Old Tbilisi Highlights Walking Tour with Wine & 10 Tastings

Our review of the Old Tbilisi Highlights Walking Tour with Wine & 10 Tastings introduces a delightful way to see Georgia’s capital through the eyes of a local. Designed for those who want to combine sightseeing with authentic tastings, this tour promises to give you a genuine taste of the city’s charm, history, and flavors—all in just a few hours.

What we love about this experience is its perfect blend of cultural insight and culinary delights. You’ll get to walk through the cozy streets of Old Tbilisi with a knowledgeable guide who shares fascinating stories, while also sampling some of Georgia’s best wines, pastries, and spices. Another attractive feature is the small-group setting, which makes the experience feel intimate and personalized.

A potential consideration is that the tour focuses on walking, so comfortable shoes are a must—there’s no transportation between stops. Also, the tour duration is around 3.5 hours, so it’s ideal for those with a moderate level of activity and good weather.

This tour is best suited for curious travelers eager to learn about Georgia’s culture, history, and cuisine without the fuss of large group tours. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to cover the highlights while enjoying local tastes along the way.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: Guided by a friendly expert, you’ll explore both well-known and hidden corners of Old Tbilisi.
• Tastings Galore: Over 10 food and drink tastings, including wine, pastries, spices, and chacha.
• Rich Cultural Insight: Learn about Tbilisi’s history, architecture, and traditions from your guide.
• Small Group Flexibility: Limited to 10 participants, offering a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
• Beautiful Views & Landmarks: See iconic sights like the Gabriadze Clock Tower, Peace Bridge, and Mother of Georgia.
• Practical & Value-Driven: All these experiences for a reasonable price, combining food, culture, and sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Walk Through Old Tbilisi’s Heart

The tour kicks off at the Berikaoba monument, where your guide awaits to introduce you to the city’s spirit. From there, you’ll stroll through cobbled streets that whisper stories of a city shaped by centuries of history.

Highlights include:

• The Gabriadze Theater’s Clock Tower — a quirky, whimsical structure that feels like it belongs to a fairy tale. Your guide shares tales of the puppet theater’s creator and its role in modern Tbilisi.
• The Peace Bridge, with its flowing, wave-like design, offers a modern contrast to the historic architecture, and it’s a perfect spot for photos.
• The colorful houses along Sharden Street—a lively hub brimming with cafes, shops, and street art—perfect for capturing vivid images of the city’s vibrant spirit.
• The Mother of Georgia statue, offering sweeping views of Tbilisi, is a must-see. It’s a powerful symbol of Georgia’s resilience and hospitality.

Our favorite part is how your guide weaves stories into each stop, giving context about the city’s evolution—how ancient meets modern in Tbilisi’s landscape.

Food & Drink Stops That Tell a Story

Throughout the walk, you’ll pause at a historic bakery for a traditional Khachapuri cheese pie, crispy on the outside and gooey inside, with reviews praising it as “delicious” and “authentic.” The bakery’s long-standing tradition ensures a taste rooted in history.

Next, a visit to a spice shop reveals the fragrant world of Georgian spices—saffron, paprika, and herbs—and the chance to sample homemade chacha (a grape brandy). As one reviewer noted, guides like Zezva are “a fountain of knowledge,” making each tasting an educational moment.

The tour includes a wine tasting session, with a selection of Georgian wines: dry, semi-sweet, amber, and red. Participants raved about the quality and variety—“the wines were lovely, and the guide explained their unique histories”—making it a highlight for wine lovers.

You’ll also sample dried fruits, salty Svan salt, and adjika—a spicy condiment—each adding layers to your understanding of Georgian cuisine.

The Value of a Guided Experience

While the tour price covers more than 10 tastings, it’s the quality and authenticity that set it apart. Reviewers consistently praise guides like Luka, Giorgi, and Niniko for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the experience engaging. One said, “We learned so much on this tour and felt like locals by the end.”

The small group size ensures you won’t feel rushed or lost in the crowd. The tour’s pace is manageable, allowing for photo stops and conversations.

It’s also worth noting that the tour is well-organized, with flexible booking options like “reserve now, pay later” and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind for planning.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes—there’s quite a bit of strolling through uneven streets.
• Bring a scarf or hat if you plan to enter churches, as women are required to cover their heads and knees.
• Check the starting time when booking, since availability varies.
• The tour ends back at the starting point, making it convenient for planning your day afterward.

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Authentic Guides Make All the Difference

The reviews repeatedly emphasize the expertise and friendliness of the guides. Whether it’s Luka, George, or Maria, their stories make the city come alive far more than a guidebook ever could. The guides’ passion for Tbilisi’s culture shines through, making each stop memorable.

Many reviewers mention how much they appreciated the depth of knowledge, with one saying, “Our guide was a fountain of knowledge, and the wine tasting was very informative.” Others highlight the personalized attention and friendly demeanor, making the tour feel more like exploring with a friend than a formal activity.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers excellent value for those eager to pack cultural insights and local flavors into a short time. The combination of sightseeing, tastings, and expert storytelling makes it a balanced introduction to Old Tbilisi.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want to get a sense of the city’s character without rushing, and those who genuinely enjoy good food and drink as part of their travel experience. If you’re looking for a personalized, authentic glimpse into Georgia’s capital, this tour hits the mark.

Travelers who value insider knowledge and small-group intimacy will find this tour a highlight of their visit. It’s not just a sightseeing walk; it’s a curated experience that feeds your curiosity and your appetite.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3.5 hours, offering a relaxed pace that balances sightseeing with tastings.

What is included in the tastings?
More than 10 tastings are included, such as various wines, chacha, pastries like Khachapuri and beans pie, spices, dried fruits, and salt.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable shoes are essential for walking on cobbled streets. A scarf or hat may be needed if entering churches.

Can I join the tour as a solo traveler?
Yes, with a limited group size of 10, solo travelers can enjoy a more intimate experience, but it is also suitable for small groups.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
It’s best for those who are able to walk comfortably. People with mobility issues might find it challenging, as the tour involves walking through sometimes uneven streets.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Berikaoba monument and ends back at the same point, making it convenient for planning the rest of your day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexible options to adapt your travel plans.

The Old Tbilisi Highlights Walking Tour with Wine & Tastings provides a flavorful, insightful, and enjoyable way to experience Georgia’s capital. With outstanding guides, delicious local food, and stunning sights, it’s a must for anyone wanting a genuine taste of Tbilisi’s soul—and its wine.

You can check availability for your dates here: