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Rtveli is a traditional wine making feast. Almost every family in Kakheti region with the help of neighbors and friends is picking up grape harvest and making wine. This process is accompanied by folk songs and tables full of local delicacies. During the rtveli period there are held lots of public events with music, dance and food. The traditions of rtveli come from ancient times.
This tour will give you extraordinary chance to become the part of rtveli process and get to know wine making traditions in one of the local village in Kakheti region. And be sure – you will taste various sorts of Georgian wine!
Tbilisi airport
Meeting at Tbilisi International airport, transfer to hotel, check-in. Tbilisi walking tour: Sameba Cathedral, Metekhi church, Rike Park, Peace bridge, cable way to Narikala Fortress, Tbilisi mosque, Abanotubani – sulphur baths district, Sioni church. Wine tasting at one of the oldest wine cellars in Tbilisi. In the evening – dinner at local Georgian restaurant with Georgian folk dances and music show. Overnight in Tbilisi.
After breakfast head to Kakheti – the region of wine. On the way drive to David Gareja monastery enjoying impressive desert-like landscape. Excursion at complex founded in 6th century of one of Asyrian Fathers, named David Garejeli. The complex includes hundreds of cells, churches, chapels, refectories and living quarters hollowed out of the rock face. Before entering Sighnaghi srop Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino – the female evangelist of 4th century, whose relics are shrined here. Arrival to Sighnaghi – small amazing town, called Kakhetian pearl and city of love. Sightseeing and Wine tasting at winery ”Pheasant’s tears”. Overnight in Sighnaghi.
After breakfast drive to Tsinandali Chavchavadze House-Museum and Botanical Garden that once belonged to the 19th century nobleman Aleksandre Chavchavadze– a poet, translator, soldier, businessman, innovator in agriculture and the first modern Georgian oenologist. Continue the way to one of the most impressive historical objects in Kakheti region: Nekresi Monastery, located on the tophill with an amazing views to Alazani valley Gremi architectural monument – the complex is what has survived from the once flourishing town of Gremi when it functioned as a lively trading town on the Silk Road. In between stop at Kvareli Wine Tunnels – one of the longest wine tunnels in the world (total lenght 7.7 km, only a small part is open for visitor): excursion and wine tasting. Arrival to Telavi – the main administrative center of Kakheti region. Evening sightseeing. Overnight in Telavi.
After breakfast drive to lacal vineyards in Kakhetian village where you will not only hear about Georgian wine history and traditional making process but participate in grapes harvesting and wine making by yourself. Besides you will have masterclasses of baking Kakhetian bread in a very special way and making traditional Georgian sweets, called churchkhela. This delicacy, originated from Kakheti region and made from nuts (usually walnuts) and grape juice, is very popular in all the Georgia and nowadays proudly called Georgian snickers. And of-course, program includes tasting of local wines and traditional lunch from fresh local products. Drive back to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Our evening recommendation – relax in ancient sulfuric once beloved by literature classics Aleksander Pushkin and Aleksander Duma. There is a saying – if you haven’t been in Tbilisi baths means you haven’t been in Tbilisi. You can order a pot of tea or…massage and have a good time with your friends in a separate bath room (1 hour per room costs about 20-50 EUR).
After breakfast drive up to the mountains via picturesque Georgian Old Military road, on the way visit to Jvari monastery (UNESCO), located on the hill with an amazing views to two rivers – Mtkvari and Aragvi – confluence and Mtskheta town; stop at Zhinvali Water Dam to enjoy views and Ananuri Castle Complex. Arrival to Kazbegi. Jeep tour to the highlight of Kazbegi region – Gergeti Church (for additional fee at ~EUR 6-7 per person). In the evening back to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Transfer to Airport with wish to come back 🙂
Note, that “Ugo Travel” has the right for slight changes in the program or in its order due to temporal site construction, weather conditions or other reasonable obstacles.
