Highlights / General details Have lunch with a local family and learn how to make traditional Georgian dishes; See some of Tbilisi’s most fascinating sites, from the oldest church in Georgia to the seminary where Stalin studied; Learn about the ancient traditions of tamada toasts and qvevri wine-making; Hop on local transportation and get a glimpse into daily life in Tbilisi. Inclusion Local English-speaking guide; Public transport fee; Lunch. Exclusion Hotel pick-up and drop-off; Additional food and beverages; Souvenirs and items of a personal nature; Gratuities for your local guide. Hours of operation Available daily departing at 11:00am. Duration Approximately 4 hours. Location Tour departs from Metekhi Church; Tour ends at Freedom Square. Itinerary You’ll start your Tbilisi tour at the point where the city’s history began. Your guide will tell you the legends and tales of the ancient town, setting you up for your day exploring some of the city’s most iconic sites. We’ll cross the Metekhi Bridge and head first to the sulphur baths, natural hot springs that are one of the most popular places to visit in Tbilisi. (If you would like to book a room at the bath for later during your trip, your guide can help you to make arrangements). From there, we’ll tour some of Tbilisi’s most significant sites. We’ll stop at the tamada sculpture and learn why it’s a symbol of Georgia’s ancient wine-making and tamada (toastmaster) traditions. We’ll also visit a local carpet shop, the Great Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral, and Anchiskhati Church — the oldest church in Georgia — and pass by the Spiritual Seminary where Stalin studied. Once we’ve finished touring you through Tbilisi’s history, we’ll follow the old narrow streets to Freedom Square, where we’ll hop on public transit for the second half of our adventure: lunch! You’ll be dining with a local family and getting a true taste of Georgian hospitality. Local custom dictates that guests are blessed gifts from God, so prepare to be welcomed into the family like a long-lost relative! Your hosts will show you how to make popular Georgian dishes such as khinkali and khachapuri (dumplings and cheese-filled bread — yum!), letting you lend a hand in the kitchen if you like. In addition to the mains, your lunch will include salads, homemade jam, and Georgian wine, made using the traditional qvevri method of storing wine in clay jars underground. Stuffed and satiated, we’ll put you back on transit and return you to Freedom Square, where you’re free to keep exploring on your own. Additional Information Comfortable, walking shoes are preferable for sightseeing on foot. When visiting churches, please remember that women are requested to cover their hair and wear either long dresses or long trousers. Shoulders need to be covered. Men should remove their hats avoid wearing shorts. Participant restrictions Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour. Policies Cancellation: 2 days prior 100% penalty. No show 100% penalty. Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher. **All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**