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
- Max 14 travellers per group
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
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 the day 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 for a khinkali dumpling-making masterclass, 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, hike to an incredible hilltop church and bike through the bucolic Truso Valley. And all the time, you’ll be asking yourself ‘why have I never been here before?’.
- 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
- 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 even see how the alcohol is fermented in qvevri (clay vessels), lined with beeswax and buried underground
- 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
- Take a hike through the breathtaking Truso Valley, passing multi-hued mineral lakes bubbling with carbon dioxide
- Switch to two wheels for a gentle cycle ride alongside the Tergi River, which flows all the way to the Caspian Sea, learning about the region’s history as you go
- 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
- 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
Our favourite hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
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
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Fly into and out of Tbilisi International Airport (TBS).
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We recommend arriving by 12 pm. The welcome meeting with your Flash Pack guide and group will begin at 3 pm at your hotel in Tbilisi, which is 25-30 minutes away from the airport.
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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.
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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.
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This adventure is reasonably fast-paced and requires a moderate level of fitness for the hiking and biking activities. However, the activities aren’t too strenuous and it’s a fantastic trip for those who want to make the most of their time in Georgia.
We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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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.
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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.
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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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