Kutaisi, Wine & Dine - group tour around the city

Experience the Best of Kutaisi with a Well-Rounded Day Tour
This full-day group tour around Kutaisi offers a wonderful mix of historical landmarks, scenic monasteries, lively city walks, and a taste of authentic Georgian wine and cuisine. Starting at 09:00 and lasting around 8 hours, it’s designed for curious travelers who want a comprehensive, engaging introduction to one of Georgia’s most charming cities. Guided by knowledgeable locals like Tornike and George, you’ll explore iconic sites like Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati Monastery, and Motsameta, then enjoy a relaxed walk through Kutaisi’s lively streets, capped off with a visit to a family-owned winery for wine tasting and a home-cooked Imeretian feast.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, it offers insider insights into the history and culture of Georgia, thanks to guides who love sharing their knowledge and stories. Second, the wine tasting at Baia’s winery isn’t just a quick sip — it’s an immersive experience, including a tour of the vineyard and a peek into traditional wine-making methods.

One thing to consider before booking: the itinerary involves a fair amount of walking and vehicle transfers, so if mobility is a concern, plan accordingly. This tour is ideal for those who appreciate history, architecture, good food, and wine, and who prefer a organized, informative day without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s perfect for travelers eager to see the highlights while enjoying authentic, personal touches along the way.

Key Points

Comprehensive itinerary covering iconic monasteries, city highlights, and local wine culture
Knowledgeable guides who provide in-depth explanations and personal stories
Authentic experiences like wine tasting and home-style Georgian lunch
Beautiful sights including Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati Monastery, Motsameta, and Kutaisi city center
Flexible and convenient with transportation, guided walking tours, and included meals
Ideal for history lovers, foodies, and those seeking a genuine taste of Georgia

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Kutaisi, Wine & Dine Tour

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How the Tour Starts: Setting the Stage in Kutaisi

Your day begins around 09:00 at the Budget Georgia office in Kutaisi, where your group gathers for a relaxed but energetic exploration. The tour kicks off with a short drive to your first stop, the Bagrati Cathedral. This 11th-century masterpiece isn’t just a stunning ruin; it symbolizes Georgia’s unity and resilience. From its elevated position, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city, giving you a perfect starting point for understanding Kutaisi’s historical significance.

Visiting Historic Monasteries: Bagrati, Gelati & Motsameta

The heart of the morning involves visiting three key monasteries — each with its own story and unique setting. The Gelati Monastery, founded by King David the Builder in the 12th century, is a true highlight. It’s a complex that includes three churches, an ancient academy, and the tomb of the king himself. As you walk through, guides tend to share stories about Georgia’s medieval golden age, making history come alive with their insights.

Next, you’ll visit the Motsameta Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff beside a rushing river. This site’s natural beauty combines with its spiritual ambiance, offering plenty of photo opportunities and a sense of serenity. The natural surroundings here are often praised by visitors for their stunning views and peaceful atmosphere, as noted in reviews that mention the “captivating natural surroundings”.

Walking Through Kutaisi: City Center Highlights

After the monasteries, the tour takes you on a guided walk through Kutaisi’s lively city center. Expect to see landmarks like the City Hall, Opera House, and the Mon Plasir arch, as well as lesser-known gems such as Central Park, with its statues and memorials like the “9 April” monument.

What we love about this part is how your guide shares stories about each site, making history tangible and relevant. The walk also offers a chance to observe local life, from street vendors to locals enjoying the city’s parks, making it a truly authentic experience.

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Exploring Kutaisi’s Local Flavor: Markets and Landmarks

Next, you’ll visit “Mtsvane Bazari”, the central grocery market, where the vibrant atmosphere showcases Georgian produce, spices, and local specialties. It’s a lively, sensory-filled stop, perfect for seeing everyday life and perhaps picking up a snack or souvenir.

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The Highlight: Baia’s Winery and Georgian Lunch

After a morning of sightseeing, the tour moves to Baia’s family winery in Obcha. Here, you get the chance to stroll through vineyards, see traditional wine-making in progress, and sample a variety of local wines such as Tsolikouri, Krakhuna, and Ojaleshi. The guide’s description makes it clear that this isn’t just a tasting — it’s a step into Georgia’s deep-rooted wine culture.

Following the tasting, you’ll share a home-cooked Imeretian meal prepared by Baia’s mother. The reviews emphasize how delicious and authentic this food is, often described as “home-style” and “really delicious.” You’ll likely leave with a new appreciation for Georgian cuisine beyond just the wine.

Wrapping Up: The Final Stops and Return

The afternoon includes a few more sights, and your guide will fill you in on local history and stories along the way. The tour concludes around 17:00, with a comfortable drive back to your starting point, filled with new knowledge, great photos, and maybe a little wine buzz.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

While the cost includes transportation, access to key sites, guided commentary, wine tasting, and lunch, it’s the depth of experience that makes it worthwhile. The chance to see three monasteries, walk through Kutaisi’s historic streets, and enjoy local wine and food makes it a full, satisfying day.

The guides’ reputation for being knowledgeable and personable adds significant value. As reviewers note, Tornike and George “are very knowledgeable about many things and love their country,” making the experience both educational and genuinely enjoyable.

The wine tasting at Baia’s family winery is a major highlight, providing insights into Georgia’s ancient wine traditions while sampling some excellent local varieties. The home-cooked meal ensures you experience authentic flavors that you might not find in tourist restaurants.

Practical Considerations

The tour involves a fair amount of walking and vehicle transfers, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with some physical activity. The group size remains manageable, and the schedule is well-paced, allowing ample time at each stop without feeling rushed.

Who Would Love This Tour?

History buffs eager to see Georgia’s iconic monasteries and learn from local guides
Wine lovers wanting to explore Georgia’s ancient wine-making traditions firsthand
Foodies interested in tasting authentic Georgian cuisine and home-style meals
Travelers seeking a balanced mix of sightseeing, culture, and relaxation
Visitors with limited time but a desire to experience Kutaisi’s highlights in one day

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This tour offers a rich combination of history, culture, and local flavors packed into a manageable day. If you enjoy guided experiences where you learn stories behind the sights, love trying local wines, and want an authentic taste of Georgia, this tour delivers. The guides’ warmth and knowledge, combined with the scenic monasteries and tasty lunch, create a memorable day.

It’s especially good for those who prefer organized tours with everything included — transportation, guiding, tastings, and meals — so you can relax and focus on enjoying your day.

Keep in mind, if you’re looking for a leisurely, slow-paced experience or have mobility issues, some parts of the tour may be more demanding. But for most travelers eager to see the best of Kutaisi in one day, this tour strikes a good balance of depth and convenience.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins around 09:00 from the Kutaisi office, but check availability for specific starting times.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, including visits, walking, and lunch.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation between sites and back is part of the package.

What is included in the price?
Transportation, guiding services, wine tasting, and a Georgian lunch are covered.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight guides like Tornike and George as warm, personable, and well-informed.

Can I expect authentic experiences?
Absolutely. From visiting ancient monasteries to tasting home-cooked meals and wines, this tour emphasizes genuine local culture.

Is this suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly stated, the pace and walking involved suggest it’s best for older children or teenagers comfortable with walking and sightseeing.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

In summary, the Kutaisi, Wine & Dine tour offers a well-rounded, insightful day exploring some of Georgia’s most treasured sights and flavors. It’s a fantastic way to connect with Kutaisi’s history, culture, and local traditions in a relaxed, guided setting—an experience you’ll likely remember long after the day is over.