Map of Kakheti. Kakheti From Tbilisi to Kakheti on your own

Kakheti is a region in eastern Georgia, famous for its winemaking. On its territory is the famous Alazani Valley, and several dozen wineries operate. Even if you find yourself here for a couple of days, you can get a lot of unforgettable impressions.

Sights of Kakheti

Kakheti in Georgia is not only a great place for leisurely spending time tasting local wine, but also an area for active recreation. Travelers can enjoy a variety of excursions, walks in national parks, mountain hikes and other adventures. And, if you find yourself in Kakheti in September, you will be able to take part in the popular Rtveli grape harvest festival. The largest cities of Kakheti are its capital Telavi and Sighnaghi. All other towns in the region are tiny, there are also villages and towns.

Reference! There are several ways to get to Kakheti. Excursion bus tours are often organized from Tbilisi to the region. usually takes 1.5 hours. It’s even more convenient to get here and see the sights by your own car, because they are located close to each other.

A detailed map of Kakheti in Russian or a car navigator will help you find tourist sites. Public transport is rare and it is not very convenient to get directly to the place. A good option is to rent a car with a driver, who will be happy to tell in detail the history of all Kakheti sights.

Popular tourist sites on the map of Kakheti:

• Monasteries: Bodbe, Shuamta, Ikalto, Nekresi, David Gareji;
• Cities: Sighnaghi, Telavi, Kvareli;
• Kindzmarauli plant;
• Tsinandali village;
• Hotel Chateau Mere;
• Nato Vachnadze Museum;
• Numisi Wine Museums;
• Mud volcanoes of Akhtala;
• Lakes: “Lopota” and “Kvareli”;
• Natural parks “Vashlovani” and “Lagodekhi”.

All Kakheti attractions are usually marked in detail on a map of the region, presented in Russian. Eastern Georgia is famous for its monasteries, temples, castles and natural landscapes.

This Georgian hotel is unusual in that it is located in a castle and offers picturesque views of the Alazani Valley. The hotel owners are Georgians and are engaged in winemaking. In Chateau Mere you can taste delicious national cuisine and drink quality wine. Reviews from tourists indicate that the food in the hotel restaurant is not only tasty, but also unusual.

New Shuamta is an ancient monastery that is still active today, but is almost always open to the public. Nearby is Old Shuamta, which includes 3 ancient temples. In character and architecture, these two monasteries are very different from each other.

Telavi

The city is the capital of the region. It also became famous for the fact that episodes of the legendary Soviet film “Mimino” were filmed there. Interesting sites include the Batonis-tsikhe Fortress, an ancient plane tree that is already 800 years old, Irakli II Avenue, Nadikvari Park, the local market and the Royal Palace.

This Kakheti village is the birthplace of Georgian industrial winemaking. Its attractions are the Shumi Winery and the Chavchavadze Estate.

The country's famous winery produces not only wine, but also cognac, port and chacha. More than 200 hundred varieties of grapes from which these drinks are made are planted in front of the wine house. The Shumi plant is today one of the main suppliers of quality Georgian drinks. Tourists are offered an excursion including a visit to the factory museum, wine storage and tasting. Not far from the plant is the house-museum of its founder A. Chavchavadze.

Estate of Princes Chavchavadze

The guides say that Pushkin and Griboedov visited this family estate, and that the famous play “Woe from Wit” was shown for the first time. Alexander Chavchavadze is a poet, military and public figure who left a big mark on Georgian history and culture.

This small ancient monastery of the 6th century is one of the first in the country. He also became famous for the fact that the famous Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli studied at the academy under him. The monastery has three churches, its architecture is quite simple.

The cathedral near Telavi is the main temple of the region and the second highest in the country (50 meters). Inside it you can see wall paintings dating back to the 15th century. There are high fortress walls around the cathedral. Next to it and the active monastery are the burial places of the Kakheti kings.

This castle is also called the “dead city”. Once upon a time it was the center of the Kakheti kingdom and the famous Silk Road passed through it. Today on its territory you can see a fortress, a temple and a tower, and there is a museum in the castle. The road to Gremi passes through a cypress alley. On the territory of the castle, tourists will be interested in the Archangel Temple, the ruins of the Royal Fortress, and the tomb of King Levan. Here you can see beautiful views of the Alazani Valley.

The picturesque Kakheti lake Lopota of artificial origin. It became famous not only for its beauty, but also for the fact that one of the most expensive local resorts is located on its banks. But those not staying at the hotel are unlikely to be able to get to the lake: a barrier and security guards serve as a barrier to travelers.

The small 4th century monastery is located on the mountain, so its observation decks offer stunning views of the Alazani Valley. Here is the Temple of the Blessed Virgin, inside which you can admire ancient frescoes. During its history, Nekresi suffered more than once from enemy raids, so it is surrounded by ruins.

Reference! It is not possible to approach the monastery by car. You will have to leave the car at the foot of the hill and walk uphill for 1.5 km. It is more convenient to come to Nekresi by bus, the fare costs 1 GEL, and transport runs every 20 minutes.

Kvareli

In the Kakheti city of Kvareli and its surroundings, tourist attractions are the Kvareli fortress, the Khareba wine tunnel, the Chavchavadze House, the Kindzmarauli winery, the Kvareli and Ilya lakes and the Graneli winery, a cognac factory in the village of Eniseli.

Sighnaghi

This is the famous city of love or, as it is also called, “Italy in Georgia”. This is how the city was nicknamed for its 24-hour registry office and the story of “a million scarlet roses” presented by the famous artist Niko Pirosmani to actress Margarita. It is about them that Alla Pugacheva sings.

The city is built on a mountain from which stunning views of the valley are visible. There is another attraction here - the ancient fortress wall. Another interesting place is the Pheasant's Tears wine cellar, owned by the American artist Wooderman. In Sighnaghi there are small cobbled streets, 2-3-storey houses with red tile roofs, there are beautiful parks, squares, the Church of St. Georgia, the Bodbe Monastery.

Bodbe Monastery

The Bodbe convent is a holy place for Georgian Christians, because here, in the Church of St. Georgia, the relics of St. Nino rest. Construction is ending. There are many flowers on the territory, and the Alazani Valley can be seen below. Those who wish are offered to plunge into the cold water of the local holy spring or drink water from it.

On the border with Azerbaijan there is a complex consisting of several cave monasteries from the 6th century. It bears the name of the Christian saint David Gareja. Women often come here to pray for a long-awaited child. The surrounding area is very impressive: rocks and desert steppes. It is also unusual that one part of the complex is located in Georgia, and the other in Azerbaijan. The most visited by tourists are the Lavra of David and the Tetri-Udabno Monastery. Usually you get fantastically beautiful photos.

Just 20 km from Sighnaghi, travelers will be able to admire an unusual natural phenomenon - mud volcanoes. Akhtala is home to a popular mud clinic in Georgia. There are four small volcanoes. You can take a healing mud bath by immersing yourself in a mud puddle, or you can collect mud and smear it on your body.

Mirzaani village

About 20 km from Sighnaghi there is a house that Niko Pirosmani built for his sister. The famous artist was born in Kakheti, his works tell about local nature, traditional holidays and feasts. There is a museum next to the house, where paintings by famous Georgian artists are displayed.

Kakheti is a wine region of Georgia. This is where the country's main vineyards and numerous wineries are concentrated. The best time to visit the Alazani Valley is in the fall, when the harvest is harvested. Cars loaded to the brim with grapes create a festive atmosphere and truly convey the spirit of the wine region.

But if you are planning a trip at another time of the year, then in Kakheti there are no less interesting places: ancient cathedrals, nature reserves with picturesque views, and wineries are open all year round.

How to organize a tour of Kakheti

1. Buy an excursion at a travel agency, for example, in Tbilisi. Tour in the old part of the city. There are more than enough agencies, you can go to a couple of places and choose a suitable offer. In this article, I explained in detail how best to organize it yourself.
2. Buy a tour online. This option is good because you can read the tour program and reviews of the guide in advance. Most popular excursions:

Independent trip to Kakheti

• Come to Telavi or, and find a driver locally who will show you the main attractions of Kakheti. That's exactly what we did. The owners of the guesthouse recommended their neighbor. On the first day the excursion lasted 6 hours, on the second 8. For two days we paid 150 GEL (for the whole car).
• Hitchhiking is very developed in Georgia. You can easily get from point A to point B by hitchhiking. But, in my opinion, this method has tangible disadvantages. As a rule, the monasteries and the most interesting places in Kakheti are located on the hills or in not particularly crowded places. There is little traffic on the roads; it can take a long time to catch a ride. If we saw all the sights of Kakheti in two full days, then to get to each object by hitchhiking it takes more time.
• It’s sad with minibuses and buses in Kakheti. It’s not that they don’t exist, they exist, but they don’t have an exact schedule, they go “according to the mood,” and the route line is very meager. If we traveled exclusively by hitchhiking and public transport, then here I would still recommend finding a car. It's not so expensive, but it's fast and convenient!

Sights of the Alazani Valley

We have been to Kakheti twice. The first time we went on our own for three days, the second time we took a one-day excursion. What can I say - the impressions strongly depend on how the trip is planned: route, guide, duration, etc.

Although there are many attractions in Kakheti, not all are interesting. And if you are unlucky with a guide, then it’s a lost cause. The monasteries are very similar to each other; if the guide has a poor command of history, then a visit to the Georgian shrine is reduced to zero. I highly recommend, first of all, paying attention to the qualifications of a guide.

Alaverdi

Alaverdi (St. George's Cathedral) is an active cathedral dating back to the early 11th century. Today, it is the most revered temple in the region and the second tallest temple in Georgia.

The cathedral was repeatedly destroyed by invaders, so during restoration it was slightly modified. Despite the fact that today we can see Alaverdi not in its original form, wall paintings from the 15th century are still preserved inside the cathedral. Also, many Kakheti kings are buried on the territory of the monastery.

When visiting a Georgian shrine, you should remember the dress code. The head, shoulders and knees must be covered. Moreover, all girls must wear a skirt. If you come in pants, you will be given a loincloth free of charge upon entry. Photography inside the cathedral is strictly prohibited.

