georgia
October 2 - 11, 2026
Ancient Georgia:
Wine Harvest & Cultural Journey
Remember that I Love Lucy episode where she stomps grapes? You're about to live that - except way better, and in the actual birthplace of wine. Picture this: You're crushing grapes with your feet, shotgunning wine from a roof tile, and wondering how you ended up in a stranger's basement drinking homemade wine at 2 PM on a Tuesday. Welcome to Georgia - the country, not the state - where 8,000 years of winemaking tradition meets hospitality so aggressive it's basically love. This is where sulfur baths bond you faster than therapy, where every meal is a feast that would make your Midwest mom jealous, and where "one glass of wine" is a myth nobody even pretends to believe. This isn't just a trip. It’s a soul-stirring adventure with the kind of hospitality that'll have you hugging strangers by day two. Georgia doesn't do tourism like other countries - it does connection. And trust us, you're about to fall in love with a country you probably couldn't find on a map last week.
At A Glance
Locations: Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kaheti, Rabati, Kutaisi
Duration: 10 days
Price: $4,750
Physical Rating: 3/5
Airport: Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)
Group Size: 12 people
Highlights: Supra feast, wine harvest, sulfur baths
We’ll come together as a group of strangers, but leave with friends you’ll have for a lifetime.
This isn't just a trip; it's a deep dive into an under discovered culture that has captivated adventurous travelers for centuries. We’ll visit many the off the beaten path highlights of Georgia, including Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kakheti, Rabati, Akhaltsikhe, and Kutaisi.
Itinerary
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Pickup from Tbilisi airport
Free time
Optional dinner
Welcome to the beginning of your Georgian adventure! After your flight lands, you'll be greeted and transferred to your charming boutique hotel in the heart of Tbilisi.
The remainder of the day is designed for relaxation, allowing you to unwind from your journey, settle into your comfortable accommodations, and adjust to the local time. This gentle start sets the stage for the exciting experiences ahead, ensuring you're refreshed and ready to immerse yourself in Georgia's rich culture and stunning landscapes in the coming days.
No meals are included this day, but an optional dinner will be arranged for those who are interested. -
Breakfast at hotel
Free morning
Optional afternoon walk
Sulfur bath experience
Group dinnerThis relaxing yet culturally rich day in Georgia offers a perfect balance of leisure and local experiences. Begin with a free morning to rest or explore at your own pace.
In the afternoon, join an optional walking tour to get your bearings. The highlight comes next with a visit to the Orbeliani Bath, where you'll indulge in traditional Georgian sulfur bath treatments, a rejuvenating experience steeped in local tradition.
The day concludes with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, officially kicking off your adventure with delicious Georgian cuisine and newfound friends.
Breakfast and dinner included -
Walking tour of Old Tbilisi
Juma Mosque, Meidan Bazaar, and Metekhi Church
Rikhe Park cable car ride
Jvari Monastery (UNESCO)
Mtskheta (UNESCO)
Traditional Georgian dinner with live dance show
After a late breakfast to adjust to the time zone, embark on an extensive walking tour through Old Tbilisi's enchanting neighborhoods.
Discover the historic sulfur baths district, ride the cable car to Mother Georgia statue, wander through the Meidan Bazaar, and explore hidden gems like the secret waterfall, Italian courtyards, and Kalantarov's House.
Visit Metekhi Church, Sioni Cathedral, and admire landmarks from the Puppet Theatre Clock to the Tamada Statue.
Enjoy lunch, followed by free time for coffee, rest, or an optional wine tasting.
In the late afternoon, journey to Jvari Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of Christianity in Georgia (326 AD), capturing golden hour views over the river valley.
Continue to Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital, exploring the UNESCO-listed cathedral and browsing sunset markets along cobbled streets.
