What's included in the tour?

Private car, driver, and guided visits to Gombori Pass, Ujarma Fortress, Shuamta Monasteries, Alaverdi Monastery, Ikalto Monastery, Tsinandali Estate with winery tasting, and Telavi Palace. A lunch option with traditional Georgian cuisine is available as an upgrade.

How long is the drive and how many stops are there?

Total distance is 225 km (135 miles) with multiple cultural and scenic stops throughout the 10-hour tour. Pacing is flexible in a private tour setting.

Is this suitable for first-time visitors to Georgia?

Yes. This tour covers major historical periods (3rd century to 18th century), introducing you to Georgian Christianity, medieval scholarship, royal history, and wine culture all in one comprehensive day.

Do I need a car or guide to do this independently?

A private car and local guide are included; independent travel is possible but difficult due to distances, rural locations, and limited public transport between sites.

Are there accessibility considerations?

Some monastery and fortress sites involve uneven ground and steps. Confirm mobility needs with the supplier when booking to discuss feasible stops.

What's the winery experience like at Tsinandali?

You'll visit a functioning estate with tasting of local Georgian wines, including the region's historic bottled wines. The estate also features landscaped gardens and serves as Kakheti's administrative center.

Telavi Tour from Tbilisi with Tsinandali, Gombori, Alaverdi and Ikalto

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Discover Telavi: Tsinandali, Alaverdi & Gombori Tour

(5)

Tbilisi, Georgia

Cultural ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsCity BreaksMuseums & ExhibitionsPrivate Car Tours

About this activity

Explore Georgia's historic Kakheti heartland on a 10-hour private tour combining medieval monasteries, royal palaces, mountain passes, and acclaimed wineries. This comprehensive day trip showcases centuries of Georgian culture—from 3rd-century fortress ruins to 12th-century monastic academies—culminating in tastings at a working estate.

Private full day trip to Telavi includes exploring breathtaking views of Gombori Pass, Ujarma fortress originally built in the III-IV centuries, Old and New Shuamta Monasteries, Alaverdi Monastery built in the 11th century, Ikalto monastery founded by Saint Zenon and academy where the famous 12th century Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli studied, Tsinandali Estate with unique landscape garden and winery and administrative center of Kakheti region, town Telavi to visit the Palace of King Erekle II. Two options are available for the tour. Tour with Lunch option includes tasting the best meals from local traditional cuisine. Private tour to Telavi is suitable for people who desire to enjoy great views, medieval monasteries, royal palaces and visit wine producing region to try the first bottled wine in Georgia. Total drive 225 km (135 miles).

Highlights

✓Gombori Pass: dramatic mountain scenery with sweeping valley views
✓Alaverdi Monastery (11th century) with striking bell tower dominating the landscape
✓Ikalto Monastery and historic academy where poet Shota Rustaveli studied
✓Tsinandali Estate: manicured gardens, winery, and Kakheti regional hub
✓Ujarma Fortress (3rd–4th century) perched above the Alazani River
✓Telavi Palace of King Erekle II: Georgian royal architecture and history

Insider tips

★Book the lunch option to taste authentic Kakheti dishes prepared with local ingredients—worth the upgrade for a fuller cultural experience
★Arrive early in the tour season (May–June) when monastery gardens are lush and winery harvest preparations are underway
★Bring a light jacket even in summer; Gombori Pass sits at elevation and can be significantly cooler than Tbilisi
★Ask your guide about Shota Rustaveli's connection to Ikalto—the literary history adds depth to the monastery visit

Good to know

•Total distance is 225 km (135 miles) with multiple stops; comfortable shoes and water are essential
•Private car tour means flexible pacing and personal attention; confirm pickup time and location with supplier the day before
•Lunch option available—clarify dietary requirements when booking if selecting this upgrade
•Winery tastings are included at Tsinandali; moderate alcohol consumption advised given the full itinerary
•Monasteries require modest dress (covered shoulders and knees); plan layers for variable temperatures

Who it's for

History and archaeology enthusiasts keen on early Christian and medieval sitesWine lovers exploring Georgia's premier wine regions and production heritageCultural travellers seeking royal palaces, monasteries, and literary landmarks in one daySmall groups or families wanting a private, tailored pace through Kakheti's highlights

Best time to visit

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer mild weather, blooming monastery gardens, and active winery seasons. Avoid mid-summer heat and winter mountain closures; morning departures capture the best light at Gombori Pass.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Sarah R.

Dec 2025

our guide Raj was nice enough, but a stop the guide added on the fly felt a bit rushed honestly ... Over easter break. First thing in the morning. Bit disappointed ngl, would only really suit you if youre not fussy, ran the full 4 hours promised.

Zoe L.

Oct 2025

Very enjoy, a little local spot off the usual route the best part. Hana take care us very well, 6 stops in about 3 hours. Thank you so much!

David S.

Aug 2025

our guide Samir had so many stories and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight. Used it for our summer trip so it wasnt too busy. Blew our phuket one out of the water, and great if youre not super fit, and ran the full 4 hours promised. Would book again no question.

Alex L.

Apr 2025

Ingrid our guide very good, and the bit at the end nobody expects we love it. Is much better than the tour we do in Paris before. We are very happy, recommend to all!

Sofia C.

Jan 2025

our guide Kemal had so many stories and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight, and spot on for a couples day out, and came away with 200+ photos.

from€240.46€240.36/ person

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