What's included in the tour price?

The EUR 258 base price covers private transportation for the full 15 hours, guided visits to all five sites (Shaori Reservoir, Nikortsminda Cathedral, Qvabtkari waterfall, Barakoni Church, and Utsera spa resort), a three-course lunch with local specialities at a family home, and wine tasting featuring Khvanchkara. Entry fees to sites are typically included, though confirm with your operator.

How long is the drive, and what's the route like?

The tour covers 595 km (370 miles) round-trip from Tbilisi. Expect 5–6 hours of driving with breaks for sightseeing. Roads are paved but winding through mountain passes; Nakerala Pass is particularly scenic. Not suitable for those with motion sickness without preparation.

Is Khvanchkara wine worth trying, and will I taste it during lunch?

Khvanchkara is Georgia's most celebrated wine—a semi-sweet red with a distinctive character. Yes, you'll taste it during the family lunch as part of the tour. Your hosts often produce or source local wine and can explain its history and production methods.

What's the Waterfall of Love (Qvabtkari) about?

Qvabtkari is a scenic waterfall in the Racha region with a local legend claiming that couples who visit together will marry soon. It's a picturesque stop with cultural significance; dress appropriately for uneven ground and potential mist.

How difficult is the walking/hiking on this tour?

Difficulty is low to moderate. You'll walk on relatively flat ground around churches and to the waterfall base, but there are some slopes and uneven surfaces. Sturdy shoes are essential. If you have mobility concerns, discuss adjustments with your operator in advance.

Can the tour be customised for dietary restrictions or interests?

Yes—it's a private tour, so your guide can adjust the itinerary within reason. Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly meals can usually be arranged at the family lunch with advance notice. If you're a serious wine enthusiast, ask about visiting additional local producers or extending the tasting.

Frescoes inside the Nikortsminda Cathedral

Monument to Wine Khvanchkara in Ambrolauri

The road from Ambrolauri to Barakoni Church

Barakoni Church of the Mother of God (18th Century)

Naturally semi-sweet red wine Khvanchkara (wine tasting for extra charge)

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Private Tour to Racha from Tbilisi with Medieval Churches, Wine Tasting & Lunch

(5)

Tbilisi, Georgia

Cultural ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsBus & Minivan Tours

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About this activity

Discover Georgia's legendary Racha wine region on this comprehensive 15-hour private tour from Tbilisi, combining medieval churches, dramatic mountain scenery, and authentic family-hosted wine tasting with traditional lunch. This remote region showcases centuries of Georgian heritage alongside pristine nature, visited by far fewer tourists than Tbilisi's standard routes.

Private full day tour to Racha includes visiting one of the most distinguished regions of Georgia known with its great wine, diverse nature and hospitable people. Tour includes visiting Shaori Reservoir covered with mixed deciduous trees beautiful at all seasons of the year, Nikortsminda Cathedral with rich ornaments built in the 11th century, Qvabtkari - the waterfall of love believed to help people get married soon, Barakoni Church which is one of the last monuments in the tradition of medieval Georgian architecture built in the 18th century and mountain spa and health resort of Utsera. Tour includes visiting local family for a lunch to taste Khvanchkara that is one of the best wines in the world and try delicious meals from the cuisine of Racha. Tour also includes visiting towns Ambrolauri and Oni and Nakerala Pass, known with its beautiful forest. Private tour to Racha is appropriate for people who love nature, historical sites and unique wine. Total drive 595 km (370 miles).

Highlights

✓11th-century Nikortsminda Cathedral with intricate stone carvings
✓Qvabtkari waterfall ('Waterfall of Love'), steeped in local folklore
✓18th-century Barakoni Church, a rare example of late medieval Georgian architecture
✓Private wine tasting and three-course lunch at a local family home featuring Khvanchkara wine
✓Scenic drive through Nakerala Pass and mixed forests surrounding Shaori Reservoir
✓Visits to mountain towns Ambrolauri and Oni with panoramic views

Insider tips

★Racha's signature Khvanchkara is a semi-sweet red; local families often produce their own—ask about their winemaking traditions during lunch
★The route covers 595 km with significant driving; request stops at scenic pullouts, especially near the reservoir and Nakerala Pass
★Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the best weather for photography; avoid winter when mountain passes can be hazardous
★Bring layers—mountain weather changes rapidly, and you'll be on foot at several sites

Good to know

•Total duration is 15 hours including 5–6 hours driving; early morning pickup from Tbilisi required
•Private tour (1–6 passengers typical) means flexible pacing and personalised attention versus group tours
•Lunch and wine tasting included; vegetarian options available on request
•Sturdy walking shoes recommended for cathedral grounds and waterfall approach; not wheelchair accessible
•Mobile signal is patchy in remote areas; download offline maps if using GPS

Who it's for

History and archaeology enthusiasts interested in medieval Georgian architectureWine lovers seeking authentic, small-scale producers and educational tastingsNature photographers and hikers looking for off-the-beaten-path mountain sceneryCouples and small groups wanting immersive cultural experiences beyond Tbilisi

Best time to visit

Late spring (May–early June) and early autumn (September–October) offer ideal weather, clear skies, and lush landscapes. Summer can be very hot; winter roads may be closed or hazardous. Visit mid-morning to avoid arriving at lunch too early.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Adam N.

Apr 2026

Very enjoy, the warm baklava at the last stop the best part. Nadia take care us very well, rolled home properly stuffed. Thank you so much!

Nick P.

Nov 2025

So nice this one, a glass of the local red was amazing and Aiko the host explain everything good. Better than Lisbon for sure, we go again!

Amara G.

Jul 2025

our host Wei couldnt do enough for us and the lamb kofte was the highlight, and booked it for my birthday.

John A.

Feb 2025

our host Mei was nice enough, but the warm baklava at the last stop felt a bit rushed honestly. Did it on our first morning. Would only really suit you if youre not fussy, rolled home properly stuffed. Bit disappointed ngl, on a rainy sunday.

Claire S.

Jan 2025

loved it — host Sofia top notch, honestly better than the food tour we did in Paris last year

from€259.82€258.89/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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