Charm, hospitality and beauty
at the crossroads of Europe and Asia
September 24th - October 3rd, 2022
Georgia is the home country of wine. In the Kakheti region autumn is a real joy for grape and wine lovers.
While Kakheti is the largest wine region in Georgia, grape harvesting here is no usual routine. In this part of the world the history of the viticulture is 8000 years old and the tradition of Rtveli dates back to the ancient times.
During this time of the year you will find family gatherings across the many villages. Distant relatives sharing the latest about their personal life, work, and other news. Friends and neighbors also join in and everyone will find work because, after all, grapes need to be harvested quickly. There is a feeling of joy in the atmosphere as they all take part in the process. They pick berries from morning to evening and in the day with a feast of Georgian dishes, wines, and lots of laughs.
Join us on this fascinating trip to one of the oldest wine regions in the world. Here you will partake in the process of creating some of the best wine, experience all that is the Rtveli festival and visit some of Europe's oldest cities.
While Kakheti is the largest wine region in Georgia, grape harvesting here is no usual routine. In this part of the world the history of the viticulture is 8000 years old and the tradition of Rtveli dates back to the ancient times.
During this time of the year you will find family gatherings across the many villages. Distant relatives sharing the latest about their personal life, work, and other news. Friends and neighbors also join in and everyone will find work because, after all, grapes need to be harvested quickly. There is a feeling of joy in the atmosphere as they all take part in the process. They pick berries from morning to evening and in the day with a feast of Georgian dishes, wines, and lots of laughs.
Join us on this fascinating trip to one of the oldest wine regions in the world. Here you will partake in the process of creating some of the best wine, experience all that is the Rtveli festival and visit some of Europe's oldest cities.
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Investment
Deposit: $200 pp, then monthly payments OR one payment of $1315 pp (based on double occupancy)
What's included in this trip
What's not included:
What's included in this trip
- Accommodations in a 4 star hotel in Tbilisi, Telavi, Kutaisi and Stepantsminda
- All transfers by van including English speaking driver/guide
- All entrance tickets to locations on itinerary
- Daily breakfast
- One restaurant dinner and two meals with local Georgian families
- Khinkali master class and lunch
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel Pack with Ace Travels recommendations on places to see, things to do and where to eat during your free time
- Assistance from Ace Travels with airfare bookings
What's not included:
- All airfares, departure taxes & fuel surcharges, seat selection
- Personal Items
- Optional Tours
- Meals unless listed in itinerary
- Early check-in & late check-out of rooms
- Travel Insurance
- Visa/Passport handling fees
Single Supplement: an additional $130 per person
Highlights of this Trip
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Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1, Sept 24, 2022
TBILISI ARRIVAL
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Arrive in Tbilisi, Georgia
Meet your tour guide at the exit gate and transfer to your hotel in Tbilisi. Once at the hotel settle in and relax. Overnight in Tbilisi |
Day 2, Sept 25, 2022
TBILISI CITY TOUR
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Start your day with breakfast at the hotel.
Today you will get to see the beautiful city of Tbilisi. Few cities are as gleefully chaotic as Tbilisi. You will explore the old city - also called Kala - with its traditional pastel houses and wooden balconies, Narikala fortress, Sameba, the dry bridge market and so much more. In the evening you will enjoy dinner and a folk show at a national restaurant Overnight in Tbilisi |
Day 3, Sept 26, 2022
EN ROUTE TO KAKHETI
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This morning you will have breakfast at the hotel.
Then we are off to the Georgian wine cradle - Kakheti region. Along the way we will stop to see how Georgian bread called "shotis puri" is made. We will also see the Bodbe Monastery. This monastery is closely connected to the adoption of Christianity. Also on today's itinerary is a visit to Sighnaghi, also known as, the City of Love. This town is endowed with significant historic and cultural heritage sites. Its charming cobblestone streets and alleys, restored original nouveau woodwork and detailed facades give the town a romantic mystique. Stunning view of the Alazani Valley make Sighnaghi one of Georgia's most attractive small towns. Finally, we will visit the Shumi wine factory where we will have a wine tasting excursion. You will end the day with some free time in Telavi. Overnight in Telavi. |
Day 4, Sept 27, 2022
RTVELI CELEBRATION
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You will start your day with breakfast at the hotel
First we will make a stop at a royal complex constructed by a succession of Kakhetian kings called the Batonis Tsikhe. The castle includes two old churches, the ruins of a royal bath and a palace of King Erekle II, that was built in the Persian style. This castle is the best-preserved medieval royal palace in Georgia. You will definitely want to know more about this place and see it with your own eyes. Later in the day we will experience Rtveli with a local family. You will get to be part of the harvesting process inclusing collecting and stomping the grapes. Afterwards you will relax as you take in a Georgian "supra" (feast) with splendid dishes, wine and toasts! You will end the night sampling some Georgian sweets. Overnight in Tbilisi |
Day 5, Sept 28, 2022
FREE DAY TO EXPLORE
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Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. The day is yours to spend at your leisure in and around Tblisi. Walk around the city's charming streets, do some shopping, hang at the many parks or take a sulfur bath. Overnight in Tbilisi |
Day 6, Sept 29, 2022
KUTAISI
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Start your day with breakfast at the hotel.
Today we are moving on to Kutaisi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the third-most populous city in Georgia. On our way we will stop to see Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and Jvari, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a church and monastery located on the east side of Mtskheta at the mouth of the river Mtkvari and the rocky mountain peak called Aragvi. Finally we will also stop to see the ancient rock town of Upliscikhe. This cave like city was one of the most important political and religious centers of pre-Christian Kartli - one of the predecessors of the Georgian state. In the evening you will enjoy dinner with a local family in Kutaisi. Overnight in Kutaisi. |
Day 7, Sept 30, 2022
OUTDOOR GEORGIAN ADVENTURES
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You will start your day with breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, you will spend your day enjoying some of Georgia's nature and outdoors. First you will take in the breathtaking views of Stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls and underground rivers and lakes of the Prometheus Cave. You can choose from a one mile walking route or a boat ride along the underground river to experience it all. We will then go to one of the most picturesque places near Kutaisi, Okatse Canyon. Previously, it was a little unknown and inaccessible place but it was recently equipped with a narrow suspension bridge that ends with a panoramic platform to take in the views of the surrounding nature. Finally we will end the day by visiting one Georgia's highest waterfalls, Kinchha Waterfalls. Overnight in Tbilisi. |
Day 8, Oct 1, 2022
GEORGIA'S MILITARY ROAD
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You will start your day with breakfast at the hotel.
We will then embark in the direction of Kazbegi through the Georgian Military Road. This is the major route through the Caucasus from Georgia to Russia. On that route we will stop to see the Ananuri Fortress, which is a XVI century castle complex on the Argavi River. The Ananuri Fortress stands besides the famous Georgian Military Highway overlooking a large Zhinvali water reservoir. Along this route we will also stop at the Russia - Georgia Friendship Monument. This massive round monument still looks out over Devil's Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. Inside the cylinder monument is a vibrantly colored mural that depicts heavily stylized scenes from Georgian and Russian history. At the end of the route we will visit the Gergeti Trinity Church which overlooks one of the towns below. At an altitude of 7,119 feet this XII-XIV century church requires 4x4 jeeps to access it. It is considered an important temple in Georgia and is known for its remarkable surrounding mountain beauty. Overnight in Stepantsminda. |
Day 9, Oct 2, 2022
WATERFALLS AND COOKING CLASS
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Today you will start your day with breakfast at your hotel.
You will then embark on a stroll to several waterfalls in the Gveleti Valley. After hiking you will have a Khinkali Cooking Master Class and lunch. Khinkali (Meat filled dumplings) are Georgian dumplings. They maybe stuffed with vegetables such as mushrooms, potatoes or even meat. The meat filled versions have a brothy spices meat filling, similar to soup dumplings, and are the most common. After lunch we will transfer back to Tbilisi where you will have the afternoon free to do as you wish. You can transfer to the airport later in the evening or stay one more night and leave the next day. Overnight in Tbilisi. |
Day 10, Oct 3, 2022
BYE GEORGIA!!
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Today you say goodbye to Georgia!
Wake up and pack your bags carefully to make sure that you do not leave anything behind. You will be transferred to the airport to board a flight home with lots of happy memories. |
Who is this trip for?
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This is for you if:
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This is NOT for you if:
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Cancellation Policy
We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your vacation plans. Please give us a call if your plans change prior to July 15, 2022 and we will happy to offer a refund minus the $200.00 deposit.
Cancellations after July 15, 2022 are non-refundable.
Cancellations after July 15, 2022 are non-refundable.
You do not want to miss out on this cultural experience!
Limited space available. First come, first serve!
Limited space available. First come, first serve!
F.A.Q's
1. Does the price include airfare?
No. Everyone will need to book their airfare independently. Ace Travels Agency can also help you book your airfare reservations.
2. When is final payment due?
In general, the final payment is due 60 days before the departure.
3. Can I opt for a payment plan?
Yes, you can opt for the payment plan option also. After putting down the deposit, you can pay the balance amount in multiple installments of any amount provided the full payment must be received 60 days before the tour starts.
4. Does the price include all meals
No
5. Do U.S. citizens need a passport and/or a visa?
Yes, you need a valid passport with an expiration date of at least six months after your return. Under the Visa Exemption rule, American citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Georgia if staying for tourism for 365 days or less. please click here for more information. Apart from Passport no other ID is required.
6. Is alcohol included?
No, it is not
7. How many bags can I check in?
This will vary by airline. Please check with your specific airline for details.
8. Can I book different dates at this same price?
No. Offer valid for travel dates listed above only.
9. Is there a way to add travel insurance on this trip or do we have to purchase separately?
Travel insurance is highly recommended. When purchasing travel insurance a lot of details are required like date of birth, age, departing city, trip price, state of residence, etc. hence, it is recommended to purchase Travel Insurance from the US only. Ace Travels will follow up with a quote shortly after registration.
10. Can I bring my dog Daisy?
No!
