Tbilisi Walking Tour: Narikala Fortress, Cable Car & Wine Tasting

The fortress sits on the highest point in the old town, and the views reach across the entire city.

A walking tour of Tbilisi's historical center with a local guide in English or Russian, covering Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, the Bath district and other landmarks from the VI century onward. The route includes a cable car ride and wine tasting. Moderate fitness is needed for the walking and hill terrain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Metekhi Church30m
2. Narikala Fortress30m

Explore historical Tbilisi landmarks

• Visit Metekhi Cathedral
• Explore Narikala Fortress and views
• Walk through Botanical Garden
• Pass by Bath district
• Visit Cathedral of Sioni
• See Bridge of Peace
• Visit Anchiskhati Basilica
• Pass by Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theatre

The experience

The tour starts at Metekhi Church, one of the oldest religious structures in the city. King Vakhtang Gorgasali built the first church here in the VI century: the same king who founded Tbilisi itself. The name Metekhi comes from an old Georgian word meaning "territory around the palace," a reminder that royal residences once stood on this ground. From there the route moves through the cozy streets of Old Tbilisi, passing the Bath district where the city's life began, where sulphur water still flows through a gorge, and where remnants of the defensive wall remain.

Narikala Fortress is the centerpiece. Perched on the highest point in the old town, it dates back to the VI century but carries a long and difficult history: destroyed and rebuilt many times, it has been called "The fortress of Envy" and "Mother fortress of Tbilisi." The views from up there span the whole city. The walk also takes in the Cathedral of Sioni from the VII century, Anchiskhati Basilica (the oldest functioning church in Tbilisi, even during the Arab occupation), the Bridge of Peace, and the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theatre with its distinctive architecture. The Botanical Garden, which grew from a royal garden that has existed since the XVII century and now holds over 3,500 plant species across 97 hectares, is part of the route as well.

A cable car ride and Georgian wine tasting are included. The guide is a local who speaks English or Russian and carries the stories behind each stop. The whole experience runs between two and four hours depending on pace and how long you spend at each site.

What’s included

• The tour includes a local guide who speaks English or Russian.
• cable car ride.
• Georgian wine tasting.
• visits to Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, the Bath district, Cathedral of Sioni, Anchiskhati Basilica, the Bridge of Peace, and the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theatre.
• and passage through the Botanical Garden.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (5 to 79 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Travel To Georgia Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want the essential history and landmarks of Tbilisi covered in one morning or afternoon with a guide who knows the stories behind each site. The moderate walking and hill terrain mean you should be comfortable on your feet for a couple of hours. If you prefer a slower pace or have specific interests in lesser-known neighborhoods, contact the operator about arranging a private itinerary instead.

Traveler reviews

4.94★★★★★★★★★★

17 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

What is Metekhi Church and why does it matter to Tbilisi's history?

Metekhi Church is one of the oldest religious buildings in the city, first built by King Vakhtang Gorgasali in the VI century: the same king who founded Tbilisi. The name comes from an old Georgian word meaning "territory around the palace," marking where royal residences once stood.

Can I see views of the whole city from Narikala Fortress?

Yes. Narikala Fortress sits on the highest point in the old town, and from there you can see across the entire city. The fortress itself dates back to the VI century, though it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout its history.

What is included in this tour besides the walking?

The tour includes a local guide in English or Russian, a cable car ride, and Georgian wine tasting. The guide leads you through the historical sites and shares the stories behind each one.

How long does the walking tour take?

The tour runs between two and four hours, depending on the pace and how long you spend at each site.

What is the Bath district and why is it important?

The Bath district is the heart of old Tbilisi, where the city's life began. It is where the first tanners arrived, where King Vakhtang killed a pheasant according to the famous legend of Tbilisi's founding, and where sulphur water still flows through a gorge with remnants of the city's defensive wall preserved nearby.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of fitness because of the walking and hill terrain, especially around Narikala Fortress. It is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.