Georgia
- Georgia
-
Trip leader: Heidi Zsa Zsa Benedikt
Venture through the birthplace of wine on this exclusive women’s tour to Georgia.
Dine with female winemakers and taste the organic wines they have been growing in their families for thousands of years. Wander through UNESCO world heritage sites from ancient civilizations. Be spellbound by breathtaking mountain views.
This wine adventure is a foodie’s delight. Over 9 days, we’ll show you the best of Georgia — and you’ll see why it’s one of our favorite countries on Earth!
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- Dates
- Itinerary
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| Trip Dates | Availability | Price | Payment |
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Gift this trip!Trip Highlights
- Meet + dine with female winemakers
- Experience breathtaking views in Georgia’s mountains
- Explore ancient monasteries
- Delight in home-cooked Georgian cuisine
- Relax in style at a local wine spa
Day 1: Arrival to Tbilisi
After arrival at Tbilisi International Airport, transfer to the hotel for a bit of rest. If time permits, we’ll do a half-day city tour today, including a ride on the city’s cable car.
Dinner tonight is at Shavi Lomi, run by an incredible female chef named Meriko Gubeladze.
Meals: D
Hotel: Stamba Hotel
Day 2: Kartli
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll drive to a region in central Georgia called Kartli to see some UNESCO sites that are pretty amazing!
Jvari Monastery: Our first stop will be visiting Jvari Monastery, a sixth-century Georgian Orthodox monastery that is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Jvari is a rare case of the Early Medieval Georgian church that survived to the present day almost unchanged. Built atop of Jvari Mount (656 m a.s.l.), the monastery is an example of harmonious connection with the natural environment, characteristic to Georgian architecture.
Uplistsikhe Cave Town-Fortress: A series of caves and tunnels that are mentioned in chronicles from earliest times. Its history begins in the I-II millennium B.C. Uplistsikhe was an important religious, political and cultural center in the Hellenistic and the late Antique periods (IV c. B.C. – IV c. A.D.).
Lunch and wine tasting today with one of the most incredible winemakers in the country – Andro Barnovi with Wine Artisans.
Tonight we’re staying at Nicka Vacheishvilis’ wine Guesthouse, which is female-owned and operated in the village of Ateni.
And yes, there will be wine!
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Imereti
After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey through Georgia with a drive to the Western region of Georgia, Imereti.
Lunch today will be with a female winemaker at her home, which will be a real treat! After lunch we’ll visit the Prometheus Caves, a very unique cave system full of stalagmites and stalactites.
From here, we’ll go to the Gelati Monastery. Founded in 1106 in the west of Georgia, the Monastery of Gelati is a masterpiece of the Golden Age of medieval Georgia, a period of political strength and economic growth between the 11th and 13th centuries. The Gelati monastery, one of the largest medieval Orthodox monasteries, was also a centre of science and education and the Academy it housed was one of the most important centres of culture in ancient Georgia.
Tonight you’re free to relax and have some downtime. We’ll present some options for dinner, or you can just hang out at the hotel!
Meals: B, L
Hotel: Newport Hotel Kutaisi
Day 4: Kutaisi
After breakfast, we’ll do more exploring in this region.
First, we’ll visit Okatse Canyon, uniquely located in an unbelievably deep and narrow ravine. Okace’s canyon is 3 to 6 meters wide and 20 to 100 meters deep. Along the canyon several waterfalls are found. Okatse Canyon occupies more than 2 kilometers and is regarded to be a masterpiece of nature.
Lunch today will be at Oda Winery, a winery owned by a female winemaker, who specializes in organic wines.
From here, we’ll go to Martvili Canyon. Then, we’ll do a walking tour of Kutaisi, before dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: B, L, D
Hotel: Newport Hotel Kutaisi
Day 5: Kazbegi
Today is all about views! After breakfast, we’re driving through a mountainous region in Georgia that is sure to take your breath away.
Today’s highlights are plenty, but include: Jinvali Water Resevoir, a visit to the Ananuri Church & Fortress, and the famous Gergeti Trinity Church, which sits at 2,200 meters above sea level.
The history and the views today are truly one of a kind and so special – and one of the best places to view them is from our hotel!
Dinner tonight is with a local family, featuring Georgian folk singers. A special treat!
Meals: B, L, D
Hotel: Rooms Hotel Kazbegi
Day 6: Kakheti
After breakfast, we’ll begin driving to the Kakheti wine region. Our drive today is a long one – four hours – but we’ll break it up with view stops!
Lunch today is with a female organic winemaker, Keti Berishvili, in her village of Artana.
After lunch, we’ll visit the Alexander Chavchavadze house museum and estate before continuing our journey.
Dinner tonight is at our hotel.