I didn't like Alaverdi. The place is touristy, there are a lot of people here. And the history of the cathedral is not as impressive as, for example, that of the Bodbe Monastery.

Ikalto

Ikalto (VI century) is one of the first Orthodox monasteries in Georgia. Architecturally, it is very similar to other Georgian cathedrals. However, in addition to antiquity and centuries-old history, Ikalo is famous for the academy where the famous poet Shota Rustaveli once studied. In the 17th century the academy was burned and the complex closed. The church was restored only in the 19th century, but only ruins remained of the academy.

For some reason Ikalo sank into my soul. Either the place is very powerful, or the guide’s heartfelt story about the birth of Christianity in Georgia made a strong impression.

Old and new Shuamta

In the village of Shuamta, two monasteries have been preserved: Dzveli-Shuamta (old Shuamta) and Akhali Shuamta (new Shuamta). Their architecture is very different, since they were built at different times.

Old Shuamta is a temple of the 5th century, which today is not active. And the atmosphere in it is quite ominous: it’s dark and empty inside, crumbling wall paintings and a few burning candles. We were here twice - in 2015 we could go inside and look around, in 2017 the cathedral was closed for restoration. It is likely that the ancient temple will soon be revealed to us in a new appearance.

New Shuamta is a functioning convent of the 16th century. According to legend, Queen Tina had a dream in which she built an Orthodox church. Years later, this is what happened. While traveling around Georgia, the queen saw a place for construction from a dream. After the construction of the cathedral, Tina took monastic vows and spent the rest of her years in Shuamta, where she is buried.

Almost every excursion to Kakheti includes a visit to these two monasteries. I didn't like it here. Everything is somehow very simple and even a little boring. The visit to Shuamta remains in my memory.

Nekresi

Nekresi is an active monastery of the 4th century, towering over the Alazani Valley. Throughout its existence, Nekresi was repeatedly robbed and captured by Muslims. According to legend, during one of the raids, church ministers threw pig heads at the offenders, thereby scaring them away (according to our guide). Although they write on the Internet that the pigs were simply released into the yard and the Muslims got scared. In any case, now the pig is considered an unspoken amulet of the cathedral and pork shish kebab is prepared here for every holiday.

You cannot approach the monastery with your own transport (or taxi). You need to leave your car in the parking lot and walk 1.5 km. walk up the road. If walking is not for you, then a bus will take you to the top, which runs every 10 - 20 minutes. The fare is 1 lari in both directions.

Of all the attractions in Kakheti, I liked Nekresi the most. The monastery is located high in the mountains and has a stunning view of the Alazani Valley.

The small village of Tsinandali, near Telavi, is famous for its beautiful park and the residence of the Kakheti princes Chavchavadze. Inside the premises, the original interior and some personal belongings of the family have been preserved. Also, at the estate there is a winery, which is considered the oldest in Georgia. Its cellars contain more than 20 thousand bottles. Entrance ticket to the park + house museum - 5 GEL, park only - 2 GEL.

Tsinandali has a beautiful and well-groomed park area and an interesting excursion inside the residence. I've enjoyed my stay. But this is not the main attraction of Kakheti; I recommend visiting Tsinandali after you have seen the more significant places in the region.

Gremi

In the XVI-XVII centuries. Gremi was the capital of the Kakheti kingdom with a castle of the same name, which has survived to this day. In the 16th century The Great Silk Road passed here, which contributed to the growth and development of the city. However, at the beginning of the 17th century. Gremi was destroyed by the troops of the Iranian Shah Abbas I, after which it was never able to recover. In the middle of the 17th century. the capital was moved to Telavi.

Today there is a castle, a temple and an archaeological museum. From the observation deck of the castle (windows on the upper floors) a beautiful view of the Alazani Valley opens. Entrance to the castle + museum costs 2 GEL.

Gremi didn’t impress me, but Dima really liked it here. Probably all because the guide spoke colorfully about the siege and defense of the fortress.

Kvarel wine tunnel

The huge tunnel in Kvareli is the warehouse of the Khareba plant, which stores more than 20 thousand bottles of wine. Its total length is 7.7 km, but the excursion is carried out only on the first 500 m. You can go inside only as part of an excursion group. Keep in mind that the temperature in the tunnel is +14, so take warm clothes with you. If you forgot, no problem, you can take a blanket at the entrance.

The cost of a guided tour is 7 GEL. Excursion + tasting - 15 GEL.

Locals say that the tunnel used to have military significance and was built as a bomb shelter, but plant employees denied this claim. According to them, it was originally planned as a wine warehouse.

If you have already visited Georgian wineries, then a tour of the Khareba winery warehouse may be disappointing. The story about the wine is very superficial; during the tour they praise their company more. And the duration of the tour is only 15 - 20 minutes. Personally, I didn’t like it here; it was much more interesting at the wineries or.

The lake, named after the writer Ilya Chavchavadze, does not stand out as anything special. This is rather not a landmark of the Alazani Valley, but a pleasant recreation area. During the warm season, there are many locals here - swimming, sunbathing, riding bicycles or just walking. A visit to Lake Ilya is often included in the Kakheti tour program. For what? I don’t know, probably because of the restaurant on the shore. The food they cook there is really delicious!

