This two-day tour combines Georgia's two most iconic experiences: the mountain monastery of Gergeti Trinity Church against the backdrop of Mount Kazbek (5047m), and the amber wine and medieval hilltop towns of Kakheti, Georgia's wine heartland. Two directions — two faces of Georgia — in one compact programme without unnecessary rushing.
Day 1 — Kazbegi Mountains
07:30 — Departure from your Tbilisi hotel. We drive north along the Georgian Military Highway — one of the most spectacular mountain roads in the world.
09:00 — Ananuri Fortress on the Zhinvali Reservoir (75 km from Tbilisi). Two churches from the 16th–17th century on an emerald lake shore; the view from above is one of the finest postcard shots in Georgia.
11:00 — Gudauri. Stop at the viewpoint on the Jvari Pass (2379m) with a panorama over the Greater Caucasus range.
13:00 — Stepantsminda (Kazbegi). The main event: the hike to Gergeti Trinity Church at 2170m — a Georgian Orthodox church that has stood on its rocky cliff since the 14th century with Mount Kazbek (5047m) rising directly behind it. The hike takes 1–1.5 hours each way with 600m of elevation gain. A 4WD taxi (₾20/person, 15 minutes) is available for those who prefer not to hike.
Mount Kazbek is most often cloud-free before 14:00, so we time the ascent accordingly. The view from the top is one of the most iconic in the entire Caucasus. We overnight in Kazbegi to catch the mountain light at dawn — when the peaks are free of clouds and the monastery glows gold in the morning sun.
18:00 — Dinner in Stepantsminda with mountain views: khinkali and local Kazbegi beer.
Overnight in Kazbegi (guesthouse from ₾70/night, not included in tour price).
Day 2 — Kakheti Wine Region
09:00 — Morning view of Mount Kazbek, then departure east through Tbilisi into Kakheti — about 3 hours total. Kakheti produces 70% of Georgian wine and has been making it for 8000 years. Georgia invented qvevri wine: fermented in clay vessels buried underground, it produces a distinctive amber-coloured wine with rich tannins utterly different from anything made in Europe.
11:00 — Telavi. The regional capital: the palace of Herekle II (18th century) and the local market.
12:30 — Tsinandali. The estate of the Chavchavadze princes, the first European-style park in Georgia (1883), 14 hectares, 900 trees.
14:00 — Sighnaghi. A hilltop town completely enclosed by 18th-century defensive walls with 28 towers and 4 km of ramparts, panoramic views over the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus range on the horizon. Bodbe Monastery nearby — burial site of Saint Nino (4th century), who brought Christianity to Georgia.
15:30 — A family winery for a proper qvevri tasting: orange rkatsiteli, ruby saperavi, perhaps a chacha digestif. Lunch with the winemakers.
18:00 — Return to Tbilisi.
Timur's Tip
The ideal combination: Day 1 — Kazbegi (Georgian Military Highway, Gergeti). Day 2 — Kakheti (Sighnaghi, wine). Overnight in Tbilisi between days. This way you see both mountains and vineyards in 2 days — no rushing, no compromises.
Included
- Private transfers both days
- English-speaking guide (Timur)
- Hotel (1 night) in Kazbegi
- Gergeti Church hike (or 4WD taxi option)
- Sighnaghi hilltop town
- Family winery wine tasting
Not Included
- Meals and drinks
- Optional 4WD taxi at Kazbegi (₾20/person)
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
Why Choose This Tour
Over 3 years guiding in Tbilisi I have led more than 500 tours and know what travellers value: punctuality, specific facts instead of vague phrases, and flexibility to adjust the route on the fly. Every tour is individual — I do not fill buses. This means you ask every question, stop wherever you like, and spend exactly as much time at each point as you need.
The 4.9 rating on Google Maps (76 reviews) is not accidental. I reply on WhatsApp in 10–15 minutes, send a detailed plan before the trip, and stay reachable throughout. Many guests come back for a second and third tour — that is the best compliment.
Three Practical Tips for This Route
- At Kazbegi, plan the ascent to Gergeti for afternoon — mornings are often foggy, clouds typically clear after 12:00.
- Sighnaghi has a 24-hour wedding registry — that is why the city is called the "City of Love". A fact that surprises most visitors.
- The route via Gombori Pass into Kakheti takes 2.5 hours — more scenic and interesting than the lowland highway (2 hours).
What to Pack
- Warm layer for Kazbegi — it can be 10–15°C cooler than Tbilisi at 2170m near Gergeti, even in summer
- Comfortable trainers or light hiking shoes for the ascent to Gergeti
- Cash ₾80–100 for tastings, entrance fees, and lunch
- Camera or a phone with a decent camera — the views in Kazbegi and Sighnaghi are worth the storage
- Sunscreen — UV intensity is stronger at altitude
Practical Information
The tour departs from your Tbilisi hotel. Timur arrives in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Group size: up to 7 people, families with children are welcome. Payment in Georgian lari (₾) — cash or bank transfer. Booking via WhatsApp — response within 10–15 minutes, confirmation with route details sent immediately.
When to Book
In high season (May–October) book 3–5 days in advance. In winter and shoulder season — one day ahead is fine. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. If weather is poor we reschedule at no extra charge.
What is Included in the Price
Hotel pickup and drop-off, English-speaking guide service, all entrance tickets on the route, bottled water. Not included: meals (average restaurant bill ₾25–40 per person), personal shopping and souvenirs.
How Booking Works
Message on WhatsApp: +995 511 272 623. Timur will confirm the date, group size, and any preferences. You receive a confirmation with the itinerary, timing, and price. 10% deposit on booking, remainder on the day of the tour. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see both Kazbegi and Kakheti in 2 days?
Yes. This is the classic two-day route: Day 1 — Kazbegi and the Georgian Military Highway, Day 2 — Kakheti, Sighnaghi, and wine tasting. Return to Tbilisi in the evening of Day 2.
What is included in the Kazbegi-Kakheti tour?
Gergeti Trinity Church above the Kazbegi gorge, Ananuri Fortress, Sighnaghi ("City of Love"), family wineries of Kakheti, and traditional Georgian meals with the winemakers.
Do I need special clothing for Kazbegi?
Even in summer Kazbegi can be cool (down to +12°C at the church). Bring a warm layer, comfortable shoes for the walk to Gergeti Trinity Church, and sun protection — the UV index is higher at altitude.
Book This Tour
Timur · Sakhva Travel · licensed guide No. 8247109128 · rating 4.9 · 500+ guests
