Three days is the minimum to experience Georgia's greatest contrasts: the ancient Silk Road capital of Tbilisi, the dramatic mountain world of Kazbegi, and the wine-soaked hills of Kakheti. This compact tour hits all three in three days without rushing.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Tbilisi
We begin in the old town of Tbilisi, one of the most charismatic capitals in the Caucasus. The winding lanes of Abanotubani — the sulphur bath district — lead to Narikala Fortress with its panoramic city views. We walk through the colourful wooden-balconied streets of old Tbilisi, visit the Metekhi Church perched above the Mtkvari River, and explore the covered Dezertir Market where Georgia's food culture comes alive in spices, churchkhela candy, and fresh tkemali plum sauce. In the evening, dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Mtkvari river.
Day 2 — Kazbegi
We drive north along the Georgian Military Highway — one of the most dramatic mountain roads in the world. The first stop is Ananuri Fortress (16th–17th century) perched above the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir. Turquoise water reflecting snow-capped ridges makes this one of the best panoramas in the country.
Gudauri (2196m) — a short stop at the viewpoint near the Friendship of Nations Arch. Then the road follows the Terek River valley all the way to Stepantsminda. The iconic Gergeti Trinity Church sits at 2170m with the snow-capped Mount Kazbek (5047m) rising behind it. We hike up (40–50 minutes on the trail) or take a local 4WD taxi (₾20 per person) to reach the church. In Stepantsminda, lunch at a local café — khinkali, khachapuri, lemonade.
Day 3 — Kakheti Wine Region
Kakheti is the cradle of Georgian wine — an 8,000-year winemaking tradition that UNESCO has listed as intangible cultural heritage. We visit the hilltop town of Sighnaghi (the "City of Love") with its intact medieval walls and stunning views over the Alazani Valley and the Greater Caucasus. Then we stop at the Bodbe Monastery of Saint Nino, followed by visits to two family wineries for a traditional qvevri wine tasting. Georgian wine fermented in clay qvevri buried underground has a distinctive amber colour and tannin-rich character unlike anything produced in the West. Return to Tbilisi in the evening.
Detailed Route
Departure at 08:00 from your Tbilisi hotel. On Day 2, the first stop is Ananuri Fortress (16th–17th c.) above the Zhinvali Reservoir. The turquoise lake reflecting the snow-capped mountains is one of the finest panoramas in Georgia — especially in autumn when the peaks are already white and the water still blue-green.
Gudauri (2196m) — a short stop at the Friendship of Nations Arch viewpoint. The road then descends along the Terek River towards Stepantsminda. Timur will explain why it was here, in 1858, that Imam Shamil surrendered to Russian forces.
Ascent to Gergeti Trinity Church (2170m): a 40–50 minute hike along the trail or a ride in a local 4WD (₾20/person each way). The 14th-century church stands directly above the clouds — on a clear day Mount Kazbek (5047m) is visible in full height. Back in Stepantsminda, lunch at a local café — khinkali with mountain meat and fresh suluguni cheese. About ₾25–30 per person.
Practical Tips
Before heading out on any day of the tour, a few things will make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Good footwear matters most — you will be walking on cobblestones in Tbilisi and on mountain trails at Kazbegi.
- Dress in layers. Depending on the time of year, temperatures in the mountains can differ dramatically from Tbilisi. Even in summer, the Jvari Pass can be 10–15°C cooler — always bring a light jacket or fleece.
- Carry water and a snack. The Kazbegi day is long — pack a bottle of water and a light snack to keep your energy up during the hike to Gergeti Church.
- Bring your camera. The views at Ananuri, the Gudauri viewpoint, and Gergeti Trinity Church with Mount Kazbek behind it are genuinely extraordinary. Don't rely on a phone alone.
- Follow Timur's lead on the hike. If you have any concerns about the Gergeti ascent — fitness, altitude, footwear — just let Timur know. The 4WD taxi option is always available and costs ₾20 per person each way.
Why Choose This Tour
In three years of guiding in Georgia I have led more than 500 tours and I know what travellers value most: punctuality, specific knowledge rather than vague generalities, and the flexibility to adapt the day as it unfolds. This is never a bus tour with 40 strangers — a maximum of 7 guests means you can ask every question, stop wherever you want, and spend as long as you like at each location.
A 4.9 out of 5 rating on Google Maps (156 reviews) is not an accident. I reply on WhatsApp within 10–15 minutes, send a detailed plan before departure, and remain available afterwards. Many guests come back for a second and third tour — that is the best feedback I could ask for.
How Booking Works
Message me on WhatsApp: +995 511 272 623. I will confirm the date, group size, and any preferences, then send a full itinerary with timings and the exact price. A 10% deposit secures your booking; the balance is paid on the day. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Included
- Private transfer all 3 days
- English-speaking guide (Timur)
- Hotel accommodation (2 nights)
- Tbilisi city tour
- Kazbegi and Gergeti Church
- Kakheti and Sighnaghi
- Family winery visit with wine tasting
Not Included
- Meals and drinks
- Optional 4WD taxi at Kazbegi (₾20/person)
- Ananuri entry ticket (₾3)
- Personal purchases
Timur's Tip
Gergeti Trinity Church stands at 2170m, and hiking up takes 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your pace. I always tell guests: leave Stepantsminda no later than 10:00 — by noon Mount Kazbek (5047m) disappears behind cloud and you lose the view of the summit. Early in the morning, while the mist is still in the valley, the mountain hangs in the air right above you. If hiking is not an option, 4WD taxis are available from the village for ₾20 each way. In Stepantsminda itself, the best lunch spot is the Guda café by the river: khinkali with mountain-reared meat and homemade suluguni cheese. Around ₾25–30 per person and you will not leave hungry.
Ready to book?
Timur is a private English-speaking guide with a 4.9 rating. Groups up to 7 people, hotel pick-up included, 10% deposit to secure your dates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 3-day Georgia tour include?
Day 1: Tbilisi city tour — Old Town, Narikala, sulphur baths, Rustaveli Avenue. Day 2: Kazbegi via Georgian Military Highway — Ananuri Fortress, Gudauri viewpoint, Gergeti Trinity Church at 2170m. Day 3: Kakheti — Sighnaghi (city of love), Bodbe Monastery, two wineries with tasting. Hotels are included for 2 nights.
Is the Kazbegi hike difficult?
The hike to Gergeti Trinity Church takes about 1–1.5 hours each way with roughly 600m of elevation gain. It is a moderate hike on a clear, well-marked path. In summer a local 4WD taxi can drive you up for ₾20 per person each way if you prefer not to hike.
When is the best time for this 3-day tour?
May–June and September–October are ideal: mild temperatures, green landscapes, clear mountain views. July–August is the busiest season but all roads are open. In winter Kazbegi is snowbound and stunning, though Gergeti Church may occasionally be inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.
Can we change the itinerary?
Yes — the programme is flexible. Kakheti can be swapped for Mtskheta plus Gori, or a cooking class or pottery workshop can be added. Just let Timur know your preferences when booking.
Where do we stay?
Timur will recommend hotels to match your budget: from ₾80 (guesthouse) to ₾300 (boutique hotel) per night. You can also choose your own accommodation and Timur will work around it.
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Timur · Sakhva Travel · licensed guide No. 8247109128 · rating 4.9 · 500+ guests