In my opinion, lunch at Lake Elijah is a great place to take a break while visiting monasteries and wineries. It was in this restaurant that we ate the most delicious kebab in Georgia. Prices, +/-, the same as in Tbilisi.

Ujarma)

It’s worth going to Ujarma only if you have a good guide with you who knows the history. A trip to the fortress on your own does not make any sense - there are a few ruins overgrown with greenery, and that’s all! We came to Ujarma with a guide, but he was, to put it mildly, “not very good,” so the attraction did not make the proper impression. In addition, this is one of the few places in the Alazani Valley where they ask for money for entry. Ticket price is 2 GEL.

Bodbe Monastery

Bodbe Monastery is one of the most significant shrines in Georgia. This cathedral houses the relics of St. Nino, thanks to whom Christianity spread throughout the country. This is a very strong and sacred place; thousands of pilgrims from the Orthodox world come here every year.

Not far from the church (descent 3 km) there is a holy spring where you can swim. According to local stories, it has healing powers and cures ailments. But we didn’t have time to get there, since we arrived in Bodbe shortly before the complex closed. Opening hours: from 10:00 to 19:00

On our trip to Georgia, Kakheti stands apart. And not only because it is the first of the areas we visited. And the first impression is always the brightest. Kakheti is also distinctive, unique for its landscape and winemaking traditions, the Alazani Valley and the Tusheti Mountains.

Kakheti went through a difficult path of historical development: it was part of the Kingdom of Kartli until the 8th century, from the 8th to the 12th centuries. developed as an independent principality from the 12th to the 15th centuries. was part of the Georgian kingdom from the 15th century. until the middle of the 18th century. regained its independence again, in 1762-1801. was included in the Kartli-Kakheti kingdom. In 1801, Kakheti, together with Georgia, became part of the Russian Empire, and since 1991, Georgia has been an independent state.

Kakheti, how to get there:

People usually come to Kakheti either from Tbilisi,

or from Russia, through the village along . Our trip and attractions in the article.

The length of the scenic route from to, passing through the ring road in the Tbilisi region and the Gombori Pass, is 240 kilometers, travel time is just over 4 hours.

Tbilisi - Kakheti.

You can get to Kakheti from the capital of Georgia - Tbilisi by car or minibus. Let's look at an example of how to get to the two main cities of Kakheti.

Tbilisi - Telavi.

A minibus from Tbilisi to and other cities in Kakheti (, Kvareli) departs from the Isani metro station. The distance from Tbilisi to is 95 kilometers, the average travel time is 1 hour 20 minutes. The route is picturesque, the road passes through the Gombori mountain pass, most of it along a serpentine road.

Tbilisi – Sighnaghi.

Telavi.

On the territory of the fortress in the 17-18 centuries. there was a royal residence in which, for example, King Irakli II was born. His equestrian statue is installed next to the fortress.

Ikalto.

Ikalto Monastery was founded in the 6th century. However, the surviving three cathedral buildings and several utility buildings date back to the 8th-19th centuries. and are repeatedly rebuilt and restored objects, representing the architectural style of masters of different eras. In Ikalto you can see the tomb of its founder Zeno of Ikalto, ancient wineries and wine storage tanks. The monastery became famous thanks to the academy located on its territory, of which the poet Shota Rustaveli was a student.

Kakheti (Georgia) is rightfully considered the center of winemaking; the main vineyards and processing plants are located here. Considering this feature of the region, the best time to visit Kakheti is autumn, since it is in autumn that a special, festive atmosphere reigns here; some wineries offer tourists to take part in the harvest. If you plan to visit Kakheti at other times of the year, you will find a fascinating journey through ancient celebrities and picturesque reserves.

Kakheti – general information

Telavi

This is the richest region in Eastern Georgia. The Kakheti region is located 50 km from the capital in the north-east direction (along the highway 85 km), a little more than 318 thousand people live here. The capital of Kakheti is the city of Telavi.

The historical events that took place in the Kakheti region are inextricably linked with the formation and establishment of the Georgian states. Kakheti, as an independent principality, was formed in the 8th century and developed independently until the 11th century. Then Kakheti joined Georgia.

The region is famous for its fertile, rich lands, pleasant, favorable climate, huge amounts of clean spring water and forests. It is not surprising that many centuries ago Kakheti received the status of the main wine-producing region of the country. Vineyards grow along the entire Kakheti highway, and the wines produced here are famous far beyond the borders of Georgia. In total, the region produces approximately 70 varieties of wine.

The heart and soul of Kakheti is the Alazani Valley, which is generously irrigated by rivers.

Legend. Previously, the territory of Kakheti was covered with water, the population climbed into the mountains, but the water did not recede. It was decided to lower the empty basket into the water and cut a drain in the place where it would stop. This place turned out to be the Alazani riverbed. When the water level was restored, life flourished in the region, and vineyards sprang up here.

It is important! If you want to try real Georgian wines with a rich flavor palette and luxurious aroma, visit all the cities and villages of the region.

Attractions

Undoubtedly, all the sights of Kakheti are imbued with the spirit and flavor of Georgia. Let's take a walk through the most interesting of them.

The shrine is located in Sighnaghi. This is an ancient monastery, which is famous thanks to St. Nino. The righteous woman lived as a recluse for 5 years, in a simple tent, not far from Bodbe. After her death, the saint was buried in the place where the tent stood. Over time, a temple and an entire monastery complex were erected here. It was here that some of the monarchs of Kakheti ascended the throne. Thanks to the efforts of the authorities, in 1837 the richest diocese of Georgia was destroyed. Half a century later, Emperor Alexander III ordered the restoration of the monastery. Very soon Bodve became the largest temple in Kakheti.

Today the monastery looks majestic and well-groomed, however, tourists and pilgrims come here not to enjoy the architecture, but to visit the burial place of St. Nino and drink water from a wonderful spring.

It is important! There is a swimming pool on the territory of the monastery where you can take a dip. As a rule, this is done in a white shirt; you can bring it with you or buy it at the temple. Do not squeeze water out of your shirt; it is considered healing. Be sure to take a spare set of dry clothes with you.

Getting to the monastery is easy - you can walk from Sighnaghi (2 km) or take a taxi. If you go on foot, follow the highway in the direction of Tbilisi and look for the sign “to Bodva”.

Minibuses depart regularly from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi; the main thing is to warn the driver to stop at the turn. The monastery closes at 19-00.

Believe me, you will immediately fall in love with the small town with bright roofs, which seems to be glued to the mountain slopes.

Sighnaghi is a city of experiment. In the 18th century, monarch Heraclius II ordered the resettlement of Armenians to this part of the country and instructed them to transform the village. The settlers completed the task - a city appeared on the site of the village, but after some time it fell into decay. Thanks to the efforts of the Georgian authorities, Sighnaghi became one of the country's tourist centers and turned into a winemaking center. The city is surrounded by an impressive wall on which 28 watchtowers are built. They are open to the public and offer stunning views of the entire valley.

It is important! If you are looking for where to stay in Kakheti, pay attention to Sighnaghi. There are luxury hotels of European level and inexpensive guesthouses. Restaurants also cater for every budget. In terms of the number of hotels, Sighnaghi is third after the capital and Batumi.

You can get from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi by minibus, they leave with a break of 1 hour until 18-00. The fare is 5 GEL, the travel time is approximately 2 hours.

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This is the most famous and revered landmark in the country, its impressive walls stretch for 25 kilometers. The shrine is located on the Gareji Ridge - on a plateau in a sparsely populated area.

There are temples here built between the 14th and 16th centuries. The attraction is located almost on the border with Azerbaijan; moreover, some parts of the shrine are still considered disputed territory.

The Lavra of St. David enjoys special attention among pilgrims and tourists. From above you can see that the Lavra is built in the shape of a cross. Here is the grave of David of Gareji himself.

There are other monasteries in the shrine - Dodos-Rka, Natlismtsemeli, Udabno, Chichkhituri and Bertubani. The monastery was destroyed many times, but each time it was restored. Today it is a functioning monastery, the walls of which are decorated with frescoes.

You can get to the monastery in the following way - from Tbilisi to Gardabani or Rustavi, and then by taxi to the complex. Distance from Tbilisi 60 km.

This monastery complex is unique for three reasons:

• this is the first place in Georgia where Christianity was adopted;
• here is the ancient church of St. John the Baptist;
• From the top there is an amazing view of the Alazani Valley.

Despite the fact that only a few buildings have survived on the territory of the complex, each of them is a historical and architectural treasure.

The complex also includes a basilica - the Church of the Virgin Mary, its walls are painted with frescoes. Of course, tourists visit the wine storage facility.

Entrance to all temples and churches of the complex is free, the main thing is to behave appropriately.

The most convenient way to get to the shrine is by Telavi-Kvareli minibus; the journey takes only 30 minutes. Warn the driver to stop near the sign. Then you have to walk 2 km. At the entrance you can buy candles, souvenirs and wine (a bottle will cost an average of 9-10 GEL). There is a serpentine road leading to the Lavra; you can climb up on your own or take a minibus. A round trip is only 1 GEL. The attraction is open daily from 10-00 to 19-00.

House-Museum of Chavchavadze

The house museum is one of the most symbolic places in Georgia. It was here that the Europeanization of the country began, and the first wine began to be produced here. Garsevan Chavchavadze, the organizer of Georgia’s annexation to Russia, lived in the estate. Pushkin and Griboyedov came here. Next to the museum there is a wine storage room and a garden with Christmas trees.

The building is a construction of the 19th century; for several centuries the estate was owned by the Chavchavadze family; today it is the home of diplomat Alexander Chavchavadze. The setting and the guide's story will take you back to the golden age.

The wine cellar stores 16 thousand bottles of collection wine, which can be tasted. The oldest bottle was bottled in 1814.

The house-museum is located in the northeastern part of Tsinandali. The distance to Telavi is only 8 km. Entrance costs from 2 to 20 GEL depending on the services you choose. The museum is open from 10-00 to 19-00.

