Tbilisi stands out among European cities for its layered history, unique architecture, and a sense of being at the crossroads of many civilizations. Whether it’s the ancient churches, Soviet relics, or centuries-old wine cellars, this city offers a wealth of stories waiting to be uncovered. We particularly love the private driver-guided tour (link), which offers a flexible, intimate experience through the city’s most iconic sites—perfect for first-timers eager for a personalized look at Tbilisi’s complex layers.
If you prefer a broader historical journey outside the city, the full-day Mtskheta, Jvari, Gori, and Uplistsikhe tour (link) showcases Georgia’s ancient religious sites and recent history, including a visit to the Stalin Museum. For wine lovers, the private wine tasting at Karalashvili’s historic cellar (link) offers a taste of Georgia’s centuries-old viniculture traditions, a vital part of the country’s cultural identity.
Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of each top tour, helping you choose the perfect way to explore Georgia’s storied past.
1. Tbilisi old town & soviet heritage – Private driver-guided Tour
At number one is the Tbilisi Old Town & Soviet Heritage private tour, which is ideal for those visiting for the first time. For around $70.13 per person, you’ll enjoy a 5 to 6-hour journey through the city’s most treasured sights with a private driver-guide. The itinerary includes Metekhi Church—an ancient 13th-century site—along with sweeping views from Narikala Fortress. You’ll also explore Rike Park, with its mix of European and Asian influences, and spot Soviet-era monuments, offering a true contrast of old and new.
This tour’s strength is its flexibility: you can tailor stops or spend more time at favorite sites. The air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup make it convenient. Reviewers praise the personalized service, with many mentioning how the guide’s local insights made the city come alive. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive, relaxed introduction to Tbilisi’s diverse layers.
Bottom line: If you’re after a flexible, personalized tour with a focus on iconic sites and local stories, this private drive is a top choice.
2. Mtskheta, Jvari, Gori, Uplistsikhe, history and panorama (group tours)
Number two on our list is the group tour visiting Mtskheta, Jvari, Gori, and Uplistsikhe, offering a cost-effective way to explore Georgia’s ancient and modern history. Priced at about $22 per person, it lasts around nine hours and is perfect for those who appreciate a structured day with a small group.
This tour covers world-class UNESCO sites like the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral—the latter housing relics of Christ—and includes a visit to the Stalin Museum in Gori, giving a glimpse of recent history. The highlight is Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave city carved into rock. Reviews highlight the expert guiding, with visitors noting how the stories and detailed explanations brought the sites to life.
Bottom line: Best suited for budget-conscious travelers wanting a mix of religious, historical, and cultural sites with a small-group vibe.
3. Private Wine tasting in Historic Karalashvili Wine Cellar
At number three, this private wine tasting offers an intimate dive into Georgia’s viniculture, with a 200-year-old cellar as its backdrop. For approximately one hour, you’ll sample five exclusive wines and Georgian cheeses, learning about traditional wine-making methods listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
What makes this experience stand out is its focus on old techniques and the exclusivity of the wines. The hosts are knowledgeable sommeliers, and reviews emphasize the cozy atmosphere and the chance to taste what many consider some of Georgia’s finest wines. Since the cellar is historic and privately owned, it’s a rare opportunity to connect with Georgia’s wine culture on a personal level.
Bottom line: Ideal for wine enthusiasts keen to taste unique, traditional wines in a historic setting—worth every penny for a memorable, authentic experience.
4. Jewish Heritage Walking Tour with Kosher Wine Tasting
Number four spotlights Georgia’s Jewish community through a 2-hour 15-minute walking tour that includes the David Baazov Museum and two synagogues. With a perfect 5-star rating, this tour delves into 26 centuries of Jewish history in Georgia, highlighting their cultural integration and religious life.
The guide provides deep insights into the community’s history and traditions. The tour ends with a kosher wine tasting, enhancing your understanding of local religious practices. Visitors praise the knowledgeable guide and the meaningful stories, making it a highly enriching experience.
Bottom line: Best for travelers interested in multicultural history and religious heritage, combined with a taste of Georgian kosher wines.
5. Tbilisi: Guided Walking Tour of Historic City
Number five is the 3-hour guided walking tour of Tbilisi’s core neighborhoods. Starting at Samghebro Street, you’ll visit sites like Meidan Bazaar, Jan Shardeni Street, the Bridge of Peace, and the Metekhi Church. It’s a comprehensive introduction perfect for first-timers.
Reviewers note the energetic guide, Sally, who offers engaging stories alongside practical tips for exploring independently later. The tour covers diverse neighborhoods, giving a sense of the city’s historical layers and modern vibrancy in just a few hours.
Bottom line: Excellent for a quick, lively overview that combines culture, architecture, and lively street scenes.
6. Four Historical Places: Mtskheta-Gori-Uplistsikhe-Jvari Monastery- Private Tour
Number six offers a full-day private tour for about $113 per person, ideal for history buffs. It covers Jvari Monastery (a UNESCO site), Stalin’s Gori museum, Uplistsikhe cave city, and the ancient Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the site of Georgia’s proclamation of Christianity.
The tour provides detailed visits, including tickets and transportation in comfortable cars. Reviewers love the personalized approach, noting guides like Levan who bring Georgia’s history vividly to life. The tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of Georgia’s religious, political, and cultural milestones.