Meals: B, L, D
Hotel: Chateau Mere
Day 7: Kakhei to Tbilisi
After breakfast we will explore more of Kakheti. Our first stop will be to the wine factory Shumi, where we’ll do a tasting.
Lunch today is at Okros, with a female winemaker in Sighnaghi. From here, we’ll make our way back to Tbilisi.
Tonight’s dinner is at an authentic Georgian restaurant.
Meals: B, L, D
Hotel: Stamba Hotel
Day 8: Free Day in Tbilisi
Today is your free day to explore Tbilisi. We’re happy to make recommendations on what to see and do, or, you just relax and get ready for departures tomorrow.
Meals: —
Hotel: Stamba Hotel
Day 9: Departures
It’s our last day, and we’re bummed to leave. Today we’ll say our final goodbyes and transfer to the airport.
Meals: —
Hotel: —
Cost includes:
- Airport pickup and dropoff
- Accommodation (shared, in 4 and 5-star hotels)
- All entrance fees to attractions
- Guided tour of attractions
- Lunch with female winemakers (exclusive to Damesly)
- English speaking local guide
- Private driver
- All transportation
- Most meals
- Gratuities
Does not include:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals and alcohol not listed
What to pack:
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable clothing for driving days
- Comfortable, close-toed shoes for walking
- Sweater for the evenings
- Cool linens for warm days
- Scarf
- Sense of adventure
- Check out our Packing List for more ideas!
Additional Info:
Lodging Where will we stay?
Your accommodation will be in a variety of 4- and 5-star properties throughout Georgia.
This tour is priced for shared accommodation, meaning you’ll be sharing a room with one other gal.
If you’d prefer your own space, choose the “solo room” option at checkout.
Money How much moneyshould I bring?
Mostly everything is included (yay!), but you’ll need to cover your own alcohol, shopping, and meals not listed.
Plan on spending about $20/day for lunch.
Most larger places will accept credit cards, but it’s great to have some local currency on hand. ATMs are widely available throughout the country. Just remember to let your bank(s) know where/when you’ll be traveling!
Flights Where do I fly into?
You’ll fly into Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). Fly in anytime on Day 1 and out the morning of Day 9.
Want us to advise on flights? Email us at info@damesly.com
Important Docs What documents are required?
-Passport
-Travel Insurance
Damesly Pro Tip: Use the sherpa website to easily determine which requirements apply to you.
Trip Minimum How many people are needed for this trip to run?
This trip will run with a minimum of 4 (and max of 12) participants.
Trip Payments How do trip payments work?
A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking, or you can opt to pay for the trip in full.
Once we receive your deposit, our accounting team will set you up with a personal account so you can pay the balance of your trip at your leisure.
Payments are due in full 60 days prior to departure.
Insurance Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Damesly requires all guests to have travel insurance, and often the countries we visit do as well. We highly recommend opting for the “cancel-for-any-reason” insurance option, but note that this typically needs to be acquired within 21 days of initial booking (i.e. when you submit your deposit).
Weather What will the weather be like?
You can expect mildly cool spring weather in Georgia – highs in the low 70s and lows in the 50s.
Reviews
UPGRADE TO SOLO
Want your own room? We've got you! Request to upgrade to solo or make this tour private.
Gena Gerdin –
REVIEW OF DAMESLY TRIP TO THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA: (May 2023)
I recently embarked on an unforgettable trip to the Republic of Georgia with Damesly, and it was an absolute blast from start to finish! From driving a vehicle through the middle of hundreds of sheep in the road to riding in a Land Rover across a raging river to seeing some of the most magnificent mountains in the world – The Republic of Georgia is one of the most amazing countries I have ever visited! What made this trip truly extraordinary was the exceptional service and guidance provided by our private guide and driver that Damesly provided and the fabulous itinerary that Kelly had researched and created! From exploring beautiful wineries – most that were owned by women, to discovering the breathtaking sites scattered throughout the country; every moment was filled with laughter, adventure, and wonderful memories.
First and foremost, the personalized approach of Damesly made this trip feel like a unique experience tailored specifically for our group. Our guide was not only knowledgeable and professional but also understood the essence of a girls’ trip. Right from the beginning, it was evident that Damesly had gone above and beyond to design an itinerary that perfectly blended the best of Georgia’s wineries and scenic attractions with a fun and relaxed atmosphere – a unique tour that allowed for spontaneity.
The winery visits were an absolute highlight of our journey. We had the opportunity to taste a wide variety of Georgian wines and learn about their rich history and traditional winemaking techniques. We also had some of the most special homemade Georgian lunches at the homes of these vineyard owners. Our guide, who had an impressive understanding of the local wine culture, and who was friends with the various vineyard owners, made the experience even more enjoyable by sharing interesting anecdotes and facilitating engaging conversations with the winemakers themselves. It was a true delight for wine enthusiasts and novices alike (I’m the novice).
