We’ll pick you up right from your accommodation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Our guide will be there with coffee (trust us, Georgian coffee is serious business) and ready to answer all your questions. The drive to our first stop takes about 1.5 hours, which gives us time to chat about Georgian history, culture, and any burning questions you have. Feel free to ask about anything – where to eat in Tbilisi, Georgian toasts, why Georgian grandmothers are unstoppable forces of nature. We’re here for it all!

Here’s where things get absolutely wild. David Gareja is a monastery complex that was carved into the desert cliffs starting in the 6th century. Yes, desert – Georgia has everything, including a proper desert landscape that looks like you’ve somehow ended up in Arizona or Jordan.

The main monastery, Lavra, sits at the base of the cliffs and is still functioning today. You’ll see monks going about their daily routines, ancient frescoes (some over a thousand years old), and cave dwellings that’ll blow your mind. But the real magic? The hike up to Udabno monastery.

It’s a 20-30 minute climb up the cliff face (with amazing steps cut into the rock), and when you reach the top, you’re rewarded with two things: First, caves filled with medieval frescoes that are shockingly well-preserved. Second, views that’ll make you forget you’re supposed to be taking photos because you’re too busy just staring.

On one side, you’ve got the desert valley of Georgia. Turn around, and you’re looking into Azerbaijan – the border literally runs along the ridge. It’s surreal, spiritual, and unlike anywhere else you’ve ever been.

After all that exploring, you’ll be hungry. We’ll stop at a local restaurant where you can try authentic Kakhetian cuisine. This region is famous for mtsvadi (Georgian BBQ), khinkali (soup dumplings that’ll change your life), and churchkhela (the Georgian “Snickers” – grape juice and walnuts, weirdly delicious). Lunch is not included in the tour price, which gives you flexibility to choose what you want, but expect to pay around 20-30 GEL ($8-12) for a feast.

From the desert, we head to the complete opposite – a monastery surrounded by lush gardens and forests. Bodbe is one of Georgia’s most important pilgrimage sites because it’s where St. Nino, the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century, is buried.

The monastery itself is beautiful, but honestly, the views are what’ll get you. From here, you can see the entire Alazani Valley spreading out below you, with the Greater Caucasus mountains rising in the background. On clear days (especially in spring and autumn), it’s so beautiful it almost doesn’t look real.

There’s also a holy spring down a bunch of steps (around 3km round trip if you want to do it), which pilgrims believe has healing properties. We’ll give you time to explore at your own pace.

16:30-18:00 – Sighnaghi Town Exploration

Welcome to Georgia’s “Town of Love!” Sighnaghi is the kind of place that makes everyone’s Instagram jealous. Picture this: cobblestone streets winding up and down hills, wooden balconies overflowing with flowers, pastel-colored houses, defensive walls you can walk along with 360-degree views, and cute little wine bars everywhere.

The Italians built the defensive walls in the 18th century (they were hired by the Georgian king – long story), and you can still walk along sections of them. The views over Alazani Valley and the Caucasus mountains are absolutely spectacular, especially as the sun starts getting lower.

We’ll give you a walking tour of the main sights, tell you the stories (including why it’s called the “Town of Love” – hint: it involves a 24/7 registry office), and then give you free time to wander. There are great little shops selling local wine, honey, churchkhela, and handicrafts. It’s the perfect place to pick up gifts or just get yourself some amazing Georgian wine to take home.

18:00 onwards – Evening at Leisure

Here’s where this tour gets special. Most tours visit Sighnaghi, take a few photos, and leave. You? You get to stay. We’ll check you into your guesthouse (charming, family-run, absolutely lovely), and the rest of the evening is yours.

Watch the sunset from the town walls (pro tip: the southwest corner has the best views). Have dinner at one of the local restaurants – we’ll give you our recommendations, from fancy spots with tasting menus to family places where grandma is still cooking everything herself. Try the khachapuri (cheese bread) – in Kakheti, they make it a bit differently, and it’s amazing.

After dinner, take a stroll through the empty streets. Sighnaghi at night is magical – quiet, romantic, with street lamps casting warm light on the cobblestones. If you’re lucky and the weather’s clear, the stargazing is phenomenal (very little light pollution).

Accommodation: Traditional guesthouse in Sighnaghi with comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and usually incredible breakfast included. Most have stunning terrace views.

After breakfast, we head to Nekresi, perched high on a hilltop overlooking the Alazani Valley. This place is old – we’re talking 4th century. It started as a pagan temple, became one of Georgia’s earliest Christian churches, and has been watching over the valley ever since.

The monastery complex has several churches from different periods, including a tiny basilica from the 4th century (one of the oldest churches in Georgia) and a main church from the 9th century. But honestly, people come for the views. From up here, you can see the entire Alazani Valley, vineyards stretching as far as you can see, little villages dotting the landscape, and the Caucasus mountains forming this incredible backdrop.

There’s a short shuttle ride from the parking area (included in entrance fee), and then a bit of walking around the complex, but it’s not strenuous. The setting is incredibly peaceful.

Now for the part you’ve been waiting for! We visit a family-run winery that still makes wine the traditional way – in qvevri (large clay vessels buried underground). This method is over 8,000 years old and is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

You’ll get to see the qvevri (they’re impressive – some hold 1,500+ liters), learn how the traditional method works (it’s fascinating), and taste several wines. Usually, you’ll try at least 3-4 varieties, including the famous amber/orange wines that Kakheti is known for. These are white wines made like red wines (with skin contact), and they’re unlike anything you’ve tasted.

The family will often have homemade snacks too – cheese, fresh bread, maybe some churchkhela. And you can buy wine directly from them at prices that’ll make you want to ship bottles home (which is totally possible, by the way).