Tbilisi: 3 Cable Cars Tour with Optional Lunch

Tbilisi: 3 Cable Cars Tour with Optional Lunch

Location: Georgia
Country: Georgia
Rating: 5/5 (based on 1 review)
Price: $32 per person
Supplier: Guide Tbilisi

Imagine soaring above one of the most picturesque cities in the Caucasus, riding three distinct cable cars that reveal Tbilisi from three different heights and angles. For a modest fee of around $32, you can enjoy a 3-hour adventure that offers sweeping views of the Old Town, the iconic Bridge of Peace, and the Mother of Georgia statue, or extend your experience to 5 hours with a traditional Georgian lunch featuring local pastries and wine.

What we love about this tour is the variety of viewpoints it offers—each cable car takes you to a different part of the city, giving you a layered perspective that’s both scenic and insightful. Plus, the guide’s local knowledge adds flavor and context that make the views even more meaningful. The optional longer tour with food and drink is a wonderful way to relax and savor Georgian hospitality after a day of sightseeing.

A potential consideration: the tour is weather-dependent, especially for the outdoor cable cars; if rain or strong winds hit, parts of the experience might be affected. Also, this tour is best suited for those who are comfortable with walking and moving between cable cars, since it involves some transit and sightseeing on foot.

This experience works particularly well for first-time visitors eager to understand the city’s layout and enjoy some of its most famous landmarks from above, along with those who appreciate authentic local flavors combined with stunning vistas.

Key Points

• Three unique cable cars offer panoramic views of Tbilisi’s skyline, historic sites, and surrounding hills.
• Flexible options include a shorter 3-hour tour or a 5-hour experience with Georgian pastry and wine.
• Expert guide enhances the experience with insightful commentary and local context.
• Comfortable transportation and private pickups make the day smooth and enjoyable.
• Stunning visual highlights include the Mother of Georgia statue, Tbilisi TV Tower, and Turtle Lake.
• Authentic Georgian food and wine provide a delicious break in the extended tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with hotel pickup and drop-off, a significant plus for travelers unfamiliar with public transport or navigating the city on their own. This direct service helps set a relaxed tone for the day, allowing you to focus on the sights rather than logistics. The transportation throughout the tour is well-organized, ensuring you spend your time enjoying the views rather than worrying about moving around.

First Cable Car: Rike Park to Narikala Fortress

The journey kicks off at Rike Park, a popular spot in Tbilisi’s modern riverside area. From here, you’ll hop into the cable car that soars over the Kura River to the ancient Narikala Fortress. This vantage point provides an awe-inspiring view of the Old Town’s terracotta rooftops, winding alleys, and the historic fortress walls. The guide, as Janet notes from her review, is “very intelligent and speaks very good English,” which makes the explanations clear and engaging.

While riding, you’ll also get fantastic perspectives of the Mother of Georgia (Kartlis Deda) statue, a symbol of the city and Georgia’s hospitality. The views from here give a strong sense of the city’s layout—how the old and new blend, and how the hills shape the urban landscape.

Second Cable Car: Main Avenue to Mtatsminda Mountain

Next, the tour takes you from the city center up to Mtatsminda Mountain via a brand-new cable car. From this height, the panoramic vistas are breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see the Tbilisi skyline, the green expanses of Mtatsminda Park, and the Tbilisi TV Tower towering above. The park itself is a lively spot, full of rides and cafes, perfect for a quick break if you want to stretch your legs.

The guide’s insights help you appreciate the significance of the TV Tower, a modern landmark contrasting with the historic sites below. The views from Mtatsminda Mountain give a sense of the city’s scale and beauty, perfect for photo opportunities.

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Third Cable Car: Turtle Lake to Vake District

The last ride is a Soviet-era cable car from Turtle Lake, a favorite local spot known for its peaceful scenery and leisure activities, down to the upscale Vake District. From this perspective, you’ll see Vake Park’s greenery, trendy cafes, sports stadiums, and the modern skyscrapers—a snapshot of Tbilisi’s contemporary side.

One reviewer, Janet, highlights her appreciation for the “intelligent guide” and the “beautiful views”. She notes how the tour made her understand the city’s planning and layout better—something many travelers find invaluable.

Optional Extended Experience: Lunch and Local Flavors

For the 5-hour version, after the cable car rides, you’ll enjoy a local lunch featuring Georgian pastries and wine. This pause is a wonderful chance to relax and savor authentic flavors—think flaky pastries, hearty meats, and local wine. It’s a perfect complement to the sightseeing, especially for those eager to get a taste of Georgia’s renowned culinary traditions.

The inclusion of wine and traditional pastry adds a cultural depth to the tour, making it more than just sightseeing but also a small culinary adventure.

What Makes This Tour a Great Value

At $32 per person, the tour offers remarkable value given the number of viewpoints and the guided insight provided. The three cable cars alone are a memorable way to see the city from above, and the optional lunch enriches the experience, especially for those interested in local food and drink.

The small group size (or private options) and hotel pickup ensure a personalized experience, which many travelers appreciate over larger, more impersonal tours. The fact that the guide is praised for speaking excellent English and being knowledgeable further elevates the value.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking and standing during the cable car rides and sightseeing.
• Bring weather-appropriate clothing—the views are spectacular, but the weather can change quickly in the hills.
• If you’re traveling with children, note that kids under 14 can only join private tours.
• The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues or babies under 1 year, due to the walking and cable car access.
• For flexible planning, you can reserve now and pay later—a good option if your plans might shift.

Summary: Who Will Love This Tour?

This cable car tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Tbilisi wanting an overview of the city’s highlights from above, especially those who enjoy stunning vistas and authentic local flavors. It’s also great for travellers who appreciate guides with good English and local knowledge, making history and landmarks come alive.

If you’re a fan of unique viewpoints and a relaxed pace, the 5-hour option with lunch will suit you well, especially if you want to unwind with traditional Georgian food and wine afterward. It’s less ideal for travelers with mobility challenges or those visiting during bad weather, but for most, it’s a memorable, affordable way to see Tbilisi’s most photogenic spots from above.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
You can choose a 3-hour experience focusing on the main attractions or extend to 5 hours with a traditional Georgian lunch.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off, three cable car rides, a guide, water, and, if you select the longer option, a local lunch with pastry and wine.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and choose to pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 14 can participate only on private tours, making it less ideal for families with very young kids.

Are there any physical restrictions?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or those who cannot handle walking or standing for short periods.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes are recommended since you’ll be walking and spending time outdoors.

Does the weather affect the tour?
Yes, outdoor cable cars are weather-dependent, so rain or strong winds might cause cancellations or delays.

Is lunch included?
Only in the 5-hour option. The meal features Georgian pastries and wine, offering a taste of local cuisine.

How scenic are the views?
Absolutely stunning—each cable car provides a different perspective, from the historic Old Town to the modern skyline and peaceful lakeside spots.

In essence, this tour provides a fantastic combination of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and relaxing indulgence. Whether you’re a dedicated sightseer or a casual traveler wanting a memorable overview, it’s a well-priced option that captures the essence of Tbilisi from above.

You can check availability for your dates here: