Tbilisi offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and vibrant street life, but one of the best ways to see this city is from its waterways. The Mtkvari River slices through the heart of Tbilisi, offering stunning views of famous landmarks like the Bridge of Peace and Narikala Fortress. Whether you’re looking for a quick boat ride, a private excursion, or an evening cruise, Tbilisi’s boat tours deliver memorable perspectives on the city’s charm. We’ve included some of our favorites, like the Tbilisi: Mtkvari River Boat Tour with guide or Music&Wine and the Tbilisi: Private, exclusive Boat Ride & with Welcome Drink, which stand out for their intimacy and scenic views.
Tbilisi’s boat tours cater to a range of interests—from quick scenic cruises to more elaborate private adventures. Many of these experiences include options for wine, music, or personalized guides. With so many choices, you’ll find an option that fits your schedule and style, whether it’s a 30-minute sightseeing spin or a luxurious private ride. Below, we highlight eight of the best boat tours and cruises in Tbilisi, each with its own appeal.
1. Tbilisi: Fun Walking Tour in Game Format+Optional Boat & Wine
At number 1, this lively walking tour combines hands-on fun with the chance to add a boat ride and wine tasting. It begins with a 3-hour exploration of the main sights—Rustaveli Avenue, Rose Revolution Square, and the Bridge of Peace—with a guide who makes history engaging through a game format. It’s ideal if you want a quick, energetic overview of Tbilisi’s highlights. As a bonus, the tour finishes with a delicious Georgian wine tasting session, allowing you to unwind after sightseeing.
This tour shines for its approachable pace and friendly atmosphere, with reviews praising guides like Freddie and Mishu for their knowledge and humor. The itinerary includes stops at Freedom Monument and Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater, blending history, culture, and local stories seamlessly. The price point—just $10 per person—makes it an excellent value, especially considering the included wine tasting.
Bottom line: If you enjoy active, social tours that combine city sights with local flavors, this is a top choice. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a broad introduction in a relaxed setting.
2. Tbilisi: Evening Walking Tour with Optional Wine & Boat Ride
This evening tour offers a relaxed way to get your first impressions of Tbilisi. Over approximately 3 hours, you’ll stroll through the Old Town, explore Rustaveli Avenue, and see the historic gems of the city’s core. The tour naturally extends into an optional boat ride and wine tasting, making it a flexible experience that can be tailored to your interests.
Guided by Freddie, who’s known for his humor and local insights, the tour is highly rated for its friendly and informative style. It’s an excellent choice if you want to combine sightseeing with a chance to unwind by the river, enjoying scenic views like the Kura River at sunset. The tour is especially suitable for those visiting for a short stay and wanting a well-rounded introduction with a relaxed vibe.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for early-arriving travelers or those preferring a laid-back evening with the option to include a boat ride and wine.
3. Tbilisi: Mtkvari River Boat Tour with guide or Music&Wine
At number 3, this 30-minute boat tour along the Mtkvari River offers a comprehensive look at Tbilisi from the water. You’ll glide past landmarks like Narikala Fortress and the Bridge of Peace, with the option to enjoy a guide commentary or some relaxing music and wine onboard. This experience is perfect if you want a quick yet scenic escape from the busy streets.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility—either a guided experience with stories about the city’s architecture and history or simply enjoying the gentle ride with a drink. The short duration makes it suitable for travelers with limited time but who want to see the city from a different angle. Multiple reviews highlight the friendly staff and the great views, making it a popular choice.
Bottom line: For a half-hour scenic cruise with optional wine and music, this tour provides excellent value and a relaxing way to see Tbilisi’s riverside sights.
4. Tbilisi: River Sightseeing Boat Ride with Welcome Drink
Number 4 on our list offers a 30-minute sightseeing boat ride starting from Cafe Trumway, designed for first-time visitors. This experience is all about capturing panoramic views of the city from the Kura River, with highlights including the Bridge of Peace and Narikala Fortress. The tour includes welcome refreshments, which add a friendly touch to the short but sweet ride.
Guests consistently praise the friendly staff and the excellent photo opportunities, especially from the open terrace. The tour’s affordability and ease of access make it especially attractive for those with limited time or looking for a relaxed way to enjoy the river scenery. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable experience that delivers quick, memorable views of Tbilisi’s skyline.
