Private Riverboat Tour Tbilisi & Mtskheta: Wine & History

Ancient monasteries and a river view of Tbilisi's two centuries at once

A private riverboat tour of Tbilisi and Mtskheta combines a cruise along the Kura River with stops at Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the Chronicles of Georgia sculpture and the Peace Bridge. The guide speaks English or Russian, wine tasting is included, and hotel pickup is arranged. The tour runs 4 to 5 hours and moves between the river, the car and the sites on foot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Mtskheta and Tbilisi landmarks

• Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery
• Explore Samtavro Monastery and Archaeological Museum
• Discover Shio-Mgvime amphitheater and local markets
• Enjoy Georgian cuisine in Mtskheta
• Tour the Chronicles of Georgia monument
• Walk across the Peace Bridge
• Take a scenic riverboat tour on the Kura River

The Experience

You start with hotel pickup and drive north to Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital, where the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers meet. The riverboat departs from here, and you cruise back toward Tbilisi along the Kura, passing under the Peace Bridge and past the Old Town's layered skyline. The boat gives you a vantage most visitors miss—the city's medieval and modern architecture framed by water and the hills beyond. After the cruise, the car takes you to the sites you saw from the river or passed on the way.

Jvari Monastery sits on a ridge above the river confluence, a UNESCO site with medieval stone walls and a view that reaches across three valleys. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, also in Mtskheta, is the burial place of the robe of Christ and one of Georgia's holiest structures. The Chronicles of Georgia, a monumental sculptural composition near Tbilisi Sea, depicts historical and mythological scenes in bronze and stone. The Peace Bridge, designed by Michele De Lucchi, spans the Kura with a white steel arc and glows at night. Your guide—speaking English or Russian—contextualizes each stop, moving between the river's perspective and the ground-level history.

Wine tasting is woven into the tour, a nod to Georgia's ancient winemaking tradition. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and the pace alternates between seated time and walking. Four to five hours covers the riverboat stretch, the drive between Mtskheta and Tbilisi, and time at each monument without rushing.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• riverboat cruise along the Kura River.
• wine tasting.
• entrance fees to all sites.
• English or Russian-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Rustaveli Agency

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Russian, so you follow the commentary comfortably in your own language. Book this if you want a private pace through Mtskheta's monasteries and a river-level view of Tbilisi without coordinating transport or timing yourself.

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Top questions

What is Jvari Monastery and why does it matter?

Jvari Monastery is a UNESCO-listed medieval church perched on a hilltop in Mtskheta where the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers converge. Built in the 6th century, it is a symbol of Christianity in the region and offers panoramic views of the river valleys and surrounding landscape.

Can I see Tbilisi's landmarks from the riverboat?

Yes. The Kura River cruise passes under the Peace Bridge and along the Old Town, giving you a water-level view of Tbilisi's medieval quarters and modern architecture before you visit them on foot.

Is the tour private, or do I share it with other travelers?

This is a private tour. You have your own guide, vehicle and boat space, so the pace and stops are yours alone.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English or Russian. You choose your preferred language when you book.

How much walking is involved?

The tour alternates between the car, the riverboat and walking at each site. Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral require climbing or walking uphill, but the pace is leisurely and suited to all fitness levels.

Is wine tasting included?

Yes. Wine tasting is part of the tour, reflecting Georgia's ancient winemaking heritage.