Culinary tour 1, for individual tourists

 

Arrival to Tbilisi. Meeting with the representatives of the agency. Hotel accommodation. Free time. Welcoming dinner in a restaurant. Overnight.

  

 

Breakfast. Tbilisi sightseeing tour. The capital of Georgia is unique. It is located on the several mountain hills, on which "creep" the old blocks. Tbilisi - is a beautiful river Kura with its picturesque rocky shores, that flows across the whole city. Tbilisi is one of the rare places in the world, where can peacefully exist in the Old Town orthodox church, catholic cathedra, synagogue and mosque. "Old Town" - is the historic center of Tbilisi, that is located at the root of Mtatsminda (Holy Mount) mountain. Almost all of the buildings of the Old Town are historical and cultural sites, this part of the city is round - the - clock full of life, here walk alone or in groups tourists, meet lovers near the Clock Tower. This amuzing Tower appeared here recently, built by the Puppet Theatre director Rezo Gabriadze. Here artists exhibit their paintings, artisans offer numerous souvenirs.
During the excursion, visit of: Mechetian Church ( V c.), Narikala fortress ( IV c.), Sioni Cathedral ( VI-VII c.), Anchiskhati Basilica of St Mary, the oldest surviving church, Synaxis of Saint Truinity of the temple complex of Tsminda Sameba - the main Cathedral of Georgian Orthodox Church. Walk at the Shota Rustaveli avenue.

Later, according to your request we offer to you an opportunity to visit sulphur bath houses (extra charge) in the district of Abanotubani. The place was visited and praised by Pushkin while he travelled in Georgia. Warmed in the heart of the mother earth, spring water gives you A rare feeling of comfort and relaxation charging you with new energy. Dinner. Overnight in the hotel.

  

 

Breakfast. Visit Mtskheta and ancient monastery – Jvari (VI c.). The church is located on the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy breathtaking view of ancient capital – Mtchketa, situated exactly at the conjunction of two rivers – Kura and Aragvi. Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (1010-1029), at the basement of which is buried one of the major Christian relics – Lords Tunic, brought in Georgian by Ellious, Jewish citizen of Mtskheta who witnessed crucifixion. This is the burial place of many of the Georgian kings too. Visit of Samtavro monastery, where the blackberry bush grows, flowers and fruits whole year round. St. Nino – the enlightener of IV century – lived and preached nearby. Christianity was declared as a state religion in 324 and this fact is closely connected to the name of Saint Nino who convinced King Mirian and Queen Nana to become devoted Christians. Wonderworking icon of Iberian Mother of God, wonderworking icon of St. Nino, grave of St. King Mirian and Queen Nana, hallows of St. Abibos Nekreseli, St. Shio Mgvimeli are located inside. Return to Tbilisi. Dinner at the national restaurant. Overnight.

 

Breakfast. Today visit to a private estate - Chateau Fort de Manavi.
First, passing through acquaintance with the history of the Manavi Fortress (XI century) and the Manavi Temple (XVIII century). The church was built in 1794 by the abbot of the monastery of John the Baptist from the monastery David Gareji - Ephraim. In the 17th century here was located the royal vineyards and the estate of Heraclius II. Stop in the pearl of Kakheti - a private estate "Chateau Fort de Manavi". In the program of the visit: an excursion to the Art Gallery, organized directly on the territory, where amazing works of local masters are presented; tasting of wines and chacha, produced according to traditional old Georgian technology directly in the marani "Chateau Fort de Manavi" from grapes grown in the estate's own vineyards. The highlight of the tasting will be "Manavi Green" - a wine made from a special grape variety that grows only in the area of the village of Manavi in Georgia. For a group of 8 people: an introductory course in Georgian cooking. On this day, you will learn how to cook dishes: Megrelian, Svan and Imeretian cuisine (khachapuri, minced meat in dough, eggplant with walnuts, chicken in walnut sauce). You will taste the prepared dishes with specially selected wines, accompanied by a master sommelier. Lunch.

Departure to Kakheti Region. On the way you will visit the monastery complex of St. George in Bodbe (village) and the burial site of St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia. The Holy spring of the monastery is the site of Christian pilgrimage. It is believed that bathing in the holy waters of the spring can heal different illnesses and make miserable people happy. The Bathing is recognized as particular importance and significance like the rite of Christian sacrament. Excursion to the “town of everlasting love” Sighnaghi. The city is located at the top of the ridge, overlooking Alazani Valley. At the moment the city is totally renovated but in old traditional style. Arrival to Telavi. Accommodation in hotel. Overnight.

   

   

Breakfast. Tour continues in Kakheti region: Tour of the House Museum, Al. Chavchavadze in Tsinandali. Here you will learn about the romantic love story of the Russian diplomat Alesksander Griboyedov and beauty Georgian Princess Chavchavadze.  Visit of the Gremi royal fortress (XVI c.). The complex is surrounded by the wall with towers and embrasures. The remains of the secret underground passage survived and it leads to the river. Nearby, there is the complex of Archangels (XVI-XVII c.). Arrival to Napareuli. Georgian wine degustation, made according to Kakhetian traditions. Wine is kept in clay vessel called Kvevri, buried underground in the winery – Marani. Later, degustation of Kakhetian cheese in the cheese making factory of Akhmeta. Master class and dinner with the following dishes offered: Khashlama (beef or lamb soup), Mtsvadi (the same – Shashlik made of pork), Chakapuli (lamb or mutton cooked with tarragon and Tkemali (plum sauce). Last but not least baking of Dedas Puri so called mother’s bread. Overnight.

   

  

Breakfast. Departure to Tbilisi. Excursion in Telavi – the main city and administrative center of Kakheti. The most famous sight of the city is the museum-castle of King Irakli II (XVIIIv.), who signed a treaty with George Russian empire. Visit to the local market in Telavi. Here you can buy local spices.   Traditional Dances and songs performed at farewell dinner. Overnight.

   

 

Breakfast. Free time in accordance to the flight schedule. Purchase of souvenirs. Transfer to the airport.

   

• Accommodation in a 3* hotels: 4 nights in Tbilisi, 2 nights in Telavi, standard double rooms;
• Half board: 6 breakfasts, 5 dinners and 1 lunch;
• Transport services according to the program;
• English speaking guide according to the program;
• Master classes;
• Wine degustation;
• Degustation of Kakhetian cheese;