Tbilisi: 3 Cable Cars Tour with Optional Lunch

If you’re heading to Georgia and want a way to see Tbilisi from above, this 3 Cable Cars Tour offers a fantastic mix of panoramic views, easy transport, and authentic local flavors. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this experience promises a fresh perspective on the city’s layout, landmarks, and surrounding hills.

What we love about this tour are three things: the variety of viewpoints, the insightful guides, and the chance to enjoy local Georgian cuisine and wine (if you opt for the longer version). That said, it’s worth noting that the 3-hour option is quite brisk—focused solely on sightseeing without breaks. If you’re after a relaxed pace with a meal and more exploration, the 5-hour version is the way to go. This tour suits those eager to combine sightseeing with cultural bites, especially if you’re short on time but still want a memorable overview of the city.

Key Points

• Multiple panoramic views give a comprehensive sense of Tbilisi’s layout and beauty
• Expert guides enhance the experience with local insights and historical context
• Flexible options cater to different schedules and interests, from quick highlights to full cultural immersions
• Comfortable transportation makes moving between viewpoints effortless
• Authentic Georgian lunch and wine tasting (if chosen) add a flavorful local touch
• Accessibility considerations: not suitable for those with mobility impairments or babies under 1 year

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This cable car adventure is designed to give you a fresh vantage point on Tbilisi’s fascinating mix of old and new. Starting from Rike Park, you’ll hop into your first cable car to reach the Narikala Fortress and the iconic Mother of Georgia statue. From here, the views stretch across the Old Town, the Bridge of Peace, and the sprawling cityscape. It’s a fantastic way to get your bearings while snapping photos of the colorful rooftops and the winding Kura River below.

Next, you’ll take a brand-new cable car from the main avenue to Mtatsminda Mountain—a highlight for many. This ride offers expansive views of the city’s skyline, with the Tbilisi TV Tower and the amusement park of Mtatsminda Park visible from above. The top of Mtatsminda is where you’ll truly see why Tbilisi’s setting is often praised—hills, urban sprawl, and lush greenery all in one frame.

The final leg involves riding a Soviet-era cable car from Turtle Lake down to the Vake district. Here, you’ll see Vake Park, sleek modern buildings, and sports stadiums, contrasting sharply with the historic parts of the city. The route offers a different perspective, from natural lakes to upscale neighborhoods, rounding out a well-rounded view of Tbilisi’s diverse landscape.

The 3-Hour Versus 5-Hour Experience

The core 3-hour tour includes all three cable car rides and sightseeing highlights, guided with expert commentary. It’s a quick, efficient way to grasp the city’s layout and enjoy breathtaking vistas. According to reviews, guides like Georgi are highly knowledgeable and speak excellent English, which makes the experience both informative and engaging. As one traveler put it, “We saw the city from above and understood how it’s planned and how beautiful it is.”

If you opt for the full 5-hour tour, you’ll indulge in a local lunch featuring Georgian pastries and wine. This adds a cultural dimension, allowing you to taste the flavors that make Georgian cuisine special. Such a meal provides a break from sightseeing and an authentic taste of local hospitality. It’s ideal for travelers who want a more immersive experience without sacrificing the scenic element.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Scenic Diversity: Each cable car offers a different perspective—ranging from the historic Old Town to the modern Vake district, giving you a layered understanding of Tbilisi’s geography. The views from Mtatsminda are especially impressive, with the sprawling city beneath and hills beyond.

Expert Guides: The reviews highlight guides like Georgi, who not only speak fluent English but also bring a wealth of knowledge about the city’s history, architecture, and culture. This makes the experience richer and more engaging than a self-guided tour.

Authentic Local Experience: The optional lunch with Georgian pastry and wine isn’t just filler; it’s a chance to savor genuine flavors, often overlooked by travelers. Locals often praise the quality of the food and the welcoming atmosphere, making it a memorable highlight.

Comfort and Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off, along with all transportation between viewpoints, remove the stress of navigating Tbilisi’s hills and busy streets. The tour is well-organized, ensuring you maximize your time and views.

Analyzing Value

At $32 per person, this tour offers a lot for a modest price. The multiple cable car rides alone provide a unique experience that isn’t easily replicated independently, especially with guided commentary. If you choose the 5-hour option, the added cost of lunch and wine amplifies the value, turning a sightseeing trip into a cultural experience.

Many travelers, including Janet, appreciated the tour’s ability to offer both a visual overview and insightful commentary. She mentioned, “The guide Georgi is very intelligent and speaks very good English! I recommend this tour.” This indicates that the tour is both educational and personable, key factors for a worthwhile experience.

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Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Starting Point: Rike Park

Your journey begins at the lively riverside park, an ideal spot for photos and a quick walk before boarding the first cable car. The ride over the Kura River provides a stunning overview of the Old Town’s rooftops, with the fortress looming above. Expect smooth, modern cable cars that comfortably seat small groups, making photo opportunities easy.

Narikala Fortress and Mother of Georgia

Once at the top, the views are panoramic. You’ll learn about the fortress’s history, as well as the significance of the Mother of Georgia statue, which symbolizes the city’s resilience and hospitality. This stop is perfect for photos and soaking in the city’s layered history.

Mtatsminda Mountain

The newer cable car from the main street takes you up to Mtatsminda Park—a favorite for both locals and visitors. From here, the city unfurls below, with a view that captures Tbilisi’s mix of old and new architecture. The Tbilisi TV Tower adds a modern touch to the skyline, and the park itself offers additional attractions if you have extra time.

Turtle Lake and Vake District

The Soviet-era cable car completes the circuit, gliding over lakes and neighborhoods to Vake. Here, you’ll see a contrast between lush green parks, shiny new buildings, and Soviet-style apartment blocks, giving insight into different phases of Tbilisi’s urban development.

Optional Local Lunch

If you opt for the 5-hour version, a traditional Georgian meal awaits, usually featuring local pastries and, of course, a glass of wine. Reviewers often highlight the quality of the food, describing it as authentic and delicious—adding a tasteful cultural dimension to your sightseeing.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll be walking and standing at viewpoints. Dress accordingly for the weather, as the open-air cable cars expose you to the elements.
Weather considerations: On rainy or windy days, some views might be limited, so check the forecast before booking.
Group size tends to be small, ensuring personalized attention from guides, which makes the experience more enjoyable.
Children under 14 can join private tours, but not the group tour, so plan accordingly if traveling with young kids.
Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed on the cable cars, so pack light or leave bulky items at your hotel.

Final Thoughts

This tour is a clever way to tick off some of Tbilisi’s most iconic sights while enjoying multiple perspectives from above. The variety of viewpoints—over Old Town, Mtatsminda, and Turtle Lake—helps you understand how the city is laid out and what makes it unique.

The guide’s expertise, combined with the ease of transportation and the opportunity to sample local flavors, makes it a solid choice for travelers wanting a mix of sightseeing and culture. For those with limited time, the 3-hour version is ideal, but if you’re eager to indulge in local cuisine and explore more leisurely, the 5-hour option provides a rich experience.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, history buff, or simply a curious traveler, this cable car tour delivers a memorable snapshot of Tbilisi from high above, with plenty of stories and flavors to take home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 14 can join private tours but are not permitted on the group tour. Check with the provider if you’re traveling with younger kids.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, three cable car tickets, a guide, transportation, and a bottle of water. The 5-hour version includes a local Georgian lunch with pastry and wine.

How long does the tour last?
The basic tour lasts about 3 hours, focusing on sightseeing. The longer, 5-hour version adds a meal and additional exploration time.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are the cable cars modern and safe?
Yes, the cable cars are comfortable and well-maintained, providing smooth rides with spectacular views.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as you’ll be walking and exposed to the elements at viewpoints.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments due to the nature of cable car stations and walking involved.

Are drinks and extra food included?
No, additional food and drinks beyond the included Georgian meal or water are extra.

What are the main highlights I’ll see?
You’ll see the Old Town, Bridge of Peace, Mother of Georgia, Mtatsminda Park, Tbilisi TV Tower, Turtle Lake, and Vake District.

Is the tour bilingual?
Guides speak English, ensuring clear explanations and storytelling throughout the experience.

This cable car journey offers a fantastic way to grasp what makes Tbilisi special—from its historic heart to its modern developments—without exhausting yourself. It’s a smart, scenic option for travelers who want to combine easy transport with authentic views and local flavors.

You can check availability for your dates here: