Looking for a unique and exciting way to explore the city of Tbilisi? Look no further than motorized city tours! These tours offer an immersive experience of the city, taking you through its diverse neighborhoods and fascinating landmarks. From zooming around on a Segway to exploring on a vintage Soviet car, there are plenty of options to fit your specific interests and preferences. In this post, we’ll highlight the nine best motorized city tours in Tbilisi, so you can plan your next adventure with ease. Let’s discover the city in style!
The 9 Best Motorized City Tours in Tbilisi
- Tbilisi: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
- From Tbilisi: Rainbow Mountain & David Gareja Monastery Trip
- Tbilisi: Old Town Walking Tour
- Tbilisi: Walking Tour in Old town with Wine and Cable cars
- Tbilisi: Private Walking Tour with Wine Tasting & Cable Car
- Mtskheta: Ancient Capital of Georgia Half-Day Tour
- Tbilisi’s Brutalist Reality
- Kahketi: Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch
- Tbilisi: Private Highlights Tour With Guide
The 9 Best Motorized City Tours in Tbilisi
1. Tbilisi: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
Experience the best of Tbilisi with the City Highlights Guided Walking Tour. Led by a professional guide, explore the city’s most fascinating places and hidden gems, including the Metekhi Church, Shardeni Street, Sioni Church, Anchiskhati Church, unique clock tower of the Puppet Theater Rezo Gabriadze, the Bridge of Peace, and much more. Travel by cable car to the great monument of the Mother of Georgia, and get a stunning view of Tbilisi from the Narikala Fortress. Discover the sulfur baths district and take amazing photos of the Legvtakhevi waterfall. Along the way, learn about the city’s rich history and Georgian culture. The tour also includes a wine tasting, Georgian pie, and traditional lemonade. Not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Meeting point is at Avlabari Metro Station, and the tour operates in all weather conditions. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring your passport or ID card. The church visit has a dress code – no shorts and women should cover their heads. The ticket for the cable car is an additional expense to be paid on the day. Join this tour for an unforgettable experience in Tbilisi.
2. From Tbilisi: Rainbow Mountain & David Gareja Monastery Trip
Immerse yourself in Georgian history and culture on this guided day trip from Tbilisi to Rainbow Mountain and David Gareja Monastery. You’ll explore the mountainous region and visit a stunning salt lake, learn about the impressive David Gareji Monastery, and discover the famous Rainbow Mountains with their mineral-rich sedimentary rocks that look like they’ve been painted with brightly colored stripes. With a live English-speaking tour guide and transport provided by bus or coach, you’ll have an unforgettable experience. Please note that food and drink are not included, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. The local activity provider will meet you at 9:30 AM in front of Avlabari Metro Station with a branded orange flag. Don’t forget to bring your passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, a hat, and snacks. The tour operates in all weather conditions.
3. Tbilisi: Old Town Walking Tour
Explore the stunning Old Town of Tbilisi on a comprehensive 3-hour Walking Tour. Discover the mix of Georgian Byzantine Oriental and Neo-Classical European architecture that characterizes this historic district. Visit the oldest Orthodox church in the city, the Anchiskhati Basilica, as well as the 13th-century churches of Sioni and Metekhi. Marvel at the magnificent Narikala Fortress and the classic Freedom Square. Enjoy a walk over the Bridge of Peace, one of Tbilisi’s newest attractions. Take in the peaceful co-existence of the various religions in Tbilisi as you explore the nearby Synagogue Armenian Church and Mosque alongside the Georgian Orthodox churches. This tour includes entrance fees, a local guide, hotel pick-up, and drop-off, as well as a one-way cable car ride (2.5 GEL). Please wear comfortable shoes, and keep in mind that this tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums.
4. Tbilisi: Walking Tour in Old town with Wine and Cable cars
Experience the charm of Tbilisi’s old town with a 4-hour walking tour that combines sightseeing, wine tasting, and a cable car ride. Walk through the main attractions of the old town such as Gabriadze Puppet Theater, Shardeni nightlife district, the Peave Bridge, and the sulfur baths district. Discover hidden gems and local favorites like an old bakery and the best ice cream shop in town. Taste a range of Georgian wines and learn about the country’s wine-making process and traditions at an ancient wine cellar.
Wrapping up the tour, enjoy a breathtaking cable car ride to the Narikala Fort with panoramic views of Tbilisi city. The professional guide will share with you information about Georgian history and daily life. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Transportation to and from the meeting point is included, and the route can be adjusted according to your interests.
5. Tbilisi: Private Walking Tour with Wine Tasting & Cable Car
Explore the picturesque city of Tbilisi on a private walking tour that includes a cable car ride and wine tasting. Learn about the city’s history and culture as you stroll through the Old Town and visit iconic landmarks such as the Metekhi Church, Sioni Church, and the unique clock tower of the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Kartlis Deda monument and explore the Narikala Fortress. Sample local wines and Georgian pie before taking a romantic stroll along the Bridge of Love towards a picturesque waterfall in the city center. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a private guide, a bottle of water, traditional Georgian lemonade, and is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Please dress appropriately for the church visit and bring your passport or ID card and comfortable shoes. The tour operates in all weather conditions.
6. Mtskheta: Ancient Capital of Georgia Half-Day Tour
Explore the ancient capital of Georgia with a half-day tour of Mtskheta. Start at Jvari, where you can take in the stunning view of the city and its natural beauty. Visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the Holy City and explore the urban area of Mtskheta. Take your time to relax and enjoy a glass of wine while exploring little shops and picturesque architecture. Travel through a limestone canyon and admire the views from the Chronicle of Georgia monument, a stunning modern creation of Georgian architects. See Tbilisi from this viewpoint before heading back to the starting point. The tour includes entrance fees, water, and lunch, as well as hotel pick-up and drop off (if the private option is selected) and gratuities. Please note that this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat for your adventure through Mtskheta.
7. Tbilisi’s Brutalist Reality
Explore Tbilisi’s Brutalist Reality with a walking tour that takes you through some of the city’s most notable landmarks. Your local guide will meet you at a central location, and together you will embark on a journey that will reveal centuries of history and showcase Georgia’s Soviet heritage.
Your first stop is the Ministry of Highways of the Georgian SSR, a unique monument of Brutalist architecture. Here you will learn about the building’s fascinating history and its significance to the city.
Next, you’ll visit the Nutsubidze skybridge, a remarkable structure comprised of three apartment blocks connected by a bridge that goes through them. From the sky bridge you’ll enjoy amazing views of the residential parts of Tbilisi.
Afterward, you’ll explore the so-called suicide bridge, located above the river Vera. Despite City Hall’s attempts to decorate it, the story surrounding the bridge remains unchanged. You’ll have the opportunity to ride in an old cable car and soak in more stunning views of the city.
Finally, you’ll visit the Former Museum of Archeology and its underground, now an abandoned building that serves as a testament to Tbilisi’s past. Throughout the tour, your guide will provide fascinating insights and answer your questions about Tbilisi’s Brutalist Reality.
The tour includes bottled water and entrance fees, and a private option is available with door-to-door service and lunch included. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Meet at Europe Square next to the Berlin Wall Memorial.
8. Kahketi: Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch
One of the best ways to explore Tbilisi is through a full-day wine tasting tour in the Kakheti region. This tour offers visitors the chance to sample some of Georgia’s most exquisite wines, learn about the region’s history of wine making, and visit the ancient walled town of Sighnaghi. A local lunch in a family-owned winery is also included, providing visitors with an authentic Georgian experience. The tour begins and ends in Tbilisi and offers private transport, a driver/guide, entrance fees, bottled water, fuel surcharge, local taxes, and all handling charges. Vegetarian options are available and the tour is suitable for children as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Please note that unaccompanied minors are not allowed.
9. Tbilisi: Private Highlights Tour With Guide
Explore the best of Tbilisi on this private highlights tour with an expert local guide. You will be picked up from your accommodation and enjoy comfortable transport to the tour’s first stop. This Eco-friendly tour offers the chance to explore Georgian architecture, culture and traditions in Tbilisi’s old town, including Narikala Fortress, Sameba Cathedral, Betlemi Church and Rike Park. Sample local snacks like Churchkhela and Tklapi as you discover why Tbilisi is such a diverse and multicultural city filled with wonder and different art and architectural styles. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes for this walking tour.
What is Tbilisi?
Tbilisi is the capital and largest city of Georgia, located in the southeastern part of Europe. It has a population of approximately 1.1 million people and is situated on the banks of the Kura River, which flows through the city center. Tbilisi is known for its historic architecture, warm hospitality, and vibrant cultural scene.
What is the best time to visit Tbilisi?
The best time to visit Tbilisi is during the spring and fall, which are the shoulder seasons. During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, and there are fewer crowds. However, if you are interested in attending cultural festivals or events, summer is the best time to visit. The winter months can be quite cold, but if you are interested in winter sports or seeing Tbilisi covered in snow, it can be an excellent time to visit.
What are the must-see attractions in Tbilisi?
Tbilisi has many must-see attractions, including:
- The Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features stunning historic architecture.
- Narikala Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the city.
- The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, a beautiful cathedral that is one of the largest in the world.
- The Georgian National Museum, which showcases the country’s rich history and culture.
- The sulfur baths, which have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries.
What foods should I try in Tbilisi?
Tbilisi is known for its delicious cuisine, which is a blend of Middle Eastern, European, and Asian flavors. Some of the must-try dishes include:
- Khinkali, a type of dumpling filled with meat, herbs, and spices.
- Khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread that is a staple of Georgian cuisine.
- Chakhokhbili, a chicken stew with tomatoes and herbs.
- Badrijani, fried eggplant stuffed with a spiced walnut paste.
- Churchkhela, a sweet snack made from walnuts and grape juice.
How do I get around Tbilisi?
Tbilisi has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, minibusses, and a metro system. However, if you prefer to explore the city on foot, many of the must-see attractions are located within walking distance of each other. Taxi services are also available, and Uber is widely used in Tbilisi.
Is it safe to travel to Tbilisi?
Tbilisi is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, as with any tourist destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded tourist areas, so it is important to keep your valuables close at hand.
What are some cultural norms in Tbilisi?
Georgians are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards tourists. It is customary to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, and it is important to dress modestly when visiting places of worship. Tipping is not expected but is always appreciated for good service.
What are some helpful phrases to know in Georgian?
Learning a few phrases in Georgian can go a long way in helping you navigate Tbilisi and connect with locals. Here are a few helpful phrases to get you started:
- Gamarjoba (gah-mahr-joh-bah) – hello
- Mindia (mihn-dee-ah) – thank you
- Dilamde (dee-lahm-deh) – sorry
- Sakhli (sah-khlee) – house
- Ghame (gah-meh) – wine
Hopefully, this post has provided some helpful information about Tbilisi and answered some of the most frequently asked questions. Happy travels!
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