Day 01
Gombori Pass, Gremi Fortress and Kvareli Wine Tunnel
- Embark on a scenic journey through the forest road of the Gombori mountain pass, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. The Gombori Pillars, towering at 50 metres, are striking natural formations. In close proximity, you will also find several man-made caves. While the rock is visible from a distance, it is well worth approaching for a closer look.
- Make a wish in Telavi at a 900-year-old tree that stands about 40 metres high, with a circumference of more than 12 metres and a diameter of 3.6 metres. Many legends surround this tree, and according to one of them, Queen Tamar planted it. Although no official source confirms this, it is known that honoured guests were received under its shade in the 19th century. Legend says that if you make a wish at the tree, it will come true.
- Explore the Gremi fortress, a testament to the architectural prowess of King Levan and Queen Ketevan. Perched on a rocky hill, this fortress was the capital of the Kakheti kingdom in the 16th century. Today, all that remains of the once-thriving city are the ruins of a market, baths, a caravanserai, and a palace. The current complex, a former citadel, features a tower, royal chambers, defensive walls, and the Archangel Church, constructed from square bricks. The church's interior is adorned with frescoes dating back to the 17th century.
- Visit the giant wine tunnel in Kvareli, in the Alazani Valley, where a unique wine cellar and the "Kvareli Wine Tunnel" complex were created. The tunnel was cut through the Caucasus rock massif, and throughout the year the temperature fluctuates between 12-16°C, creating ideal conditions for storing and ageing wine. The total length of the Wine Tunnel is 7.7 km, consisting of two primary tunnels and 13 connecting tunnels. One of the two entrances is used for tourism, while the other is used for the care and ageing of wines stored in metal and oak vessels. In this section, guests can see the bottled wine cellar, which can accommodate up to 26,000 bottles of the highest-quality wine. Beyond the tunnel itself, there is also a large recreational park, a river, ancient jugs, an old Georgian water mill, a traditional bakery, a chacha pen, an ancient cellar with a wine press and jugs, and huts. Of course, you can also taste some of the best wines of Georgia and take part in master classes on preparing Georgian bread, Khinkali, Churchkhela, and barbecue.
