DAY 1 - 28/12: Athens - Tbilisi
We start our journey with a flight from Athens to the enchanting Tbilisi. Our flight departs at 10:00 and we arrive in Tbilisi at 14:45. Upon arrival, we will take a short tour of the city centre, where we will have the opportunity to wander through the picturesque streets and take a close look at the impressive Peace Bridge. This iconic, modern structure made of glass and steel, joins the two sides of the Mtkvari River, symbolizing peace and unity in Georgia. The view of the illuminated bridge at night is simply breathtaking. You will find delicious options for fast food in the city's alleys, sampling local delicacies such as "Kubdari" and "Shawarma". Overnight in Tbilisi.
DAY 2 - 29/12: Kakheti - Telavi - Wine tourism - Sighnaghi.
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a scenic drive through the Gombori Pass, with magnificent views of the Alazani Valley, the heart of Georgia's wine production. A short stop in Telavi, the capital of the region, for a city walk. Then we will visit Chindali, the family estate of the famous Georgian Prince Alexander Tsavtsavandze. The house-museum is surrounded by a luxurious park with a chapel, and 16,000 bottles of wine from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are kept in its cellars. We will walk through the park, tour the winery and taste wine in the cellars. Then we will visit a traditional Georgian winery, where we will have the opportunity to taste Georgian wines and attend a cooking class on the traditional dish khinkali, bake bread dedis puri and make the dessert churchkhela. After the lesson, we will enjoy a home-cooked meal, prepared from fresh local ingredients, in a traditional Georgian setting. After lunch, we will continue to Bodbe Monastery, where we will see the tomb of St. Nina. Afterwards, we will visit Singnagi, the "City of Love", surrounded by 18th century walls. The city bears a resemblance to the cities of southern and central Europe, with red tiled roofs, but the traditional two-storey houses and balcony decorations show us that we are in the original Georgia! In the evening we return to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
DAY 3 - 30/12: Mtskheta - Jwari - Uplishchike
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Mtskheta, the old capital of Georgia, a place that seems to have sprung from the pages of history. We will visit the impressive church of Svetitskhoveli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then we will climb the hill dominated by the Tzvari Monastery, from where we will have a stunning view of the confluence of the Mtskvari and Aragvi rivers. In the afternoon we will visit the ancient cave complex of Uplishchike, one of the most important cultural and religious hubs of ancient Georgia. Upliskike is an ancient cave complex dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. We will explore the impressive carved buildings, including temples, dwellings and even an ancient theatre. The view from the top of the cliff is panoramic, with the river and valleys stretching out below. In the evening we return to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
DAY 4 - 31/12: Free day in Tbilisi.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel and then spend the day exploring. Walk the decorated streets of Tbilisi and feel the spirit of the holidays around every corner. The Christmas markets will impress you with traditional products and local handicrafts.
Optional: In the evening, if you wish, you can welcome the New Year with a festive dinner in one of the city's luxury restaurants. Traditional Georgian cuisine, accompanied by live music and dancing, will make your New Year's Eve unforgettable. Or alternatively, you can welcome the New Year in Eleftherias Square with spectacular fireworks and celebrations that will be unforgettable! Overnight in Tbilisi.
DAY 5 - 01/01: "Stories from Old Tbilisi"
Breakfast at the hotel and then we set off for a walk around Old Tbilisi. We will see the sulfur baths of Abanotubani, Narikala fortress, the synagogue and the city mosque. Then we will admire the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Sameba) and the church of Anchiskhati, the oldest in the city. We will also pass by the legendary clock of Rezo Gabriadze. In the afternoon, we will visit the Dry Bridge bazaar, where you will find small treasures of the past. In the evening, dinner with traditional Georgian wines or chacha, the Georgian tsipouro, in one of Tbilisi's best restaurants. Overnight in Tbilisi.
DAY 6 - 02/01: Return to Athens.
Early morning departure for the airport and return flight. Arrive in Athens with luggage full of memories and experiences.
