Tbilisi: Afternoon Walking tour & wine tasting in Old Town

Exploring Tbilisi through a guided walking tour offers a fantastic way to get acquainted with Georgia’s captivating capital. This 3-hour experience combines history, culture, breathtaking views, and a taste of Georgia’s legendary wine, all curated for travelers eager for authentic encounters.

One of the highlights is the expert guide, Teona, whose passion and knowledge add layers of interest to each stop. You’ll get a well-rounded glimpse of the city’s diverse religious sites, vibrant streets, and stunning vantage points — all while enjoying a delicious wine ice cream that captures the city’s hospitable spirit.

A potential consideration is the tour’s duration; while packed with sights, it involves quite a bit of walking and some elevation changes, which may be a challenge for those with mobility issues. This tour is best suited for curious travelers who appreciate history, scenic views, and good wine in a private group setting.

Key Points

In-Depth Historical Insights: Guides like Teona bring Tbilisi’s stories to life, making the history engaging and memorable.
Scenic Views & Iconic Landmarks: From Narikala Fortress to Mother of Georgia, the vistas are postcard-worthy.
Cultural Diversity: Visits to synagogues, mosques, and churches reveal the city’s harmonious coexistence of different faiths.
Authentic Wine Experience: Sample traditional Georgian wines with centuries of craftsmanship behind them, complemented by wine ice cream.
Expert Guided Tour: Knowledgeable guides ensure you see the highlights with rich context and local anecdotes.
Flexible & Private: This is a private tour with flexible scheduling, perfect for those who prefer personalized experiences.

A Complete Look at the Tbilisi Old Town Walking & Wine Tour

This tour is an inviting way to see the best of Tbilisi’s Old Town in just three hours. Starting at the centrally located Berikaoba monument, the journey quickly immerses you in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The tour is structured with a series of stops that balance sightseeing, cultural insights, and fun experiences, ensuring you get a well-rounded taste of Tbilisi.

Starting Point: Berikaoba and Rezo Gabriadze Theatre

The tour begins next to the Berikaoba monument near the Ambassadori Tbilisi Hotel, a lively spot evocative of Georgia’s cultural spirit. From here, your guide, Teona, leads you to the Rezo Gabriadze Theatre, an artistic landmark famous for its puppet shows and whimsical architecture. This spot is a photo-friendly highlight, perfect for capturing the essence of Georgia’s creative scene.

Anchiskhati Basilica and Patriarchate of Georgia

Next, the tour takes you to the Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi, dating back to the 6th century. Although only a brief stop of about 20 minutes, it’s enough to appreciate the ancient stonework and serene atmosphere. Just a few steps away, the Patriarchate of Georgia offers a glimpse into the spiritual heart of Georgian Orthodoxy.

The Bridge of Peace and Sioni Cathedral

Walking along the Bridge of Peace—a modern, glass-and-steel marvel—you’ll take in scenic views of the river and city skyline. The bridge’s innovative design contrasts beautifully with centuries-old architecture, showing Tbilisi’s blend of old and new. The nearby Sioni Cathedral adds a layer of religious significance, with its stunning façade and historical importance as a spiritual hub.

The Tamada Sculpture and Secret Stop with Wine Tasting

A quick visit to the Tamada Sculpture celebrates Georgia’s famous toastmasters, or tamadas, who play a key role in social gatherings. But the real treat lies at the secret stop where you indulge in a wine tasting session. Here, you sample a selection of fine Georgian wines, crafted with traditions that date back centuries, paired with stories about Georgian wine-making mastery. Reviewers love this part, with one describing it as “a delightful way to experience Georgia’s hospitable spirit.”

Synagogue, Rike Park, and Mother of Georgia

The tour continues visiting the Great Synagogue, a beautiful building reflecting the city’s diverse religious makeup. Then, a quick ride on the cable car whisks you up to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views over Tbilisi. From this vantage point, the Mother of Georgia statue stands proud, paying homage to Georgia’s resilience and strength. The views from here are undeniably stunning, providing perfect photo opportunities.

Final Stops: Tbilisi’s Mosques and Baths

Descending from Narikala, you’ll pass the Tbilisi Central Mosque and the historic Royal Baths, both representing the city’s multicultural character. The baths, with their steaming sulfur waters, are a symbol of Tbilisi’s enduring charm and healing traditions.

Wrap-Up at the Mother of Georgia

The tour concludes at the Mother of Georgia monument, where the guide shares stories about the city’s history and the significant role women have played in shaping Georgia’s identity. It’s a fitting end to a journey that highlights Tbilisi’s diverse cultural tapestry and scenic beauty.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

Guided Walking Tour: Led by Teona, an engaging and knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the city’s most iconic and meaningful sights. Her passion and storytelling make history come alive, and reviewers praise her for her resourcefulness and friendly demeanor.

Wine Tasting: The highlight for many is the wine tasting session, which offers a chance to sample traditional Georgian wines. Expect to try a curated selection of quality wines crafted using centuries-old techniques. The wine ice cream adds a playful and delicious twist, giving a taste of Georgian hospitality in a fun form. Keep in mind, the tasting is for those 18 and older, so it’s perfect for adult travelers.

Scenic Cable Car Ride: The cable car to Narikala Fortress provides sweeping views over Tbilisi, making it a memorable part of the tour. Once at the top, the vistas of the city and surrounding mountains are well worth the short ride.

Time and Group Size: This is a private group experience, which means you can enjoy a flexible schedule and tailored attention. The total duration clocks in at about three hours, making it manageable even for those with tight itineraries.

What’s Included and Not: The price covers the guided tour, wine tasting, cable car ride, and visits to key religious sites. Extras like hotel transfers, meals, or drinks (besides the wine tasting) are not included. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes, a camera, water, and some cash for any personal expenses.

What We Love About This Tour

Our favorite part is the expert guidance of Teona. Her enthusiasm, insights, and personal anecdotes make each stop more meaningful. She’s passionate about Georgian culture, which shines through in her storytelling.

The scenic views from Narikala Fortress and along the river are simply stunning, allowing you to step back and appreciate Tbilisi’s blend of mountain, river, and cityscape. The diversity of religious sites, from the synagogue to mosques and churches, showcases the city’s remarkable harmony—and gives you a well-rounded cultural perspective.

Few experiences can match the quality of the wine tasting, especially when paired with stories about Georgia’s long tradition of winemaking. The wine ice cream is a quirky, memorable addition that leaves a lasting impression.

Reviewers like Julia and Anna also noted how interactive and engaging the guide was, answering questions thoroughly and sharing interesting facts that enhanced their understanding of the city’s history and culture.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to Tbilisi in a relaxed, private setting. It’s perfect if you’re keen on culture, history, and scenic viewpoints, with the bonus of experiencing Georgia’s world-famous wine.

It suits those who prefer guided visits over self-exploration, as well as anyone who appreciates authentic local stories. While the tour involves walking and some uneven terrain, it’s accessible for most able-bodied travelers who enjoy light activity.

If you’re looking for a blend of sightseeing, cultural insights, and a fun wine experience all wrapped into a manageable time frame, this tour hits the spot.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

Absolutely. This Tbilisi walking tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty, led by a passionate guide who makes each stop engaging. For those wanting to truly understand the city’s diverse fabric, the inclusion of religious sites, panoramic views, and a wine tasting makes it a standout choice.

The private format adds a layer of flexibility and personal attention, making it suitable for couples, families, or small groups. The quality of the storytelling, combined with the fun elements like wine ice cream and breathtaking vistas, ensures you’ll leave with plenty of memorable moments.

It’s especially valuable for travelers who want a curated, authentic experience that covers the essentials without feeling rushed. If you love discovering new places through engaging guides, scenic viewpoints, and local flavors, this tour will surely satisfy.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
The wine tasting is for those 18 and older, so it’s best suited for adults. The walking and sightseeing are appropriate for most ages, but consider the physical activity involved.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, the meeting point is at 17 Ioane Shavteli Street next to the Berikaoba monument; hotel pickups are not included.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since there’s a fair amount of walking. Bring a camera, water, and cash for any personal expenses.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, which provides flexibility.

What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is conducted in English and Spanish, with a live guide ensuring smooth communication.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it is not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to walking and uneven terrain.

How long is the entire experience?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including sightseeing, tasting, and transportation to viewpoints.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included unless specified. The focus is on sightseeing and wine tasting.

In essence, the Tbilisi Afternoon Walking Tour & Wine Tasting is an authentic, engaging way to dive into Georgia’s capital, especially if you’re intrigued by history, panoramic views, and a bit of local flavor.