Tbilisi - Kazbegi: Private tour with Mtskheta & lunch

Summary

From Tbilisi to the Caucasus peaks—history, rivers, and quiet moments

You’ll travel from Tbilisi through ancient capitals and mountain roads with a local guide who knows every turn. Stand above river valleys at Jvari Monastery, taste fresh bread near Ananuri Fortress, and ride a 4x4 up to Gergeti Church for views you’ll remember long after you leave Georgia.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Tbilisi just after sunrise, the city still rubbing its eyes. Our guide Giorgi was already wide awake—he handed us bottled water and pointed out the way the morning light hit the hills around Mtskheta. I’d seen photos of Jvari Monastery before but standing there above the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers—well, you can smell wild thyme in the grass and hear church bells echoing off stone. Giorgi told us how old kings used to come here to think. I tried to imagine that kind of silence.

The drive up the Georgian Military Highway is a patchwork of green slopes and sudden blue—the Jinvali reservoir just appears out of nowhere. We stopped for khachapuri at a roadside bakery (I still think about that cheese) before wandering through Ananuri Fortress. The towers are rough under your hands, cold even in June. Some kids were skipping stones by the water below; their laughter sort of floated up on the wind.

Somewhere past Gudauri, clouds started curling around the peaks. The air felt thinner, sharper. Our driver switched to a 4x4 for the last climb up to Gergeti Trinity Church—honestly, I was nervous but it’s worth every bump. Up there at 2170 meters, you get this view of Mount Kazbegi that’s hard to describe without sounding dramatic (so I won’t try). Giorgi poured us hot tea from his thermos while we sat on a low wall and just watched clouds drift by. He said locals come here for weddings or just to breathe mountain air when life gets heavy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mtskheta and Kazbegi Highlights

• Visit Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta
• View Jinvali Reservoir panorama
• Tour Ananuri Fortress
• See confluence of black and white Aragvi Rivers
• Stop at Gudauri viewing point
• Visit 14th-century mountain church near Kazbegi

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this private tour?

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

How do we reach Gergeti Trinity Church?

A special 4x4 vehicle is provided for the final climb up to Gergeti Church.

Is lunch part of the day trip?

Yes, lunch is included during the tour.

Are entry fees covered?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Will we have an English-speaking guide?

A professional local guide/driver accompanies you throughout the day.

What are some highlights on this route?

You’ll visit Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta, Jinvali Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress, Gudauri viewpoint, and Gergeti Trinity Church near Kazbegi.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi, private transportation with a knowledgeable local guide who also drives, bottled water along the way, all entry fees and taxes covered upfront, a hearty lunch break featuring Georgian flavors, plus a special 4x4 ride up to Gergeti Trinity Church before heading back down in comfort.