Tbilisi: Private Old City Walking Tour with Wine Tasting

Getting to know Tbilisi is a journey through colorful history, vibrant streets, and warm hospitality. This private walking tour offers a carefully curated glimpse into the city’s most iconic spots, mixed with some delicious local wines. If you’re seeking an authentic, in-depth experience led by knowledgeable guides, this tour promises just that — with the bonus of flexible scheduling and personalized attention.

What really makes this tour stand out is the way it combines sightseeing with tasting Georgian wines, giving you a taste of both the city’s history and its culture. You’ll walk away not only with stunning photos and fascinating stories but also with a newfound appreciation for Georgia’s renowned wine heritage. The only potential consideration? Since it’s a 2.5-hour tour, it’s best suited for those with comfortable walking shoes and a penchant for exploring at a relaxed pace.

This experience suits travelers who value authenticity, expert guidance, and a taste of local life. Whether you’re a history buff, a wine lover, or simply curious about Tbilisi, this private tour hits many marks for a memorable visit.

Key Points

• Customizable Schedule: You can choose the start time that suits your plans, giving flexibility for your day.
• Expert Local Guides: Guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and capable of answering all your questions about the city’s stories and secrets.
• Iconic Landmarks: From the Metekhi Church to Narikala Fortress, you’ll see Tbilisi’s most renowned sights.
• Stunning Views: The tour offers scenic vistas, especially from the cable car and high vantage points like the Mother of Georgia statue.
• Authentic Wine Tasting: Sample various Georgian wines, tasting the flavors that make Georgia the birthplace of wine.
• Balanced Itinerary: The route combines history, culture, nature, and modern sights, offering a well-rounded experience.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

This private tour begins at the Statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, a fitting starting point that symbolizes the city’s legendary founder. From here, the guide will lead you to Metekhi Church, perched on a cliff with breathtaking views of the city and the river below. It’s an ideal spot for photos and listening to stories about the city’s origins. Reviewers like Kevin comment on how their guide, Mirian, provided amazing historical insight and made the experience fun and engaging.

Next, you’ll make a short walk to Kartlis Deda, the iconic Mother Georgia statue. Standing tall atop Sololaki Hill, she holds a sword and a bowl of wine — representing Georgia’s fierce spirit and hospitality. This stop offers great photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the city’s panoramic scenery.

The highlight for many is the visit to Narikala Fortress, a sprawling ancient site with impressive views of Tbilisi. Guides often share stories about the fortress’s strategic importance and its role in defending the city. From reviews, Luka’s expertise shines here, with visitors noting how well he knew the history and kept the atmosphere lively.

From the fortress, you’ll descend towards Leghvtakhevi Canyon, a peaceful area with a small waterfall — a perfect spot for a quick walk and some nature photos. It’s a quieter, more serene part of the tour that offers a break from the bustling streets.

Moving into Abanotubani, the famous sulfur baths district, you’ll pass by historic bathhouses that have been used for centuries. Here, the tour often includes a pass-through, allowing time to take photos or simply soak in the ambiance.

The tour continues to Meidan Bazaar, a vibrant market filled with local crafts and food stalls. Reviewers like Robi appreciate the local vibe and friendly atmosphere, perfect for some souvenir shopping or just soaking up the lively scene.

Then, it’s time for the wine tasting on Jan Shardeni Street, a charming area lined with cafes, bars, and boutiques. Guides will introduce you to Georgian wines, with tastings of different varieties to help you understand why Georgia is often called the cradle of wine. Guests like Amy and Daniel praise the expert knowledge and high-quality wines they sampled here.

The final stops include the Bridge of Peace, a modern architectural marvel offering scenic views, and Rike Park, an open space perfect for relaxed wandering and photos. The tour concludes back at the starting point, the statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali.

What Makes This Tour Valuable?

One of the main advantages of this private experience is the knowledgeable guidance. Reviewers consistently emphasize guides like Luka, Mirian, and Lela for their friendly attitude and extensive insights. Knowing the stories behind each site enriches the experience far beyond mere sightseeing.

The scenic viewpoints and historic sites are thoughtfully included, making sure you get a well-rounded look at Tbilisi. The cable car ride to Narikala Fortress is a highlight, offering stunning aerial views of the city and a sense of adventure.

The wine tasting component adds a delicious cultural layer. Georgia is widely recognized as the birthplace of wine, and sampling local varieties gives you a real taste of the land’s tradition. The wines are often described as high-quality with distinct flavors that reflect Georgia’s unique winemaking style.

Pricing appears reasonable for a private, guided experience of this length and depth, especially considering the inclusions like the cable car ticket and wine tasting. Since there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, it’s best suited for centrally located travelers or those comfortable navigating to the meeting point.

The Walking Experience

Given the stops, the tour involves moderate walking over cobbled streets, along inclines, and through crowded markets and scenic spots. The overall pace is relaxed, allowing time to enjoy each location and take photos. Guides are adept at customizing the experience, often giving extra time at favorite spots or sharing additional stories.

The group size is private, meaning you get personal attention, which makes it easier to ask questions and tailor the experience to your interests. This is especially important in a city like Tbilisi, where many small alleys and hidden corners hold special stories.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• The tour duration of 2.5 hours makes it perfect for a morning or early afternoon activity when you want to explore without feeling rushed.
• Because it’s a private tour, you might consider discussing specific interests with your guide beforehand, such as focusing more on history, architecture, or local cuisine.
• Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces and through some hilly areas.
• The flexible start times help accommodate your daily schedule, but it’s wise to check availability in advance.
• Since the tour doesn’t include hotel transportation, plan to meet the guide at the designated statue, which is usually a central location.

The Sum Up

This private Old City walking tour with wine tasting offers an engaging, well-rounded immersion into Tbilisi’s charm. Guided by experts who know the city inside and out, you’ll explore key landmarks, enjoy scenic vistas, and indulge in authentic Georgian wines. It’s a great choice for travelers who prefer personalized experiences, rich storytelling, and a taste of local culture.

Ideal for history enthusiasts, wine lovers, and those seeking a relaxed yet informative introduction to the city, this tour balances sightseeing, cultural insight, and delicious flavors seamlessly. The private setting ensures you can ask questions freely and customize the experience to your interests, making it a memorable highlight of your Tbilisi visit.

If you’re after a thoughtfully curated, genuine taste of Georgia’s capital, this tour is highly recommended. It offers excellent value for those wanting an authentic, guided adventure that covers both the past and the present.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, the tour is designed for private groups, allowing personalized attention and flexibility to tailor the experience.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers guide service, cable car tickets, and the wine tasting experience.

Are there any additional costs I should know about?
No, the main costs are included; however, shopping or souvenirs at the bazaar are at your discretion.

Can I choose my preferred starting time?
Yes, you can schedule the tour at your preferred time, subject to availability.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 2.5 hours, making it a great half-day activity.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, but keep in mind there is some walking on uneven and hilly terrain, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Will I see scenic views?
Absolutely, including from the cable car, Narikala Fortress, and various viewpoints around the city.

Do I need to arrange transportation to the meeting point?
No, the guide will meet you at a central statue, but you will need to get there independently.

In summary, this tour provides an authentic, flexible, and highly enjoyable way to experience Tbilisi’s highlights while savoring its famed wines. It’s especially perfect for those who value expert guidance, scenic views, and local flavors within a manageable timeframe.