Kvareli

Nestled at the foot of the Caucasus, Kvareli is home to Georgia’s largest winery and one of the world’s largest wine cellars - an underground tunnel that can maintain the perfect temperature for Kakheti’ famous white wine, Kindzmarauli. While in town, visit the museum to Georgian writer Ilia Chavchavadze and hike around the beautiful lake resort – only a short drive away from the town.

In the current form of a town Sighnaghi originated on the ruins of a previously existing fortress in the second half of the 18th century during the reign of King Erekle II. It occupies nearly 40 ha of land and circumference of the wall is 2.5 km. The fortress has 23 towers and 5 entrances. In the past each tower had a separate name. The embrasures are arranged in a way that the garrison soldiers could aim at the attacking enemy located at any point both outside and inside the wall. The neighborhoods remaining from the 19th century still retain remarkable examples of house architecture.

Telavi

Telavi is home to several of the region’s world-famous wineries, art museums, castles and a theatre highlighting folk singing and dancing. Telavi is located on the crossroad of the region and is an ideal place to stop for a lunch or an excellent jumping-off point for two or three-day excursions.

Tusheti

One of Georgia’s most remote and scenic areas, Tushetiis tucked away in the Caucasus Mountains along Kakheti’s northern border with Russia. The Abanos Pass that runs to the region from Akhmeta is only open from mid-June to early October and travelers should expect an adventure as you navigate through the steep cliffs. Tusheti is a unique cultural heritage location. The villages of Dartlo and Omalo are home to nomadic tribes that still practice a unique religion. While hiking through this spectacular area, small stone towers can be seen that mark the place of a ritual animal sacrifice. Homestays are widely available for those looking for a rustic retreat.

Ilia Lake

Ilia Lake resort is located right in the heart of Kakheti, east of the town of Kvareli, at the foothills of the southern slopes of Caucasian mountains. Surrounded by a forest of centuries-old trees, the hotel grounds open to the lake feeding on the Bursa and Chagurgula rivers, and overlook the boundless Alazani valley. The hotel has spacious guest rooms with terraces with excellent views. 44 hectares out of total 300 hectares, on which the resort is spread, is occupied by the lake with average depth of 20 m. The complex includes the hotel proper and a recreation area with outdoor sport facilities. Ilia lake resort has its own boulevard (700-800m), an amphitheater with 500 seats, a café and a 4 km long bicycle lane. Whether you plan to spend a weekend or your entire holiday here, the hotel can offer you any service to make your stay an unforgettable experience. The best seasons to visit are fall and spring.

Batonistsikhe Citadel

Batonistsikhe citadel is located in Telavi. Entering the gates you can tour several small 18th century churches as well as the Ketevan Iashvili Art Gallery that features works from local and European artists. From the eastern side, theCitadel is bordered by the statue of King Erekle II on horseback. Climb to the statue’s base for a breathtaking view of the Caucasus Mountains.

Dartlo

The village of Dartlo has the status of architectural reservation. The evolution of the use changes is visible in the village. The fortification buildings lost their function and gained the additional balcony decorations. The remains of the architecture are the towers with the pyramid shape roofing and the attached balcony houses. 

Dartlo has various landscapes that is truly exceptional. 

Davit Gareja

Gareji that occupies tens of hectares of land is the largest complex of monasteries in Georgia. It includes Davit’s Lavra, Dodos Rka (Dodo’s Horn), Natlismtsemeli (Baptist), Bertubani (Monks’ Place), Udabno, Tsamebuli, Kolagiri, etc. In the past their total number amounted to twelve, which gave rise to the name of the place “Twelve Monasteries of Gareji”. The architectural ensemble includes ordinary buildings and facilities carved in the rock. Gareji used to be a royal monastery. Georgian monarchs frequently endowed lands and other treasures. This was the site where famous historical figures lived and worked and where the hymn to Virgin Mary “Shen Khar Venakhi” (Thou art vine) was composed.

Girevi

Girevi is located in the historical land of Tusheti, on the northern slope of the Caucasian Mountains, in about 50 km from Omalo Village. Tusheti is famous for its virgin nature, beautiful villages with ancient towers, exotic folklore, traditional festivals and delicious food.

The village is rich in monuments of Georgian traditional architecture. One of them is a five-storey tower in about 500 m west from Girevi. Another residential tower is situation in the south. It encompasses the tower proper and an added facility of later age.

Keselo Castle

Historical district of Omalo- Keselo is a castle. Today there are the remains of 7 towers. This place must have been an important settlement for Tushi people, as long as there are two chapels and a beer brewing building there. 

In one of the towers of Keselo, there is an ethnographical museum there. The fighting and domestic tools are exhibited there. 

Chachuna Reserve

Chachuna Nature Reserve offers savannah-like landscapes, arid woodlands and semi-deserts. Raptors, such as Long-legged Buzzard and Levant Sparrowhawk soar over golden hills. Large aggregations of Rose-coloured Starlings and Eurasian Bee-eaters fill the sky and Short-toed Snake-eagles circle above. Black Francolins can be seen amongst the riparian forest vegetation while Mediterranean Tortoises rest in the sun nearby. Chachuna hosts all the species that can be seen at Davit Gareji plus additional species of interest, including: White-throated Robin, Finch’s Wheatear, Red-tailed Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, various species of warblers, Rock Nuthatch, Lesser Grey and Woodchat Shrikes.