Tbilisi: Old Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting & Cable Car

Summary

Old Tbilisi’s winding streets, fortress views, and a glass of Georgian wine

You’ll wander Tbilisi’s tangled old town streets with a local guide, ride the cable car up to Narikala Fortress for sweeping views, breathe in sulphur steam near ancient baths, then finish with a relaxed Georgian wine tasting near Chardin Street. It’s part history walk, part sensory adventure — expect surprises around every corner.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the smell of sulphur to hit me so fast — it sort of floats up from the baths in Abanotubani as soon as you turn that corner. Our guide, Nino, grinned when she saw my face. “It means you’re close to the heart,” she said, which sounded poetic but also kind of true. We’d started at Rike Park earlier, crossing under those weirdly modern curves of the Peace Bridge, and already I’d lost count of how many colors I’d seen on the balconies above us. Tbilisi’s old town is a maze — every street is narrow and crooked, and somehow there’s always someone selling churchkhela or chatting on a stoop.

The cable car up to Narikala Fortress was quick but gave me just enough time to realize how much city fits into this valley. Up top, the wind felt colder than I expected (bring a jacket if you’re like me). Nino pointed out where the busy city ends and the green sweep of the Botanical Garden starts — two totally different worlds divided by an old stone wall. The Mother of Georgia statue loomed nearby; Nino explained her bowl of wine for friends and sword for enemies. I tried to pronounce her real name (“Kartlis Deda”) but Li laughed when I butchered it. You could see all of Tbilisi from up there — rooftops stacked like haphazard books, smoke curling from somewhere unseen.

Walking down from the fortress was almost harder than going up — those stones are slippery in places, especially if you’re distracted by all the little details (paint peeling off blue doors, cats darting between legs). We stopped at Sioni Church and Metekhi Church too; both older than anything back home. Inside Sioni, there was this faint beeswax smell mixed with incense. I lingered longer than planned just listening to people whispering prayers in Georgian — it’s softer than I thought.

We ended near Leghvtakhevi waterfall — who knew there’d be a waterfall right in downtown Tbilisi? It was cooler by the water, which felt good after all that walking. The last stop was a tiny wine bar tucked off Chardin Street; honestly, I’m not usually a wine person but their amber wine tasted like honey and apricots had a secret meeting. Maybe that’s too poetic but whatever — it stuck with me. There was laughter from a table nearby and someone playing soft music outside. That part felt like something you stumble into rather than plan for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Tbilisi and Landmarks

• Visit Narikala Fortress by cable car
• See Mother of Georgia statue
• Walk down to Abanotubani Sulphur Baths
• Enjoy Leghvtakhevi Waterfall
• Stroll along colorful Chardin Street
• Visit Sioni Church
• Cross the Peace Bridge
• Walk through Rike Park to Metekhi Church

Top questions

How long does this Old Tbilisi walking tour take?

The tour typically lasts around 3-4 hours including stops at main sites and wine tasting.

Is hotel pickup included for this Tbilisi tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at Rike Park in central Tbilisi.

Does the tour include entry fees or tickets?

Cable car tickets are included as well as the guided tour and wine tasting session.

Are there lots of stairs or steep climbs on this day trip?

There are some steep sections especially walking down from Narikala Fortress; moderate fitness is recommended.

Is this private or small group?

This is a private walking tour led by your own local guide.

What languages do guides speak on this tour?

The guides speak English and often other languages upon request.

Will we visit both churches and historical sites?

Yes, you’ll stop at Metekhi Church, Sioni Church, Anchiskhati Church plus Narikala Fortress and more.

Can vegetarians join the wine tasting?

The wine tasting focuses on local wines; food pairings may vary but can accommodate vegetarians if mentioned ahead.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walking through Old Tbilisi’s winding streets starting from Rike Park, cable car tickets up to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views over the city, entry into historic churches along the way, plus a relaxed Georgian wine tasting session before finishing near Chardin Street—all led by an engaging local guide who shares stories you wouldn’t find alone.