Telavi
is a chance to sample local delicacies
Welcome to Telavi
The largest town in Kakheti, Telavi is set in the vineyard-strewn Alazani valley, between the Gombori Mountains and the Caucasus (visible to the northeast). It’s the perfect base for exploring the region's viticultural, historical and architectural riches.
Top experiences in Telavi
Amazing hotels and hostels
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Food and drink
Telavi activities
Private Wine Tour to Kakheti from Tbilisi
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Georgian Holidays, TbilisiPick up from your place of stay in Tbilisi in the morning. Pass By: Gombori Pass, Telavi, Kakheti RegionYou’ll start the journey to the wine land via picturesque Gombori pass, 5315 feet (1620 m) above sea level. Stop At: Tsinandali Palace, Tsinandali, Kakheti RegionYour first stop is in Tsinandali, at the residence of a Kakheti nobleman of the 19th century, Alexandre Chavchavadze. The Tsinandali winery still produces wines according to the methods brought here by Chavchavadze when he revived the estate in the first half of 19th century. Take a walk in the decorative garden with a glass of wine from Tsinandali wine cellars and learn the history of the one of the royal families of Georgia. Duration: 1 hourStop At: Shumi Winery, Tsinandali, Kakheti RegionNext head to Shumi winery located just a few minutes’ drive from Tsinandali. Here you’ll have a tour in the winery which presents a collection of wine related exhibits, a history and culture department and a wine-tasting area. Taste Shumi wines made according to European methods of wine-making. Continue to Telavi town and have lunch in one of the local restaurants serving authentic Georgian cuisine. Duration: 1 hourStop At: Twins Old CellarAfter lunch visit village. Here you’ll stop at Twins Wine Cellar, a delightful agro-tourism winery and vineyard site. You’ll visit the wine museum, taste different types of wine and learn about the Georgian methods of making wine in Kvevri (large clay jars used for fermenting and storing wine). Duration: 1 hourStop At: Shuamta Monasteries, Telavi, Kakheti RegionOn the way back to Tbilisi, visit Shuamta village and two important and beautiful architectural monuments of Kakheti – Old and New Shuamta monasteries. Both of them stand in a forest of deciduous trees, which makes them look even more fascinating. In the evening return to your place of stay in Tbilisi.Duration: 1 hour
Full-Day Private Wine Tour To Kakheti from Tbilisi
In the morning, drive to Telavi, Kakheti region - east from Tbilisi, the largest wine producing region in Georgia. The first destination is Gremi Fortress (XVI c) that was the main city of Kakheti region until XVI C. Enjoy the picturesque location of the fortress with tall bell tower and high walls.Next, trip continues to wine tunnels built under the hills of the Great Caucasus mountains. Total length of the tunnels is 8,000 kilometers. Two main tunnels are more than 800 meters each. The tunnels are used to keep the wine. Above the wine tunnels, one can find a beautiful restaurant built on the top of the hill with picturesque views on Alazani Valley and delicious Georgian meals.Further on, head towards Prince Chavchavadze Palace (XIX c) at village Tsinandali with a wonderful French park and wine cellar. After visiting the palace, guests will visit the Shumi wine factory-museum for another wine tasting and if desired, you can purchase some bottles of wine locally from the factory.At the end of the tour visit of Telavi - the main city and administrative center of Kakheti region (100 kilometers east from Tbilisi). Here you can find the local market in the town, where you can enjoy and buy a wide range of different fruits and vegetables, including apples, peaches, grapes, pomegranates, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Finally, travel through Gombori Pass to return to Tbilisi.
8 Days Tour from Tbilisi in Georgia
Sunday: Meeting and transfer to a hotel; Monday: 10:00 - tour starts from Sameba cathedral and Metekhi Church before continuing to the Abanotubani district famous with Sulphur baths. We will take the cable car to visit Narikala Fortress, explore Shardeni Street with its many souvenir and gift shops. Visit Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati basilica. Continue to Jvari Church built in the end of VI century. From here the beautiful panorama of Mtskheta, which lies between the peaks and the confluence of two rivers. Drive to Mzkheta and visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Overnight in Tbilisi. Meal: breakfast. Distance: 100 km Tuesday: 09:00 - Driving towards the Caucasus Mountains, stop on the bank of the Zhinvali reservoir and visit Ananuri castle. Continuing upwards to the alpine ski resort at Gudauri, after Cross Pass we arrive in Stephantsminda, here we will enjoy view from Gergeti church. Exotic lunch in a local family. Overnight in Tbilisi. Meal: breakfast, lunch. Distance: 350 kmWednesday: 09:00 - Drive to fortified city of Signagi which is surrounded with a wall with watch towers, visit convent of Bodbe, the territory of the monastery offers spectacular views of the land of the best Georgian wines - Alazani Valley with peaks of the Greater Caucasus towering behind it. Continue to the tunnel winery and taste Kakhetian wines made according local traditions in Kvevri. Visit Gremi fortress and continue to Telavi, visit the old town. Overnight in Kakheti province. Meal: breakfast. Distance: 200 kmThursday: 09:00 - we will start with Telavi food market and continue to Alaverdi Cathedral. Built in the early XI century, it is one of four Great Cathedrals of the country and the highest of the ancient churches of Georgia. Next stop is in the Tsinandali estate - well known for its beauty, wine tasting and continue visiting Ikalto Academy and Shuamta monastery complex; drive to Tbilisi hotel via beautiful Gombori pass.Overnight in Tbilisi. Meal: breakfast. Distance: 200 kmFriday: 09:00 - Check out from Tbilisi hotel and drive to Georgia’s second large city Kutaisi; first we will visit Uplistsikhe cave town and Stalin’s birth place and Museum in Gori. After arrival in Kutaisi visit Bagrati Temple, church complex of Gelati and Motsameta monastery. Overnight in Kutaisi. Meal: breakfast, diner. Distance: 350 km Saturday: 09:00 - Excursion in Kutaisi old Town and depart to Okatse Canyons - natural monument in Village Gordi, which is deep and narrow ravine, in the vicinity of the river Okatse. 2 hour trekking along the canyon through historical forest, where several waterfalls could be found, 780 m length hanging trail with several footsteps finishes with panoramic view. return. Overnight in Tbilisi. Meal: breakfast. Trekking 2 hours. Distance: 350 kmSunday: Transfer to airport.
7-Day Georgia Wine and Culinary Tour with Cooking Class
Discover the delicious scope of Georgian food and wine on a private 7-day tour across Georgia in a climate-controlled minivan, accompanied by a local guide. Begin in Tbilisi, Georgia’s atmospheric capital city, and explore the Sarajishvili brandy factory. Savor local cuisine at Chateau Mukhrani, a restaurant with its own vineyard, and taste their wines. Following lunch, learn how to cook Georgian delicacies at a culinary masterclass.The following day, leave Tbilisi for the Kakheti region in eastern Georgia, which is known for its wines. Stop in Telavi and explore the Alexander Chavchavadze Estate Museum, the Alaverdi Monastery, and the Gremi Monastery. Taste the wines at the Twins Wine Cellar in Napareuli, a rustic vineyard and museum, before feasting on lunch at Ikano Winery with another wine tasting. After lunch, visit the Khareba Winery, located in a former bomb shelter, and have a special tasting in an underground tunnel.On the third day, savor churchkhela, a traditional Georgian sweet from grape juice, and partake in a wine tasting at Teliani Valley Winery. Enhance your regional cooking skills with a masterclass at Shumi Winery and then continue on to the red-roofed town of Signaghi, in the heart of the wine region. Experience the interpretive modern cuisine of Pheasant’s Tears Winery with their rich wine selection. In the afternoon, sample local bread and cheese before returning to Tbilisi in the evening. Tuck in for a traditional Georgian feast at Barbarestan, a home-style restaurant with seasonal ingredients in a stylish district of the city.The following day, drive west to the town of Kutaisi for a tasting in a family wine cellar. Visit the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe and Stalin's museum before partaking in an afternoon wine tasting. Explore the striking medieval Gelati Monastery. Spend the night in Kutaisi.Continue on to the Racha region of northern Georgia. Experience this region’s wine first at the Bugeuli Winery and later at a family wine cellar near Ambrolauri. Between those two tastings, discover the Barakoni Monastery, tucked between wild green mountains. Stay overnight in the historic town of Oni.In the morning, continue on to marvelous Shaori Lake, a clear body of water high in the mountains. Admire the 11th-century Nikortsminda Cathedral and the Prometheus Caves before returning to Kutaisi for a city tour.On your final day, return to Tbilisi by the scenic upper Imereti Road and discover the Katshki Pillar, a natural limestone formation with a church perched on top. Stop in Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital, and view Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the second-largest church in the country. See the 6th-century Jvari Monastery on a cliff’s edge. Upon returning to Tbilisi, celebrate with a gala dinner and a national folk show.At the end of your tour, you will have a deeper understanding of Georgian cuisine and wine.
1day circle private tour in Kakheti, the wine region
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Ujarma Fortress, Ujarma, Kakheti Region3rd century kings residence, built in Gombori mountains (lesser Caucasus). Last reconstruction of the fortress happened in th 5th century.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Telavi Wine Cellar, Telavi, Kakheti RegionWe`ll just visit Telavi city and residence of the local kings. Also, have tour around local agricultural market. Duration: 40 minutesStop At: Ikalto Monastery Complex, Ikalto, Kakheti RegionIn Ikalto Monastery, there is located ruins of the Academy of the 11th century. You`l hear very interesting story about the location.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Gremi Citadel and Church of the Archangels, Gremi, Kakheti RegionThis place of interest belongs to the UNESCO list, since early 1990th. Gremi was a capital city of Kakhetian Kingdom, between early 15th to the early 17th centuries. It was destroied by the Iranian shah Abas the first.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Kindzmarauli Corporation Wine House, Kvareli, Kakheti RegionIn this Factory we`ll have an excursion and wine tasting. Later you can purchase local wine in the Factory shop.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Signagi City Walls, Signagi, Kakheti RegionOur day tour will be concluded by visiting city of love - Sighnaghi. We`ll look over amazing views on Alazani valley, with the background of the great Caucasus. Duration: 50 minutes
5 days private tour in Remote Tusheti (Omalo) hiking around the area.
