zGeorgia + the Caucasus

On arrival, you’ll be escorted to the new 5-star Rooms Hotel. Meals D

Once a stop on the Silk Road and at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Tbilisi is no stranger to change. It’s been the capital of Georgia since the 5th century and has seen both Soviet rule and the Rose Revolution of 2003. Explore this vast sweep of history, starting in Old Town with landmarks like the 1,000-year-old Sioni Cathedral and Narikala Fortress. At the National Museum, our special visit with the curator promises rich insight into Georgia’s history from its founding days through the Soviet occupation. meals b+l+d

Visit the cathedral and monasteries of Mtskheta c, where Georgians first accepted Christianity in the 4th century. At Chateau Mukhrani on the grounds of a 19th-century estate, you’ll enjoy a cellar tour, wine tasting, culinary class and lunch. Then explore the unusual cave dwellings of Uplistsikhe, founded in the bronze age and inhabited until the 13th century. Continue to Borjomi and check in to the Likani Hotel. Meals B+L+D

Winding through the gentle slopes of the Lesser Caucasus, the lovely Kura Valley is dotted with historic sites. Ascend to Khertvisi Fortress, built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier fort reputedly destroyed by Alexander the Great. At Vardzia, discover an amazing cave monastery built 1,000 years ago for the legendary Queen Tamar. Overnight again in Borjomi. Meals B+L

Built in the late 19th century to ferry military supplies through the rugged Caucasian highlands, the name of this famed highway belies the rich history and beauty of the region it traverses. Setting out this morning, you’ll visit Ananuri, an impressive medieval fortress with far-reaching views of the Caucasus and turquoise-hued Aragvi River. Continue past alpine meadows, ancient churches, and medieval forts in varying states of disrepair. Then ascend through the Jvari Pass at 7,800 feet to Kazbegi, near the Russian border, and check in to the stylish Rooms Hotel. Meals B+L+D

Under the gaze of Mt. Kazbek, a soaring 16,000-foot peak, you’ll set out to explore the alpine beauty of the Greater Caucuses and the timeless ways of its residents. Sit down to lunch with a local family and venture into the breathtaking Sno Valley to Juta, a village outpost of the Khevsur. Living mainly in the mountains to the east, legend has it that this group of people are descended from Western European Crusaders who wandered lost in Central Asia centuries ago! Gentle hikes and sweeping vistas also highlight this day. Return to Kazbegi where your evening is free. Meals B+L

After breakfast, set out again on the Georgian Military Road, now heading south towards the capital. Snow-covered peaks, alpine meadows, precipitous cliffs that drop down the Aragvi River and the occasional rural hamlet highlight our morning’s journey. On arrival in Tbilisi, we’ll take the funicular to the top of Mt. Mtatsminda for wonderful views over the city and its lovely valley setting. After dinner, you’ll check in again to the luxury Rooms Hotel. Meals B+D

Dotted with ancient monasteries and vineyards, Kakheti is not just a region steeped in the history of the Caucasus, it’s also one of the oldest wine producing areas in the world! Tour St. Nino Monastery, a Georgian Orthodox complex that traces its roots to the 9th century and visit the hilltop town of Sighnaghi, famed for its lovely 19th-century homes with brightly painted balconies and views over the Alazani Valley and the Eastern Caucasus. We’ll walk in the town and descend into an ancient wine cellar to taste local vintages and enjoy a delightful lunch. Later, we’ll return to Tbilisi to enjoy a farewell dinner of fine Georgian cuisine. Meals B+L+D

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey. meals b