Kakheti: Bodbe (Monastery), Sighnaghi (Love City), Telavi Wine Tour From Tbilisi

Kakheti, Georgia’s premier winemaking region, offers a captivating journey for visitors. Explore the romantic charm of Sighnaghi, the "Love City," with its vibrant pastel-colored houses and breathtaking views over the Alazani Valley. Explore the rich religious heritage at the Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino, a significant site. Then, venture to the heart of the country’s winemaking industry in Telavi, where you’ll indulge in a tasting of Georgian wines and chacha (brandy). This comprehensive tour promises to immerse you in the essence of Kakheti‘s cultural and oenological treasures.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Tbilisi explores the Kakheti region, visiting the romantic city of Sighnaghi, the Bodbe Monastery, and offering a wine tasting experience in Telavi.
• Sighnaghi, known as the ‘Love City’, features pastel-colored houses, winding streets, and stunning views over the Alazani Valley, along with an arts and crafts scene.
• The Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino is a 9th-century Orthodox Christian monastery with an ornate church, stunning frescoes, and the tomb of St. Nino, a significant place of pilgrimage.
• In Telavi, the tour includes a visit to a local winery for a tasting of Georgian wines, such as Saperavi and Kindzmarauli, as well as the traditional Georgian brandy, chacha.
• The tour also includes a traditional bread-making experience at Badiauri and scenic views of the Alazani Valley throughout the day.

Tour Overview

This Kakheti day tour from Tbilisi takes visitors on a journey through the scenic landscapes and cultural highlights of eastern Georgia.

During the full-day excursion, travelers will visit the romantic city of Sighnaghi, also known as the ‘Love City,’ with its pastel houses and narrow streets.

They’ll also explore the Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino and enjoy a bread-making experience at Badiauri.

The tour includes wine and chacha (Georgian brandy) tastings in Telavi, as well as a visit to a local wine cellar.

Throughout the day, guests will savor the breathtaking views of the Alazani Valley.

The tour is conducted in an air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable and friendly guide.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour’s highlights include visiting the romantic city of Sighnaghi, also known as the ‘Love City,’ with its charming pastel houses and narrow streets.

Travelers will also explore the Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino, a significant religious site.

Another highlight is the opportunity to experience traditional bread-making at Badiauri, offering a glimpse into the local culinary culture.

The scenic views of the Alazani Valley provide a picturesque backdrop throughout the day.

Wine and chacha (Georgian brandy) tastings at a local cellar in Telavi round out the experience, allowing visitors to savor the renowned flavors of the Kakheti region.

Inclusions in the Tour

The tour offers a knowledgeable and friendly guide, along with tastings of honey, churchkhela, and chacha (Georgian brandy) in Manavi.

Visitors can also look forward to wine and chacha tastings in Telavi and a visit to a local wine cellar.

Plus, all entrance fees, bottled water, and lunch are covered in the tour.

The tour includes:

• Knowledgeable and friendly guide
• Honey, churchkhela, and chacha tasting in Manavi
• Wine and chacha tasting in Telavi
• Visit to a wine cellar

Meeting and Pickup Details

The tour meeting point is located at 15 Abano St, Tbilisi, Georgia, and the start time is 9:00 AM.

This full-day Kakheti tour from Tbilisi provides convenient pickup for travelers. The air-conditioned vehicle will whisk you away to explore the highlights of the region, including the romantic city of Sighnaghi, the scenic Alazani Valley, and a bread-making experience at Badiauri.

Throughout the day, you’ll visit the Bodbe Monastery, taste Georgian wine and chacha (brandy), and enjoy a delicious lunch. With a knowledgeable and friendly guide, you’ll have the opportunity to fully learn about the rich culture and history of Kakheti.

The tour’s transportation and inclusions make for a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Romantic City of Sighnaghi

With its pastel-colored houses, winding streets, and stunning views over the Alazani Valley, the romantic city of Sighnaghi captivates visitors with its charming old-world ambiance. Designated as a ‘Love City,’ Sighnaghi is a popular destination for couples and travelers alike, offering a glimpse into Georgia’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors can stroll through the cobblestone streets, admiring the ornately carved wooden balconies and colorful facades of the historic buildings.

The city’s defensive walls and watchtowers, dating back to the 18th century, provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Sighnaghi’s thriving arts and crafts scene can be explored in its many galleries and workshops, where artisans showcase their traditional weaving, pottery, and metalwork.

The town’s vibrant central square is the perfect spot to savor local cuisine, sip Georgian wine, and soak up the relaxed, romantic atmosphere.

Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino

Nestled in the picturesque Kakheti region, the Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino stands as a revered spiritual site, drawing pilgrims and visitors alike.

This 9th-century Orthodox Christian monastery is dedicated to St. Nino, the woman credited with bringing Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century.

Visitors can explore the monastery’s ornate church, which features stunning frescoes and intricate architectural details.

The monastery also houses the tomb of St. Nino, making it a significant place of pilgrimage.

Beyond its religious importance, the Bodbe Monastery offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Alazani Valley, adding to its allure as a must-visit destination on any Kakheti tour.

Telavi Wine Tasting Experience

After exploring the spiritual significance of the Bodbe Monastery, the tour takes visitors to the vibrant city of Telavi for an immersive wine tasting experience.

Nestled in the heart of Georgia’s premier winemaking region, Telavi boasts a rich wine heritage that dates back centuries, and the tour provides the opportunity to explore this rich tradition.

Guests will visit a local winery and sample a variety of Georgian wines, including the renowned Saperavi and Kindzmarauli varietals. The tasting is accompanied by insights from knowledgeable guides, who share the history and techniques behind these distinctive vintages.

The experience also includes a tasting of chacha, the traditional Georgian brandy, providing a comprehensive introduction to the country’s celebrated culinary and vinous culture.

Cancellation Policy and Additional Information

The tour operator provides a full refund if customers cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it departs near public transportation.

Infants must sit on a parent’s lap during the tour, which has a maximum group size of 19 travelers.

Confirmation of the booking is provided at the time of purchase.

The tour includes knowledgeable and friendly guides, honey and Georgian brandy tastings, a visit to a wine cellar, all entrance fees, bottled water, and lunch.

With scenic views of the Alazani Valley, a bread-making experience, and tastings of wine and chacha, this Kakheti day tour from Tbilisi offers an immersive cultural experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Vegetarians/Vegans?

The tour appears suitable for vegetarians/vegans, as it includes a bread-making experience and wine/chacha tastings, which can likely accommodate dietary restrictions. However, the inclusion of lunch suggests travelers should confirm meal options in advance.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. Guests can request modifications to the included activities or add optional stops based on their interests and preferences. The tour provider is generally flexible in accommodating personalized requests.

Are There Any Discounts for Senior Citizens or Students?

While there don’t appear to be specific discounts for seniors or students, the tour operator may be open to negotiating pricing for those groups. It’s best to inquire directly about any available discounts when booking the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Casual attire is generally suitable for the activities and destinations covered during the day.

Are There Any Restroom Stops During the Tour?

The tour includes several stops with available restrooms, allowing participants to take breaks as needed throughout the day. Rest stops are provided at the Bodbe Monastery, Sighnaghi, and during the wine tasting in Telavi.

Recap

The Kakheti tour offers a delightful blend of Georgia’s cultural and culinary highlights.

Visitors can explore the romantic charm of Sighnaghi, the historic Bodbe Monastery, and indulge in the vibrant wine-tasting experience of Telavi, leaving them with a deeper appreciation of Georgia’s rich heritage and the allure of its premier winemaking region.