The night prior we went to a public bath. It was quite an experience. If I remember correctly, entrance was something like 1 EUR… if you’re in for a truly local experience, go for it. But do your Google research prior to going.

Without further ado, below are some snapshots from our one day tour through Tbilisi. We walked everywhere (except for the cable car) and it is easily walk-able.

Monument of St. George in the Freedom Square

Parliament of Georgia

If am not mistaken, this is a high school

Georgian National Opera Theater

Georgian National Academy Of Sciences

We crossed the Kura river (მტკვარი in Georgian) and continued our tour towards the government quarters

Soon we reached the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi which cannot be missed due to its sheer size. It is one of the largest religious buildings in the world and is relatively young as it was only constructed between 1995 and 2004.

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

Inside Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

We again descended towards the river and took the cable car to the other side of the valley to enjoy the view.

The modest Presidential Palace

Concert hall and exhibition centre in Rike Park (unfinished at the time of writing)

The Bridge Of Peace

The Mother of Georgia

And to finish because it is some impressive, the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi once again from afar.

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

Just as we were about to wrap up our tour, it started to rain heavily. One last lunch consisting of Khachapuri and Khinkali (which we had been eating for three days and really liked) and we were on our way back to the airport.

Georgia was one of those destinations where I did not really have any expectations. But I was very positively surprised. The food is great, there is lots to do and see, the infrastructure is good and value for money is very good. Definitely gets two thumbs up from me!

In our group we had a wine aficionado who did most of the research on where to go and what to taste. So I was happy to just tag along. Our first stop was Château Mukhrani. Look at the building! The wine must taste good at such a place!

Château Mukhrani

We were given a tour of the wine cellar and the production facilities.

Château Mukhrani

Château Mukhrani

Château Mukhrani

The tour ended with a tasting of their wine and local cheese. Let’s just say we already bought way more than intended at our first stop.

Château Mukhrani wine tasting

We continued our drive west towards Telavi, where we would spend the night at Villa Schuchmann. On the way we encountered some folks who looked like they just came out of an extensive wine tasting.

On the road towards Telavi

Villa Schuchmann turned out to be another excellent choice for accommodation.

Villa Schuchmann

Room with a view

Like many wine estates, Villa Schuchmann also produces wine in the traditional Georgian way where the wine is kept in large Kvevri made of clay underground.

Kvevris

The next day we had a tour ahead of us to multiple wine estates. We started with a visit to Winery Khareba in Kvareli.

Winery Khareba

For lunch we stopped at Pheasant’s Tears in Sighnaghi.

Sighnaghi

Nearby is the Bodbe Monastery.

Bodbe Monastery

We started to make our way to Tbilisi, where we would spend our last night. But not before one last wine tasting – this time at Kindzmarauli Corporation Wine House. Again we were not disappointed and made sure we all maxed our our duty free allowance.

Kindzmarauli Corporation Wine House

Even if you’re not really into wine; touring the wine region of Georgia is fun and prices very reasonable!

I took advantage of one of the long weekends recently to explore the country of George. While we only had four days / three nights, I think we got a fairly good impression of what is a beautiful country.

I’ll split the trip into three instalments: driving up north to Stepantsminda with the backdrop of gorgeous Mount Kazbek, the wine region of Khaketi and finally the capital city of Tbilisi.

We landed in Tbilisi early on a Thursday morning and were picked up by our driver for the next two days, Irakli. A friend had recommended him. He did not disappoint and neither did his car:

Irakli’s ride.

We immediately headed north and after some time stopped at a gas station for drinks. Yes, that’s a wide range of vodkas on offer.

Vodka selection in Georgia

We continued following the Georgian Military Road up north and stopped at Ananuri, a castle complex on the Aragvi River.

Ananuri

It was built in 1689.

Ananuri

Ananuri

We made good progress – there wasn’t much traffic and the roads are in good condition. After about an hour we reached the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument.

Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument

Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument

The views of the surrounding mountains are gorgeous:

View north from the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument

View north from the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument

Just a short drive up north we reached the Jvari Pass at 2,395 metres.

Jvari Pass

We had then almost reached Stepantsminda, at the bottom of the might Mount Kazbek. We had booked the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, probably the poshest place in town. Apart from the large group of young Russians that were on a company retreat, we really liked the hotel and highly recommend it.

The lovely terrace the the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi.

Rooms Hotel Kazbegi

The next morning we chartered a 4×4 Lada to drive us up to the famous Gergeti Trinity Church. Situated at 2,170m, it was built in the 14th century (just imagine…) and one of the most famous landmarks of Georgia.

Mount Kazbek (5,047m)

Gergeti Trinity Church

Gergeti Trinity Church

Gergeti Trinity Church

Gergeti Trinity Church

Photography inside the church is forbidden.

After enjoying the views thoroughly we drove back and made it to the hotel in time for a sumptuous breakfast buffet. It would have been nice to stay a day longer and hike in the region but we continued our road trip through Georgia onwards towards the wine region of Khaketi…