Bottom line: For travelers wanting an in-depth, flexible day exploring Georgia’s major religious and historical sites, this private tour is excellent.
7. Tbilisi: Jewish Heritage Walking Tour
This 2-hour Jewish Heritage Walking Tour centers on Tbilisi’s Jewish community, starting on Leselidze Street and visiting the David Baazov Museum and two synagogues. It’s an engaging, compact look at 26 centuries of Jewish life in Georgia, with a passionate guide sharing stories of resilience and cultural pride.
Reviews highlight the guide’s support and professionalism, making this a meaningful cultural experience. It’s perfect if you want a brief but insightful overview of Jewish contributions to Georgian history and culture.
Bottom line: Suitable for those wanting a short but rich cultural tour focused on Georgia’s Jewish history.
8. Tbilisi: Historic & Modern City tour with 2 Cable Car rides
Number eight combines history and modernity in a 3-hour tour with two distinctive cable car rides. Starting from the old town, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Tbilisi’s skyline from different eras, along with visits to major landmarks like the Narikala Fortress.
George, the guide, is praised for making the experience interactive and fun. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a quick, scenic overview of Tbilisi’s evolution, mixing history with stunning views.
Bottom line: Great for those who love city panoramas and want to see both historic sites and modern neighborhoods in a relaxed, scenic tour.
9. Tbilisi: Wine Tasting at Old, Historical Cellar in the City
Number nine offers a 1-hour wine tasting at a historic 200-year-old cellar, sampling five limited-edition Georgian wines paired with cheese. This authentic experience introduces you to Georgia’s UNESCO-listed wine-making traditions in an intimate setting.
Reviews celebrate the guides’ expertise and the cellar’s ambiance, with many purchasing bottles to take home. It’s perfect for wine lovers who want a taste of history with their drink.
Bottom line: For an authentic, educational wine experience in a historic cellar, this tour is hard to beat.
10. Tbilisi: Religious Heritage Guided Walking Tour
This 2-hour tour explores the religious diversity of Tbilisi, visiting a Catholic Church, Armenian Apostolic Church, mosque, synagogue, and the remains of an ancient Fire Temple. It provides a layered look at Georgia’s spiritual landscape.
The guide explains shared histories and traditions, giving visitors a nuanced understanding of coexistence. It’s ideal for those interested in the city’s multi-faith fabric.
Bottom line: Deep dive into Georgia’s religious history, suited for culturally curious travelers wanting insight into faith and tradition.
11. From Tbilisi: Kakheti Wine, History & Traditions Day Trip
Number eleven is a full-day trip that combines wine tasting, ancient sites, and scenic drives through Kakheti. Highlights include Sighnaghi, Bodbe Monastery, and the 900-year-old Telavi plane tree, plus visits to local wine houses.
The reviews focus on Nana’s passionate guiding and the delicious food and wine. It’s perfect for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Georgia’s eastern region, including its wine-making and medieval history.
Bottom line: Great for travelers eager to combine cultural, religious, and vinicultural experiences in one memorable day.
12. Tbilisi: History & Culture Guided Day trip with food & Wine
This 7-hour guided tour offers an immersive experience through Tbilisi’s districts, with tastings of local food and wine. It covers major landmarks like the Narikala Fortress, the Gabriadze Theater, and Shota Rustaveli Avenue, blending history with gastronomy.
Travelers praise the engaging guide and the chance to explore both well-known and lesser-known sites while sampling Georgia’s famous cuisine and wines. It’s an excellent pick for those seeking a full culture.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a deep dive into Tbilisi’s history, culture, and culinary scene in one day.
13. Tbilisi to Kakheti Bodbe Sighnaghi Telavi & free 9 wine test
Last on our list is a 9-hour trip to Kakheti, including a visit to Bodbe Monastery, Sighnaghi, and Telavi. It features traditional bread and cheese masterclasses, wine tastings, and a glimpse of Georgia’s legendary wine-making methods stored in qvevri clay vessels.
Reviewers mention the fun and authentic atmosphere, especially the chance to learn and taste regional specialties. It’s perfect if you want a comprehensive, relaxed day exploring Georgia’s wine and scenic towns.
Bottom line: Excellent for those wanting a full cultural day with wine, history, and local village life.
How to Choose Your Perfect Tbilisi Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, time availability, and fitness level. For a personalized experience, the private Tbilisi old town & Soviet heritage suits those wanting flexibility. If you prefer a structured day with a focus on religious and ancient sites, the Mtskheta and Uplistsikhe offers a rich itinerary.
Wine lovers should not miss the Karalashvili cellar, while history enthusiasts may prefer the full-day private tour of four major sites. For cultural and religious insights, the religious heritage walking tour offers a compact but meaningful experience.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Tbilisi offers an impressive palette of historical tours that suit all interests and schedules. From private explorations of the Old Town to full-day journeys through Georgia’s ancient religious sites and wine traditions, each experience reveals a different facet of the city’s story. For a relaxed, personalized introduction, the private city tour is a great pick. For those eager to combine history, religion, and scenic landscapes, the full-day Mtskheta and Uplistsikhe trip hits all the marks.
Wine enthusiasts will find delight in tasting sessions at historic cellars, while culturally curious travelers will enjoy immersive walks through Jewish heritage or religious diversity. Whichever you choose, these tours promise a meaningful and memorable glimpse into Georgia’s soul. Be sure to book early, and prepare to fall in love with Tbilisi’s layered history.