Bottom line: If you want a quick, scenic boat ride with some beverages and fantastic photo ops, this ride hits the mark.
5. Tbilisi Boat Tour: Private Exciting Boat Trip in Old City
This private boat tour offers a 30-minute exclusive experience through Tbilisi’s Old City. You’ll enjoy a relaxed cruise past iconic sites like the Bridge of Peace, Metekhi Church, and Narikala Fortress, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos from the water. It is designed for those who want a personalized experience, away from the crowds, with the ability to customize the ride.
Guests have noted the impressive views and the opportunity to create lasting memories. While the included amenities might be basic, the private setting provides an intimate atmosphere perfect for couples or small groups celebrating a special occasion. The review mentions that beverages could be added to enhance the experience, which is worth considering.
Bottom line: For a customized, peaceful boat ride focusing on the old city’s highlights, this private tour offers a refined way to see Tbilisi from the river.
6. Tbilisi: City Tour by Retro Car and Boat Cruise
Number 6 combines land and water with a retro-style minibus tour followed by a boat cruise on the Mtkvari River. Starting at 3 Jan Shardeni Street, the 1.5-hour experience takes you through the city’s main avenues, like Shota Rustaveli and David Aghmashenebeli, then onto the river for a 30-minute sightseeing cruise.
The tour provides a charming, vintage perspective of Tbilisi, making it a fun choice for those who appreciate classic vehicles and scenic water views. The boat cruise section offers an opportunity to relax and view the city’s skyline from the river, with the added bonus of enjoying a glass of wine or tea onboard. Customers have described the guide as knowledgeable and friendly, adding to the experience’s charm.
Bottom line: This combined land-and-river tour is a good pick for travelers who want a playful, rundown of Tbilisi with a vintage twist.
7. Tbilisi: Kura River Sightseeing Boat Tour
This highly-rated 30-minute boat tour along the Kura River offers a scenic ride past some of Tbilisi’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Metekhi Church and Bridge of Peace. It’s designed for travelers looking for a straightforward, relaxing river excursion with plenty of photo opportunities.
The small size of the group and the friendly staff help make this experience personable. Many reviews mention the impressive views and the opportunity to see the city from a different perspective. The inclusion of a glass of Georgian wine adds a nice touch, making it suitable for those wanting a leisurely, culturally rich experience.
Bottom line: If you prefer a compact, intimate boat tour with great views and a taste of local hospitality, this is a solid choice.
8. TBILISI: Private, exclusive Boat Ride & with Welcome Drink
Finally, the private, 30-minute boat ride offers a luxurious way to enjoy Tbilisi’s scenery. Starting from Cafe Trumway, you’ll cruise past the Bridge of Peace, Metekhi Church, and Narikala Fortress in a relaxed, exclusive setting. This experience is perfect for travelers seeking privacy, with welcome drinks included to enhance the mood.
Reviews highlight the personalized service and beautiful views, making it particularly suitable for couples or small groups wanting a special moment on the water. The relaxed pace and intimate ambiance make it stand out from more crowded options.
Bottom line: For a private, elegant cruise with a focus on comfort and exclusivity, this tour delivers a memorable experience.
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour or Cruise in Tbilisi
Choosing between these options depends on your priorities. If you want a budget-friendly introduction to the city, the Fun Walking Tour with optional boat and wine offers a great balance. For those seeking a romantic or private experience, the Private Boat Ride & Welcome Drink is unmatched in exclusivity. Travelers with limited time should consider the quick scenic river cruise or the half-hour guided tour.
Budget-conscious visitors might prefer these shorter, straightforward options, while those wanting to indulge in a personalized or romantic experience will enjoy the private cruises. The best times to book are during spring and fall when weather is mild, making river cruises especially enjoyable.
Tbilisi offers a surprising variety of boat experiences that reveal different facets of the city. Whether you’re after a quick scenic ride, a lively group outing, or a private escape, the options above give you plenty to choose from. For most travelers, a combination of city walking and a water excursion will give a well-rounded view of Georgia’s capital. Be sure to book early, especially in high season, to secure your preferred time—and get ready to see Tbilisi from a fresh, water-based perspective.