Kazbegi & Gudauri: Private Day Tour with Ananuri, Gergeti & Honey Tasting

Summary

Georgia’s winding roads to Kazbegi, fortress towers and mountain air with honey on your tongue

You’ll feel Georgia’s wildness on this Kazbegi & Gudauri day trip from Tbilisi: fortress stones under your hand at Ananuri, honey on your tongue by mountain roadsides, wind-whipped views at Gergeti Trinity Church, and warm food with new friends before heading home.

What’s the experience like?

We started rolling out of Tbilisi just after breakfast — still yawning, coffee in hand, watching the city fade into those endless green hills. Karlo was already chatting about the Military Highway’s old stories before we’d even left the city limits. I kept glancing at the windows; every few minutes the light changed, bouncing off Jinvali reservoir so blue it almost looked fake. We pulled over for photos (of course), but honestly I just stood there for a minute trying to take in that cold morning smell — pine and something sweet I couldn’t place yet.

Ananuri fortress was next. The stones felt rough under my palm, colder than I expected. Karlo pointed out carvings I never would’ve noticed — he told us about dukes and battles while some local kids tried to sell us churchkhela (I caved and bought one; sticky walnuts everywhere). The drive up to Gudauri got twisty fast, hairpins hugging cliffs with sheep wandering across like they owned the place. At the Friendship Monument, wind whipped so hard my hat nearly flew off — but what a view down into that deep gorge. You could hear nothing but wind and distant cowbells.

Somewhere after that we stopped for honey tasting at a roadside stall — I still think about that taste, floral and sharp at once. Li laughed when I tried to say “madloba” (thank you) in Georgian; probably butchered it. By the time we reached Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), clouds were curling around Mount Kazbek like it was hiding something. Switching to a 4x4 for Gergeti Trinity Church felt like an adventure itself — bouncing up muddy tracks until suddenly you’re above everything, church spires poking into thin air at 2200 meters. It’s quiet up there in a way cities never are.

If you’re hungry after all that (we were), Rooms Hotel’s veranda is warm and smells faintly of woodsmoke and khinkali broth drifting from somewhere inside. We skipped the waterfall hike this time — too early for summer — but lingered over lunch until Karlo gently herded us back toward Tbilisi as dusk crept in behind us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tbilisi to Kazbegi and Gudauri tour

• Pick up from Tbilisi hotel at 9:00am
• Drive Georgian Military Highway north
• Visit Ananuri fortress overlooking Jinvali reservoir
• See the confluence of two mountain rivers
• Drive over Cross pass to Gudauri
• Stop at People’s Friendship monument viewpoint
• Arrive in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)
• Visit Gergeti Holy Trinity Church at 2170m
• Optional 1 km hike to Gveleti waterfall (summer only)
• Lunch at Rooms hotel restaurant in Kazbegi
• Return drive back to Tbilisi hotel

Top questions

How long does the Kazbegi & Gudauri day tour take?

The full-day tour typically lasts around 10-11 hours including all stops and return to Tbilisi.

Is hotel pickup included in this private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup from your accommodation in Tbilisi is included.

Do I need a special vehicle to reach Gergeti Trinity Church?

In winter or if road conditions require it, a 4x4 car is used for the ride up to Gergeti Trinity Church (included if possible).

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, entrance fees for churches are included as part of your tour package.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No set lunch is included but there’s time to eat at Rooms Hotel restaurant or another spot in Kazbegi.

What activities are optional on this tour?

The Gveleti waterfall hike is optional and available only during summer months.

Can infants or small children join this day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams/strollers and infant seats are available upon request.

Is honey tasting part of this day trip?

Yes, honey tasting is one of the stops along the route toward Kazbegi.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Tbilisi, private transportation by comfortable minivan or sedan depending on your group size, entrance fees for churches along the way, English-speaking local guide with stories and insights throughout Georgia’s mountains, honey tasting by roadside stalls, fuel surcharge covered by your hosts, plus a 4x4 ride up to Gergeti Trinity Church if road conditions allow—all wrapped into one long adventure before returning you safely home in the evening.