Join in for a 7-day adventure through Georgia and Armenia during the most magical time of year—wine harvest season! The valleys are full of autumn colors, the vineyards are alive with energy, and the traditions of music, folk dancing, and feasting fill the air.
We’ll begin in Tbilisi and then step back in time to explore ancient wonders like Uplistsikhe and Gori, before diving into Georgia’s world-famous wine culture. From there, the journey blends history with flavor—tasting family-made wines, joining a cooking class, and savoring local dishes that will stay with you long after the trip ends.
We’ll also step across the border into Armenia for a special one-day tour, adding another layer of history, culture, and flavor to the experience.
This is a small group trip, personally designed by Lauren from It’s the Kellys, in collaboration with a trusted local tour team, so you can experience the same beauty, hospitality, and joy she fell in love with in 2024 on a solo trip.
From clinking glasses in family-owned wineries to dancing to traditional music under the harvest sky, this is the Caucasus at its best—ready for you to savor.
Be sure to consider the Azerbaijan add on trip! We will be flying together from Tbilisi to Baku, Azerbaijan for a 4 day adventure in another country. Click here: https://tri.ps/AlTQS
Is this the exact itinerary we will be doing?
This tour has been curated by Lauren Kelly in collaboration with a local tour company. While every effort will be made to stick to the planned itinerary, please note that experiences or accommodations may be subject to modification closer to the date of the tour, at our discretion. You will be informed of any changes.
Is this trip refundable?
Your deposit is refundable only before the due date of the first payment. After the first payment has been made, the tour becomes non-refundable and non-transferable.
Travel insurance is mandatory to provide coverage in the event of an emergency. If you need to cancel for a covered reason, you may file a claim with your travel insurance provider.
Is there a visa required?
Georgia and Armenia have no visa requirements for American citizens.
Armenia requires an e-visa for Canadian citizens. (Georgia does not)
For other nationalities, please check.
*Make sure your passport will not expire within 6 months after your arrival date.
Do I need any vaccinations?
No vaccinations are required for this tour.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, Our group trips require travel insurance. Believe me... if there is a flight mishap, you will want to be covered! If you have paid for the tour and flights with a travel credit card that includes travel insurance, that will be fine.
What should I pack?
As we have built our community around packing videos, we will be sending out detailed packing lists and a packing video pre-trip. It is always recommended that you pack in a carry on, especially due to the transportation. You will be able to leave a bag in the Tbilisi hotel if you are traveling with a large bag and want to downsize for the 2 nights in wine country.
How much cash/spending money will I need?
You will need local currency for tips, souvenirs, and a few meals. Cards may be accepted at times, but cash will be best.
As for your gratuity for the guides, the suggested amount will be determined closer to the trip, and we will always give you a range.
What is the best way to get local currency?
We always recommend a local bank ATM. There are some at the airport upon arrival, and plenty in the city.
If you would rather exchange money, we recommend doing this outside of the airport for a better rate, and there will be a currency exchange available to take you to. It is advised to bring newer bills to exchange, from 2016+ that are in good condition, or they may not be eligible for exchange.
*It is not recommended to exchange money in your home country before arrival.
Is English widely spoken?
Our tour guides are wonderful english speakers, but this area of the world doesn't speak a lot of english. You will hear people speak Georgian and Russian in Georgia, and Armenian and Russian in Armenia.
When should I arrive/depart?
Please land in Tbilisi before 4pm on September 6. We will have a welcome dinner that evening, and we don't want you to miss it! It is always a smart idea to arrive a day before, due to the time change, and incase of flight delays. We don't want you to miss anything!
You can fly home anytime on September 13. A transfer will not be included, but the hotel can arrange it.
Can I arrive early or stay later than the tour dates?
Of course you can! If you decide to come early, we can add a balance to your bill to cover those nights in the same room that you will be in for the stay. (Fee TBD) Lauren will likely be there already, and can always provide travel tips.
If you choose to stay an extra night or two, thats fine, too. However, Lauren won't be there, as we are headed to Azerbaijan after. If you decide to stay after, we can add a balance to your bill to cover those nights. (Fee TBD)
Sandali Boutique Hotel in Tbilisi.
Hotel Qvevrebi in Telavi.
Included with your hotel reservation
Georgian and Armenian meals are very filling and have a lot of hearty, heavy food. There will be least one meal included daily, plus pairings with wine tastings.
Local Chacha and Brandy, too! Always will have food pairings
mandatory
We will suggest an amount closer to the trip
Fly in and out of Tbilisi International Airport
We will arrange it, but it's not included unless you are doing the add on trip to Azerbaijan
Welcome to Tbilisi, Georgia!
You will be welcomed at the airport by a local driver from our team, and transferred to our hotel, and Lauren will be meeting you in the lobby!
Tonight, we have a fun welcome dinner (time and place TBD), but until then, just relax or explore!
Hotel: Sandali Hotel (Tbilisi) it’s on the river and you have a balcony.
Discover Georgia’s vibrant capital on a full-day private tour designed to showcase the perfect blend of ancient charm and modern spirit.
Begin your journey in the atmospheric Old Town, where narrow winding streets lead you past colorful houses, historic churches, and iconic landmarks. Your guide will bring the city’s stories to life, from centuries of history to the thriving culture of today.