In addition to the wineries, we were taken to numerous beautiful sites around the country, each more awe-inspiring than the last. From the stunning landscapes of the Kazbegi region to the charming streets of Tbilisi, every destination showcased the diverse beauty and cultural heritage of Georgia. Our guide’s expertise and passion for the country were evident in the seamless way he navigated us through each location, ensuring that we didn’t miss any hidden gems along the way.
What truly set this trip apart was the warm and welcoming atmosphere created for us. It didn’t feel like a typical guided tour; instead, it felt like a girls’ getaway with a friend who knew the best spots and the best stories. Kelly’s vibrant personality, sense of humor, and ability to create an inclusive environment made the trip incredibly enjoyable for everyone in our group. We laughed, we shared stories, and we created lasting friendships along the way.
I cannot praise Damesly enough for their attention to detail and their commitment to ensuring that our trip was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived until our departure, everything was flawlessly organized, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience without any worries or logistical concerns.
If you’re looking for an exceptional women’s tour with a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration, I highly recommend choosing Damesly as your tour company. Their knowledgeable guides, personalized itineraries, and emphasis on creating a fun and inclusive environment will guarantee a trip filled with laughter, unforgettable memories, and new life-long friendships. Georgia’s wineries and beautiful sites are waiting to be discovered, and Damesly will ensure that you have the time of your life exploring this truly remarkable country.
Thank you, Damesly, for an extraordinary trip that exceeded all my expectations. I can’t wait to embark on another adventure with you in the future! Very soon I hope!!
Gena Gerdin
Ronni Nivala –
I can’t believe the trip to the Republic of Georgia with Damesly is over! It was fantastic from beginning to end. Signing up for a “tour” was a big leap for me – I usually travel solo or am the one doing all the planning! But this tour is not really a tour at all – it is a trip with friends. It never felt like a guided tour. It’s an experience of sights, of history, of food and drink and of people.
I was initially hooked by the focus on wine and women winemakers and the trip delivered. But it was so much more – the beautiful scenery and rich history make this a very special trip. What I also loved about it was the well-crafted and thoughtful itinerary (thank you Kelly Lewis!) that never felt like a tour. It was Kelly and our fabulous Georgian guide sharing Georgia with us. It was big moments like the majestic Caucasus Mountains and intimate moments of lunch at family wineries. It was viewing historical monasteries and discussing tomorrow’s history in the making. It was crazy moments like sheep traffic jams and free range cows in the road to quiet moments watching rain fall in the vineyards. Coupled with quietly exceptional service and an outstanding private driver/guide, the trip experiences were better than I imagined (and I was expecting great!) I loved the planned itinerary and the spontaneous moments – finding the wine festival on arrival day, stopping for a a raisin bread sold by every family in one town, playing with winery dogs, seeing the pigs hanging in the mud road side – it all makes me smile.
Damesly’s approach to their trips is personal. You can tell it is planned from the heart – the enthusiasm from Kelly and our guide was evident. Our group developed a personality and they blended that into the trip. It was fun, relaxing and truly special.
As someone who has visited every major wine region in the US , the winery visits were a highlight. I’ve had Georgian wines at home, but nothing like what we got to taste on this trip. With small productions, most of the wine will never make it to the US.
In Georgia, winery visits included fabulous lunches in the homes and on the patios of the winemakers. Each one was warm, welcoming and a unique visit. Georgia is the birthplace of wine with a tradition stretching back 8000 years. It is very different from the European tradition, making it a unique location for the wine lover. It was rewarding to see so many keeping the tradition alive. And our guide was a winemaker as well! It was privilege to share his wine. He had such understanding and joy in Georgia’s history and traditions and his network of colleagues and friends made for a warm and welcoming visits at all the wineries.
Having seen Kelly in action at Women’s Travel Fest and from meeting her briefly, I knew the trip would be good. But her personality and knack for bringing us together made the trip so much more than I expected. (Tearing up a bit here!) We laughed, got to know each other and created friendships that seem older than 2 weeks. I cannot say enough about how well organized things were, about the great communication and the seamless logistics, even when it was necessary to pivot. I was never concerned about how the day would turn out. The sights and experiences we shared are the result of exceptional planning – so Kudos to Kelly and Damesly. And thanks for letting me just go with the flow and be the most relaxed I’ve been in ages.
If you’ are looking for something different, for a group trip that doesn’t feel like a tour, that weaves together unique experiences, time to relax and unexpected adventure, I highly recommend Damesly. This “I am not a tour gal” is already looking at which one I want to do next! Thank you Damesly. Looking forward to the next one!
Ronni