Georgia Tour with Chama Mama

Gamarjoba and welcome to Tbilisi, Georgia’s endlessly enchanting capital, where layers of empire, art, and culture meet beneath the hillsides and behind every arched doorway.

Upon landing, a private transfer brings us into the heart of the city, where our boutique hotel offers a quiet moment to rest or reset. Later, we gather as a group for a welcome drink and our first dinner together. It’s the perfect introduction to the vibrant dishes, warm hospitality, and shared stories that will shape the days to come.

Tbilisi reveals its many layers today: ancient churches, art nouveau facades, Soviet-era statues, and ultramodern cafes blend into a dynamic urban mosaic.

This morning, we set out on foot to trace the layered history of Old Tbilisi, wandering cobblestone streets lined with carved balconies, crumbling bathhouses, and vibrant murals. From the slopes of the Narikala Fortress to the pastel-hued houses tucked along narrow lanes, the city tells its stories in detail. 

At midday, we head to a culinary studio named for Georgia’s cherished polyphonic singing tradition, where a hands-on class introduces us to the ancient techniques and seasonal ingredients behind the country’s most soulful dishes. Afterward, we stroll through Sololaki, a quiet corner of Tbilisi known for its Belle Époque architecture and faded grandeur, where every doorway feels like a time portal.

Following a bit of downtime in the afternoon, we gather for a celebratory Georgian supra. With a tamada (local toastmaster) leading the toasts and a polyphonic ensemble filling the room with song, dinner becomes an immersive expression of Georgian culture.

This morning, we venture into the Caucasus foothills, into the storied Kartli region, beginning with a walking tour of Georgia’s ancient capital and spiritual hear: Mtskheta. Here, history runs deep beneath our feet and rises before us in the stone grandeur of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where kings were crowned and legends laid to rest. 

From there, we make our way to Uplistsikhe, an astonishing cave town carved directly into rock where stone dwellings bear traces of civilizations dating back 2,000 years. Once a Silk Road stronghold, its honeycomb of tunnels, chapels, and chambers invites quiet awe. 

Just outside the site, the echoes of history give way to the thrill of a live Khridoli martial arts performance. It’s an electrifying display of Georgia’s traditional combat that blends wrestling, swordplay, and storytelling. 

Afterward, we move to the fertile valleys of a renowned vineyard for a tasting lunch steeped in tradition and terroir. We’ll enjoy a cellar tour, generous tasting, and farm-fresh lunch beneath the vines. Time and interest permitting, we’ll wind up to Jvari Monastery, perched high above the confluence of two rivers.

We return to Tbilisi in the evening. Dinner is on your own tonight—though the day’s flavors are sure to linger.

Today, we set our sights on Kakheti, Georgia’s revered wine region where winemaking traditions stretch back over 8,000 years. Our first stop is a local vineyard, where we’ll see firsthand how wine is still made the ancient way: crushed by foot, sealed in clay qvevri, and buried in the ground to ferment. We’ll tour the grounds and sit down for a seasonal lunch overlooking vineyards that roll toward the Caucasus. 

From there, we make our way to the hilltop hamlet of Signagi, known as the city of love famed for its 18th-century fortress walls, cobbled streets, and sweeping views of the Alazani Valley. We’ll embark on a walking tour and then have time to explore independently. In nearby Qedeli, the vibrant Lost Ridge community opens its fire kitchen and taproom to us. We’ll learn the art of baking traditional Georgian bread before tasting their rustic farmhouse ales, brewed on site with local ingredients. By evening, we’ll check in to our boutique hotel—once the estate of a Georgian prince—where the evening is yours to unwind. Dinner tonight is on your own.

We journey into the heart of Telavi, once a bustling stop for Silk Road traders, now a town where past and present blend effortlessly in one of the region’s most vibrant farmers’ markets. After a guided stroll through the stalls laden with fresh herbs, pickled goods, and sun-ripened produce we’ll tour Telavi’s charming center before heading to Vardisubani.

In a village known for its master qvevri makers, we’ll witness the ancient craft Georgian wine by those preserving an 8,000-year winemaking tradition. Next, we visit the Alexander Chavchavadze Museum, a nobleman’s estate turned cultural monument that offers a glimpse into 19th-century Georgian aristocracy. 

At lunchtime, we’re guests of a local chef for a tasting of traditional Georgian dishes with home-style flair—expect a table heavy with things like handmade khachapuri and farmstead cheeses. In the afternoon, we sip bold Georgian reds with winemaker Giorgi Gvardzelashvili, whose passion for his craft is as memorable as the Saperavi in our glass. 

Later, we return to our hotel in time for a restful evening and dinner is at your leisure.

This morning, the road narrows and the mountains rise; we’re on our way to Kazbegi, a region steeped in history and folklore. Once in the highlands, we’re welcomed into a family kitchen where we’ll learn the art of making khinkali—Georgian dumplings plump with spiced meat or cheese—and enjoy them fresh from the pot, washed down with a warming glass of chacha brandy.

By late afternoon, we arrive at our alpine hotel, with time to relax before dinner on your own in view of snow-capped peaks that seem close enough to touch.

We begin our day with a hike through alpine meadows and ancient trails to Gergeti Trinity Church, standing 7,000 feet above sea level and often shrouded in mist. A national icon and architectural marvel, it rewards every step with vistas of the towering Caucasus range. Our celebratory lunch takes place in the home of a local family in Tsdo, a nearby village where traditions endure and every dish has a story. 

After returning to our hotel, the rest of the day is yours before we reconvene for another meal together. Dinner tonight will feel like an intimate gathering at a friend’s countryside retreat where dishes are crafted from foraged and seasonal Georgian ingredients, cooked in an open kitchen, and served in a setting that blends rustic charm with soulful hospitality.

Our last full day in the Caucasus begins with fresh mountain air and a morning hike through the dramatic Dariali Gorge, where we follow a quiet trail to the Gveleti Waterfall—its silvery cascades carving into volcanic cliffs. 

After, we’ll take some time to rest and refresh back at the hotel before beginning our return to Tbilisi. Along the way, we’ll pause en route for a leisurely lunch at local eatery in Pasanauri, known for its namesake cheese and traditional mountain fare. 

Back in the capital, our final feast awaits. There’s time to unwind before we gather for one last unforgettable evening. At a beloved restaurant known for reinterpreting Georgian classics, we’ll share a final supra filled with toasts, music, and polyphonic harmonies that echo the spirit of the journey we’ve shared.

After a final breakfast at the hotel, we say our farewells and begin the journey home—full of stories, scents, and shared meals that will linger long after wheels up. Transfers to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) will be arranged. Shemdeg Jeramde!