One of the highlights of the day will be the cable car ride up to Mtatsminda Park, perched high above the city. Here you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Tbilisi, an ideal spot for unforgettable photos and a unique perspective of the capital.
Later, venture to the monumental Chronicles of Georgia, an impressive sculptural complex overlooking the Tbilisi Sea. This striking site, often described as Georgia’s “Stonehenge” combines massive statues of kings, queens, and biblical figures, telling the story of the nation’s past through art and architecture.
For dinner, in a local home, you’ll prepare some of Georgia’s most beloved dishes — Khinkali (dumplings), Khachapuri (cheese bread), eggplant with walnuts, and traditional cornbread (Mchadi).
Overnight at the same Tbilisi hotel.
After breakfast, we are heading out of town! (But we will be back to Tbilisi later!) We have a private tour to Uplistsikhe, Gori and Mtskheta today!
First, we will step back in time at the Uplistsikhe Cave City, an ancient rock-hewn town along the Silk Road. (There will be an option for wine tasting too!)
Then we will enjoy a family style lunch at a local restaurant in Gori, before exploring the thought-provoking Stalin Museum.
We will continue to the UNESCO-listed Jvari Monastery, perched above the confluence of two rivers with breathtaking views.
Then we will end the day in Mtskheta, Georgia’s spiritual capital, visiting the magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture and faith, and wandering the town (and shopping!)
After dark, we arrive back in Tbilisi, and you have the evening free. Whether you want to go to bed early, drink some wine, or have dinner with new friends, that’s your choice!
After breakfast, it's time to grab your passports-- we're leaving the country! We're stamping out of Georgia and into Armenia for a fascinating cultural journey filled with history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality.
(There will be a money exchange at the border for souvenirs in Armenian dram)
Explore the mighty Akhtala Monastery Fortress with its rich frescoes, admire the UNESCO-listed Haghpat Monastery, and walk across the Sanahin Bridge.
Travel through the dramatic Debed Canyon and make a stop at the Aircraft MiG-21 at the Mikoyan Brothers Museum.
Visit the Sanahin Monastery Complex before being welcomed into a local home for a homemade Armenian lunch, offering a true taste of Armenian flavors.
Once we return to Tbilisi, you have the evening free again. But you also have to pack! Tomorrow we’re heading out of town for a few nights!
After breakfast, we are leaving Tbilisi and heading to wine country! (Bring your luggage and your appetite!)
Begin your journey in Badiauri village, where you’ll watch traditional bread being baked in a clay oven and taste it fresh and warm along with 3 types of Georgian cheese.
Continue to the spiritual Bodbe Monastery, a serene complex with breathtaking views, before strolling through Sighnaghi – the adorable City of Love, known for its charming streets and panoramic scenery. In this city, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with spectacular views of the Alazani Valley.
Next, step into the impressive Khareba Wine Tunnel, carved deep into the mountains. Here you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the tunnel, learn about Kakheti’s unique winemaking heritage, and taste a few exceptional wines.
We will be doing a Churchkhela-making masterclass there, too — creating Georgia’s famous “sweet energy bar” from grape juice and nuts.
The day continues with a visit to Old Vine family winery, where you’ll enjoy a cozy tasting of two house wines, along with traditional Chacha and brandy, and a full lunch. This warm and personal experience will immerse you in the essence of Georgian hospitality.
End the day with an overnight stay in Telavi, the heart of the wine region. We have the cutest hotel!
This day is dedicated to the essence of Georgian culture — wine, hospitality, and tradition.
Start your journey at the Tsinandali House Museum, where European elegance meets Georgian artistry.
Continue to Mekvevre Kbilashvili Marani, a family-run winery that preserves the ancient art of Qvevri winemaking, recognized by UNESCO. Learn about the unique clay vessels, symbolism, and centuries-old techniques that define Georgia’s winemaking soul.
Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Georgian Supra — a festive feast filled with toasts, songs, laughter, and authentic homemade dishes, celebrating friendship and life in true Georgian spirit.
Later, join the harvest (Rtveli) at Shumi Winery, where you’ll pick grapes, taste freshly pressed juice, and enjoy wine straight from the cellar. The experience also includes a guided tasting of Shuni’s best vintages, paired with stories of Georgia’s winemaking legacy.
Conclude your day at Nekresi Monastery, a peaceful hilltop sanctuary with panoramic views of Alazani Valley.
In the evening, we will be back at our adorable hotel. There will be no dinner tonight, as our feast day will leave us very full all day.
After breakfast, we will start the day with a stroll through the Telavi Farmers Market, bursting with fresh produce, spices, and local specialties.
After, we will visit the majestic Alaverdi Monastery, an iconic site of spirituality and wine-making history, surrounded by the beautiful landscape of Kakheti.
Continue to Odlisi, to our last local winery, where you’ll enjoy a homemade lunch with regional ingredients, and of course, one last wine tasting.
As the day winds down, we return to Tbilisi for an overnight stay: our last one together.
Once we check into our hotel, we will head out for a goodbye dinner.
Breakfast is included today, and you can head to the airport anytime.
Rides to the airport are not included, but the hotel can arrange a taxi, or you can use Georgia’s version of Uber (Bolt)
You will also have the option to join our add-on tour to Azerbaijan!