ItineraryDay 1: During the first day we`ll visit couple of locations in the Gombori range, Kakheti region and reach Upper Omalo villageStop At: Ujarma Fortress, Ujarma, Kakheti RegionUjarma fortress presents 3rd century residence for the Kartlian Kings and it`s located in the Gombori mountains, pre-range area. Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Ikalto Monastery Complex, Ikalto, Kakheti RegionThis is not just a monastery, but one the first educational centers in early medieval century`s Georgia, established in the beginning of 11th century. This location allows astonishing views on the surrounding area, including Prometheus cliff.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Telavi FortressTelavi city, cenral city of Kakheti region ( Capital city of Kakhetian Kingdom between the 15-18 centuries). Here, we`ll visit an agricultural market and the local Kings residenceDuration: 50 minutesStop At: National Park of Tusheti, Omalo, Kakheti RegionBy end of the day we`ll reach center of Tusheti region, named a Upper Omalo, the ancient settlement. This is where, there we`ll stay in the local guest-house or Hotel. Whole region is remote and the nature still looks so wild.Duration: 9 hoursMeals included: • Dinner: We`ll have our lunch probably in Telavi city and dinner in Upper Omalo. Notice: Meal is not included in the tour price.Accommodation included: Accommodation- Guest-house or Hotel, upon your request. Notice:The accommodation price isn`t included in the tour priceDay 2: Upper Omalo – Dartlo tower village - the abandoned tower village of Kvavlo - back to Omalo -Upper Omalo fortifications.Stop At: Dartlo ChurchDartlo ancient tower village is located in Piriqita valley of Tusheti region and looks very traditional. In this village we`ll walk between the village streets and locate ancient Tusheti style fortified houses as well as Protective towers.Duration: 50 minutesStop At: Hotel KvavloAfter Dartlo we`ll hike up the other ancient village of Kvavlo, located at a hill top,which allows beautiful views on the surrounding mountains and valley.Duration: 2 hours 30 minutesStop At: KeseloKeselo is a name of an ancient fortification system in Tusheti, which consists of dosen towers and is located right upper hillside of Omalo village. Duration: 1 hourNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 3: Visit to Gometsari gorge. This trip includes stops in couple of villages and some hiking event (moderate level)Stop At: Dartlo ChurchIn Dartlo tower village. We`ll walk around old town streets and see the ancient Tushetian houses (fortifications). we`ll also, visit the traditiona ancient court place. we can also, have some herbal tea in the local restaurant.Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Hotel KvavloHiking from Dartlo to Kvavlo ghost village which is located in the higher altitude than Dartlo. Walking around the old ruins. From Kvavlo we`ll walk to another historical village, named as Dano and visit local grave yard and a holly place.Duration: 3 hoursStop At: National Park of Tusheti, Omalo, Kakheti RegionDriving back to Upper Omalo guest-houseDuration: 2 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 4: Trip to old Diklo fortress, located at the border line with Russia. Visiting- Canyon, Shenako and Diklo areas.Stop At: Guest House-Shenako VerandahWe`ll drive to Shenako ancient village (we can also hike), stop our vehicle, vist the local church and start hiking to Old diklo fortress.Duration: 3 hoursStop At: Tusheti Protected Areas AdministrationDuring this step we`ll stop for quick snack in the new Diklo village and walk around the village...Duration: 50 minutesStop At: National Park of Tusheti, Omalo, Kakheti RegionFrom Diklo village we`ll hike all the way up to the border cliffs with Dagestan, see the astonishing views and continue walking to the ruins of Old Diklo fortress. and return back to the newer Diklo.Duration: 3 minutesStop At: National Park of Tusheti, Omalo, Kakheti RegionLater the day we`ll walk to Shenako village, using different path and drive back to our Guest-houseDuration: 3 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 5: Finalizing our tour by driving back to Kakheti region and than Tbilisi. Stop At: Gremi Citadel and Church of the Archangels, Gremi, Kakheti RegionFrom Omalo we`ll drive back to Alazani valley and visit An ancient citadel of Gremi, we can also, organize some wine tasting in Kvareli city (upon your request)Duration: 5 hoursStop At: Signagi City Walls, Signagi, Kakheti RegionAfter Gremi we`ll cross over the Alazani valley and end up in the late medieval century style town of Signagi, located at a hill top, which allows astonishing views on the valley and the great Caucasus.Duration: 3 hoursStop At: Tbilisi MallAfter visiting Signagi we`ll had back to Tbilisi city. Duration: 2 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.