Kazbegi: Private day tour with guide & lunch from Tbilisi

Summary

Ride mountain roads to Gergeti church, taste real Georgian food, meet locals

You’ll travel from Tbilisi into Georgia’s wild north with a local guide—see Zhinvali reservoir’s blue water, climb Ananuri’s old stone walls, stand at Gudauri’s monument with wind in your face, then reach Gergeti Trinity Church above Kazbegi before sharing real Georgian food for lunch. It’s a day full of stories and moments you’ll remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Tbilisi when the landscape started changing — the city noise faded out and suddenly it was just green hills rolling past the windows. Our guide, Giorgi, had this habit of humming old folk songs under his breath while driving. First stop was Zhinvali reservoir. The water looked almost fake, so blue it felt like someone had turned up the saturation. I leaned over the railing and caught a whiff of pine mixed with something metallic from the dam. Giorgi pointed out where the Aragvi River split — he said you could tell by the color but honestly I just nodded along.

Ananuri fortress came next. I’m not usually a history buff but there’s something about walking through those cold stone corridors that makes you feel small in a good way. Some local kids were selling churchkhela by the gate (those nutty grape things) — I bought one and got sticky juice all over my hands. The view over the reservoir from up there is wild; clouds moving so fast they kept changing the light every few seconds. We didn’t rush — Giorgi let us wander as long as we wanted.

The drive up to Gudauri was all switchbacks and sudden drops, my stomach did a little dance at every turn. We stopped at the Friendship Monument — honestly, I didn’t expect much but standing on that ledge with wind whipping around and looking out at those mountains… yeah, it sticks with you. There were some guys selling honey in plastic bottles; one let me try a spoonful straight from his jar (sticky again). And then finally Kazbegi — Gergeti Trinity Church perched way up there like it’s daring you to reach it. The climb was bumpy in our 4x4 but worth every jolt. Inside it was quiet except for someone lighting a candle; outside, just silence and wind.

Lunch at Guda restaurant felt like coming home after all that cold air — warm bread, khinkali steaming on the table, everyone talking over each other in Georgian and laughing when I tried to pronounce “lobio.” Giorgi told stories about growing up nearby; he made fun of my accent but in a friendly way. On the drive back I watched dusk settle on the mountains and thought about how different Georgia feels once you get out of Tbilisi — slower somehow, softer around the edges.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kazbegi and Surroundings Tour

• Visit Zhinvali Dam and Reservoir
• Explore Ananuri Fortress
• See Gudauri Friendship Monument
• Tour Gergeti Trinity Church

Top questions

How long does the Kazbegi private day tour take from Tbilisi?

This is a full-day tour departing from Tbilisi and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on this Kazbegi day trip?

Yes, a traditional Georgian lunch at Guda restaurant is included.

What sites are visited during this private tour?

You’ll visit Zhinvali reservoir, Ananuri fortress, Gudauri Friendship Monument, and Gergeti Trinity Church near Kazbegi.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi are included.

Can vegetarians join this Kazbegi day trip?

Yes—vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

Do I need to be very fit for this tour?

No—the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Who leads the Kazbegi private tour?

A professional local guide leads your group; multilingual guides may be available.

How do we get to Gergeti Trinity Church?

You’ll reach Gergeti Trinity Church by four-wheel drive vehicle arranged by your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup in Tbilisi, private transport by air-conditioned minivan or vehicle with your local guide leading throughout, entry to all sites mentioned including Ananuri fortress and Gergeti Trinity Church via 4x4 ride up the hill, plus a traditional Georgian lunch at Guda restaurant before returning to your hotel in the evening.