Tusheti National Park

The largest in the country and even in Europe - its area exceeds 80 hectares. Almost the entire territory of Tusheti is a national park. You can get here from Akhmeta and Telavi.

The main difference between the park area is that there are villages here where people still live. Entrance is free; tourists often come here with tents.

In the park you can see stands with developed excursion routes, the kilometer of the route is indicated on them. In addition to the national park, Tusheti has very beautiful mountains, rare varieties of roses and rhododendrons grow.

You can only get here by jeep, but the best ride through the park is on horseback. If you rent a jeep with a group of 5-6 people, the cost will cost 50 GEL per person.

It is located in the east of the country and borders Azerbaijan and Russia. In 2005, the park was given national status.

The park area attracts with a large number of subtropical and alpine plants, lakes and waterfalls. On its territory there is an ancient abandoned fortress of Machi.

In the park you can choose one of four routes for a walk. If you wish, you can stop by the park for 3 days and visit:

• alpine meadows;
• former weather station;
• mountain range;
• Lake of the Black Rocks;
• gorge.

The shortest route is from the main entrance to the Black Grouse waterfall. During the hot season, you can swim in the waterfall; the cool water is refreshing and improves your mood.

All park routes are marked on stands in different colors.

You can get to the park from Tbilisi - there is a direct minibus, the ticket costs 7 GEL. The main gate is located in the northern part of the city, you can walk along Vashlovanskaya Street. The second gate is near the village of Ninigori and the third is near the village of Mitsimi.

Entrance to the park is free, but you will have to pay for setting up a tent and renting a horse. There are inexpensive guesthouses near the park. In general, Kakheti is a hot and dry region, in the middle of which tropical greenery and coolness are unexpectedly found.

Wineries

If you are interested in what to see in Kakheti, be sure to take time to visit wineries.

Our rating of “Best Wineries of Kakheti” opens with the Kvareli Tunnel. The wine store is located in a tunnel, which is made directly into the wall. In addition to the store, there is a tasting room and a small but interesting exhibition. Tourists are brought here on excursions.

Information about the length of the tunnels differs in different sources; according to some sources they stretch for 7 km, and according to others – for 11 km. It will not be possible to find out the real length, since tourists are shown only a small section with a length of only 700 meters.

Tour buses bring tourists directly to the entrance to the tunnel. The cost of the excursion depends on what exactly interests you:

• regular excursion – 7 GEL;
• excursion and tasting of 2 wines – 12 GEL;
• excursion, tasting of 4 wines and chacha, culinary master class (bread and churchkhela) – 40 GEL;
• excursion, tasting of 6 wines, cooking master class and barbecue treat - 70 GEL.

The wine must be accompanied by nuts, cheese and honey.

Path to Kvareli Tunnel – follow from Kvareli in the direction of Lagodekhi, cross the bridge, pass the turn to Gurjaani and then turn left according to the sign.

It is important! It's only +14 degrees in the tunnel, so bring warm clothes.

Kindzmarauli Corporation

This is one of the largest wine production factories in Kakheti. It is located in the center of Kvareli. The plant owns a huge territory of 300 hectares, where wine storage facilities, a store of its own products, tasting rooms, a restaurant and a hotel are located.

The oldest buildings of the corporation date back to 1533, but the main production facilities are modernized, modern equipment.

It is important! Pay attention to the prices in the store - they are usually an order of magnitude lower than prices in the capital.

If you wish, you can visit the museum, where real clay qvevri, traditional presses and oak barrels are exhibited.

It is important! Wine tasting here is free; 4-5 varieties of wine are poured in the hall. The traditional scheme is to go to a restaurant and order food, go on a tour, taste drinks and return to the restaurant where the prepared food awaits.

The central entrance to the plant is located at the address: Kvareli city, Chavchavadze street, building 55. The plant is open from 9-00 to 18-00.

The company was founded at the end of the last century. Today it is one of the most established and largest wineries in the country. Most of the products are aimed at the VIP class segment and are exported. In other words, you can only purchase an original product at the factory.

The company is located near the Khareba tunnel. Famous brands of wines are produced here - Tsinandali, Khvanchkara, Tsinandali, Hereti, Pirosmani, Mukuzani. The best grape varieties are used in production - Saperavi, Rkatsiteli and Aleksandrouli.

Tour groups enter the premises once every 30 minutes:

• sightseeing tour – free;
• tasting of 7 wines – 10 GEL;
• ordering a feast - 25 GEL per person (the price includes 1 liter of any wine presented at the tasting);
• tasting, feast and master classes - 40 GEL.

It is important! In the fall of 2016, the tour of Graneli was recognized as the most interesting and informative in the Kakheti region.

Road to Graneli – head south from Kvareli, cross the Bursa River (there is a bridge) and after 400 meters there will be a circle, take the east direction (follow the Wine Route sign). Minibuses run from Tbilisi to Kvaleri from Samgori station, the journey will cost 8 GEL.

