Telavi is the capital of Kakheti and the main city of the Alazani Valley. Unlike tourist-oriented Sighnaghi, Telavi is a real Kakhetian centre with a 17th-century fortress, a 900-year-old plane tree, and family wineries where the owner personally pours wine from kvevri. In one day you will visit Alaverdi, Batsonisikhe fortress, Ikalto Academy, and taste five varieties of local wine.
Why Choose This Tour
Why travellers choose the Telavi tour
- Telavi is the real Kakheti — not a tourist set, but a living Georgian city with markets, family wine cellars, and authentic Kakhetian atmosphere
- Alaverdi Cathedral (11th century) — one of the tallest historic churches in Georgia (50 m), virtually unknown to international tourists
- Batsonisikhe fortress and a 900-year-old plane tree — 12.4 metres in circumference, one of the oldest trees in Georgia, the symbol of the city
- Family winery with kvevri — UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, tasting of five grape varieties including rare local Kisi
- Ikalto Academy (6th century) — where Shota Rustaveli studied, the ruins of the first university in the Caucasus
- Small private group (up to 7 people) — no coach tours, no crowds, personal approach
- Gomboro Pass panorama (1620 m) — views of the entire Alazani Valley with the Greater Caucasus Range on the horizon
Telavi — the Capital of Kakheti
Telavi is the administrative and cultural centre of Kakheti, Georgia's largest wine-producing region. Unlike Sighnaghi, which is oriented towards tourists, Telavi remains a living Georgian city with markets, family marани (wine cellars), and authentic Kakhetian daily life. The population is around 20,000, and most families here are connected to viticulture.
The main attraction is Batsonisikhe fortress (17th century), the residence of the last Kakhetian kings. Inside is a museum with a collection of medieval weapons and archaeological finds. At the fortress walls grows a 900-year-old plane tree — its girth is 12.4 metres, and it takes 12 people to embrace the trunk. This is one of the oldest plane trees in Georgia and the symbol of Telavi, depicted on the city coat of arms.
The Alazani Valley, at the centre of which Telavi stands, stretches for 150 km between the Greater Caucasus Range and the Gomboro Ridge. More than 500 grape varieties are cultivated here — more than in any other region in the world. The Telavi microzone is known for the varieties Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, and Kisi — white wines that are difficult to find outside Kakheti.
Key Stops on the Route
Alaverdi Cathedral (11th century)
Built in the 11th century, Alaverdi is the Cathedral of Saint George, 50 metres tall. Before the construction of Tsminda Sameba in Tbilisi it was the tallest church in Georgia. The monastery is active — the monks make their own wine using the traditional kvevri method. The territory is well maintained, with vineyards all around. Inside: medieval frescoes, an ancient wine cellar, and a museum of religious artefacts.
Batsonisikhe Fortress and the Giant Plane Tree
A 17th-century fortified complex that served as the residence of the Kakhetian kings. Inside is a small history museum (entry ₾5). The undisputed highlight is a living Oriental plane tree (Platanus orientalis) estimated to be 900 years old. Its trunk measures 12.4 metres in circumference — one of the largest trees in Georgia. The tree was already ancient when the fortress was built around it. On the city coat of arms, this tree is the central symbol.
Family Winery — Kvevri Tasting
We visit a small family-run winery producing wine using the traditional Kakhetian method: grapes fermented with skins and seeds in buried clay vessels (kvevri) for 6 months. This method is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The winery owner personally shows the marани (cellar) with the kvevri and talks about each variety. The tasting includes five varieties: Saperavi (red), Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane (white), Kisi (amber), and Khikhvi (a rare native grape). Wine can be purchased on site from ₾15–30 per bottle — roughly half the price of Tbilisi shops.
Ikalto Monastery (6th century)
Founded in the 6th century by one of the Thirteen Syrian Fathers who brought monasticism to Georgia. Ikalto is also famous for the Ikalto Academy — one of the earliest universities in the medieval world. The poet Shota Rustaveli, author of the epic poem "The Knight in the Panther's Skin", is believed to have studied here in the 12th century. The ruins of three halls survive on site: theology, philosophy, and — fascinatingly — winemaking. Yes, viticulture was taught here as an academic discipline. The ruins are preserved in a picturesque vineyard setting.
Tour Schedule
What is Included
Included in the price
- Private transport from/to Tbilisi
- English-speaking guide
- Batsonisikhe fortress visit
- Alaverdi Cathedral visit
- Wine tasting (5 varieties)
- All parking and road fees
- Bottled water
Not included
- Lunch and drinks (~₾25–40)
- Museum entry (₾5 Batsonisikhe)
- Wine bottle purchases
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Ready to book?
Timur — private tour with a 4.9 rating. Groups up to 7 people, hotel pick-up, 10% prepayment.
About the Telavi Route
The road from Tbilisi to Telavi goes through the Gomboro Pass (1620 m). This is one of the most scenic stretches of the journey — from the top of the pass there is a panorama of the entire Alazani Valley with the Caucasus Range on the horizon. In clear weather the snow-capped peaks of Tusheti are visible. A 10-minute photo stop.
The Alaverdi Cathedral (11th century) is the Cathedral of Saint George, 50 metres tall. Before the construction of Tsminda Sameba in Tbilisi it was the tallest church in Georgia. The monastery is active — the monks make their own wine using the traditional kvevri technique. The grounds are beautiful, surrounded by vineyards.
The Ikalto Academy (6th century) is one of the first universities of the medieval world. The poet Shota Rustaveli, author of "The Knight in the Panther's Skin", is said to have studied here. Ruins of three halls have been preserved: theology, philosophy, and winemaking. Yes, viticulture was an academic discipline here.
The family winery is the highlight of the route. The owner shows the marани (cellar) with kvevri — clay vessels buried in the ground. Tasting of five varieties: Saperavi (red), Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane (white), Kisi (amber), and Khikhvi (a rare native grape). Wine can be purchased on site — from ₾15 per bottle, roughly half the price in Tbilisi shops.
Practical Information
The tour starts from your hotel in Tbilisi. Pick-up in a comfortable air-conditioned car or minivan. Group size: up to 7 people, children are welcome. Payment in GEL (₾) cash or bank transfer. Booking via WhatsApp — reply within 10–15 minutes, confirmation with full route details sent immediately.
When to book
In high season (May–October) we recommend booking 3–5 days in advance. In winter and shoulder season — a day's notice is usually fine. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. If the weather is poor — we reschedule at no extra charge.
Best time to visit
Telavi is worth planning for a weekday. On weekends the fortress and restaurants fill up with Georgian day-trippers from Tbilisi, and café prices rise by 20–30%. The best time to travel is from mid-September to the end of October, during the rtveli (grape harvest): you will see the vineyards in action, try fresh must, and experience the authentic Kakhetian atmosphere at its most vibrant.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes (the paths at Ikalto are uneven). A scarf or shawl for the monasteries — shoulders and knees must be covered at all Orthodox sites (available at the entrance). Sunscreen in summer. A small bag if you plan to buy wine bottles to bring home.
Timur's Insider Tips
Telavi is a route I always recommend for a weekday. On weekends the fortress and restaurants are packed with Georgian tourists from Tbilisi, and café prices jump by 20–30%. The best time to go is from mid-September to late October during the rtveli (harvest season): you'll see the vineyards in full swing, taste fresh grape must, and catch the true Kakhetian atmosphere.
Of the wines, make sure to try the Kisi — it's a native variety grown only in a handful of villages around Telavi. In its amber form (skin-contact maceration) it gives flavours of dried apricot and honey — nothing quite like it exists anywhere else. For restaurants, I recommend "Kapilamuris Marani" in the centre of Telavi: home cooking, generous portions, wine from their own cellar. Average bill — ₾25–35 per person including wine.
And one practical tip: if you plan to buy wine, bring a compact wine carrier or wrap the bottles in your clothing in a backpack. Georgian airport security has no restrictions on wine in checked luggage, and family winery bottles travel very well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Telavi and Kakheti (Sighnaghi) tours?
The Telavi tour focuses on the capital of Kakheti: Batsonisikhe fortress, the 900-year plane tree, and Ikalto Academy. The standard Kakheti tour goes through Sighnaghi and Bodbe Monastery. The two routes do not overlap — you can do both on separate days.
Is wine tasting included in the price?
Yes. A tasting of 5 wines at the family winery is included in the tour price. Purchasing wine bottles is optional and at your own expense. Lunch at a local restaurant is not included; we stop at a good local place where a typical meal costs ₾25–40.
What is the 900-year plane tree at Batsonisikhe?
Inside the Batsonisikhe fortress there is an Oriental plane tree (Platanus orientalis) estimated to be 900 years old. Its trunk circumference is 12.4 metres — one of the largest trees in Georgia. Entry to the fortress is ₾5. The museum inside is free.
What should I wear to the monasteries?
Shoulders and knees must be covered at all Orthodox monasteries. Shawls and wraps are available at the entrance. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended — the paths at Ikalto are uneven cobblestone.
Can I buy wine at the winery?
Yes. Family wineries sell bottles from ₾15–30 each. The quality is higher and the price is lower than in Tbilisi shops. Georgian natural wine travels well — many guests bring several bottles home.