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Georgia Real Food Adventure

8 Days | Discover the rich flavours and centuries-old Caucasian classics of Tbilisi and beyond

4.9

Excellent

19 reviews

8 days

Start

Tbilisi, Georgia

Finish

Tbilisi, Georgia

Trip Code

KFZG

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 12

Physical Rating

Meals

7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (1 night)

From £1,755(8 days)

Trip Informations

Taste all the punchy flavours of incredibly diverse Georgia on an eight-day food adventure. Begin the journey among the charming facades of Tbilisi, where the snow-dusted peaks of the Caucasus are the backdrop for a culinary adventure. Get hands-on with cooking classes and kick back on included tastings, mingling with the locals and gaining an insight into Georgian culture along the way. Explore underrated sites like Narikala Fortress, Mtskheta (one of Georgia's oldest cities) and the Ananuri Fortress Complex (which has to be witnessed firsthand to be believed). Spend the night with descendants of the original highland Chechens in Pankisi Valley and wander the lush grounds in the dense foothills of the mountains. On this foodie adventure, you’ll enjoy the region’s most iconic and celebrated dishes, and wash it all down with a delicious array of Georgia’s famous local wines.

Why you’ll love this trip

Spend the night in a women-run guesthouse in the Pankisi Valley, surrounded by lush, green mountains, and take part in a zhizhig galnash cooking class to learn the local cuisine.

Enjoy cooking demonstrations and masterclasses by local cooks and artisans, including learning how to make churchkhela (traditional candle-shaped candy) and khinkali (Georgian dumplings).

Meet local producers at the Telavi markets, then head to a local farm and cheese maker for a tour of the factory and a delicious, included tasting.

Take a hike in the striking Caucasus mountains to perhaps one of the best positioned churches in Europe – Gergeti Trinity Church.

Taste some of Georgia’s favourite cuisines and dishes with included lunches and dinners, including khachapuri, khinkali, churchkhela and qveri wines.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Tuuur Foundation partner, Mtskheta-Mtianeti Regional Hub. Donations help them improve their services and training hub to connect people, who’ve fled their homes due to war or political instability, with their new community in Georgia.

Is this trip right for you?

The cuisine of the Caucasus region includes a lot of meat. For vegetarians and vegans we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip. We also have many other trips to the Caucasus region which can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.

The diversity of the seasons here makes for incredible scenery, but the weather in this region can be unpredictable. It’s best to wear layers at all times of the year in case conditions change. There may occasionally be itinerary changes due to road closures.

This trip involves a reasonable amount of walking so be sure to bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness. There is an included hike on Day 6, at an altitude of 2170m. Please refer to the Itinerary for more details.

Itinerary

DAY 1
Tbilisi
Gamarjobal! Welcome to Georgia. Your adventure begins in the capital city of Tbilisi – a picturesque city featuring a cobblestoned Old Town reflecting a long, complicated history. With periods under Persian and Russian rule, Tbilisi features diverse architecture, including art nouveau buildings, Soviet Modernist structures and Eastern Orthodox churches. Looking over the city sits Narikala – a reconstructed 4th-century fortress. You’ll have a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm at your hotel. After, head out for an included welcome dinner with your trip leader and group and try some local favourites like chkmeruli (a traditional Georgian dish of chicken with garlic sauce) and chashushuli (veal, tomatoes and peppers).
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Tbilisi - Welcome Dinner
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Tbilisi
Today, you’ll explore Tbilisi with a local guide. Start at the Metekhi Church, which has magnificent views over old Tbilisi, and stroll through winding streets to the city’s main sites. Take in the terraced alleys, colourful houses, patterned balconies and modern architecture all the way to the ancient Narikala Fortress. When you get to the walled fortress, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. After your exploration, head out for an included lunch at a local restaurant where you’ll try dishes like nigvziani badrijani (eggplant with walnuts), soko kecze (stuffed mushrooms), mchadi (cornbread) and salad. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free to explore at your leisure.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Tbilisi - Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide
DAY 3
Telavi
Travel into the picturesque Kakheti region. Surrounded by snowy Caucasus mountains and fertile valleys, this region is famous for its wines and gracious hospitality. Your first stop is the 16th-century Gremi Architectural Complex, which you’ll explore with a local guide. After, head for lunch at a local family’s home. Immerse yourself in local life and culture as you learn how to make mtsvadi (a famous Georgian barbecue dish) and learn the ritual behind its preparation. Watch a cooking demonstration of churchkhela (a type of Georgian sweet), then give it a go yourself! After lunch, drive to a traditional Georgian wine cellar, where you’ll learn the secret behind their unique method. Tonight, you’ll carry on to Telavi, where you’ll spend the night.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Kvareli - Barbecue lunch with a local family
Kvareli - Traditional Churchkhela demonstration
Kakheti - Gremi Architectural Complex
Kvareli - Qvevri Wine Master visit
Add on activities
Telavi – Batonis Castle - GEL2
Telavi - Telavi Historical Museum - GEL5
Special information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 2 hours.
DAY 4
Pankisi Valley
This morning, you’ll head out on a leader-led tour of the Telavi markets. Explore the hustle and bustle of the local stalls, then visit a local cheesemaker for a tour of their farm and cheese factory, followed by a tasting of some of their best-selling cheeses. Continue to the Pankisi Valley where your guesthouse for the night sits nestled in the heart of the valley, surrounded by mountains. Your host family are Kists – descendants of the original highland Chechens – and have lived in Jokolo for five generations. When you arrive, take in the lush surroundings and then be treated to a cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make traditional Chechen dishes like zhizhig galnash (handmade short noodles with lamb). Relax this evening in the warm hospitality of your hosts.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Telavi - Cheesemaker visit
Pankisi Valley - Chechen cooking class
Telavi - Local market visit
Special information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 1 hour.
DAY 5
Gudauri
Set off on a tour of Pankisi Valley and learn about the unique Kist culture and their rural way of life on a walking tour of several local villages. You’ll visit Saint George’s Church in Jokolo, Duisi Old Mosque and the Ethnographic Museum. For lunch, try some chaabilgish (Chechen khachapuri stuffed with pumpkin) and other traditional Kist dishes. Drive on to Gudauri, stopping at the Ananuri Fortress Complex on the way. This collection of churches and towers sits on the teal Aragvi River, making for an out-of-this-world sight. You won’t want to forget your camera today!
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Pankisi Valley - Kist villages and culture walking tour
Ananuri - Architectural Complex
Special information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 3 hours.
DAY 6
Gudauri / Stepantsminda
Start the day with a drive to Stepantsminda. From here, it's a 2-hour hike up through beautiful valleys and woodland to Gergeti Trinity Church. Weather permitting, you might catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi (5047 m). Afterwards, visit a local family in Gudauri, where the host will teach a masterclass on how to make khinkali (Georgian dumplings). Drive back to Gudauri in the late afternoon, where you’ll enjoy a free evening.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Stepantsminda - Gergeti Trinity Church Hike
Stepantsminda - Khinkali home-cooking class
Add on activities
Stepantsminda – 4WD to Gergeti Cathedral – from (per car) - GEL60
Special information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.
While today’s hike isn’t long, being at an altitude of 2170m does make it more challenging. If you’d prefer not to hike, it’s possible to hire a 4WD to drive you up to Gergeti Trinity Church. Your leader can arrange this for you, with the additional cost paid locally.
DAY 7
Tbilisi
Return to Tbilisi this morning, stopping at Mtskheta on the way. This is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world! Explore the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, taking in the unique landscape and surrounding Mtkvari and Aragvi Rivers as you go, then carry on to your destination. When you arrive, you might like to take a dip in the city’s famous sulphur baths or walk along the river. Maybe grab a coffee and check out the artist pop-ups at Fabrika. Tonight, you’ll head out for an included farewell dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant and toast to a trip well-travelled.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Mtskheta - Jvari Church & Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Tbilisi - Farewell Dinner
Add on activities
Tbilisi - Open Air Museum of Ethnography - GEL20
Tbilisi - The National Gallery - GEL25
Tbilisi - Georgian National Museum - GEL30
Tbilisi - Thermal Bath House Visit - from - GEL70
Tbilisi - Aerial Cable Car One Way - GEL2
Special information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 3 hours.
DAY 8
Tbilisi
Today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. There are no activities included, so you’re free to leave at any time after check out. If you would like to spend some more time in Tbilisi, just speak to your booking agent.
Meals
Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (1 night)

Activities

Tbilisi - Welcome Dinner

Tbilisi - Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide

Kvareli - Barbecue lunch with a local family

Kvareli - Traditional Churchkhela demonstration

Kakheti - Gremi Architectural Complex

Kvareli - Qvevri Wine Master visit

Telavi - Cheesemaker visit

Pankisi Valley - Chechen cooking class

Telavi - Local market visit

Pankisi Valley - Kist villages and culture walking tour

Ananuri - Architectural Complex

Stepantsminda - Gergeti Trinity Church Hike

Stepantsminda - Khinkali home-cooking class

Mtskheta - Jvari Church & Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Tbilisi - Farewell Dinner

Add on activities

Telavi – Batonis Castle - GEL2

Telavi - Telavi Historical Museum - GEL5

Stepantsminda – 4WD to Gergeti Cathedral – from (per car) - GEL60

Tbilisi - Open Air Museum of Ethnography - GEL20

Tbilisi - The National Gallery - GEL25

Tbilisi - Georgian National Museum - GEL30

Tbilisi - Thermal Bath House Visit - from - GEL70

Tbilisi - Aerial Cable Car One Way - GEL2

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Sunday May 18, 2025

Sunday May 25, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£1,755

Sunday Jun 15, 2025

Sunday Jun 22, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£1,826

Sunday Aug 17, 2025

Sunday Aug 24, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£1,755

Sunday Sep 07, 2025

Sunday Sep 14, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left

£1,826

Sunday Sep 21, 2025

Sunday Sep 28, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£1,826

Sunday Oct 05, 2025

Sunday Oct 12, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£1,755

Sunday May 17, 2026

Sunday May 24, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£1,843

Sunday Jun 14, 2026

Sunday Jun 21, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£1,920

Sunday Aug 16, 2026

Sunday Aug 23, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£1,843

Sunday Sep 06, 2026

Sunday Sep 13, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£1,920

Sunday Sep 20, 2026

Sunday Sep 27, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£1,920

Sunday Oct 04, 2026

Sunday Oct 11, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£1,843

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip, subject to availability. Please contact your sales agent if you would like to book this. The single supplement excludes Day 4 (Guesthouse) where you will be in shared accommodation.

2. While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can ensure you’ll enjoy this trip.

3. Due to current border crossing restrictions for different Caucasus nationalities, your Trip Leader may be from nearby countries. Your leader will have in-depth knowledge and extensive travel experience throughout the Caucasus. Local guides from Georgia are represented throughout the itinerary to ensure you receive a diverse and uniquely local range of perspectives.

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DAY 8
Tbilisi
Today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. There are no activities included, so you’re free to leave at any time after check out. If you would like to spend some more time in Tbilisi, just speak to your booking agent.
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DAY 8 Tbilisiexpand_moreToday, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. There are no activities included, so you’re free to leave at any time after check out. If you would like to spend some more time in Tbilisi, just speak to your booking agent.restaurant_menu MealscircleBreakfast

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DAY 8
Tbilisi
Today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. There are no activities included, so you’re free to leave at any time after check out. If you would like to spend some more time in Tbilisi, just speak to your booking agent.
Meals
Breakfast