Georgia in Luxury

Fly to Tbilisi and transfer to the Rooms Hotel, a member of the Design Hotels group, for 2 nights. Enjoy a complimentary welcome cocktail. (N)

Morning tour of Tbilisi’s Old Town including the 12th-century Metekhi Church and a 19thcentury Jewish synagogue. Private tour of the newly renovated Zakaria Paliashvili Opera and Ballet Theatre. Get acquainted with Georgian cuisine at a cooking class in a traditional restaurant, followed by lunch. Afternoon visit to the Tbilisi Sulfur Bathhouse for a traditional scrub treatment, followed by tea. Free time before dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants. (B, L, D)

Explore the Kakheti region, birthplace of viticulture and winemaking in Georgia. Stop at the ninth-century Bodbe Convent before arriving at the pretty fortified town of Sighnaghi, famous for its wine and carpet making. Meander through the narrow streets before lunch with a local family serving traditional dishes from the region. Stay at the Radisson Collection, Tsinandali Estate for 1 night. Tour of the estate with wine tasting, followed by dinner. (B, L, D)

Morning visit to the 11th-century Alaverdi Cathedral and continue to the 16th-century Gremi complex. Lunch and wine tasting at Shilda Winery in Kvareli. Demonstration of traditional bread making and how to prepare a mtsvadi (pork barbecue). Return to Tbilisi in time for dinner. Overnight at Rooms Hotel. (B, L)

The world heritage site of Mtskheta is the first stop today, Georgia’s cultural and religious centre. Here, visit the early medieval Jvari Church and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Continue to Ananuri fortress complex, with churches and towers dating back to the 16th century. Continue to Kazbegi, staying at the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi for 2 nights. (B, L)

Visit the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, set high on a hill overlooking the town and surrounded by mountains. Get up close by 4WD or, for the more energetic, on foot. Enjoy a coffee break on the top of the hill. Return for a traditional lunch with a local family. Afternoon at leisure. (B, L)

Visit the ancient rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe, one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia and an important centre of pagan worship. Continue to Gori, birthplace of Josef Stalin, with optional visit the museum dedicated to his life. Lunch at the 19th-century Château Mukhrani. Return to Tbilisi, staying overnight at Rooms Hotel. (B, L)

Transfer to Tbilisi airport and fly to London. (B)