Georgia Real Food Adventure

Gamarjobal! Welcome to Georgia. Your adventure begins in the capital city of Tbilisi – a picturesque city featuring a cobblestoned Old Town reflecting a long, complicated history. With periods under Persian and Russian rule, Tbilisi features diverse architecture, including art nouveau buildings, Soviet Modernist structures and Eastern Orthodox churches. Looking over the city sits Narikala – a reconstructed 4th-century fortress. You’ll have a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm at your hotel. After, head out for an included welcome dinner with your trip leader and group and try some local favourites like adjarian khachapuri (a boat-shaped bread filled with bubbling cheese, topped with a raw egg yolk and a pat of butter).

Today, you’ll explore Tbilisi with a local guide. Start at the Old Town and wander through it's terraced alleys lined with colourful houses, ornate wooden balconies, and a mix of old and modern architecture leading up to the ancient Narikala Fortress. When you get to the walled fortress, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Afterwards, head to the famous Dezertir Bazaar, one of the city's liveliest markets, where locals come to shop for fresh produce, spices, homemade cheese, churchkhela and an endless variety of Georgian specialties - a true feast for the senses. After your exploration, head out for an included lunch at a local restaurant where you’ll try dishes like lobio (traditional bean stew), pkhali (vegetables with walnuts), traditional pickles and salads. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free to explore at your leisure.

Travel into the picturesque Kakheti region, surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Caucasus Mountains and fertile valleys. Your first stop is Signagi, a charming hilltop town often called the 'City of Love'. Wander through it's cobbled streets lined with pastel houses and enjoy the sweeping views of the Alazani Valley. After, head for lunch at a local family’s home. Immerse yourself in local life and culture as you learn how to make mtsvadi (a famous Georgian barbecue dish) and learn the ritual behind its preparation. Watch a cooking demonstration of churchkhela (a type of Georgian sweet), then give it a go yourself! After lunch, visit a traditional Georgian wine cellar, where you’ll learn the secret behind their unique method. Tonight, you’ll carry on to Telavi, where you’ll spend the night.

This morning will be free for you to explore Telavi before heading out on a leader-led tour of the Telavi markets. Explore the hustle and bustle of the local stalls, then visit a local cheesemaker for a tour of their farm and cheese factory, followed by a tasting of some of their best-selling cheeses. Continue to the Pankisi Valley where your guesthouse for the night sits nestled in the heart of the valley, surrounded by mountains. Your host family are Kists – descendants of the original highland Chechens – and have lived in Jokolo for five generations. When you arrive, take in the lush surroundings and then be treated to a cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make traditional Chechen dishes like zhizhig galnash (handmade short noodles with lamb) and chaabilgish (Chechen khachapuri stuffed with pumpkin). Relax this evening in the warm hospitality of your hosts.

Set off on a tour of Pankisi Valley and learn about the unique Kist culture and their rural way of life on a tour of several local villages. You’ll visit Saint George’s Church in Jokolo, Duisi Old Mosque and the felt producer. For lunch, try some ostri (spicy beef stew) with hot shoti bread baked in a stone oven. Drive on to Gudauri, stopping at the Ananuri Fortress Complex on the way. This collection of churches and towers sits on the teal Aragvi River, making for an out-of-this-world sight. You won’t want to forget your camera today!

Start the day with a drive to Stepantsminda. From here, you’ll hike up through beautiful valleys and woodland to Gergeti Trinity Church. Weather permitting, you might catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi (5047 m). After, visit a local family in Gudauri, where the host will teach a masterclass on how to make khinkali (Georgian dumplings). Drive back to Gudauri in the late afternoon, where you’ll enjoy a free evening.

Return to Tbilisi this morning, stopping at Mtskheta on the way. This is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world! Explore the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, taking in the unique landscape and surrounding Mtkvari and Aragvi Rivers as you go, then carry on to your destination. When you arrive, you might like to take a dip in the city’s famous sulphur baths or walk along the river. Maybe grab a coffee and check out the artist pop-ups at Fabrika. Tonight, you’ll head out for an included farewell dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant and toast to a trip well-travelled.