Shumi Factory

The famous Kakheti winery is located on the outskirts of the small settlement of Tsinandali, not far from the Chavchavadze house-museum. The distance to Telavi is 8 km. Wine varieties such as Tsinandali, Saperavi, Kindzmarauli and Mukuzani are produced here. On the territory of the plant there is a museum, an open tasting room, a shop and a grape plantation where special grape varieties are grown. Tasting is free.

It is important! The best Kindzmarauli wines can be bought here.

Be sure to visit the museum, where exhibits are displayed on the ground floor and a wine warehouse is located in the basement. In addition to wine, the tasting also offers cognac, chacha and port.

Pheasant's Tears Company

The company, founded in 2007, is located near the village of Tibaani. This is a joint Georgian-American enterprise that produces 9 brands of wine. John Wiederman, an American co-owner of the company, first visited Georgia in 1995 and has not left since then. Here he met Gela Patalishvili. Together they bought vineyards and launched a winery. Today, the plant’s grape plantations are located throughout Kakheti.

Sighnaghi has a signature restaurant and a hall where you can taste products.

You can find the plant at the address: Sighnaghi city, Baratashvili street, 18.

When is the best time to go?

Kakheti in summer

The weather is quite dry, the valleys look sad, as if scorched. Air temperature +30 degrees.

This is the best time to visit the wine region. The weather in September resembles the climate of central Russia in summer. During the day the air warms up to +25 degrees, and in the evenings you can dine in the open areas. In October it becomes cooler - the air temperature is +20 degrees. In November the temperature drops to +15 degrees and it starts raining.

At this time, the sky is often covered with viruses, the landscapes look dull and boring. If you dare to come, take rubber boots with you, you won’t go wrong.

In March the air temperature is only +10 degrees, in May the air warms up to +25 degrees. If you want to catch the moment of amazing nature awakening, come to Kakheti in April.

Kakheti in winter.

Despite the rather low temperature, Kakheti in winter is an incredibly attractive sight. The view from the heights of the hills is magnificent. The air temperature does not drop below -5 degrees. If you get cold, you can always visit the wine cellar.

How to get there

Shota Rustaveli Airport

Considering that the distance from Tbilisi to Kakheti is only 85 km, the region is accessible for visiting throughout the year. You can always choose the most profitable path for yourself in terms of price and duration.

First of all, you need to fly to Tbilisi (Shota Rustaveli International Airport). As a rule, tourists choose two cities as their final destination: Sighnaghi or Telavi. Let's figure out how to get from Tbilisi to Kakheti.

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How to get to Sighnaghi

Samgori Bus Station

In Tbilisi you need to get to the Samgori bus station (located at the metro station with the same name). Minibuses depart from here from 9-00 to 18-00. There are 6 flights daily. The journey lasts 2 hours, the ticket costs 6 GEL.

It is important! All minibuses arrive in the city center. Sighnaghi is a small settlement; all sights can be explored on foot. Tourists take a taxi when planning a trip to neighboring cities.

How to get to Telavi

In Tbilisi you need to go to the Ortachala bus station (address - Gulia street, 2). Minibuses depart from 8-20 to 19-50 with a break of 40 minutes. The journey will cost 7 GEL. The minibus goes to the center of Telavi.

It is important! Public transport between the cities of Kakheti is poor, so many tourists rent a car.

Related posts:

A region in eastern Georgia that is convenient to travel from Tbilisi. Almost all attractions can be visited year-round.

Sighnaghi

Sighnaghi. This city is called the City of Love. The town is beautiful and romantic. Paving stones, narrow streets, carved balconies - it’s a pleasure to walk here. You should definitely climb the fortress wall - it offers a breathtaking view of the Alazani Valley and the Greater Caucasus Range. The city has an excellent local history museum, which has a rich collection of weapons, archaeological finds, ceramics, and on the second floor there are paintings by Pirosmani and Gudiashvili. There are several good cafes and restaurants. It is worth visiting the Pheasant Tears winery and the good view restaurant Brigitte. The city is small - you will spend 1-3 hours visiting it.

Bodbe Monastery

Bodbe Monastery. Located near the city of Sighnaghi. The monastery is famous for the fact that Saint Nino, who baptized Georgia, is buried here. There is a small beautiful park on the territory with excellent views of the Alazani Valley. From the observation deck you can go down to the source of St. Nino - only on foot, the journey to the source there and back will take about an hour. The monastery is popular and included in most tours around Georgia. Be prepared for crowds.

Gremi Castle

Gremi Castle. It is located near the city of Kvareli right on the highway - this ensures its popularity. Almost every excursion group does not pass by. The complex consists of a fortress wall, the Archangel Church and a tower, which now houses a small museum. The most famous exhibit in the museum is the castle’s “royal” toilet.

Alaverdi Monastery

Alaverdi Monastery. The main and most revered temple of Kakheti. The temple is impressive in size, frescoes and special atmosphere. There is a strict dress code on site and a photography ban. There is a grape museum at the monastery - the monks are working to restore rare and lost varieties and make very good wine. Wine and honey from the monastery apiary can be bought in the shop at the monastery.

