Kazbegi, Gudauri & Ananuri: Day Trip from Tbilisi with Tastings

Summary

From Tbilisi to Kazbegi through rivers castles mountain air and laughter

You’ll taste fresh honey and fiery chacha with locals, climb ancient towers at Ananuri Fortress, and ride winding roads into Kazbegi’s wild mountains—all with a guide who brings Georgia’s stories alive. Expect moments of laughter (and maybe a little awe) as you stand beneath Gergeti Church’s stone walls gazing at Mount Kazbek.

What’s the experience like?

The first real moment was when our guide, Giorgi, handed me a piece of churchkhela at Zhinvali Reservoir. He said it’s “Georgian Snickers” and grinned. The lake was almost too blue—like someone turned up the color just for us—and the air smelled faintly like pine sap and cold stone. I remember leaning over the railing, sticky fingers, trying to repeat “Zhinvali” without mangling it. Giorgi just laughed. That’s how we started—awkward but already a bit in love with this day trip from Tbilisi to Kazbegi.

Ananuri Fortress felt older than time itself. There were wildflowers poking out between stones and an old woman selling honey by the gate (her hands were stained yellow from pollen). Our group wandered quietly—except for one guy who kept trying to get the perfect photo of the Aragvi River below. You can see where the White Aragvi and Black Aragvi meet—the colors really don’t mix, which is oddly satisfying in person. Inside the church it was cool and smelled like candle wax; outside, sun on my neck and a breeze that tasted faintly mineral, maybe from all that travertine at Jvari Pass later on.

Lunch was somewhere called Mleta—I honestly didn’t catch all the names because I was distracted by chacha shots (strong stuff) and warm bread with salty cheese. We tried local honey too; I think I bought some just because the beekeeper winked at me. The drive up toward Gudauri got quiet as everyone stared out at those switchbacks—snow still clinging in patches even though it was almost summer. At Panorama Gudauri, people took selfies but mostly stood in silence facing those endless mountains.

By the time we reached Stepantsminda for Gergeti Trinity Church, clouds had started to roll over Mount Kazbegi like slow smoke. The climb up is bumpy (I held onto my seat), but when you finally stand there—wind tugging your jacket, monastery perched against sky—it feels both tiny and huge at once. Giorgi told us about relics hidden here during wars; I tried to picture monks carrying treasures up these slopes. I still think about that view sometimes, especially how quiet everyone got without anyone telling us to be.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kazbegi and Ananuri sightseeing tour

• Stop at Jinvali Water Reservoir
• Visit Ananuri fortress
• See White and Black Aragvi rivers
• Lunch at restaurant mleta
• Free tasting of Georgian honey and chacha
• Explore Jvari Pass Travertine Monument
• Visit Stepantsminda town
• Tour Gergeti Trinity Church

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Tbilisi to Kazbegi take?

The tour lasts one full day with multiple stops including Ananuri Fortress, Gudauri Panorama, and Gergeti Trinity Church before returning to Tbilisi.

Is lunch included on this Kazbegi day trip?

No set lunch is included but there is a stop at Restaurant Mleta where you can buy lunch; tastings of Georgian honey and chacha are provided.

Are entrance fees covered on this tour?

Yes, all entrance fees are included in your booking price for this day trip from Tbilisi.

Is pickup available for this group tour?

The tour includes comfortable mini-bus transport but does not specify hotel pickup; check with your provider for details.

What is special about Gergeti Trinity Church?

Gergeti Trinity Church sits 2170 meters high under Mount Kazbegi and is famous for its remote location and historical significance as a refuge for relics.

Can infants join this day trip?

Yes, infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport according to safety requirements.

Is there WiFi on board during the journey?

Yes, WiFi is available on board the mini-bus throughout your journey from Tbilisi to Kazbegi and back.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable Mercedes Sprinter transport with air conditioning and WiFi onboard, all entrance fees covered along the route from Tbilisi through Ananuri Fortress to Kazbegi, plus tastings of local Georgian honey and strong chacha before heading back down those winding mountain roads together.