and nice rooms with shared facilities; Kutaisi – (1 night) / at local guesthouse. Clean and nice rooms with shared facilities; – (2 nights) / at the best available 4* hotel “Tetnuldi”; Meals: As listed per day by day program – FB

Explore Georgia Ltd B-breakfast X 8; L-lunch X 4; D-dinner X 5; Explore Leader: German speaking guide from Explore Georgia Ltd Entrance fees & local guides where necessary Wine tasting in local wineries and wine cellars, factories – as listed 4WD minivans (6 persons per minivan) for ; 1 Tour Leader is free of charge 1 bottle is still mineral water per person per day Georgian folk performance in restaurants in Tbilisi and in Signagi Cooking master class in Velistiskhe; All transfers as per the itinerary

Package Excludes: Airfares, alcoholic beverages, single room supplement, meals not on the program, items not listed above.

Practical Information: Season: The best season for this tour is from May until the end of October Visa Information: NO VISA is required for travelers from European countries. Food and Drink: There are plenty of pubs and restaurants in Tbilisi with traditional and European cuisine in some of the remoter places in countryside meals can be provided at simple local restaurants – though these often provide the best food. Clothing: Pack essentially for hot conditions. Weather is changeable in the north and mountains; it may be cool especially at night. Bring warmer jacket/fleece. Raingear is essential all the times. For visiting churches it is recommended to wear long skirts and trousers. Footwear: Comfortable shoes for visiting sites and hilly towns; Sandals, lightweight walking/trail boots for day walks. Equipment: Torch, sunhat, sunglasses, sun cream. Tap water: Safe to drink in most of the areas, spring water in mountains is even safer. Bottled mineral or carbonated or still water is a good alternative to tap water which is obtainable in the cities; Personal Expenses: You’ll also need some extra money to cover the meals not included in the tour price. Optional sightseeing, souvenirs, and items of a personal nature as a laundry. Cash is the preferred method of payment in Georgia. Visa, Master card is not much expectable outside Tbilisi.

For more information and/or booking the trip, please contact us at: [email protected] www.exploregeorgia.com

Explore Georgia Ltd