Undiscovered Georgia

Ancient hilltop monasteries, soaring Caucasus peaks and a quirky capital with a story to tell… this is five fantastical days in the birthplace of wine. Go on, it pays to be different

What's included

All activities mentioned on the itinerary
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Stay in hand-picked 3-4 star hotels
Private minibus
Arrival airport transfer
Accommodation in twin rooms
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travellers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Ancient hilltop monasteries, soaring Caucasus peaks and a quirky capital with a story to tell… join us in the birthplace of wine for a five-day adventure.

Discover Tbilisi: an up-and-coming city on the eastern fringes of Europe. From the picturesque Old Town, shaped by ancient empires, to the buzzing techno scene that has it touted as the next Berlin, it’s a fascinating mix of old and new, East meets West, Soviet and urban culture. But it’s beyond the city where the true essence of Georgia awaits.

You’ll spend time with a local wine producer sampling rich qvevri wine, prepared as it has been for millennia in a clay pot underground. You’ll be invited into a family home to have a go at making khinkali dumplings and you’ll share a festive supra feast with a traditional tamada (toastmaker) – an essential Georgian experience.

In just five days, you and your fellow Flashpackers will soak in subterranean sulphur baths and hike to an incredible hilltop church. And all the time, you’ll be asking yourself ‘why have I never been here before?’.

Welcome to Tbilisi's Old Town

Touch down in Tbilisi, Georgia’s cosmopolitan capital city, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your atmospheric Old Town hotel
Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before winding your way through cobblestone alleys for a traditional welcome supra (feast), accompanied by folk music and dancing

Tamada toasts & clay-pot wine

Travel east to the Kakheti region, known as the birthplace of wine, and explore the ancient art of winemaking at a traditional vineyard
Experience true Georgian hospitality as you join a local family for lunch: a tamada (toastmaker) will MC the meal with elaborate toasts to love, health and happiness
Enjoy a wine-tasting session, remembering you’re in one of the first places on earth to cultivate crops for this purpose. You’ll learn about how the alcohol is fermented in qvevri (clay vessels), lined with beeswax and buried underground

Khinkali making & a hilltop church

Today you’ll drive the Georgian Military Highway, cutting through the Caucasus Mountains for the road trip of a lifetime. Expect dramatic peaks and lush rolling valleys punctuated by fairytale villages
Join a local family in their home where you’ll learn the art of making khinkali (dumplings), a staple on any Georgian menu
Hike up to the photogenic Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on a dramatic hilltop against a backdrop of mighty Mount Kazbek

Hiking in the Truso Valley

Take a hike through the breathtaking Truso Valley, passing multi-hued mineral lakes bubbling with carbon dioxide
Return to Tbilisi for a farewell dinner in a cosy courtyard restaurant; raise a toast with your fellow Flashpackers to the intriguing adventures you’ve shared

Sulphur baths & a fond farewell

Visit the brick domes and turquoise mosaics of the famous Abanotubani sulphur baths, where you’ll soak and scrub in the thermal waters, ranging from 40-50°C
Say farewell to your new-found friends before making your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
Arrive home feeling undeniably fulfilled (and a little smug) that you’ve discovered a world that remains off the mainstream radar. A true travellers’ haven that’s armed you with stories you’ll be oh so proud to tell

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Brim Tibilisi

Stylish urban design meets fairytale classicism at this solar-powered hotel in one of Tbilisi’s oldest neighbourhoods. Interiors feature high ceilings and tall windows, while the terrace restaurant offers local dishes with a fantastic outlook over the city.

Clocks Hotel, Tbilisi

Another top-notch Tbilisi option, Clocks Hotel combines traditional brick with sleek architecture to create an elegant hotel a short walk from the old town. Rooms are equipped with all mod cons while the rooftop terrace offers a city panorama.

Intourist, Stepantsminda

A chic mountain escape on a hillside above the town, with light airy rooms and beautiful views of Gergeti Trinity Church framed by the Kazbegi mountains. After a day of exploring, kick back on the terrace with a large glass of qvevri wine.

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Tbilisi International Airport (TBS).

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

We recommend arriving by 12 pm. The welcome meeting with your Flash Pack guide and group will begin at 2 pm at your hotel in Tbilisi, which is 25-30 minutes away from the airport.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

On Day 5, you’ll be visiting the sulphur baths in the morning so we recommend getting a flight that leaves in the late afternoon or evening. Your hotel is 25-30 minutes away from the airport.

Do you include airport transfers?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

This adventure is reasonably fast-paced and requires a moderate to high level of fitness for the hiking and biking activities. The full distance of the hike to and from the Gergeti Trinity Church on Day 3 is approximately 6km (3km each way) with steep uphill and downhill elements. The Truso Valley hike on Day 4 is approximately 9km. We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try and communicate to you.

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