Masterless Kizhiqi: Wine & Heritage Tour

1 hour

Easy

Begin your journey toward Kakheti with a stop at the Tbilisi Automobile Museum, located on the Kakheti Highway. Discover a unique collection of retro cars from the past century, setting a special mood for your journey right from the start.

Next, head to the village of Tokhliauri, where you will visit local residents who specialize in baking traditional bread. Learn the ancient methods of baking bread in a tone (traditional clay oven) and participate in the process yourself. Try your hand at slapping the dough onto the oven walls and taste fresh, fragrant, traditional Georgian bread (Dedal-puri).

Stop in the village of Chailuri to visit the historical Chailuri (Nikhura) Fortress. Your guide will share stories of how ancestors defended themselves against enemy invasions in the past. Right nearby, explore cultivated Kakhetian vineyards, take memorable photos, and continue your journey.

Drive through the picturesque villages of the Kizhiqi region. Historically, Kizhiqi is a unique area that was never conquered by invaders and was known as the "masterless region" (ubatono mkhare). Its locals have always stood out for their exceptional independence and hospitality.

Visit the Bodbe Monastery, named after and housing the tomb of St. Nino, the Enlightener of Georgia. Place your personal items and accessories on the saint's tomb, which, according to tradition, helps bring spiritual and physical healing.

Continue your spiritual journey by walking down to the sacred **Bodbe Holy Spring**. Here, those who wish can take part in a ritual bath using special white robes provided (symbolizing Christ's tunic), experiencing an unmatched feeling of complete purification, spiritual renewal, and peace.

Enter Georgia's most romantic town, Sighnaghi. Built in the 18th century under the initiative of King Erekle II, the town originally served as an important trade and craft center at a major crossroad. Its classic architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and charming atmosphere instantly captivate every visitor.

Sighnaghi is intrinsically connected to the life of Georgia’s legendary self-taught genius painter, Niko Pirosmani. This is the region where Pirosmani felt the simplicity of nature and people, and where the core motifs and colors of his art were born. Optionally, you can visit the Sighnaghi Museum, which houses original canvases by the artist.

Explore Sighnaghi’s ancient and massive defensive wall (one of the longest in Europe, wrapping entirely around the town). From here, breathtaking panoramic views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains unfold before you.

The final stop of the tour is the town of Tsnori, located close to Sighnaghi. Visit a traditional local wine cellar where you will taste authentic qvevri Georgian wine and chacha. At the end of the day, relax and dine at a local Kakhetian restaurant, featuring traditional dishes and outstanding hospitality.

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