Day Trip: Mtskheta, Wine Tasting & Uplistsikhe Caves

Thinking about a day trip from Tbilisi that combines history, culture, and good wine? This tour offers just that, promising a well-rounded experience wrapped into one 8-hour journey. We’ve looked into it, and while it’s not perfect for everyone, it can be a fantastic way to get a taste of Georgia’s treasures without overextending your schedule.

What we really appreciate about this trip is how it packs three major highlights—a UNESCO-listed spiritual town, a local winery, and an ancient cave city—into a seamless day. Plus, the inclusion of a homemade lunch and wine tasting at a family-owned winery makes the experience more personal and flavorful. On the flip side, the longer travel times between sites mean you’re on the move quite a bit, which can be tiring if you’re expecting a very relaxed pace.

If you’re looking for a full, diverse snapshot of Georgia’s past and present with a manageable day plan, this trip is worth considering. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy history, scenic views, and trying local wines, but it might be less ideal if you prefer a slow, in-depth exploration or are traveling with very young children.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Covers UNESCO sites, wine tasting, and an ancient cave city.
• Cultural immersion: Visits to Mtskheta and Uplistsikhe reveal Georgia’s spiritual and ancient roots.
• Taste and see: Includes a homemade lunch and guided wine tasting of unique Georgian varieties.
• Efficient itinerary: Well-organized to maximize sights in an 8-hour window.
• Travel comfort: Transportation is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, which helps break up long drives.
• Group size: Small groups (up to 10) mean a more personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What’s in Store

Let’s walk through what you’ll actually do during this trip, so you can picture yourself on it. The schedule is fairly packed, and the order of sites makes sense, moving from spiritual to historical, and ending with the stunning cave city.

Starting at the Mural of David Agmashenebeli

Your day begins near the Mural of David Agmashenebeli, a notable monument in Tbilisi. From here, the drive to Jvari Monastery takes about 40 minutes. The monastery, a UNESCO site, is perched above the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, offering some of the most iconic views in Georgia. It’s a spot that’s as much about the scenery as the history—an early highlight that sets the tone for the day.

Jvari Monastery: A UNESCO Icon

Once you arrive, you’ll spend around 30 minutes exploring this well-preserved church. The location provides sweeping vistas that are truly photo-worthy. The guide will share stories about how Christianity first arrived in Georgia in the 4th century, giving you a taste of the country’s spiritual journey. Be prepared for steep steps and uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Mtskheta: Georgia’s Spiritual Heart

Next, you’ll head into the town of Mtskheta, just a 20-minute ride away. Here, the focus is on two key sites: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Samtavro Monastery.

Svetitskhoveli is famous for its legend—it’s believed to house the robe of Christ, making it Georgia’s most sacred church. The architecture is impressive, with its tall, elegant pillars and intricate details. Inside, the atmosphere is peaceful, and you can’t help but feel the weight of centuries of devotion.

Samtavro Monastery is a quieter spot, resting place of Georgia’s first Christian monarchs. It’s a lovely place to walk around, soaking in the history and serenity. Visitors often comment on how special it is to wander these cobbled streets, feeling a connection to Georgia’s past.

The guided tour here lasts about 70 minutes, giving enough time to see the main sights and listen to engaging stories from your guide.

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Lunch and Wine Tasting in Shida Kartli

After exploring Mtskheta, you’ll hop back in the van for about an hour to reach the Shida Kartli region. Here, the highlight is a family-owned winery known for its traditional winemaking methods and elegant wines.

The wine tasting features unique Georgian varieties, including amber wines made in qvevris—large clay vessels that ferment the wine naturally. The guided tasting is a real highlight, especially if you’re into wine or curious about Georgian traditions. The winery visit is paired with a homemade lunch using locally sourced ingredients, giving you a taste of traditional Georgian flavors in a warm, personal setting.

Guests have raved about the views from the winery, noting how the scenery adds to the experience. It’s a relaxed yet educational segment of the trip, perfect for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Uplistsikhe: Ancient Cave City

The afternoon takes you to Uplistsikhe, about 50 minutes away. This 3,000-year-old cave city carved into sandstone cliffs is a highlight you’ll likely remember long after the trip ends. The site features pagan temples, Christian basilicas, throne rooms, tunnels, and panoramic views over the Kura River valley.

Walking through the tunnels and exploring the carved rooms, you get a real sense of how this place served as a spiritual and political hub long before Tbilisi’s rise. The guide will point out interesting features, and many visitors mention how impressive the scale and preservation of the caves are, even after thousands of years.

You’ll spend roughly two hours here, which is enough to get a solid sense of the complex while leaving plenty of time for photos and soaking in the scenery.

Wrap-up and Return to Tbilisi

After Uplistsikhe, a 1.5-hour drive takes you back to the starting point in Tbilisi. Many travelers feel the day offers a satisfying overview of Georgia’s diverse sites, though it’s a fair amount of ground to cover.

What’s the Value Here?

At $266 per person, this tour offers a lot—transport, guided visits, entrance fees, wine tasting, and a homemade lunch. The price seems reasonable considering the variety of experiences packed into one day. You’re paying for convenience, expert guidance, and access to sites that might be tricky to navigate on your own, especially with limited time.

That said, the long drives—about 40 minutes, then 20, then an hour, plus nearly another hour to Uplistsikhe—mean you’ll spend a good chunk of the day in transit. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or are sensitive to long bus rides, it’s worth considering this aspect.

The small group size (up to 10 participants) helps keep things intimate and allows for personalized attention, which many reviews appreciate.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a diverse, efficient day exploring some of Georgia’s most iconic sites. It’s perfect if you’re into history, architecture, religious heritage, and local wine. The guided format ensures you get context and stories you might miss on your own.

However, it’s less suited for those who want a very leisurely experience or have mobility issues, given the amount of walking and the bus rides. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children, the itinerary might be a bit demanding.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of Georgia in a single day—covering spiritual sites, ancient ruins, and local traditions. The highlights like Uplistsikhe’s archaeological wonder and the spectacular views from Jvari Monastery are genuinely memorable. The inclusion of wine tasting and homemade lunch adds a personal touch that elevates the experience beyond just sightseeing.

While the long drives might be a downside for some, the convenience of a guided, all-inclusive day makes it worth considering, especially if time is limited. It’s a good pick for curious travelers eager to see a variety of Georgia’s cultural treasures without the fuss of planning every detail.

If you’re after a balanced, value-packed day with a taste of history, landscape, and local flavors, this trip could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not explicitly designed for children under 18, and the long drives and walking might be tiring for young kids. It’s best suited for adult travelers or older teens comfortable with some physical activity.

Are meals included?
No, the tour doesn’t include lunch. Instead, there’s a homemade lunch at the winery, which many guests find to be a highlight. You’ll want to bring some cash for extras or personal expenses.

How long is the drive between sites?
Travel times vary: about 40 minutes to Jvari Monastery, 20 minutes to Mtskheta, an hour to the winery, and roughly 50 minutes to Uplistsikhe. The entire day involves quite a bit of bus travel, so be prepared for that.

What’s the group size?
Small groups are limited to 10 participants, making for a more intimate and flexible experience.

Is there a lot of walking involved?
Yes, especially at Uplistsikhe and the monasteries. Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What language is the tour guided in?
The tour is guided in English, ensuring clear communication and storytelling.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot, especially since it’s a small-group tour with limited availability.

Thinking of catching this day trip? It offers a practical, engaging way to experience Georgia’s highlights, perfect for a first-taste or a quick cultural fix.

You can check availability for your dates here: