Tbilisi: Old & New city, Guided tour with 12 Tastings

If you’re visiting Georgia’s capital and want to combine history, culture, and a hearty taste of local flavors, this guided tour of Tbilisi’s Old and New Town offers an excellent way to do so. For around three hours, you’ll wander through winding streets with your knowledgeable guide, sampling 12 Georgian delicacies including wine, Churchkhela, and traditional dumplings. The tour is priced reasonably, especially considering it includes hotel pickup and drop-off and tickets for the cable car, making it a fuss-free way to soak up the city’s atmosphere.

What we particularly love about this experience is how it balances cultural highlights with culinary discoveries. Visiting iconic sights like the sulfur baths and the colorful clock tower, coupled with tastings of local wine and sweet treats, makes the tour memorable and immersive. Plus, the reviews highlight how engaging the guides are, making learning about Tbilisi’s past as fun as tasting its present.

One potential drawback is the walking involved—about two to three miles—so comfortable shoes are a must. This tour suits travelers who enjoy history, food, and local life without wanting to spend all day. It works well for those visiting Tbilisi for a short time who want a well-rounded taste of the city.

• Balanced Experience: Combines sightseeing with flavorful tastings, ideal for those wanting a little of everything.
• Expert Guides: Highly praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making history and culture accessible.
• Authentic Flavors: Includes traditional wine, Churchkhela, and local dumplings, showcasing Georgia’s culinary heritage.
• Convenient: Hotel pickup, cable car tickets, and a compact 3-hour format fit well into most itineraries.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Visits bustling markets and hidden gems like sulfur baths to get a real sense of daily life.
• Good Value: The tour’s all-inclusive tastings and guided insights make it a strong value for the price.

Starting the Journey: An Easy Introduction

The tour begins with hotel pickup, setting a comfortable tone for travelers who prefer not to navigate the city on their own. This convenience means you can focus on the experience rather than logistics. The guide, whether it’s Giorgi, Irina, or another friendly expert, immediately puts you at ease with their local insights and enthusiasm.

Once you step out, you’ll find the tour covers both Old Tbilisi’s winding streets and glimpses of the modern side of the city. The initial stops—like Cafe Daphna and the State Palace of Ceremonies—offer perfect photo opportunities and a quick sense of the city’s evolving character. It’s a slow-paced walk, designed to keep you engaged without feeling rushed.

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Exploring Historic Tbilisi

The Old Town is the heart of the tour, with cobblestone streets lined with traditional Georgian houses boasting wooden balconies. You’ll pass by landmarks like the Rezo Gabriadze Theater, famous for its quirky clock tower, and the Dry Bridge Market, where locals buy and sell everything from vintage jewelry to fresh produce.

What we loved here is how the guides share lively stories about each site, weaving history with personal anecdotes. For example, the sulfur baths are more than just a pleasant place to soak—they tell a story of Tbilisi’s centuries-old reputation as a spa city. As one reviewer notes, these baths are a “hidden gem” that reveal why locals have flocked here for generations.

Tasting the Flavors of Georgia

The culinary portion of the tour is where it really shines. Nine tastings bring Georgian food to life—ranging from Khinkali (dumplings) stuffed with beef, mushrooms, or potato-cheese, to Shoti bread and local lemonade. Each dumpling variation offers a different taste experience, showcasing the variety and ingenuity of Georgian cuisine.

The wine tastings are a highlight, with options like white, red, and Qvevri wine—a traditional method of fermenting in clay vessels. Travelers consistently praise the quality and friendliness of the wine, with comments like “the wine was delicious” and “an excellent selection.” The tastings of Churchkhela, a candle-shaped sweet made from grape must and nuts, add a unique touch that captures Georgia’s sweet tooth.

Market and Cultural Insights

Strolling through markets like the Flower Market and Meidan Bazar, you get a sense of everyday life. Vendors sell fresh fruits, spices, and handmade crafts, giving you a chance to chat with locals or pick up souvenirs. The tour also passes by contemporary landmarks—like Rike Park and the Château Mukhrani Wine Bar—where modern life and tradition blend seamlessly.

The guides help you understand Georgian culture through stories about art, music, and traditions. For example, the Giorgi or Irina personal stories make history come alive, and reviews show how much visitors appreciate their engaging personalities.

Transportation and Group Size

The inclusion of cable car tickets allows you to enjoy panoramic views of Tbilisi without extra hassle. The tour is typically small, allowing for personalized attention and plenty of interaction. The walking distance, about 2-3 miles, is manageable for most travelers, but comfortable shoes are a must—especially since cobblestones and uneven streets are common.

The tour operates in any weather, so dressing appropriately for the day’s forecast is wise. It’s flexible in timing—check availability for your preferred start time.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food lovers eager to try authentic Georgian dishes and history enthusiasts who want a lively, storytelling approach. Travelers who value local interaction—whether chatting with vendors or hearing personal stories—will find it especially rewarding. It’s also great for those short on time but wanting a comprehensive glimpse of both Tbilisi’s past and present.

When considering the price, the tour’s inclusions—guided commentary, hotel pickup, cable car tickets, and a dozen tastings—offer excellent value. You’re not just paying for a sightseeing walk but for a full cultural and culinary experience. The generous portions and quality of tastings, especially the wines, make it a particularly good deal.

The reviews consistently praise guides’ friendliness and knowledge, which turns an average city walk into a memorable, personalized journey. Guests mention how their guides shared insights that you might not find in guidebooks, making the experience feel authentic and connected.

If you enjoy exploring on foot but want the convenience of a guided experience, this tour hits the mark. It’s a balanced mix of sights, stories, and flavors—ideal for travelers who want to understand Tbilisi’s character without spending hours wandering aimlessly. Foodies will love the variety of tastings, while history buffs will appreciate the engaging storytelling.

On the practical side, it’s suitable for most travelers, provided you’re comfortable walking. The guides’ warmth and expertise shine through in every review, making it a highlight of any Tbilisi visit. Whether you’re here for a quick overview or a deeper appreciation of Georgian culture, this tour offers a satisfying, flavorful bite of the city.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable and enriching experience without feeling rushed.

What is included in the tour?
Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional English-speaking guide, tickets for the cable car, and 12 carefully selected tastings—covering everything from wine and Churchkhela to dumplings and bread.

Are there any dietary restrictions to consider?
The tour focuses on traditional Georgian foods, but it’s best to inform the provider if you have specific dietary needs. The variety of tastings offers options like mushroom and potato-cheese dumplings.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 12 are generally only allowed on private tours. For younger children, check with the provider beforehand.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential since you’ll be walking 2-3 miles over uneven streets.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

This guided tour of Tbilisi’s Old & New City offers a well-balanced combo of culture, history, and cuisine. It’s especially suited for those who love engaging guides, authentic flavors, and a glimpse into daily Georgian life—all within a relaxed, accessible format. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a deeper dive, it’s a flavorful way to fall in love with this vibrant city.