New Year in Georgia

29 December: Arrival in Tbilisi – the first step of New Year’s adventure!

Upon landing, you will be greeted by a warm Georgian welcome and transferred to a comfortable hotel in the heart of Tbilisi. Check-in is from 15:00. The rest of the day is at your disposal – stroll along the ancient streets of the capital or simply relax after the journey, soaking up the atmosphere of the ancient city. Ahead is the night in Tbilisi, full of lights and joy on the eve of the New Year.

30 December: Discovering Tbilisi – Treasures of the Ancient City and Wine Tasting on the Kura

On the second day of the tour, you will immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient Tbilisi, walking along its famous streets and visiting historical sights. This day will give you not only architectural discoveries, but also vivid impressions of the beauty of the city, where each street keeps traces of centuries-old history.

Tbilisi city tour

After breakfast, you will have a fascinating tour of Tbilisi, during which you will see the most famous sights of the capital.The first stop will be Sameba Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and the main spiritual center of Georgia. This majestic cathedral, built on a hill, is a symbol of the revival and unity of the Georgian people. You will be able to see its unique architecture, rich frescoes and icons, and enjoy the view of the city from above.

The next stop is the observation deck at the Metekhi Temple, which offers a picturesque view of the old city and the Kura River. You will hear the history of this place and learn about the significance of the temple in the history of Tbilisi.
We will continue our journey by crossing the Bridge of Peace, a modern glass structure symbolizing the connection between old and new Tbilisi. The bridge with its unique design and evening illumination has become one of the main attractions of the city.

Then we will head to the Gabriadze Theater and the Clock Tower, one of the most colorful places in Tbilisi. The Clock Tower with its leaning structure looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale, and the theater is where puppet shows come to life, filled with the spirit of Georgian art.

Let’s take a look at the oldest church in Tbilisi – Anchiskhati. This is the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi, founded in the 6th century, around the same time as the Sioni Temple. It is dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is believed that the church was built during the reign of King Dachi Ujarmeli, who moved the capital of Georgia to Tbilisi.

Continuing with the spiritual theme, let’s visit the Sioni Temple – this is one of the most significant and oldest Orthodox churches in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. It is located in the historical part of the city, on the right bank of the Kura River. The temple was founded in the 6th century and was rebuilt several times due to the destruction caused by wars and earthquakes. The modern building that we see today dates back to the 13th century, but elements of different eras can be seen in the architecture. The name “Sioni” comes from Mount Zion in Jerusalem, as the temple is dedicated to the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This place has a special significance for the Georgian church, as it is home to one of the main relics – the cross of St. Nina, the patroness and enlightener of Georgia. According to legend, St. Nina brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century, and her cross, made from grapevine and held together with her hair, is considered a symbol of faith and national pride..

Next we will find ourselves in Meidani Square, which has been a bustling shopping center since ancient times. Here you will feel the atmosphere of the old city, with its narrow streets, where ancient buildings coexist with cozy cafes and souvenir shops.
Nearby are the famous sulfur baths in the Abanotubani area. This is the place where Tbilisi was born – according to legend, King Vakhtang Gorgasali decided to found the city here, having found hot sulfur springs. Sulfur baths are not only a unique architectural heritage, but also a popular place to relax. You will be able to see the domes of the baths and learn about their healing properties.
Continuing the route, we will head to the Fig Waterfall, which is hidden in a gorge right in the center of the city. This is a place where you can take a break from the bustle of the city and enjoy nature, being literally a few steps from the ancient streets.

In the afternoon, you will take a boat ride on the Kura River, during which you will enjoy views of the city from the water. This will not be just a walk – during the ride you will be offered to try Georgian wines, which will allow you to feel the taste and atmosphere of real Georgia.

After a busy day, you can spend the evening at your discretion. Stroll through the evening city, enjoying the festive atmosphere, visit one of the restaurants to try traditional Georgian dishes, or go shopping in souvenir shops.

Overnight in Tbilisi

31 December. Free day to prepare for the New Year

This day is entirely yours. Spend it the way you want: go shopping, explore hidden corners of the city or just relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere that is in the air. Tbilisi celebrates the New Year with a bang, and at night the city comes alive with a multitude of lights, fireworks and folk festivities.

January 1: A festive day in Tbilisi – starting the year with new emotions!

On the first day of the New Year, Tbilisi is especially beautiful and hospitable. You can stroll around the city, observing local traditions: exchanging New Year’s wishes and gifts, festive feasts and live music on the streets.

For those who want to relax, this day is a great opportunity to experience Georgian hospitality in cozy cafes and restaurants, enjoying national cuisine. Night in Tbilisi.

After a magical New Year’s Eve filled with fireworks, fun and folk festivities, the first day of the new year arrives – the day when Tbilisi reveals its special festive splendor. January 1 is a time to relax, enjoy the culture and immerse yourself in the New Year’s traditions of Georgia.

Start the morning with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel to fully enjoy the first day of the new year. Georgians believe that how you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it, so it is important to spend this day in pleasant company, surrounded by kind people and delicious food.

New Year is celebrated in Georgia on a grand scale, and January 1 is an important part of these celebrations. On this day, Georgians congratulate each other and welcome dear guests, setting the tables with the most delicious dishes. Traditionally, the New Year’s table in Georgia always includes gozinaki – a sweet made from nuts and honey, which symbolizes well-being and prosperity in the new year. Another important tradition is the meeting of the first guest, who is called “mekvle”. It is believed that the first person to cross the threshold of the house in the new year brings good luck and success.

January 2: Wine Kakheti – the heart of Georgian wine traditions

This day is dedicated to the ancient wine region of Kakheti. We will visit Bodbe Monastery, where St. Nino, the baptizer of Georgia, is buried, and walk around Sighnaghi, the romantic “City of Love”. In the village of Badiauri, you will have a master class in baking traditional Georgian bread, and then – wine and churchkhela! At a private winery, you will take part in a master class in making churchkhela and enjoy a tasting of the best varieties of Kakhetian wine.

This is a region known for its endless vineyards and ancient winemaking traditions. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy picturesque landscapes: mountain peaks covered with forests, endless vineyards and ancient villages will create an amazing picture on the way to our first stop.

First stop: Bodbe Monastery – a shrine and a place of pilgrimage

Our journey will begin with a visit to Bodbe Monastery, one of the most significant spiritual sites in Georgia. Here lie the relics of St. Nino, the baptizer of Georgia, who brought Christianity to the country in the 4th century. The monastery is located on a picturesque hill with breathtaking views of the Alazani Valley. This is a place where a special atmosphere of peace and spiritual calm reigns. You will be able to walk around the monastery grounds, visit the temple and the holy spring, which, according to legend, has healing properties.

Sighnaghi – the city of love and romance

After visiting Bodbe, we will go to Sighnaghi, which is often called the “city of love”. This small but charming town is surrounded by ancient fortress walls and is famous for its narrow stone-paved streets, old houses with tiled roofs and carved balconies. Sighnaghi is famous not only for its romantic atmosphere, but also for its picturesque views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains.

Here you will have some free time for a walk: stroll along the fortress walls, visit local souvenir shops or try Georgian sweets in one of the cozy pastry shops. Sighnaghi is also famous for its art galleries, where works of Georgian artists inspired by the beauty of this city are presented. By the way, the famous Niko Pirosmani comes from these places.

Badiauri Village – Georgian Bread Baking Master Class

The next stop on our journey will be the “bread” village of Badiauri, where you will take part in a culinary master class on baking traditional Georgian bread – shoti. This bread is baked in a special clay oven – tone, which gives it a special crust and aroma. Under the guidance of local masters, you will be able to try your hand at baking bread and, of course, taste hot shoti with a crispy crust made from tone!

Wine tasting and churchkhela master class at a private winery

After learning about the traditions of baking, we will go to a private winery, where you will taste the best varieties of Kakhetian wine. Georgia is considered the birthplace of winemaking, and here wine is made using a unique technology – the Kakhetian method, using large clay vessels called qvevri, buried in the ground. You will try different types of wine, including the famous red wine Saperavi and white Rkatsiteli, which have gained worldwide fame.

In addition, you will have a master class on making churchkhela – a traditional Georgian sweet made from nuts and condensed grape juice. Under the guidance of local masters, you will learn how to properly string nuts on a thread and dip them in grape mass. This is not only an interesting activity, but also a delicious result that you can take with you as a souvenir.

After a busy day, return to Tbilisi. Overnight at the hotel.

January 3: Dive into History – Mtskheta, Jvari and Uplistsikhe

This day will introduce you to the ancient capital of Georgia – Mtskheta, where the Kura and Aragvi rivers merge. We will visit the Jvari Monastery, which offers a breathtaking view of this sacred place. Next – the cave city of Uplistsikhe, one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus, and wine tasting at the Guramishvili winery in Saguramo.

Journey to the ancient capital of Georgia – Mtskheta

After breakfast at the hotel, we will go to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and one of the oldest cities in the country, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers, this city was the heart of the Georgian kingdom from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD and remains the spiritual center of Georgia to this day.

The first stop in Mtskheta is Svetitskhoveli, a majestic 11th-century cathedral considered one of the most significant churches in Georgia. According to legend, the tunic of Jesus Christ is kept here, and it was in this cathedral that many Georgian kings were crowned and buried. The guide will tell you about the history of the cathedral’s construction, its significance for the Georgian church, and will show you unique frescoes and architectural details.

Jvari Monastery

Jvari Monastery – a symbol of spirituality and unity. The next stop on our route is Jvari Monastery, located on a hilltop overlooking the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. This 6th-century monastery is one of the most striking examples of early Christian architecture in Georgia. According to legend, it was here that St. Nino erected the first cross, bringing Christianity to Georgia. The monastery offers stunning views of Mtskheta and the surrounding mountains, making this place not only spiritual but also picturesque. Here you will have time to enjoy the views and take some memorable photos.

Uplistsikhe Cave City – Ancient Civilization on the Rocks

After visiting Mtskheta and Jvari, we will go to Uplistsikhe, one of the most ancient and mysterious cave cities of Georgia. Founded around the end of the 2nd millennium BC, this city was an important religious, political and cultural center of ancient Georgia. You will be able to walk along the ancient streets carved into the rock, see meeting halls, temples, wine cellars and even an ancient theater. The guide will tell you about the life of the people who once lived here, about ancient traditions and everyday life.

Particular attention should be paid to the Uplistsikhe Church, built on top of a rock massif in the 9th-10th centuries. This church, erected on the site of a pagan temple, is a striking example of Georgia’s transition to Christianity and symbolizes the country’s cultural revival.

Wine Tasting at Guramishvili Winery in Saguramo

After a day of historical discoveries, we will head to Guramishvili Winery in Saguramo to finish our journey with a tasting of the best Georgian wines. Here you will get acquainted with the traditions of local winemaking, try different types of wine, including the famous red Saperavi and white Mtsvane. Georgian wine is an integral part of the national culture, and each tasting becomes a special ritual, immersing you in the traditions and culture of the country.

You can also buy your favorite wines at the winery to take a piece of Georgia with you in the form of a magnificent drink that will remind you of the unforgettable days spent here.

The immersion in history and culture will end with a return to Tbilisi for the last night of our journey.

January 4: Farewell to Georgia – until next time!

In the morning, check out of your room before 12 noon and transfer to the airport. But even parting with Georgia will be sweet: each guest will receive a bottle of real Georgian wine as a gift to keep a piece of this country with you.

Before leaving, be sure to visit local souvenir shops and stores to bring a piece of Georgia with you. On Rustaveli Avenue or in the old town area, you can find handicrafts such as traditional carpets, carved wooden figures, ceramics and jewelry. Try to bring home natural Georgian spices, churchkhela or Georgian tea to prolong the feeling of the holiday and Georgian flavor.

If time allows, visit the Deserter Market, which is famous for its variety of products: fresh fruits, nuts, homemade cheese and local wines will be a great addition to your purchases. Here you can chat with local sellers who will be happy to tell you about their goods and offer to taste the products before buying.