Sighnaghi, often called the “City of Love,” is a charming hilltop town in Georgia’s Kakheti region, famous for its well-preserved city walls, picturesque streets, and stunning views of the Alazani Valley. But beyond its postcard-perfect scenery, Sighnaghi is a hub for tours and experiences that reveal Georgian culture through wine, history, and local cuisine. Whether you’re a wine lover eager to sample authentic chacha and qvevri wines or a history buff wanting to explore ancient monasteries, Sighnaghi offers memorable ways to connect with its unique character.
One of our favorite experiences is the Wine Tour of Kakheti: Sighnaghi, Bodbe Monastery, Telavi. It combines scenic landscapes with exclusive visits to local wineries and monasteries, all led by guides who know their craft. For those with a full day or seeking a more personalized approach, options like the Full-Day Kakheti & Sighnaghi Tour with Wine Tasting stand out for their detailed itineraries and intimate tasting experiences. Here, we’ve compiled the twelve best tours so you can find the perfect way to explore Sighnaghi and Kakheti’s wine country.
1. Wine Tour of Kakheti: Sighnaghi, Bodbe Monastery, Telavi
At number 1, this 10-hour excursion offers a thorough immersion into Kakheti’s wine and spiritual culture. Starting from the central address, the tour takes you to Manavi for a guided visit and wine tasting, followed by a cheese tasting and cooking class in Badiauri. The visit to Bodbe Monastery is a highlight, with a guided tour and free time to soak in the views. Later, you’ll explore Sighnaghi’s streets, walk its ramparts, and enjoy panoramic views before heading to Telavi for a hearty lunch and more wine sampling.
What sets this tour apart is the detailed itinerary, which balances sightseeing with hands-on experiences like cheese tasting and a cooking class. The guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, often sharing personal insights into Georgian traditions. Reviewers praise the guide Nana for her expertise and passion, with many noting the two complimentary wine tastings as a real bonus. This trip is perfect for travelers who want a full day of culture, scenic beauty, and local flavors—at about $70, it offers excellent value for the depth of experience.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, well-organized tour for those who want to explore Kakheti’s vineyards, monasteries, and hilltop towns with a friendly guide.
2. Tbilisi: Full-Day Kakheti & Sighnaghi Tour with Wine Tasting
Ranking at number 2, this 10-hour day trip from Tbilisi combines convenience with some of the region’s best sights. The tour hits Bodbe Monastery, the “City of Love” Sighnaghi, and scenic viewpoints—all with a focus on traditional wine-making and local crafts. Highlights include learning how orange wine is produced, baking Georgian bread, and visiting sacred places like Bodbe.
The tour’s standout feature is the storytelling—your guide Oksana and driver Edward make the history lively and approachable. Many reviews note the personalized experience, including stops for fresh local fruits and a glimpse into everyday Georgian life. For around $80, you get a full day of sightseeing, cultural insights, and tastings, making it ideal for travelers who want a deep dive into Kakheti without the hassle of planning.
Bottom Line: An engaging and personalized full-day experience perfect for those eager to learn about Georgian culture and wine in a relaxed setting.
3. from TBILISI to Sighnaghi, Bodbe Telavi & 9 Free Wine
Number 3 is a budget-friendly option, costing just $30 for a full day of exploring Kakheti. This tour emphasizes free wine tastings and scenic stops, including Bodbe and Sighnaghi. The itinerary combines short guided visits with time to wander on your own, making it flexible for different interests.
What makes this tour stand out is its affordability and focus on free tastings, which many travelers appreciate. Reviewers mention the guide’s enthusiasm and the comfort of the bus, though some note it’s more basic compared to full-service tours. It’s best suited for budget travelers or those who prefer a less structured day with plenty of time to explore independently.
Bottom Line: A simple, inexpensive way to see Kakheti’s highlights and enjoy wine tastings, ideal if you want a flexible, no-frills experience.
4. Kakheti: Bodbe, Sighnaghi, and Telavi Full-Day Tour
This roughly 9-hour tour focuses on the core highlights of Kakheti. You’ll visit Bodbe Monastery, stroll Sighnaghi’s charming streets, and explore Telavi, including the King’s Fortress. The itinerary includes a visit to Ujarma fortress and Gombori Pass, emphasizing both historical sites and scenic drives.
The guide’s knowledge is well-received, though some feedback mentions the trip’s timing issues, like waiting for the start. The value depends on your interest in history and scenery—if you want a short, comprehensive day with a mix of cultural sites, this is a solid choice. The reviews are positive, highlighting the friendly guide and enjoyable stops.
Bottom Line: A good option for history and architecture buffs wanting a balanced day trip with scenic views.
5. Kakheti Discovery: Bodbe, Sighnaghi & Telavi Wine Tour
Coming in at number 5, this 9-hour tour offers a well-rounded experience of Kakheti’s spiritual and wine heritage. It features visits to Bodbe Monastery, Sighnaghi, and Telavi, with local wine tastings at each stop, plus a stop at the 800-year-old Giant Plane Tree. The itinerary includes a lunch with regional wines.
Reviewers highlight the warmth of the guide Tamar and the quality of the wine tastings, which add value. The tour is particularly suited for travelers who want a deeper understanding of Kakheti’s royal past and natural beauty, with a focus on local wineries. Some consider it slightly more touristy but still authentic.
Bottom Line: A satisfying blend of cultural, natural, and wine experiences—perfect if you want a detailed, guided day in Kakheti.
6. Land of the Sun Full Day Wine and Grapes Tour in Kakheti
At number 6, this 8-hour tour is a delight for wine lovers. Starting from Meidan Bazar, it includes visits to Manavi for wine tasting, Badiauri for food and cheese, and Bodbe Monastery. The highlight is the personal guide and the focus on wine and chacha.
Guests appreciate the comfortable transportation and the variety of tastings, which include local wines and spirits. Many mention the passionate guide sharing stories about Kakheti’s traditions. It’s ideal for those wanting an intimate, less rushed experience with authentic tastings.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine connoisseurs who want a relaxed, immersive day in Kakheti with friendly guidance.
7. Kakheti: Bodbe, Sighnaghi & Telavi Guided Day Tour
Ranked number 7, this 9-hour tour offers deep dives into Kakheti’s historic and spiritual sites. The itinerary features Bodbe Monastery, Sighnaghi, and Telavi, with visits to the 900-year-old Plane Tree. The guide focuses on local history and culture, providing a curated experience.
Guests mention the guide Gio’s informative narration and the charming stops. Some comments highlight the longer visits at each site, making it suitable for history enthusiasts. The trip is more structured, making it perfect for those who prefer guided exploration over spontaneous wandering.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history and culture buffs seeking a comprehensive guided experience.
8. Day trip in Kakheti-Beauty and Love in a Glass Wine
Number 8 is a shorter 5-hour trip, focusing on Kakheti’s landscapes, villages, and monasteries. It emphasizes personalized service and professionalism, with a flexible approach based on your preferences.
Reviewers mention the seamless logistics and the enjoyable stops, like for cheese and bread tasting. It’s best suited for travelers with limited time who want to experience Kakheti’s essence without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: A great quick option for a taste of Kakheti’s scenery, culture, and wine, tailored to your interests.
9. From Tbilisi: Kakheti, Bodbe, Sighnaghi, & Telavi Tour
This 10-hour tour combines sightseeing and wine tasting, starting from Tbilisi and heading to Bodbe, Sighnaghi, and Telavi. The itinerary includes guided visits, a walk through Sighnaghi, and stops at Ujarma fortress.
While some reviews note minor logistical issues, the overall experience is highly praised, especially the friendly guides and delicious wine tastings. It suits travelers wanting a rundown of Kakheti with a structured schedule.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for a complete yet manageable day trip to Kakheti from Tbilisi.
10. A day to remember in Kakheti
Number 10 offers 10 hours exploring Bodbe Monastery, Sighnaghi, and local wineries. It emphasizes wine tastings and scenic views, perfect for a relaxed day of sightseeing mixed with casual tastings.
Reviewers appreciate the beautiful landscapes and friendly guides, making it ideal for travelers who want a straightforward day focused on wine and scenery.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a calm, scenic day immersed in Kakheti’s wine and landscape.
11. From Tbilisi: Bodbe, Sighnaghi & Kakheti Guided Day Trip
Ranking at number 11, this 10-hour guided trip from Tbilisi emphasizes spiritual sites and local culture. It includes Bodbe, Sighnaghi, and Telavi, with stops at the Giant Plane Tree and Ujarma fortress.
Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guide and the well-paced visits. It’s perfect if you want a guided experience with a focus on local landmarks and scenery.
Bottom Line: A solid, guided option for travelers interested in history, culture, and scenic views.
12. From Tbilisi: Kakheti Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Lunch
Closing our list, this 10-hour tour combines wine tastings, lunch, and visits to Bodbe and Sighnaghi. The itinerary is full of culinary experiences and local wine in Kakheti’s premier wineries.
Guests highlight the authentic regional food and wine, plus the friendly guide sharing stories about Kakheti’s traditions. It’s ideal for those wanting a comprehensive, food-focused experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine and food lovers who want a full taste of Kakheti’s gastronomy and scenic beauty.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Sighnaghi
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, how much time you have, and your specific interests. If you’re after a full culture with hands-on experiences, the Wine Tour of Kakheti offers an excellent mix of wine, food, and sightseeing. For a more relaxed, intimate experience, the Full-Day Kakheti & Sighnaghi Tour provides detailed local insights.
If your goal is cost-effective sightseeing, the 9-hour full-day tour for $30 gives you core highlights and free tastings. For those looking for a guided, historical deep dive, the Kakheti: Bodbe, Sighnaghi & Telavi Guided Day Tour is a good pick.
Timing also matters—if you only have a few hours, the Day trip in Kakheti-Beauty and Love in a Glass Wine offers a shorter but beautifully curated experience. And if you’re a serious wine enthusiast, tours emphasizing tastings at local wineries, like Land of the Sun Full Day Wine and Grapes Tour, deliver authentic, relaxed experiences.
Final Thoughts
Sighnaghi and Kakheti have a wealth of tours and experiences suited for different types of travelers. Whether you want a full-day guided exploration, an affordable tasting, or a personalized culinary journey, the options are plentiful. The region’s scenic landscape, historic monasteries, and renowned wines make it worth planning ahead—especially since many tours include wine tastings and visits to iconic landmarks like Bodbe and Ujarma fortress.
If you’re passionate about wine, eager to learn about Georgia’s ancient winemaking traditions, or simply seeking a relaxing escape with beautiful views, these tours won’t disappoint. To get the most out of your trip, consider booking early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and experience.
No matter which you choose, a day in Kakheti promises to be a delicious, scenic, and culturally enriching journey — a true highlight of any Georgian adventure.