Taste, Travel and Traditions: A Women’s Trip Through Georgia

Tbilisi seen through a glass of wine

🛬 Day 1 – Arrival in Tbilisi, Georgia

Welcome to the beginning of your 8-day women-only culinary tour of Georgia! Upon arrival at Tbilisi International Airport, you’ll be met with included private transfers to your centrally located hotel.

No official activities are scheduled for today—giving you time to rest or explore the local area at your own pace. I’ll be at the hotel in the afternoon and for those not too tired, I will be happy to show them a little of Tbilisi.

One of the most beautiful areas of Tbilisi surrounds the sulfur baths in Old Tbilisi.

🏛️ Day 2 – Explore Tbilisi’s Old Town

After breakfast, we begin our walking tour of Tbilisi, Georgia’s vibrant capital. We’ll stop at the 13th-century Metekhi Church, perched high on a cliff with stunning views over the Kura River and the historic Old Town. From there, we’ll take a cable car up to Narikala Fortress, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city and meet the iconic Mother of Georgia statue — a symbol of Georgian hospitality, with a sword in one hand, to repel enemies and a bowl of wine in the other, to welcome guests.

A wonderful panoramic view of Tbilisi from Narikala fortress, at the top of the cable car station

As we descend into the colourful streets of the Old Town, we’ll pass ornate wooden balconies, the domed Abanotubani sulfur baths, and quirky landmarks like the Leaning Clock Tower and the Tamada Statue, honouring Georgia’s toastmasters and festive traditions. Tbilisi blends ancient architecture, modern charm, and artistic flair with lots of quirkiness.

Tbilisi's famous clocktower

The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure. There is so much to see and do in Georgia, some of you may want to take a traditional sulfar bath, take a boat on the river, get an aerial view of Tbilisi from the air in a static hot air balloon, ride on the funicular railway or just wander the cobbled streets immersing yourself in the atmosphere of this vibrant city.

🏞️ Day 3 – Mtskheta, Ananuri Fortress & Kazbegi

After a hearty included breakfast, we leave Tbilisi and head northwest toward Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of Georgia’s oldest and most sacred cities, Mtskheta is home to the hilltop Jvari Monastery, offering panoramic views over the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers and the charming Old Town below.

You’ll have time to wander through the cobbled streets of this picturesque town, admire Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and browse vibrant local stalls offering silver and enamel jewellery, handwoven wool goods, fresh fruit, and even a local favourite — wine ice cream, which I love so much!

Geogian's make wine ice cream

We then journey north along the dramatic Georgian Military Highway, making scenic stops along the way. First up is the Ananuri Fortress Complex, a historic 17th-century castle overlooking the shimmering Zhinvali Reservoir. We’ll also stop at the colourful Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument, known for its incredible views of the Caucasus Mountains. We will arrive at one of the most scenic spots in Georgia, Kazbegi (Stepantsminda). From our hotel you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek.

The Ananuri fortress complex in Georgia

⛪ Day 4 – Gergeti Trinity Church Hike & Khinkali Cooking Class in Kazbegi

Today we visit one of Georgia’s most iconic landmarks — the Gergeti Trinity Church, perched dramatically against the backdrop of the towering Caucasus Mountains. The hike is a scenic 7 km round trip, if anyone has mobility concerns, we can arrange a car ride to the church at no extra cost. This unforgettable viewpoint is sure to be a highlight of your Georgian adventure. It is simply stunning.

The Gergeti Trinity Church near Kazbegi, Georgia

The sunrise over Mount Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity Church in Kazbegi, Georgia

After working up an appetite, we’ll head to a local family home for our first culinary masterclass — learning to prepare Khinkali, Georgia’s beloved dumplings. The classic version is filled with meat and spices, but there are also delicious variations with cheese, mushrooms, or potatoes. Here we will also have a hearty lunch.

Khinkali, Georgia's famous dish

Later, experience a traditional felt-making workshop, where you can try your hand at crafting this ancient Georgian art. You’ll also taste homemade herbal, fruit teas, along with home-made jams, giving you a real taste of local flavours and hospitality. We will then begin our journey to Gori.

Local felt making in Kazbegi, Georgia

✨ Day 5: Gori, Pottery, Uplistsikhe & Wine Traditions

Our day begins in Gori, the birthplace of Josef Stalin, where we will make a photo stop at his museum. From there, we’ll visit a clay pottery master’s studio to watch traditional pottery-making techniques and even try shaping our own piece. The journey continues to Uplistsikhe, an extraordinary rock-hewn town and one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus. We will also stop at the 6th-century Atenis Sioni Church, a gem of medieval architecture nestled in a picturesque valley. To conclude the day, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and wine tasting at Vacheishvili Wine Cellar, before returning to Tbilisi.

🍇 Day 6 – Into Kakheti: Georgia’s Wine Region, Signagi, Wine Tasting, Churchkhela Masterclass & Georgian Feast

Today we journey east to Kakheti, Georgia’s most renowned wine-producing region, known for its scenic vineyards, ancient traditions, and warm hospitality.

Georgia is widely recognized as the cradle of wine, with an 8,000-year-old winemaking history. I’ll be eternally grateful to this wonderful country for creating my favourite beverage. We’ll explore this tradition up close as we visit a local winery and learn how wine is made in qvevri — large clay amphorae buried underground, a method recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance.

We’ll see Signagi, known as the “City of Love”. At the wedding hall here it is possible to get married 24 hours a day. It is perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. Known for its pastel-coloured homes, defensive walls, and romantic charm, Signagi is also home to some excellent wineries.

We’ll enjoy another Georgian wine tasting experience, sampling natural qvevri wines in this atmospheric setting.

Our culinary experience today is a hands-on Churchkhela-making workshop. This iconic Georgian dessert is crafted by dipping strings of walnuts or hazelnuts into a thickened mixture of grape juice and flour (called tatara), then hanging them to dry into delicious, chewy ropes of sweetness.

The famous churchkhela dessert in Geogia

This will be followed by a Stupa, a traditional Georgian feast. The food and drink will be overflowing and a traditional toastmaster will lead is in a series of toasts to family, friends, those departed, Georgia and love. There will be also be a traditional Georgian barbecue, music played on a panduri a traditional 3 stringed lute and piano, accompanied by singing and dancing. A chance to experience the best of Georgian hospitality.

🧺 Day 7 – Visit a Local Market, Walking Tour of Telavi, Alaverdi Monastery and Wine Tasting.

We begin the day with a visit to a traditional Georgian agricultural market, where you’ll have the chance to sample local produce, from seasonal fruits and fresh herbs to spices and regional delicacies. There will be a walking tour of Telavi, the charming capital of Kakheti to explore its cobbled streets and historic architecture.

We’ll stop at the Alaverdi Monastery, a historic 6th-century complex that beautifully blends spirituality with winemaking heritage. There will also be an opportunity to stop at another vineyard for a last wine tasting and farewell lunch before returning to Tbilisi. Gaumarjos – cheers to Georgia.