Tbilisi: Old & New City Guided Tour with 15 Tastings & Wine

Discover Tbilisi’s Charm on a Guided Tour with Tastings and Wine

If you’re considering a way to get a taste of Georgia’s vibrant capital without the hassle of planning every detail, this Tbilisi: Old & New City Guided Tour offers a well-rounded experience. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it’s a fantastic option for those wanting a blend of sightseeing, authentic eats, and local drinks.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the expert guides, often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, turn a simple city walk into an engaging story. Second, the sampling of 15 tastings promises a comprehensive peek into Georgian cuisine, from savory khinkali to sweet churchkhela. Third, the wine experiences are a highlight, with a variety of local varieties, including unique qvevri wines, offered in an intimate setting.

One possible consideration is the duration—lasting 2 to 4 hours, it’s flexible but may feel brief if you’re eager to explore every corner. Also, since it involves quite a bit of walking through historic streets, comfortable shoes are a must. This tour is ideal for food lovers, history enthusiasts, or first-timers eager to get a flavorful taste of Tbilisi’s culture in a manageable time frame.

Key Points

• Authentic Insights: Knowledgeable guides share local stories, history, and culture.
• Culinary Variety: 15 tastings including traditional dishes, sweets, sauces, and wines.
• Iconic Sights: Stops at landmarks like the Bridge of Peace and Anchiskhati Basilica.
• Flexible Duration: Tour lasts between 2 and 4 hours, depending on booking.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, plus skip-the-line access.
• Intimate Experience: Small groups or private tours enhance personal attention.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

This tour begins with a warm welcome at your hotel or a designated pickup point, setting a smooth tone for the day. Right away, you’ll visit a local café where a guided introduction introduces you to Georgian hospitality and perhaps a refreshing local lemonade. It’s a nice touch that helps settle any travel nerves and gets your taste buds ready.

From there, the journey takes you through Dry Bridge Market, a colorful outdoor spot filled with antiques, art, and local crafts. Here, you’ll have time to snap photos of the vibrant stalls, experience local life, and get a glimpse into Tbilisi’s bustling market culture. Reviewers mention that the guide’s insights help you understand the significance of various market items, making it more than just a shopping trip.

Next, you’ll stroll through Dedaena Park, a popular green space offering scenic views and a chance to relax amid the city’s lively atmosphere. The park’s charm lies in its blend of modern art installations and historic surroundings, making it a favorite for photos. A quick pass-by of the Presidential Palace offers a glimpse of Georgia’s political heart, with some stops allowing time for photos and brief explanations.

One of the culinary highlights is a secret stop—a delicious dessert break featuring local sweets like churchkhela and gozranaki, paired with a visit to a food market. Reviewers appreciate this stop for its authentic snacks and the guide’s explanations of their cultural significance. Many mention that the tastings are generous, often more than enough to satisfy a hearty appetite.

The tour continues with visits to Rezo Gabriadze Theater, Anchiskhati Basilica, and a walk along Ioane Shavteli Street, all showcasing Tbilisi’s architectural and religious heritage. Each stop is paired with photo opportunities and short guided explanations, giving you a well-rounded sense of the city’s artistic and spiritual life.

One of the most visually stunning moments is crossing the Bridge of Peace, a modern glass structure that contrasts beautifully with the historic surroundings. Many travelers comment on how walking across it offers sweeping views of the city and the river below. Nearby, Rike Park provides space for a quick break or a moment to soak in the city’s vibe.

As the tour winds down, you’ll visit Europe Square and the Meidan Bazar, where arts, crafts, and local spirits are on display. The bazaar’s lively atmosphere and diverse offerings give you a chance to pick up unique souvenirs and sample more local flavors, including spirits like chacha.

Finally, the highlight for many is the wine tasting at a cozy local bar, where you’ll sample traditional Georgian wines, including whites, reds, semi-sweets, and the distinctive qvevri wines fermented in clay vessels. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and variety, often noting that the wines exceed expectations for a city tour.

What Guides Bring to the Table

Throughout the reviews, guides like Irina, Mariam, George, and Nodar are repeatedly praised for their warmth, knowledge, and ability to make each guest feel at ease. Many mention their ability to answer questions, share personal stories, and make the experience fun. Several guests highlight how guides tailor the experience, offering tips for the rest of their stay or local recommendations.

