Food Tour in Georgia

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to the hotel.

 

Day 2: Tbilisi

On the first morning of the trip to Georgia, we walk through the narrow streets of Tbilisi. The walking route of the historical part leads to the ancient churches, synagogues, mosques, colorful wooden houses, sulphur baths, and the Narikala fortress.
To get better acquainted with Georgian culture, we visit the Georgian National Museum, where Georgian treasures are preserved.
And then the most delicious part of the day, a visit to the place where Khachapuri is made.
It is often called cheese bread or Georgian pizza, but Khachapuri means much more to Georgians.
Without it, a traditional holiday supper or family dinner is impossible. Different parts of Georgia have their own version of Khachapuri, and we will taste some of the best.

Dish of the day: „Megrelian Khachapuri”.

 

Day 3: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Gudauri

In the morning we visit the Agricultural Market of Tbilisi.  Various products brought from the regions of Georgia are carefully displayed on tables and shelves: seasonal ripe fruits, healthy vegetables, colourful spices, a variety of cheeses, fresh meats, hazelnuts, and walnuts. Our host is a young hostess.
Choosing products in the market with her is an exciting experience. When we return home, we will prepare different types of pkhali (Assorted vegetables-eggplant, spinach, and beets with ground walnuts) together with the Georgian host. 
In the afternoon we visit the ancient city of Mtskheta, where we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jvari Monastery built in the 6th century and the beautiful Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
The Jvari Monastery offers an amazing panoramic view of the city at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.
Later, we visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which is the largest historical building in Georgia among those left standing and leaves a great impression on the visitor.
Then, we will follow the famous Georgian Military Road to Gudauri. 

Dish of the day: „Seasonal Assorted Pkhali”.

 

Day 4: Gudauri - Stepantsminda - Tbilisi

In the morning we leave for Stepantsminda, which is famous for its breathtaking views of the Great Caucasus.
In the first half of the day we visit Gergeti Trinity Church. With its special location and centuries-old history, it really represents the face of Georgia. 
In the afternoon we visit a local family and prepare traditional Georgian Khinkali (dumplings) together with the hostess. Khinkali is not only a delicious dish in Georgia, but also a ritual tradition.
A similar dish can be found in different countries of the world, but the special rule of preparation in Stepantmsinda, gives Khinkali a special taste and aroma.
After dinner, we will drive to Tbilisi. On the way, we will stop at the colorful Zhinvali Reservoir and visit the beautiful Ananuri complex.

Dish of the day: „Khinkali”.

 

Day 5: Tbilisi - Kvareli - Gremi - Alaverdi - Kondoli -Tbilisi

It is impossible to get acquainted with Georgian cuisine without a visit to Kakheti, which is famous not only for its winemaking but also for its outstanding cuisine.
Kakhetian feast is simple, but very rich, distinguished by meat and vegetable hat pair well with wine.
We visit a local family in Kvareli, where we will prepare traditional dishes together with the host.
We take part in the traditional bread baking process and prepare traditional sweets – Churchkhela from grape juice, which will be an interesting culinary experience for us.
After lunch, we visit the Gremi complex. There are many architectural buildings included in the Gremi complex. The visitor will easily get an impression of the greatness and strength of old Gremi.
Then, we see the Alaverdi Cathedral built in the 11th century, which is one of the largest religious buildings in Georgia.
In the cafe near the cathedral, we will taste different types of Georgian national lactic acid product – Matsoni (yogurt).
We are completing a trip to Kakheti with a visit to a small family cellar. Here we taste natural wines produced in a clay amphora (Qvevri) by the traditional method.
In the evening we will return to Tbilisi with unforgettable impressions.

Dish of the day: „Mtsvadi (Barbecue)”.

 

Day 6: Tbilisi - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi

On this day we take the road to the west, and on the way, we’ll see some interesting sights.
In the first half of the day, we will visit cave-town, Uplistsikhe. Uplistsikhe was a waypoint on the Silk Road, which passed here. It was one of the oldest settlements and urban centres in the Caucasus.
Then we will visit the Stalin Museum in the center of Gori.
The museum complex includes the memorial house where Stalin was born and spent his childhood, the exhibition building, and Stalin’s personal carriage.
After visiting the museum, we continue our journey to historical Kutaisi, which is one of the oldest cities in the world.
Here will taste Imeretian Satsivi for dinner in Kutaisi. Without Satsivi traditional Georgian festive supper is unfeasible.

Dish of the day: „Satsivi”.

 

Day 7: Kutaisi - Gelati - Martvili - Kutaisi

In the morning we visit Kutaisi agricultural market. Visiting the market is an interesting experience to get to know people better or to discover the culinary peculiarities of different parts.
Then we visit Gelati Monastery. The centuries-old monastery with its beautiful paintings is deservedly included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Our gastronomic adventure continues in western Georgia. We will visit a local family in Martvili, where we will taste a special Megrelian cuisine.
The richness and attractiveness of Megrelian cuisine is not only for a variety of dishes but also for the amazing combination of their constituent ingredients.
Together with the hostess, we will prepare a masterpiece of Megrelian cuisine – Elarji.
Lunch will be special not only with exotic dishes but also with rare varieties of wines made in the family.
Full of with pleasant emotions, we return to ancient Kutaisi.
At the end of the day, we visit the Bagrati cathedral, which is a symbol of Georgia’s strength in terms of the cultural and architectural solution.

Dish of the day: „Elarji”.

 

Day 8: Kutaisi - Chiatura - Tbilisi

In the morning we return to Tbilisi. 
On the way, we will see a religious monument with a special architecture – Katskhi pillar. Above, atop the forty-meter pillar is a small monastery where the only monk lives.
Imeretian cuisine is considered one of the best in the country by Georgians themselves. We can easily be convinced of this while having lunch at one of the Imeretian families.
The dishes prepared on the “Ketsi” (clay pot) are an essential part of this region. Here we share refined Imeretian cuisine and unique homemade local wines.
We return to Tbilisi with positive emotions. All Georgian tastes will remain in our memory for a long time.
Our culinary adventure ends with a farewell dinner and once again enjoy the traditional Georgian cuisine and the best combination of premium wines.

Dish of the day: „Chicken on a clay pot”.

 

Day 9: Departure

Transfer to the hotel and departure.