Telavi - Heart of Kakheti

Telavi is the capital and heart  of the Eastern province of Kakheti wine region,  home to several of the region’s world-famous wineries, art museums, castles and a theater highlighting folk singing and dancing. Telavi is located at the crossroad of the region and is an ideal place to stop for lunch or an excellent jumping-off point for 2-3 day tours around Kakheti Region. 

Batonis Tsikhe Castle

Batonis Tsikhe castle served as the residence of Kakhetian Kings between 17th and 18th century. The castle encloses two churches, the ruins of a royal bathhouse, and the Persian style Palace of King Erekle II.

Telavi State History and Ethnography Museum

Founded in 1927, the Museum resides in several halls of King Erekle II’s former Palace. The Museum houses King Erekle’s belongings and numerous archeological, ethnographic, numismatic and textile artifacts.

Alexandre Chavchavadze Museum

During the 19th century, the Tsinandali complex belonged to renowned Georgian poet and public figure Alexandre Chavchavadze. The complex consists of a beautiful garden with over 1,000 varieties of trees and plants from all over the world. Furthermore, within the premise there are wine cellars with unique collections of wines.

Monastery of Alaverdi

The earliest structures of the Alaverdi Monastery date back to the 6th century, although the present day cathedral is a part the 11th century Georgian Orthodox monastery. Alaverdi is located 18 kilometers from Telavi and is one of the tallest religious buildings in Georgia. The surrounding courtyard is home to vineyards from which local monks make their own wine. Location: village of Alaverdi

Old Shuamta

Old Shuamta, located 7 kilometers from Telavi, is one of the oldest preserved Orthodox churches in Georgia, dating back to the 5th century. The complex also incorporates two dome churches constructed in the 7th century

Giant Plane tree

The almost 900 year old Giant Plane tree is one of the oldest and most unusual attractions of the city

Monastery of Alaverdi

The earliest structures of the Alaverdi Monastery date back to the 6th century, although the present day cathedral is a part the 11th century Georgian Orthodox monastery. Alaverdi is located 18 kilometers from Telavi and is one of the tallest religious buildings in Georgia. The surrounding courtyard is home to vineyards from which local monks make their own wine.

Sighnaghi - City of wine and Love

Sighnaghi, City of wine and love, as it is being called in recent years, is very much appealing to those who are tired of rush and hustle, and like everything lovely, cute and small. Walking through Sighnaghi, you might feel like in Italy - the architecture is pretty similar to small Italian towns. Romantic cobbled streets, carved balconies, 24/7 marriage registration... What is there in this town for those who don’t want to get married right now? : )

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  1. Walk around the city walls

Sighnaghi is famous for its long city walls: there are well preserved 4.5 kilometer of stone walls - which stretch along small mountain ridges. There are two entrances to the wall, so you can stroll along it and admire the Alazani Valley.

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  2. Visit the Museum of Sighnaghi

Learn more about the history of the city, the region, and look at the rare works by Niko Pirosmani and Lado Gudiashvili.

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  3. Rise to the church of St. Stephen

The peculiarity of the church is that it was built inside the tower, and the bell tower was built next to it. The bell tower offers a beautiful view of the city.

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  4. Explore the wineries

Do not forget that Kakheti is a land of wine. Take a look at wine shops and cellars, tasting famous Georgian wines: Rkatsiteli, Tsinandali, Saperavi. Ask the owners about the way their wine is produced - they will gladly share with you this precious experience!

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  5. Visit Bodbe monastery

Located two kilometers far from the Sighnaghi, this beautiful monastery is one of the most important places for Georgians, because St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia, is buried there. Her grave can be visited – people say that the saint helps fulfill your cherished wishes.

Strolling through the magnificent monastery garden makes you feel calmed down and relaxed... You can also go down to the holy spring of St. Nino, and plunge into healing cold water.

 

  6. Ride a quadracycle

Quadracycle or quad bike is a great thing to quickly explore the city and surroundings, so that you can dive into above mentioned wine cellars earlier. Rent a quad bike at the central square named after King Erekle II, and have a fantastic ride!

Kvareli and Mountains

The small, pretty town of Kvareli is located 150 kilometers from Tbilisi, and is both an interesting place for a day trip, and the starting point for a longer tour throughout Kakheti. Wine lovers, nature fans, and history connoisseurs will all find something for themselves here! Wine is the blood of Kakheti and of Georgia, and Kvareli is an important vessel.

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So, what should you do in and around  Kvareli?

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  1. Visit a Kindzmarauli vineyard and winery

Observe the wine making process, taste Georgia's famous semi-sweet wine Kindzmarauli, which comes from this very region!

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  2. Look into the depths of a wine tunnel

Another large wine producer of wine, "Khareba", has established a winery and tasting rooms in an old tunnel from Soviet times. Walk through the  cool halls, learn more about wine, admire views of Kakheti from the tower and discover which method of wine production you prefer: European or Georgian.

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  3. Visit Ilia Lake

This public, man-made lake is located just a 5-minute drive from the center of Kvareli. With a well-equipped recreation area, you can try cycling, renting a catamaran or paddle boat, swimming in the lake and looking at the forest-covered mountains... Isn’t life wonderful?

 

  4. Discover high-end resorts

The resort at Kvareli Lake offers a high-end vacation experience- spa services, a swimming pool, cycling, and tours to the other parts of Kakheti. Not far away there is another resort. There are no lakes there, but visitors to the resort may not need them- they have the opportunity to bathe in Georgian wine!

 

  5. Visit the house-museum of Ilia Chavchavadze

The founding father of the modern nation of Georgia, Ilia Chavchavadze, lived in Kvareli – his museum located in his modest home, which includes a beautiful garden and a square stone tower. Do you want to imagine this great thinker deep in ruminations on the future? Go see it for yourself!

 

  6. Inspect the Kvareli Fortress

Situated directly on the central square, it contrasts with the House of Justice, built in the ultra modern style of recent years. The fortress is known for the fact that in the middle of the XVIII century, the leader of the Avar tribe tried to conquer it, but left with nothing. Currently, the fortress protects inside its walls... an old football stadium!

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