Kakheti is rightfully one of the most famous regions of Georgia. This is the wine region, the city of love Sighnaghi, and many ancient churches and temples. In almost every corner of this region you can find something interesting and unique. In this article we tried to briefly talk about the main attractions of Kakheti by combining them into a route. It will be especially useful for those traveling around Georgia in their own car or for those who are planning to travel.
Kakheti on the map of Georgia
Let's start with where this region is located. This region, by Georgian standards, is quite large and spreads out to the east of Tbilisi. In the north it borders with Russia, and in the south it cuts into Azerbaijan like a wedge. The Alazani Valley, famous for its vineyards and beautiful views of the Caucasus Mountains, lies just beyond Sighnaghi.
Sights of Kakheti
A region in the east famous for its mountains, valleys and wine. This region is geographically vast and rich in attractions. It will take several weeks to get to know it in detail, but since travelers are most often limited in time, this route is designed for two to three days, depending on the transport and the degree of immersion in the culture. It is more convenient to leave the capital of Georgia and return there, the route is looped. When planning a trip, you need to allow about an hour for the Tbilisi-Kakheti road, the distance between them is about 50 km. We are heading for Sagarejo.
Ninotsminda Monastery
The Ninotsminda Temple is one of the first in Georgia, and accordingly, one of the oldest. It was erected in the 6th century and did not survive until the present day; it collapsed in the mid-19th century. The altar part of the cathedral and the eastern wall remained intact. In some places frescoes from the 16th century have been preserved. Now the ruins of the temple are located on the territory of an active convent, surrounded by a powerful stone wall.
Not far from the city, two kilometers away, is the Bodbe Monastery. From Sighnaghi it can be reached on foot. This place is famous for the fact that Saint Nino spent her last years here, and here she died and was buried. A temple was erected over her grave (it has not survived to this day), and over time a monastery arose next to it. Now on the site of the lost church stands St. George's Cathedral. Immediately behind it there is an observation deck with views of the Alazani Valley and the path to the holy springs begins. Visiting the monastery is free. Opening hours from 10.00 to 19.00 
Wine Museum in Velistsikhe
This location is for wine lovers.
Kakheti is famous for its wines. Therefore, being in this region and not visiting a single wine production is a big omission. There are many wineries and shops here. You can arrange a separate tour for them for several days. Within this route, the best of them are collected based on reviews, popularity, range of wines and their cost. The Numisi Wine Museum is one of them.
This interesting project is located in the city center in a large stone house. There is a gallery with household items and many antique things for making wine, as well as an old marani with qvevri dug into the floor. Nearby there is a cellar from the 16th-17th centuries, where meat was previously stored. The only wines here are saperavi and rkatsiteli (dry and semi-dry), but of good quality, from qvevri.
A ticket to the museum costs about 7 lari lari (2.5 dollars), tasting is included.
Lake Kvareli. Observation deck of the Kvareli Lake Resort
If you want beautiful photos of the Alazani Valley, you can stop by the hotel Kvareli Lake Resort near Lake Kvareli. There is an observation deck with gorgeous views of the valley and lake, and you can also relax a bit and swim. Judging by the reviews, the hotel has a good restaurant, where you can have a tasty and inexpensive lunch before heading onward.
Kvareli
People come to this city to visit the following attractions:
- Kvareli fortress, 18th century.
- Cathedral of John the Baptist, late 19th century.
- House-museum of Ilya Chavchavadze. His house is only one floor, but with a large marani and a garden. A museum in an avant-garde style is built nearby. Opening hours from 10.00 to 17.00. A ticket costs 2 lari (75 cents), students 1 lari (37 cents), groups of people 5 lari (just under 2 dollars).
- Kindzmarauli Corporation is another winery. Its opening hours are from 9.00 to 18.00. Tours and tastings are free.
How to get to Kvareli from Tbilisi:
- by minibus or bus from Samgori metro station (one-way ticket costs 8 lari or 3 dollars);
- by car;
- along with the excursion.
Khareba
This place will be of interest not only to wine lovers. This winery is not quite ordinary. It is located in tunnels underground and lake. Their length exceeds 7 km.
A unique tunnel in the granite mass was built in 1950 by our Metrostroy. Now it is owned by a large winemaking company, Khareba, which has been producing various types of wines and grape oil since 2004. About 25 thousand bottles of wine are stored here at the same time.
The plant area is large, green and very well-groomed. There is also a restaurant here, from the upper floors of which there is a stunning view of the Alazani Valley.
How to get there – the Khareba winery is located 2.5 km from Kvareli. It's easy to get to by car. Without a car, you can get from Tbilisi to Kvareli by minibus. And from there you can walk. Address - Meurneoba District, 383320 Kvareli, Kakheti, Georgia.
Opening hours from 9.00 to 18.00.
Ticket options and prices:
- Excursion only - 5 lari ($2.6).
- Excursion and tasting of two types of European wines (white and red) - 12 lari ($4.5).
- Excursion and tasting of two types of wines (white and red) of the traditional Kakheti type - 15 lari ($5.6).
- Excursion, tasting of wine (4 types) and chacha, baking Kakheti bread, preparing churchkhela - 40 lari ($15).
- Excursion, tasting of 6 types of wine, chacha, preparation of bread and churchkhela, shish kebab - 70 lari ($25).
If you want to try real Georgian wine, the legendary and oldest orange wine in the world, the famous and unique kindzmarauli, then I highly recommend going on a tour with a real expert on Georgian wine - Ekaterina. Going on an excursion with her Secrets of winemaking: tour of Kakheti you will discover a huge and unknown world!
Winery "Graneli"
Located next to the previous tunnel. The Graneli company was founded in the nineties and is now one of the largest in Georgia. Several varieties of wine, chacha and cognac are produced here. A sightseeing tour of the factory with tasting (7 varieties of wine, chacha and cognac) is free, subject to the purchase of wine. Without purchase it will cost 10 lari (approximately 3 dollars 75 cents).
How to find it – 2.5 km from the center of Kvareli, next to the Khareba wineries.
Opening hours are from 9.00 to 18.00, but in order to catch a full excursion it is better to arrive before 16.00.
Not far from Kvareli, high on the mountain, there is a functioning 6th century Nekresi monastery. Once there was a city here, but now only a few buildings of the temple complex remain:
- Temple of the Blessed Virgin from the 8th century;
- part of the bishop's episcopal palace with a 15th-century tower attached to it (now an outbuilding);
- small temple from the 4th century;
- square church from the 9th century.
Nekresi Monastery is a very quiet and peaceful place. Its terraces offer panoramic views of the valley.
How to get there – you need to drive 7 km from Kvareli towards Gremi. If you are by car, turn right; if by minibus, you need to get out and walk 2-3 kilometers to the monastery checkpoint. There is a parking lot here for cars, you can’t go any further. Options - either walk up the mountain, or take a bus for 1 lari ($0.37). The ascent on foot is very difficult, but along the way from the observation deck you can see the remains of the foundations of the ancient city of Nekresi.
Entrance to the monastery itself is free.
Gremi Castle
Gremi Castle is the visiting card of Kakheti. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century and was the capital of the Kakheti kingdom and the residence of the kings. But 100 years later the city was destroyed. Only the Archangel Church and the bell tower survived. They have survived to this day, surrounded by a low wall. Inside the temple you can see wall paintings from the 16th century. But, looking at them, one cannot help but notice the manifestations of vandalism - some of the drawings were damaged by the spears of Persian invaders, and some - by Russian soldiers in the middle and end of the 19th century.
There is a museum next to the church. A ticket to it costs 3 lari (a little more than 1 dollar). This price includes a visit to the tower, which offers excellent views of the mountains and valleys. The museum is closed on Mondays.
How to get there – Gremi is located right next to the road, 20 km from Telavi and 16 km from Kvareli. You can get here either by car or by minibus from the above cities.
The majestic Alaverdi is the cathedral of Kakheti in the first half of the 11th century. It has a second name - St. George's Cathedral - and is part of the monastery complex. This is the main and very revered temple in these parts. Its height is about 50 m - the second highest in Georgia. Alaverdi Cathedral was built at the beginning of the 11th century. Repeatedly suffered from earthquakes and seizures, but it was always restored. Now it is a functioning monastery, which includes the temple itself, residential buildings and a wine storage facility, surrounded by a stone wall. The main area is closed to tourists; you can only enter the Cathedral, inside of which frescoes from different eras have been preserved.
In the summer months, when clear, cloudless weather sets in, Alaverdi looks especially proud and majestic against the backdrop of the Kakheti Mountains.
How to get there – the cathedral is located 9 km from the Telavi-Akhmeta highway, 20 km from Telavi and 17 km from Akhmeta. It's easy to get here by car. By public transport you can get from Telavi by minibus or taxi.
Ikalto is one of the first monasteries in Georgia, founded in the mid-6th century. But almost nothing remains from those times. The surviving buildings are of a later construction - no earlier than the 8th century. Now here you can see the remains of three churches (the Temple of the Holy Spirit, the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary), outbuildings and the ruins of the Academy.
How to get there:
- By car 10 km from Telavi towards Akhmeta to Ikalto, from Alaverdi 13 km.
- You can take a minibus from Telavi to the village of Ikalto for 0.5 lari (less than 20 cents), then walk to the monastery.
New and old Shuamta
From Ikalto it’s only a couple of kilometers to the Shuamta temples, but through gorges and a river. But it’s safer to get there using the traditional detour route.
Old Shuamta is a monastery complex in the Gombori Mountains. The exact date of construction is not known, approximately 4-6 centuries. It was abandoned in the 16th century. To this day, three temples have survived here - a basilica from the 5th century, a large cross-domed temple and a small domed temple, both from the 6th century.
An interesting fact is that the name “shuamta” was borrowed by Soviet winemakers in the 19th century for dry white wine. For its production, special white grapes from Kakheti and ancient Kakheti technology were used - the wine was infused with pulp. Now this type of wine exists only in wine literature. Not a single winery has yet mastered its preparation.
New Shuamta is a monastery not far from Old Shuamta, built in the 16th century by Queen Tinatin, who was buried here. It is now a working convent and is privately owned, so entry is by permission only. If the gate is closed, you need to ring the bell and it will be opened for you. You can only visit the temple, in which frescoes from the 16th and 17th centuries have been preserved, in particular with the image of Tinatin.
Opening hours: from 9.00 to 19.00.
How to get there – on the Telavi highway, 7 km from Telavi, there is a large sign for Shuamta, it’s difficult to drive past. If you drive from Tbilisi, the turn will be 5.5 kilometers from the bridge over Turdo. By public transport you can get to the desired sign on the Telavi-Tbilisi minibus, which goes through the Gombori ridge (this point needs to be clarified at the bus station, since not all buses go exactly along the desired route). You will have to walk from the turn.
Excursions to Kakheti from Tbilisi
For those who are not ready for an independent and multi-day trip around Kakheti, the best way to get to know this region would be excursions. Thanks to them, you can visit the most interesting places in one day. And of course, a trip with a guide is an opportunity to get to know the history of the region better.
The simplest and cheapest option is group excursion to Kakheti .
For those who want to immerse themselves in the atmosphere and traditions of Kakheti as much as possible and spend an unforgettable day, I highly recommend the Dana tour The magic of Kakheti or Kakheti - the cradle of the vine from Lera. Lera has a great bonus on the excursion - a real Kakheti feast in a private house.
It is better to come here at the end of September or October to attend the main holiday of this region - harvesting and making wine. But at any other time of the year, these picturesque places, ancient monasteries and temples will certainly not leave you indifferent!
What is worth visiting and other useful information for tourists:
Kakheti is wine, Alazani Valley, castles and monasteries.
I will write in more detail about some places of the trip, but first, about the entire route as a whole.
Two-day route around Kakheti
In September-October, driving around Kakheti is a special pleasure; you can see truckloads of grapes everywhere.
The spectacle is truly fascinating)
We rode for 2 days, driving from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi, from there to Telavi and through the Gombori pass back to Tbilisi.
Great option. The quality of the road is quite good, the views are beautiful, along the way you can visit almost all the monasteries, castles, cellars and wineries, and even climb to the top of the mountain.
We did not visit all the places that are written about in guidebooks. I wanted to quickly feel the atmosphere of Kakheti, drink wine near the Alazani Valley and just relax)
Therefore, we visited 2 monasteries, 2 castles and 1 winery. It was enough for us)
Gremi Castle
A nice place, one of the most popular in Kakheti.
Beautiful temple complex, beautiful views of the valley. We all liked it)
Nekresi Monastery
A beautiful ancient monastery (4th-6th century) Visako-Visako in the mountains above the Alazani Valley.
There was once a city on this site. It (and the monastery) constantly suffered from various invasions and there is a legend that during one of them the monks locked a herd of pigs inside the temple - and the Muslims did not enter there)
Now on holidays the monastery prepares pork shish kebab)
Bodbe Monastery
A very famous, holy and revered place by Georgians. Located a couple of kilometers from Sighnaghi.
Here is the tomb of St. Nino, who played an important role in the spread of Christianity.
There is also a spring on the territory. Moreover, it is even marked with signs. But if you don’t have a lot of free time, I don’t recommend going there. We walked for quite a long time, but never got there)
The path is well-equipped, in the shade of trees and with benches, but it really takes a lot of time.
Sighnaghi
Sighnaghi is called the city of love. The authorities have invested heavily in restoring the city; combined with the views of the Alazani Valley, it really looks amazing.
Telavi
Telavi is the capital of the Kakheti region. The city is small and cozy.
We stayed here for the night in a very unusual and soulful guesthouse.
Most of the major wineries are located in the area.
And small ones too, by the way)
Winery Schuchmann
The owners of the guesthouse advised us to visit this plant.
We planned to see something larger and more famous, but we had never heard anything about Schuchman before.
This is a factory, a restaurant, a hotel, and a wine spa - all in one.
This is the view from the restaurant. An ideal place for tasting, I think)
We were given a short tour, allowed to taste wine, and allowed to walk around the territory. It was wonderful)
Unknown castle
Almost at the very beginning of the journey from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi, we noticed a castle near the road.
I don’t know either the name or the coordinates of the place where it is located. We just saw it, stopped and went to explore.
Fields, grapes, classic)
We walked to the castle and back in company with a local dog. Honestly, he went to all the places we went too.
The fortress looks very cool, but unfortunately, it has been completely restored, and purely decoratively - you can’t climb anywhere. Just watch.
Gombori
The road from Telavi to Tbilisi, which we decided to take, was also advised to us by the hosts of the guest house.
They said that it was best to go through the Gombori Pass: the road has serpentines, but of good quality.
Everything is just like that. And also, very beautiful.
We were driving, aahing and aahing, and accidentally saw a sign to the viewpoint.
We stopped and unplannedly went uphill. There is very little walking there, in fact.
The views are amazing. In the distance you can see a small piece of the Alazani Valley, and the rest is endless mountains.
Wine
The calling card, soul and heart of Kakheti is, of course, wine!
The climate in Kakheti is hot and dry, ideal for growing grapes. Therefore, vineyards can be found absolutely everywhere. And old qvevri are even on the ruins of monasteries.
If you don’t know what qvevri is, I’ll try to briefly explain the Kakheti wine-making technology.
Traditionally, grapes are crushed along with seeds, skins and even twigs (previously - with feet, but now no one does this anymore, although when we went to Kakheti, the hope of feeling like Celentano glimmered in our souls).
All this is poured into qvevri - large (or even huge) ceramic jugs dug into the ground. The future wine is stored there and ferments for several months. Then the liquid is drained and sent for storage, the cake goes to chacha.
Wines from the same grapes, but prepared using European and Kakheti technology, are strikingly different. In all respects)
For example, Rkatsiteli, which we are used to buying in wine shops in Batumi, is a very light white wine, almost water in color, without a pronounced taste or sediment. But Rkatsiteli, according to the Kakheti technology, is not only different in smell - it’s color is reminiscent of the brown apple juice that my grandmother made at the dacha. I think many will easily imagine the shade) The taste and smell are also completely different - more tart, rich.
Be sure to try it. I still like European ones better, but to determine this, I had to come to Kakheti and try completely different wines, homemade, factory-made, white, red, Kakheti and European)
There really is something to do and see in Kakheti.
For example, David-Goreji, Alaverdi, Ikalto, Ujarma.
I listed a very small part - but we simply didn’t need more.
How to get to Kakheti
- The best way is with your own or rented car.
- An excellent option is a ready-made tour, because you can wholeheartedly taste wine with the whole group along the entire route)
- An option similar to the previous one is to negotiate with a taxi driver to take you around.
- Minibuses/buses. The option is budget-friendly, but not very convenient and reliable - allow more time.
- There should be a train from Tbilisi to Telavi. But unfortunately, I don’t know anything about the schedule, the quality of the cars and other details.
This is probably all I have. Be sure to come to Kakheti! Ciao!
One of the most beautiful regions of Georgia, the land of vineyards - Kakheti - is becoming more and more popular with tourists every year. Brands such as the Alazani Valley and the charismatic Mimino performed by V. Kikabidze made it famous even under the USSR. Today, Kakheti is not only (still) good old wine, but also wonderful natural beauty, and an abundance of medieval monasteries and temples. Historically, this region was considered quite remote from the center of the country, even difficult to access. But with the opening of a new road through the Gombori Pass, the situation improved. And honestly, is even 2.5 hours on the road a lot if such beauty awaits ahead?
One of the most beautiful cities in the Kakheti wine region, Sighnaghi is called the “city of love”. The center is beautifully restored and somewhat reminiscent of Italy.
How to get there
The easiest way to get to Kakheti is from Tbilisi. The distance between the Georgian capital and the city of Telavi is just over 80 km, so the journey by car or public transport will take no more than 2 hours, excluding traffic jams, but they are very rare on this section. Minibuses to Telavi run every 40 minutes from the Ortachala bus station, a ticket will cost from 7 GEL per passenger.
The road to another Kakheti city - Sighnaghi - will also take a couple of hours, minibuses depart every 2 hours from the Samgori bus station in Tbilisi (the metro station of the same name is located nearby), starting from 7:00 to 18:00, a ticket will cost from 6 GEL per passenger.
A taxi ride from Tbilisi to Telavi and back will cost from 75 GEL, to Sighnaghi and back - from 110 GEL, renting a taxi with a driver for the day, asking him to take you around all the sights and return you back to Tbilisi - from 150 GEL.
Search for air tickets to Tbilisi (the nearest airport to Kakheti)
A little history
It is not known exactly in what century the origins of Kakheti should be sought, but it is absolutely certain that it will be some century BC. Until the 11th century Kakheti was independent, then became part of the Georgian kingdom in the 15th century. came out of it again. Afterwards, Kakheti twice survived the devastating raids of the Persian army, in the 18th century. again joined Georgia and already as part of it became part of the Russian Empire.
Popular hotels in Kakheti
Entertainment and attractions of Kakheti
The Khornabuji fortress near the city of Dedoplis-Tskaro, the Kvareli fortress in the city of the same name, a wonderful national park not far from Lagodekhi - literally every city in Kakheti has something to see. This is not to mention the endless mountain villages and villages, which may not be famous for such striking sights, but are stunningly atmospheric.
The main city of Kakheti is Telavi. Yes, yes, the same one from where the character in the film “Mimino” was from. Telavi is not at all as small as one might conclude after watching the film, and is not located so far and high in the mountains: only 70 km from Tbilisi. A fortress dating from the 8th to 13th centuries has been preserved in the city, and the Shuamta monastery complex from the 5th to 16th centuries is located nearby. Also in the vicinity of Telavi are the ruins of the Ikaltoi Academy of the 11th-12th centuries: according to legend, it was the alma mater of Shota Rustaveli. Another city attraction is the patriarch plane tree, which has been around for the ninth century.
There really is an airport in Telavi, and moreover, it is named after that same movie character: Mimino Airport.
Near Telavi there are two famous monastery complexes: Old and New Shuamta. Dzveli-Shuamta (“Old”) is located 7 km from the city, and the oldest basilica here dates back to the 5th century. Akhali-Shuamta (“New”) is located a couple of kilometers away, on a hill surrounded by forest. Its main church was built in the 16th century. and consecrated in honor of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.
The ancient capital of Kakheti, the city of Gremi, was completely destroyed by the Persian Shah Abbas: only one church of the archangels survived. But in recent years, Gremi has undergone a fairly large-scale renovation in order to increase its tourist attractiveness: for example, today wine cellars are open in the city, where anyone can taste the local products. Near Gremi is Nekresi, founded around the 2nd-1st centuries. BC e. The local church is considered one of the oldest in the country. One of the treasures of the Nekresi Monastery is the relics of saints, including the evangelists Matthew and Luke. The monastery has good tourist infrastructure: a cafe in the former refectory, an information center and a souvenir shop.
Perhaps the best time to visit Kakheti is Rtveli, harvest time. This is the name of the bright family holiday that takes place here at the end of August - beginning of September. Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict the timing of the trip due to the floating dates of the holiday: after all, grapes ripen not according to the calendar, but according to the weather.
Gurjaani - the third largest city in Kakheti - is famous for the Church of All Saints, which is located here. The church was built in the 8th century. and consecrated in honor of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. This unique temple is the only one in the country with two symmetrical domes and is considered one of the most important architectural landmarks of the transition period in the country’s culture.
The town of Sighnaghi is the “smallest of the big” cities of Kakheti: only about 2,500 people live here. Sighnaghi stands on mountain terraces along which medieval streets wind, rising and falling. The Sighnaghi fortress is one of the largest and most famous in the country; Moreover, it was surprisingly well preserved. The fortress walls surrounding the Old City still have 28 towers, which you can climb to admire the famous Alazani Valley. One of the most beautiful cities in the Kakheti wine region, Sighnaghi is called the “city of love”. The center is beautifully restored and somewhat reminiscent of Italy, and the churches of St. George and St. Stephen serve as its incredibly photogenic calling card.
The cathedral of the Alaverdi Monastery, near Akhmeta, was built in the 11th century. This is a stunning, majestic structure almost 50 m high, which, before the construction of the Tbilisi Tsminda Sameba, was the largest temple in the country. To this day, paintings from the 15th century can be seen inside the church. The cathedral is included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites.
Maps of Kakheti
Cuisine of Kakheti
Of course, the main Kakheti pride is local wine, which is made not in barrels, but in giant “qvevri” vessels. These clay jugs are made only here. The wine “ripens” in qvevris buried in the ground; This is a special technology that, in combination with “native” grape varieties, turns Kakheti into the real wine capital of Georgia. Mukuzani, Rkatsiteli, Kindzmarauli, Tsinandali, Akhasheni, which in Soviet times were considered the best wines of the Union, are still produced here and in this way.
Near many churches in Kakheti you can see a kind of “qvevri cemetery”: according to tradition, at the end of the holiday you cannot take the empty jug back.
Holidays in Kakheti can be easily compared to a trip to the sunny region. In this region you will find amazing local wines, amazing ruins of cave monasteries and, of course, unique horseback riding along the mountains and slopes.
Even local residents call Kakheti the most extraordinary region of Georgia. And this is really true, only here you can touch the soul of the Georgian people, concentrated in the vineyards and historical monuments. In no other place in the country will you be as close to understanding the real Georgia as here. If you want to go to a land where your soul sings, a holiday in Kakheti in 2019 will be an excellent choice. Read everything you need to know before traveling to this beautiful region.
Brief historical background
Kakheti is considered one of the richest regions of eastern Georgia; it is not without reason that it is the birthplace of all famous Georgian princely dynasties. Back in the 8th century, the Principality of Kakheti was absolutely free and fully provided the population with everything necessary for a comfortable life.
The history of Kakheti is rich in events. Over the course of various historical eras, this region was part of different kingdoms, then it began to belong to the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and now the region is the pearl of independent Georgia.
Now tourists go to Kakheti to delight their soul and body. They have access to a large number of historical monuments, which include unique remains of ancient settlements, which are under the protection of UNESCO. Travelers to Kakheti can also enjoy tasting excellent local wines and hearty Georgian cuisine. All this makes your holiday in this region unforgettable, and your soul will definitely sing to the beat of the rhythmic traditional table melodies.
Brief geographical information and climate
Tsinandali Palace
All local residents treat the princely palace of Tsinandali with special trepidation. It is located in the locality of the same name. It was built in the early 19th century by a representative of the Georgian princes, Chavchavadze, and became the center of cultural life in Georgia. Aristocrats, poets and musicians gathered here. Balls and tea parties were held in the surrounding park, laid out in the style of English gardens. And the vineyards surrounding the palace are still carefully protected.
There is a museum in the palace itself, a tour of which is complemented by a tasting of delicious local wines.
Lake Kvareli
If you are interested not only in architectural beauties, but also in natural beauties, next to Kvareli there is a lake of the same name. This clear reservoir is located at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level and attracts those who love peace and solitude. In fact, near the lake there is now quite a luxurious resort just for such lovers. Those who decide to relax on the lake can enjoy water skiing and boat rides, bicycle rentals, and a beautiful view from the pier at sunset. True, it is worth knowing that since the area adjacent to the lake is private (belongs to the resort), in order to get there, you must either book a room there, or somehow negotiate and get there for an hour or two.
Mud volcanoes in Akhtala
Another interesting place for lovers of unusual natural phenomena. There are about five mud volcanoes in Akhtala, which, although they look quite strange and not entirely picturesque, have useful properties - the mud from them is used in sanatoriums located here. However, you can get mud from volcanoes yourself and try out its healing effect for yourself.
Entertainment in Kakheti
If you dream of an active holiday in Kakheti, then be prepared for constant movement. Among the main attractions are wine tastings and horseback riding, which are very popular among tourists.
The atmosphere of the region - in the video:
Mountain passes
The ancient region of Tusheti is located in Kakheti. On its territory, villages with watchtowers and various defensive structures have been preserved almost in their original form. Tourists are offered walking and horseback riding tours lasting one or several days.
Tasting of local wines
Almost all tourists flock to Kakheti to try all the local wines. There are even special wine tours to the Alazani Valley for this purpose. Along its entire length there are small villages and wineries, which are famous far beyond the borders of Georgia for their excellent wine. During one excursion you can taste more than 70 varieties of wine. Thus, the village of Eniseli is very famous, where you can stay for a couple of days to leisurely enjoy the wines.
Introduction to art and traditions
If visiting the ancient beauties was not enough for you, you can also get acquainted with more modern ones: for this it is worth going to the village of Mirzaani, where the house of the famous Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani is located, and with him there is a museum with a collection of paintings and other artists of the country.
It is also interesting to visit the Museum of Local Lore in the above-mentioned Sighnaghi, because, despite the small size of the exhibition, it allows you to fully understand the spirit and culture of the Georgian people: objects of art and everyday life are also presented here.
Tourism with a tent
If you are a fan of this type of recreation, in Kakheti you can go to the Vashlovani National Park. The landscape of the reserve resembles a savannah: canyons, gorges and rocks. First you will have to go to Dedoplistskaro, where you should register your stay on the territory of the reserve and, if you need it, rent tourist equipment. There are campsites in the park itself, where you can walk, enjoy the beauty, and also go fishing.
Cuisine of Kakheti: what to try?
In addition to wine tasting, it is worth enjoying the local food. The most popular dish here is meat khashlama and simple rural cuisine, but you can also try other famous Georgian dishes. It is worth knowing that there is practically no fast food here, because Georgians respect the culture of eating, preferring to turn dinner into a real feast with plenty of toasts and emotional conversations. And if you come to Kakheti in August-September, then look at the Georgian holidays: the grape harvest is being harvested in the region and numerous entertainments are organized on this occasion. A holiday in Georgia is something special.
Shopping in Kakheti
There are practically no large shopping centers in this quiet region, and the settlements themselves are generally not very large. However, who said that shopping is only about high fashion and walking through huge shopping centers? When leaving any country, the first thing you always think about is what to take with you as a souvenir of it, and you can take away enough souvenirs from Kakheti, from its many small shops and even from your own hands:
- first of all, of course, wine: after all, the region produces the best wines in the country;
- wool products made by local residents; spices and sauces;
- and, of course, many memories and photographs.
What Kakheti does not have is a vibrant nightlife. In large Telavi you can find bars and clubs, but this is not what the region as a whole is famous for.
Kakheti is a special place on the world map and in Georgia. This is the soul of the country, this is its history and traditions, this is the beautiful nature and small towns and villages. It will appeal to many, especially those who are tired of the hustle and bustle and want relaxation for body and soul. Many travelers say that they were looking for adventure here, but found themselves. Try it, maybe this is your path too?
Kakheti on clearly visible below - it is painted in a soft burgundy color and outlined with a red line, which marks the boundaries of the region. The detailed map is presented in Russian and is interactive, indicating all attractions, cities and towns.
To increase or decrease the scale, use the “+” and “-” buttons in the lower right corner. By left-clicking on the image and holding down the key, you can move the viewing area in different directions. To switch to satellite mode, use the button in the lower left corner.
Finding inexpensive housing in Georgia
Tourist card
The names of all the attractions of Kakheti that can be seen there are marked in Russian: monasteries, Christian temples and churches, resorts and campsites, fortresses and castles - their designations are drawn at the bottom of the image.
All images are clickable. To enlarge a picture to its maximum size, left-click on it and then click on the icon below.
The last option is the most detailed of all presented. Settlements and interesting tourist places abundantly strewn the entire surface of this Georgian region, although they are signed in English, but everything is intuitive and will not be difficult for anyone to understand.