For example, one traveler notes that guide Nodar “made it really fun and provided lots of insights,” while others mention that Irina’s warmth made the tour especially memorable. The guides’ storytelling skills elevate the experience beyond simple sightseeing, turning it into a window into everyday Georgian life.

The Value of the Tour: Price and Experience

At its core, this tour offers solid value for the price, especially considering the included hotel pickup, 15 tastings, and expert guide. The food and wine tastings are quite generous, often enough to serve as a light meal, which helps justify the cost.

Travelers consistently express satisfaction with the quality of tastings—ranging from traditional khinkali, sweet treats, to local sauces and wines. Many reviewers mention that the tour is a perfect way to kick off their visit, providing both a cultural overview and culinary introduction that’s practical for planning subsequent activities.

Given the small group format or private options, the experience feels personalized, allowing for more interaction and tailored recommendations. This, combined with the relaxed pace and scenic stops, makes it an appealing choice for first-time visitors or those wanting a laid-back yet comprehensive introduction to Tbilisi.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

• Wear comfortable walking shoes since you’ll be exploring cobblestone streets and parks.
• Check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly—whether that’s sunscreen or an umbrella.
• Arrive hungry, as the tastings are plentiful—reviewers often say they couldn’t finish all the food!
• Expect a fair amount of walking but also some breaks—plan your day with this in mind.
• Consider booking a private or small group tour if you want more personal attention or flexibility.
• Since hotel pickup is included, confirm your pick-up location in advance to avoid any surprises.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Join?

This tour is perfect for foodies eager to try authentic Georgian dishes and wine lovers looking to sample local varieties. It also suits history buffs interested in seeing Tbilisi’s major sights while learning about its past. First-time visitors will appreciate the rundown, while those with limited time will find it a perfect introduction.

Travelers who value guide expertise and local insight consistently rate this tour highly, as it transforms sightseeing into a storytelling experience. Since it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or large luggage, plan your logistics accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does the tour last?

It lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on availability and pace.

• Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off for your convenience.

• What is included in the tastings?

The tastings include traditional khinkali, sweets like churchkhela and gozranaki, sauces, and a variety of Georgian wines, plus spirits like chacha.

• Are there vegetarian options?

The tour features mushroom and potato-cheese khinkali, which are vegetarian, but confirm with the provider if you have specific dietary needs.

• Can I book a private tour?

Yes, private and small group options are available for a more personalized experience.

• Is the tour suitable for children?

While not explicitly stated, the focus on food and sightseeing makes it family-friendly, but check with the provider regarding age restrictions.

• Do I need to bring anything?

Comfortable shoes are recommended, and weather-appropriate clothing depending on the forecast.

• What makes the wine tasting special?

The selection includes traditional Georgian varieties, including unique qvevri wines fermented in clay vessels, often praised for their quality.

• Are there any stops with free time?

Yes, some stops, such as the food market and park visits, offer free time for exploration or photos.

• How are the guides?

Guests consistently describe guides as knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging, greatly enhancing the experience.

Final Thoughts

This guided tour in Tbilisi offers a balanced mix of sights, flavors, and stories that really bring the city to life. The combination of expert guides, generous tastings, and scenic stops makes it a smart choice for most travelers eager to get a solid introduction to Georgia’s capital.

If you enjoy learning about a destination through its food, wine, and local stories, you’ll find this tour a rewarding way to spend a few hours. It’s especially well-suited for first-timers, foodie travelers, and those wanting a relaxed, comprehensive glimpse of what makes Tbilisi special.

While the tour’s duration is flexible, the depth of experience makes it feel like a full day’s worth of cultural discovery packed into a manageable timeframe. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, the small-group or private options ensure a personal touch that travelers rave about.

This tour offers excellent value—combining sightseeing, tasting, and cultural insights into one smooth, engaging experience. It’s likely to leave you with a full belly, a few new favorite wines, and a keen understanding of why Tbilisi is rapidly becoming a must-visit city in the Caucasus.

You can check availability for your dates here: