Old tbilisi walking tour & wine tasting

Exploring Tbilisi through Its Old Streets and Flavors: A Review of the Old Tbilisi Walking Tour & Wine Tasting

Imagine wandering through winding streets filled with history, culture, and stunning views—then ending your journey with a glass of local wine. That’s exactly what this Old Tbilisi walking tour promises, and based on numerous glowing reviews, it delivers in spades. While we haven’t personally tagged along (yet), the detailed itinerary, enthusiastic feedback, and excellent value make it hard to resist recommending.

What we love about this experience? First, the rich historical context provided at each stop, making the city’s stories come alive. Second, the stunning vistas from spots like Narikala Fortress and the Bridge of Peace truly capture Tbilisi’s scenic essence. Third, the authentic wine tasting adds a delightful local flavor to the tour, rounding out the experience. A potential consideration is that the tour involves some walking and a small cable car ride, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of movement and climbing.

This tour would be perfect for travelers who want a broad yet intimate glimpse into Tbilisi’s history, culture, and scenic beauty—all wrapped into a modest two and a half hours. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate local flavors and stories rather than just ticking off attractions. If you’re after an engaging, well-structured introduction to Georgia’s capital, this tour ticks all the boxes.

Key Points

• Affordable and Value-Packed: At just $28.81, it includes a guided experience, wine tasting, and key sights.
• Expert Guide: Guides like Nino are praised for their passion, knowledge, and friendly manner.
• Iconic Landmarks: From Metekhi Cathedral to Narikala Fortress and the Bridge of Peace, you’ll see Tbilisi’s essential sights.
• Authentic Experiences: Walking through Meidan Bazaar and Sulfur Baths quarter offers a true taste of local life.
• Beautiful Views: Expect stunning cityscapes from hilltop spots and scenic gorges.
• Comfortable Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Metekhi Cathedral: The City’s Birthplace

Your journey begins at Metekhi Cathedral, a site dating back to the 13th century that’s layered with stories of Georgia’s founding and royal history. You’ll see the palace church, the palace of King Erekle, and the imposing statue of the city’s founder. The quiet reverence of this spot makes it a perfect introduction to Tbilisi’s spiritual and political roots. Visitors frequently remark on the free entry, making it an accessible start.

Rike Park and the Berlin Wall: A Touch of Modernity

Next, you’ll pass through Rike Park, a contemporary space with interesting sculptures and a touch of Cold War history seen in the Berlin wall segment. It’s an eye-opener to see how history and modern urban life coexist here. The teleferic ride offers a quick ascent to the fortress, providing a bird’s-eye view of the city—an experience noted as short but sweet for the price of $1.

Narikala Fortress: A Hilltop Icon

The ascent to Narikala Fortress is made easy with the cable car, which costs about $1 per person. From here, the panoramic views of Tbilisi sprawling below are usually a highlight for visitors. The fortress itself is a symbol of resilience, and exploring its ruins offers a glimpse of ancient defenses. Reviewers like “we learned the history of the fortress and explored it from the inside,” confirming this spot’s appeal.

Legvachtahvi Gorge and Waterfalls

Following the fortress, the tour passes through Legvachtahvi Gorge, where a small waterfall flows right into the city. This quiet natural spot offers a refreshing break from urban sightseeing, with many appreciating the peaceful atmosphere and the central waterfall that feels surprising amidst the bustling city streets.

Sulfur Baths Quarter: Wellness and Celebrity Spotting

Your walk takes you through the Sulfur Baths area—a historic district famous for its steaming, mineral-rich waters. The baths have hosted countless famous visitors, and hearing about their celebrity visitors adds a fun touch. The area’s unique architecture and atmosphere provide a glimpse into Tbilisi’s relaxation traditions. It’s a walk that combines history with a sense of local leisure.

Meidan Bazaar and Jan Shardeni Street: The Heart of Old Tbilisi

A stroll through Meidan Bazaar reveals a lively, authentic marketplace where locals buy and sell everything from spices to crafts. Reviewers mention it as “an authentic place,” perfect for soaking up everyday life. Nearby, Sharden Street buzzes with Georgian design shops, cafes, and traditional dining—an ideal spot to imagine Georgian social life. The tour highlights the local traditions of the Georgian table, adding cultural depth.

Karvasla Shopping Mall and the Silk Road Legacy

This stop offers a fascinating history lesson about Tbilisi’s role along the Silk Road. You’ll see historic merchant buildings and the oldest Georgian bread bakery, linking past and present commerce. It’s a quick glimpse into how Tbilisi thrived as a trading hub and what continues to shape its character today.

Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica: Religious Heritage

The Sioni Cathedral is where stories of St. Nino and Georgia’s Christianization unfold. Its impressive architecture and spiritual significance make it a must-visit. Nearby, the Anchiskhati Basilica is the oldest church in Tbilisi, showcasing centuries of religious continuity. Visitors often remark on the informative storytelling that brings these sacred sites to life.

The Bridge of Peace: Modern Symbolism

Finally, crossing the Bridge of Peace wraps up the tour with a symbol of unity and hope. Its unique design and the meaning behind its name are explained, along with the evening light display that sends a message of peace. This spot is especially popular for photos and understanding Tbilisi’s vision for the future.

Wine Tasting: A Perfect Close

The tour culminates with a wine tasting session, an authentic Georgian tradition. With a variety of local wines, you’ll get a taste of Georgia’s legendary vineyards—a country often called the cradle of wine. Reviewers rave about the quality of the wine and the chance to learn about Georgian wine culture alongside the history-filled walk. This aspect adds significant value for those eager to connect with local flavors.

Practical Details and Why They Matter

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes, a manageable timeslot for most travelers. It’s operated by sunrise travel, with a small group cap of 15, ensuring a more personal experience. The cost of $28.81 includes the guide service and wine tasting, making it competitively priced for such a rundown. The extra $1 cable car fee is a small price to pay for iconic views, and the free entry to most sites keeps costs down.

The meeting point at Avlabari is conveniently located near public transportation, simplifying logistics. The tour runs daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, offering flexibility depending on your schedule. The small group size encourages interaction and personalized storytelling, which many reviewers highlight as a major plus.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This walking tour is best suited for first-time visitors to Tbilisi who want an intimate, well-rounded introduction to the city’s history, culture, and sights. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the value for money, especially given the included wine tasting and guide expertise. It’s also ideal for those who prefer small groups and personalized attention.

The knowledgeable guides—like Nino, praised for her passion and storytelling—bring the city’s stories to life and make each stop memorable. The stunning views from the fortress and bridge are perfect for photo enthusiasts, and the local wine adds a warm, authentic touch.

While the walk involves some steps and a short cable car ride, most travelers find it manageable and worthwhile. It’s a fantastic way to get a taste of Tbilisi’s soul, combining history, views, and flavors in one engaging package.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all age groups?
Yes, most travelers can participate, including families. The walking involves some steps, but no strenuous activity is required.

Does the tour include entrance fees to sites?
Most attractions, like Metekhi Cathedral and Sioni Cathedral, are free to enter. The cable car to Narikala Fortress costs about $1; other sites like the fortress itself are included in the tour.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes, covering major sights and walking through different districts of Old Tbilisi.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price includes a guide service and a wine tasting experience. Extras like coffee, tea, or additional attractions are not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior are not refunded.

Is the tour available year-round?
Yes, it runs from January 17, 2024, to June 11, 2026, every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

In summary, this Old Tbilisi walking tour combines history, culture, breathtaking views, and local flavors into a well-priced package. Perfect for curious travelers eager to understand the city’s soul, it offers authentic stories, beautiful sights, and a warm glass of Georgian wine—all within a manageable and enjoyable timeframe. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for a meaningful way to explore, this tour provides an engaging, immersive experience in Georgia’s charming capital.