Sighnaghi

Day Trips

Explore Kakheti, the wine region of Georgia, located in the eastern part of the country. Kakheti wine region is an excellent place to visit beautiful sightseeings, try delicious local food, listen to traditional folk songs, study how Georgian wine is made, and have wine degustation. Your first stop is village Badiauri, where guests are welcome to see a local bakery and taste delicious Georgian bread, cheese, and Chacha (Georgian Vodka). The second stop is Bodbe Convent. According to the legend, it is built on the burial place of Saint Nino. A Saint for Georgians who converted their religion into Christianity. The site is very spiritual and has impressive views for taking beautiful pictures. Then go to Sighnaghi, known as "The City of Love." You will have a walking tour in Sighnaghin and discover " The Great Wall of Georgia." After the walking tour, you can join lunch with a beautiful view of Alazani Valley, and try traditional Georgian food. The fourth site of the day is Khareba Winery, the largest of Georgia's wine cellars. Khareba is a unique place with perfect storage conditions for wine, 7.7 kilometers of tunnels, and galleries that maintain a constant temperature of 12-14 degrees 0C. Listen to traditional Georgian folk songs, have a walking tour in the tunnel, explore the ethnographic museum, get information on how Georgians make wine, and finish it with wine degustation. The last place to visit during the day is Corporation Kindzmarauli. The winery's history dates back to 1533 and produced wine exclusively for the royal family for much of its history. You have a tour in the winery and wine degustation for four different wines.

Departing from the center of Tbilisi, embark on a full-day tour to visit the sunniest regions of Georgia. The eastern region of Kakheti is Georgia’s premier wine-producing area, where almost everywhere you go you’ll be invited to drink a glass of traditional amber wine. Along the way, make a stop at the village of Badiauri where you can learn how to bake traditional Georgian bread and can even try to do it by yourself. For those that love cheese, there are many cheeses in Georgia which you can try accompanied by hot, fresh, crusty bread. Next up, visit the Bodbe Monastery, one of the most important religious sites in Georgia. Today there is a nunnery where the monastery used to be, and the St. George Cathedral, part of the monastery, which holds the remains of St. Nino. There is also a new cathedral built, using much of the same construction methods used to make the most famous cathedrals in Georgia centuries ago. You'll then arrive to Sighnaghi, known as the town of love. There your guide will tell the legend that happened in this city many centuries ago as you walk along the cobbled streets of the city, climb the fortress wall, and visit one of the towers. There is also a local market where you can try and buy Georgian spices, sweets, sauces and much more. Finally, it's time to go to a winery to taste Georgian wine. There are so many different wines, and you are bound to find something that you like. Your local guide will also tell you the secrets of making wine and how to drink it.

In the morning, the guide and driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Tbilisi (if you choose the private option), or alternatively meet the tour group at Europe Square. Then, head to David Gareja complex via Sagarejo village. Turning from the Eastern main road, drive on a dirt road to the semi-desert. The complex was established in the 6th century AD by one of the 13 Assyrian monks and expanded through the centuries. Here, have a tour of the caves and monasteries, and enjoy 2-3 hours easy trekking in the semi-desert. On your way to Signagi, you’ll visit the Bodbe monastery. The monastery is one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia, due to its association with St. Nino, the 4th-century female evangelist in Georgia. In Sighnaghi, a small town surrounded by 18th-century defensive wall and remnants of fortifications, take a relaxing walk in the town, explore the defensive wall and fortifications, and enjoy the views of Alazani Valley. In the evening, drive back to your place of stay or Europe Square in Tbilisi.

After being picked up from your hotel at 8:00AM, your first stop will be the Ujarma fortress. It is believed that in the second half of the 5th century, the famous Vakhtang Gorgasali (founder of Tbilisi) erected numerous buildings in Ujarma and moved his residence there. In the 10th century, Ujarma was destroyed by the Arabian forces of Abul Kassim. Later on in the 13th century, the fortress was restored by King George III, where he arranged treasury. Moving on, your tour will continue through the Gombori Pass, which will see you drive to an altitude of 1,650 meters (5,414 feet). At the top you will discover an observation deck, the perfect place for a photo shoot. After a small stop, you will continue your journey through the magical forest, where you will be able to make a wish. The next stop will be to the Alaverdi Monastery. At a height of over 55 meters, the Alaverdi Cathedral is the second tallest religious building in Georgia. You will then visit the city of Telavi, the main city and administrative center of Georgia's eastern province of Kakheti. On the way to Kvareli, you will stop at the Gremi. Standing above the green valley of Alazan, Gremi attracts travelers whose road goes between Telavi and Kvareli. Gloomy and monumental, the castle is one of the most visited tourist points in Georgia. In Kvareli, you will have the opportunity to taste Georgian wines, finding out how they are made. Following your wine tasting, you should find yourself with a new strength. You will then go to the Bodbe Monastery, which is one of the most important religious sites in Georgia. Continuing your trip, you will venture toward Sighnaghi. Its charming cobblestone streets and alleys consist of restored original nouveau woodwork, and detailed facades give the town a romantic mystique. Billed the "City of Love", Sighnaghi is a popular wedding venue. The wedding chapel here was the first to operate around the clock, and put Sighnaghi on the map as a destination. Its marriage chapel now hosts ceremonies which take place at all hours of the day and night.

Enjoy an excursion to a wine cellar with a free wine tasting. This traditional family-run wine cellar is on the way to the city of love, Signagi. This is an ideal place for those who prefer homemade Georgian wine and chacha prepared according to all traditional standards and recipes. Be greeted by your host who will show the superb ChachaGon and tell a real colloric Georgian toast. Taste the Georgian bread Puri, which is traditionally baked in a deep circular clay oven called tone. Visit Pirosmanashvili Museum. The Niko Pirosmanashvili State Museum was established in Pirosmani’s home village of Mirzaani in 1960 and includes his family house and an exhibition hall displaying some of the artist’s original works and personal belongings. The Monastery of St. Nino in Bodbe was originally was built in the 9th-century. It is one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia. It holds the tomb of St. Nino, the Cappadocian maiden who converted Georgian people to Christianity as early as 337 AD. See the breathtaking view of the Alazani valley and snowcapped Caucasus mountains.  See Sighnaghi, the City of Love. It is the prettiest town in Kaheti. Sighnagi originally was developed in the 18th-century by King Erekle II. The defensive walls and 28 towers were built by him against a Lezgian invasion. The city has wonderful views over the Alazani valley to the Caucasus beyond. After a walk, have a traditional dinner with a workshop to learn how to cook traditional meals. You can also taste traditional candies, with grape juice, called Churchkhela and Pelamushi.

Discover some of the most important sites of the historic Kakheti region in eastern Georgia, home to the rock-hewn Davit-Gareja Monastery Complex and the beautiful Alazani Valley. Following an early morning departure from Tbilisi, drive to the Gareja Desert, a distance of approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers). Here, you will discover the rock-cut Davit-Gareja Orthodox Monastery complex, established in the 6th century by David, one of the 13 Assyrian monks that preached the name of Christ. Located in a semi-desert, the complex consists of 19 religious buildings, the oldest being the Lavra Monastery, where St. David is buried. Learn how Mongol invaders destroyed and looted the complex in the 13th century, and how it was later restored by the Georgian kings. Marvel at the hundreds of cells, chapels, refectories, and living quarters hollowed out of the rocks. Then, continue to Sighnaghi, stopping en route at the village of Badiauri to see a demonstration of how Georgian bread is baked. Upon arrival in Sighnaghi, visit the holy Bodbe Monastery, where St. Nino is buried. Learn how she brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century, and the legend of her healing properties. Nestled among cypress trees, the monastery affords stunning views of the Alazani Valley. End your tour by exploring the city of Sighnaghi, founded by King Erekle II in 1772. You will see buildings in the style of southern Italian Classicism, with Georgian elements. Known as the “City of Love,” Sighnaghi is one of Georgia’s most compact towns, with delightful red-roof tiles and panoramic views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Transfer back to Tbilisi for the end of your tour services.

Depart Tbilisi and travel to a dry desert region surrounded by hills and only inhabited by a few shepherds. Arrive at the historic David Gareji Monastery complex, founded by hermits who chose a secluded life in the early Middle Ages. Take an optional hike to the top of the hill separating Georgia and Azerbaijan, and get stunning views of the surroundings as you look for more of the abandoned caves. Continue to the small town of Signagi overlooking the Alazani Valley and Caucasian Mountains. Stroll the narrow streets to buy souvenirs and enjoy lunch at leisure. Sample the local Marani wine and an authentic chacha (brandy) at a traditional winery and learn the history of wine making in Georgia. Visit the nearby convent at Bodbe, famed as an important site of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians. Return to Tbilisi via a village that makes the local churchkhela candies to try some of the best sweet treats in Georgia!

Meet your guide at 9:00 AM at the requested place within Tbilisi and begin your adventure with a drive to the Kakheti region.   Itinerary:  Experience David Gareja Lavra Monastery Complex, founded in the 6th century by the Assyrian father David. It soon became one of the most sacred place for Georgians. By the 12th century, several thousand monks lived and worked here. They carved hundreds of cells, churches, chapels, refectories and living quarters out of the rock face. Next, take a 2-hour hike to David Gareja Udabno Monastery Complex, where you can see fascinating frescoes painted on the cave walls from the 10th to 13th centuries, rock-hewn churches, chapels and caves.  Then, continue to the beautiful small town of Signagi, also known as Sighnaghi. Signagi is surrounded by defensive walls where you can walk around and explore the beautiful Alazani Valley. Try local organic Georgian wines and food (at your own expense) before heading back to Tbilisi in the evening.

Departure from Tbilisi early in the morning and head East. On the way make a short stop at Badiauri village. Here you can watch the process of how Georgian bread is baked in special ovens. From Badiauri, continue on towards the Bodbe monastery. Bodbe is considered as one of the most important monasteries in Georgia, as here lies the grave of St. Nino who brought Christianity to Georgia in the middle of the 4th Century. Finally, arrive at the small, charming city of Sighnaghi that promises stunning views of the great Caucasus mountains and of the River Alazani valley. It is a walled town with remnants of 18th-century fortifications. You can climb the watchtowers to get a magnificent view. In Sighnaghi you will enjoy a Georgian wine tasting.

The day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Tbilisi and heads to the first stop of the tour, Bodbe. Upon arrival, visit Bodbe Nunnery, where Saint Nino was buried in the 4th century. From your guide, learn about Saint Nino, who converted Georgian religion to Christianity. Explore this historic location, which is one of the country’s most religious places, and where Georgian’s come for pilgrimage and forgiveness. Continue the tour onto Sighnaghi, also known as the City of Love. Famous for its wedding house where you can get married 24/7, Sighnaghi is bursting with romantic stories and a unique history. The city is also well-known for its Great Wall, which you can learn about from your guide. Before beginning the return journey to Tbilisi, take a moment to admire the view of the impressive Caucasus Mountain Range and snap photos for your vacation album.