Telavi

Telavi city. The historical center of Kakheti and the administrative capital of the region today. The town has been restored, but is not particularly remarkable. The most interesting thing there is an ancient plane tree, which is approximately 900 years old, and the Batonis-tsikhe fortress. If you happen to be passing through here, you can have a snack and connect to the Internet.

Nekresi Monastery

Nekresi Monastery. Founded by one of the Assyrian fathers, Abo Nekressky. A large, interesting complex located on a mountain above the Alazani Valley. The place is interesting, but there is a minus - cars are not allowed to the monastery. You either have to walk up (about 30 minutes) or wait for a small local bus that runs every 30 minutes. In total, a visit to the monastery takes about 1.5-2 hours, which in the tight timing mode scares off some people.

Kvareli city

Kvareli city. The city itself is small. Among the interesting things are the house-museum of the publicist Ilya Chavchavadze (not to be confused with the estate in Tsinandali!), the 18th-century fortress and the Cathedral of John the Baptist (19th century). There are several hotels and restaurants. But it’s definitely worth going here if you’re interested in Kakhetian wine. The region is the birthplace of the famous Kindzmarauli, Mukuzani, Akhasheni, etc.

Kindzmarauli Corporation

Kindzmarauli Corporation

Kindzmarauli Corporation. Located in the center of Kvareli. The guys make very good wine. There are excursions to production and tastings. The workshops and courtyards are landscaped and very photogenic. The excursion is free.

Wine tunnel

Kvareli tunnel. Wine storage in a rock in a tunnel, owned by a large company Khareba. There are several similar tunnels in the world, but this is the only one in Georgia. The place is popular - just think about it, the length of the tunnel is almost 8 km. 8 km of wine!

Graneli Winery

Graneli Winery. Located in Kvareli next to the tunnel. Perhaps this is the best tasting package of all the factories in terms of price-quality ratio.

Lake Elijah

Lake Elijah. Small and new (2011) mountain lake in Kakheti. The area is landscaped - benches, lanterns and other amenities. In the summer heat, children swim. Above the lake there is a nice castle-like hotel with the Royal Batoni restaurant - it’s very nice to take a break here in the summer and have a cup of coffee.

Ujarma Fortress

View from the walls of Ujarma

Ujarma Fortress. Located right on the highway. A large and interesting complex - the walls offer very spectacular views of the ridge.

Ikalto

Ikalto Monastery. Founded by one of the Assyrian fathers, Zenon of Ikaltoi. Shota Rustaveli studied at the academy at the monastery.

Shuamta

Old Shuamta

Shuamta. Nearby are New and Old Shuamta. Novaya is an active convent, relatively new and with very strict regulations. Much more interesting is Old Shuamta. A complex of three ancient temples is hidden in a mountain fairy forest. There is no human invasion here. Lovers of solitude, tranquility and contemplation will love this place.

Tsinandali

House-Museum of Chavchavadze in Tsinandali. 19th century estate, family estate of Chavchavadze. Built in European style, surrounded by a magnificent park.

Shumi

Shumi Winery

Make some noise. Winemaking corporation near Telavi. Here you will not be given a tour of the production - the territory is closed. But there is an excellent wine museum.

Lagodekhi

Lagodekhi National Park. One of the oldest reserves in the country. The forest in the Lagodekhi Gorge is unique - wet, mossy, fabulous. There is a special, almost subtropical climate here. The reserve has 5 tourist routes. It is mandatory to register at the information center before visiting.

David-Gareji

David Gareji Monastery

David-Gareji Monastery. Founded by one of the Assyrian fathers, David of Gareji. It consists of several monasteries scattered throughout the Gareji desert.

Natlismtsebeli Monastery

Natlismtsebeli Monastery. Monastery from the David-Gareji complex. It is radically different from the Lavra of David. You can only get here with a good SUV. There are not many tourists here. There are strict rules here. The complex consists of a temple, a tower and a series of caves. It will be of interest to pilgrims and lovers of unpromoted non-tourist places. On this trip you will get acquainted with the ancient culture of the region, visit ancient temples and monasteries, and learn the centuries-old history of Kakheti. Although you still can’t do without wine - Kakheti remains a very wine region. The trip will appeal to those interested in religion, history and architecture.
Ujarma – Ikalto Monastery – Alaverdi Monastery – Gremi Castle – excursion and tasting at the Kindzmarauli Corporation – city of love Sighnaghi – Bodbe Monastery

Kakheti is a large and very rich region. If time allows, we strongly recommend setting aside at least two days for it. This route includes everything - winemaking, ancient castles and cities, mountain lakes and unique nature. This is the best route in Kakheti, we recommend it. Overnight in Telavi, Ikalto or Sighnaghi.
Ujarma – Ikalto monastery – Telavi – Alaverdi monastery – Gremi castle – excursion and tasting at the Kindzmarauli Corporation – city of love Sighnaghi (overnight) – museum in Sighnaghi – Bodbe monastery – excursion and tasting Graneli – vineyards – Khareba wine tunnel – lake Kvareli – Chavchavadze estate – Aunt Nunu wine museum

To order an individual program for visiting these attractions, fill out the form. In the “Message” column, indicate the date of the trip, the number of travelers and wishes.