The evening culminates in a festive dinner accompanied by a spectacular traditional Georgian dance performance.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. -
Breakfast at hotel
Signagi Mountain Village
Wine harvest experience
Khinkali cooking class
Wine tasting and supra
Savor a leisurely breakfast and relaxed morning exploring Old Tbilisi before departing for Georgia's famed wine country. Your journey begins at a stunning viewpoint overlooking Signagi, followed by time to wander the cobbled streets of this charming mountain village—once King Erekle II's summer retreat. Explore the impressive fortification walls that encircle the town and browse local souvenir shops.
The afternoon brings an unforgettable highlight: a traditional wine harvest experience with a local family winemaker. Roll up your sleeves (and bare your feet!) to pick grapes and stomp them the time-honored way, accompanied by live folk music.
Learn to make khinkali, Georgia's beloved soup dumplings, and master the art of Georgian BBQ. As evening falls, gather for a traditional supra—a lavish harvest feast complete with heartfelt toasts, abundant dishes, wine tasting, and free-flowing wine.
This authentic celebration of Georgian hospitality and winemaking tradition creates memories that last a lifetime. Overnight at Qvevrebi Hotel.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. -
Morning at the spa
Tushetian lunch
Wool-making craft class
Zhinvali Reservoir
Fish farm
Begin your day with a relaxed morning and breakfast with views of your beautiful qveri hotel. The morning is yours to enjoy the spa or get a massage.At a local guesthouse, enjoy an authentic Tushetian lunch with mountain tea on the terrace, followed by a hands-on wool-making craft class where you'll learn traditional techniques. Journey through the scenic Tianeti mountain pass, stopping at golden hour for breathtaking photos at the Zhinvali Reservoir.
The day concludes with a unique dinner at a fish farm, savoring whole sturgeon baked in a traditional tone oven.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. -
Rabati fortress
Tenil string cheese-making
Free afternoon
Family dinner featuring traditional Meskhetian cuisine
Kada bread bakingAfter breakfast, explore the impressive Rabati fortress and regional museum, located steps from your hotel. Climb the tower for sweeping views or wander the complex at your own pace. Journey to nearby villages to witness the traditional craft of making Tenil string cheese at a local home, followed by an authentic village lunch.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy the hotel's natural hot springs spa or explore Akhaltsikhe's diverse heritage sites, including a historic synagogue, Armenian church ruins, and Turkish bath remains. You might also visit nearby Natenadze's restaurant, renowned for its unique wines made from wild foraged grapes.
The evening brings a warm family dinner showcasing traditional Meskhetian dishes and local wines, where you'll learn to bake Kada bread and discover Georgia's endemic wheat varieties like Doli and Dika.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included -
Breakfast at hotel
Borjomi history
Terrace lunch
Explore old Soviet cable car stations
Visit Mgvimevi Cave Monastery
Authentic Imeretian cuisine dinner
After breakfast, depart for a scenic journey westward, beginning with a photo stop at Borjomi viewpoint to admire the valley's autumn colors and learn about the town's history.
Continue to a family winery for a memorable terrace lunch paired with Imeretian wines—exploring the whites, rosés, and light reds of the Sachkhere region alongside traditional dishes.
Discover fascinating Soviet-era history at an abandoned cable car station and factory ruins, where you can climb inside the old structures of this once-thriving mining valley with over 50 cable cars.
Visit the remarkable Mgvimevi Cave Monastery, built into a dramatic rock face, before stopping for photos at the iconic Katskhi Pillar.
Arrive in Kutaisi and check into our hotel. As twilight falls, take a leisurely walk across the white bridge through old Kutaisi, explore the local bakeries and pubs, and enjoy dinner on your own or with your travel buddies.Breakfast and lunch included.
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Breakfast at hotel
Free morning
Explore the abandoned Soviet spa complexes of Tskaltubo
Authentic Imeretian cuisine dinner
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relaxed morning exploring Kutaisi.
Choose between discovering the city independently or joining a guided tour to visit the UNESCO-listed Bagrati Cathedral, take a scenic cable car ride over the river, stroll across the white bridge, and admire the Colchis Fountain.
Optional stops include the Kutaisi Museum, central food market, a local art gallery, or a coffee break at Gardenia café.
After lunch, venture to the hauntingly beautiful abandoned Soviet spa complexes of Tskaltubo with a local photo guide, exploring these atmospheric relics of another era. If time allows, visit the picturesque Motsameta Monastery.
The day concludes with dinner, where you'll savor authentic Imeretian cuisine while enjoying spectacular sunset views over Gelati Monastery.
Breakfast and dinner included -
Breakfast at hotel
Free time
Explore Uplistsikhe cave town
Visit a local school dance troupe and opportunity to donate to the project
Traditional supra (feast) at wine cellarAfter a leisurely morning in Kutaisi, enjoy a quick lunch in or near Gori before exploring the ancient Uplistsikhe cave town, complete with a mini wine tasting at the historic marani perched at the top.
Visit a local school to meet a children's dance troupe, with the opportunity to support the project through donations for dance costumes.
The day's grand finale is a traditional supra at a wine cellar, featuring polyphonic singing tableside and heartfelt Georgian toasts, followed by a hands-on dance class taught by a former member of Georgia's national dance troupe.
After this memorable celebration, transfer to Tbilisi with airport hotel drop-off for those with early departures.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included -
Breakfast at hotel
Free time or airport transfers
This final day of your Georgian adventure is designed to accommodate various departure times and preferences. For those with late-night or early-morning flights (from 2am onwards), the day is left open to allow for rest and packing.Breakfast included
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✓ Airport pick-up and drop-off at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)
✓ All activities, tours, and entrance fees listed in the itinerary
✓ Local ground transportation to all listed activities
✓ 24 meals (9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners)
✓ Wine tastings and full pours of wine during several tours and meals
✓ Gratuities for included meals
✓ 4-star boutique accommodations with double occupancy
✓ Local English-speaking guides
✓ Private English-speaking driver
✓ Group trip leader for support before and throughout the trip
✓ WhatsApp chat support for the group three months prior to trip
✓ Pre-trip orientation call and trip guide with packing list and travel tips
✓ Shared album with photos and videos of the entire trip
✓ Professional Liability Insurance
✓ All taxes (including VAT)
NOT INCLUDED
X International flight to and from Tbilsi. Details will be provided after you register.
X Travel insurance (required, see more info in FAQs)
X Meals and beverages not specified above
X Alcoholic beverages not included in tours (but A LOT of wine is included!)
X Gratuities for tour guides and drivers
X Optional extra activities during free time
X Any extras not listed above
Accommodations:
This trip is for adventurous souls who want to share a once in a lifetime experience with new friends.
Throughout your journey across Georgia, you'll experience comfortable and charming accommodations that perfectly complement the country's rich culture and warm hospitality. We've carefully selected a range of 4-star hotels, favoring boutique properties over large chain establishments. These intimate, locally-owned hotels offer a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Georgian character. Expect stylish rooms with local touches, personalized service, and often, stunning views of the surrounding landscapes or historic towns. Many of these boutique hotels are housed in beautifully restored buildings, allowing you to immerse yourself in Georgia's architectural heritage while enjoying contemporary comforts.
Why Travel to Georgia With Us:
You can travel with a lot of group trip companies, but it might not be the same experience—especially to a hidden gem like Georgia. Here’s just a few reasons why we’re different:
You literally just have to show up.
Pack your bags (we'll tell you exactly what to bring) and book that flight (yep, got tips for that too). Everything else? That's our problem now. Your only job is to show up ready for adventure.
We've done the homework so you don't have to.
That means preparing you every step of the way and providing information on everything from purchasing flights, visas, currency, weather and safety, to the more exciting things like what to wear and fun things to do in your free time. Because we scout every trip first, you get to skip the tourist traps and rookie mistakes we've already made for you.
No more waiting on flaky friends.
We've all been there - that group chat that starts with "Let's plan a trip!" and ends in radio silence. Not here. The dates are set, the itinerary is locked in, and your adventure squad is ready to go.
Small group = Big experiences.
Forget those massive tour buses. We keep it intimate (10-15 people max) because you can't exactly have a heart-to-heart conversation with 40 strangers or get invited into someone's home for tea when you roll up with a small army.
Make an actual difference (not just Instagram stories about it).
This isn't about drive-by tourism or performative do-gooding. We're talking real connections with local communities, authentic cultural exchanges, and meaningful ways to give back that actually help rather than hurt.
Finally get photos you won’t hate in 5 years.
Let's be honest - we all want at least a few shots that make our friends jealous. We’ve got you covered with photos that capture the real you having the time of your life (not just awkward poses in front of landmarks). Check out some photos of past adventurers.
testimonial
“My recent trip to Georgia with a few besties and a group of people I’d never met—left me altered in the best way. I came back to Chicago with a lighter heart, a fuller spirit, and new lifelong friends.Georgia, a country that’s known only 25 years of peace during it’s long history, embodies empathy, compassion, and selflessness. Its people carry a warmth and generosity that quietly changes you. And it reminded me that even in places marked by struggle, the human spirit always finds ways to be kind. Take the trip. Always take the trip. And do yourself a favor, experience a part of the world (or several) with Laura Ericson.”
-Mea
Ready to reserve your spot?
INVESTMENT:
$4,750 for double occupancy
+$600 for single occupancy
DEPOSIT DUE AT BOOKING:
$750
We offer a free payment plan, so you can spread the payment across several months, with a $750 deposit due at time of booking.
Get $250 off for paying in full using code PAYINFULL at checkout (valid until January 15).
Additional payment due dates are January 15 ($1,000), March 15 ($1,000), May 15 ($1,000), and July 15 (remaining balance). All payments are non-refundable.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need a different payment arrangement. We look forward to sharing this adventure with you!
FAQs
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In short, A LOT!
This trip is designed to be almost all-inclusive. Food and wine is a huge part of Georgian culture, so most meals are included on the trip--and they are plentiful. And because this is the birthplace of wine, I promise you the wine will be flowing and generously poured throughout!
**Top shelf premium spirits are not included. -
This entirely depends on your spending habits, but you won't need a lot due to the all-inclusive nature of this particular trip.
I would budget $25 a day for spending money, unless you plan to do a lot of shopping.
You’ll also want to set aside money for tips for our guide and driver. -
This trip requires a moderate level of physical activity, with most of it being walking. There's a mixture of fast-paced activities and additional time for free time and rest. There will also be several days that we will travel by van for an hour or more.
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Absolutely not! Most people come on group trips alone, and it’s the best way to meet people!
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While most of my trips tend to be people in the 30-50 age range, all ages 18+ are welcome.
We usually have some people who are 50+ on our trips, so if that's you, don't worry! Age is truly just a number, and it’s more important that the trip sounds like a good fit for you than your actual age. -
While this trip is very on the go (we’ve got a lot of ground to cover), most days have free time built in so you have time to wander, shop, and explore the cities we are in.
In addition, all planned activities are optional, so you are free to opt out at any time if you choose.
All that being said, this trip is designed to show you the best of the best of Georgia and all activities have been personally vetted by me to ensure you’re only seeing things worth seeing. If something isn’t generally liked by the entire group, I don’t include it in the itinerary and leave it for free time.
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You bet! I realize this is a large investment, so I try to make my trips as affordable as possible by offering payment plans.
There is an up front deposit of $750 at the time of booking. The remaining portion will be split into smaller payments.
You are responsible for making payments on time, or you will forfeit your spot without refund. All payments are due by June 1, 2026.
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Wait until you get the green light from me to purchase your flights—I typically recommend 3-6 months prior to the trip, or as soon as I’ve finalized our group and arrival details.
I will be in contact with you regularly with reminders and assistance on purchasing fights, visas, insurance, packing, and more.
In the meantime, feel free to set up a flight alert on Google Flights to start monitoring prices. You will be flying in and out of Tbilisi International Airport (TBS).
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Yes, you will need a passport valid beyond April 11, 2027, as passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the last day of the trip.
If you do not have a passport, I recommend you start the process right away, as it can take several months to receive it. If you need assistance with this, feel free to reach out!
VISAS
Come 2025, Americans and Brits will be required to apply for European Travel Information and Authorization System authorization and pay a small fee to visit Europe.
That being said, Georgia is not currently one of the listed countries that will require a visa.
Read more about the new ETIAS program here.
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Yes, travel insurance is required for all of my trips starting in 2025, with a minimum of post-departure/travel medical coverage (typically about $50). There are options to upgrade to trip cancellation coverage + cancel for any reason coverage as well.
I always recommend getting travel insurance for large investments such as a trip like this. It's well worth the peace of mind knowing you will have travel and health coverage should something go wrong before or during your trip (and I have had several people have to use it—they were SO glad they had it).I always tell people to ask themselves, “am I willing to lose thousands of dollars should I not be able to go on this trip?” If the answer is no, consider getting trip cancellation coverage.
If you want to learn more about travel insurance and are looking for a recommendation, you can learn more about my travel insurance partner, Wanderwell, here.
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I sure hope that’s not the case, but I also realize that life can be unpredictable, and things happen.
All trip payments are non-refundable.
Filling trip spots is incredibly time-consuming. I am a small boutique travel company, and I unfortunately do not have the ability to refund people if their plans change. Your deposits go directly to my local partners, and they are non-refundable to me as well.
Travel insurance is required (see previous FAQ for more details), and will potentially cover most of your trip costs should you need to cancel for a covered reason if you elect a trip cancellation benefit.
Fun Facts
Georgia is believed to be one of the oldest wine regions in the world, with evidence of winemaking dating back over 8,000 years!
October typically marks the transition from the warm months of summer to cooler autumn weather. The daytime temps reach 59°F to 68°F. Nights can be cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 41°F to 50°F.
The currency of Georgia is the Georgian Lari, abbreviated as GEL.
The Georgia terrain is diverse and features a wide range of landscapes, including mountains, valleys, plains, and coastal areas.
The Georgian alphabet, known as Mkhedruli, is one of the oldest alphabets in the world that is still in use today.
Do you have additional questions about traveling with us?
Read our FAQs or contact me!
After leading over 230 people through 9 countries, I've learned that while group trips are absolutely life-changing for most people, they're not everyone's cup of tea (or shot of tequila). Before you dive in, let's make sure we're a match:
Vibe Check
You'll thrive with us if:
You can roll with the punches when things go sideways (because they will - it's travel, not a scripted TV show)
You're cool with scheduled adventures (we've got amazing stuff planned, but if you're the "wake up at 2pm on vacation" type, you’ll be missing out)
You understand the whole "strength in numbers" thing means sometimes doing what works for the group vs. your sudden craving for street food at midnight
You can vibe with different personalities (spoiler: you won't click with everyone, and that's totally fine)
You get excited about culture shock instead of freaking out when things aren't exactly like home (that's kind of the whole point)
Think of it like joining the coolest adventure club you never knew you needed. If you're nodding along to these points, chances are you're gonna fit right in. If you're breaking out in hives just reading this... maybe stick to solo travel for now.
Remember: Travel isn't about being perfect - it's about being open to whatever awesome weirdness comes our way. Because trust me, it will.
Still have questions?
Want to scope out flight prices?
You will be flying in and out of Tbilisi International Airport (TBS).
Laura Ericson Group Trips is not responsible for any costs related to flights. You can use this tool to gauge flight prices, but please wait until you get an email from us approximately 6 months prior to your trip to book your flights to ensure you have all of the information needed for booking. We recommend always booking with the airline directly and not from an online travel agency (OTA) like Kayak, etc.
“Travel is about the
gorgeous feeling of
teetering in the
unknown.”
— Anthony Bourdain
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