Sighnaghi Day Tour
Kakheti's romantic walled city perched above the Alazani Valley — old town, wine, and Bodbe Monastery.
Overview
Sighnaghi is one of Georgia's most charming towns: a small walled city on a hilltop in Kakheti with sweeping views over the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus beyond. This day tour covers the old town and its 18th-century walls, a tasting at a local family winery, Bodbe Monastery — the resting place of St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia — and a long lunch with regional food and wine. Closer to Tbilisi than most Kakheti tours, it's a relaxed and beautiful day out.
Highlights
- Sighnaghi walled old town (18th-century city walls)
- Panoramic views of Alazani Valley and Caucasus
- Wine tasting at a local family winery
- Bodbe Monastery — shrine of St. Nino
- St. Nino's sacred spring
- Lunch with regional Kakhetian food and wine
- Artisan shops and local market stalls
- Female guide throughout
Itinerary
Departure from Tbilisi
Morning departure from central Tbilisi heading southeast into the Kakheti wine region. Approximately 90-minute scenic drive through the Iori plateau.
Sighnaghi Old Town
Arrive in Sighnaghi. Walk the cobblestone streets of the old town, explore the 18th-century defensive walls and towers with panoramic views over the Alazani Valley to the snow-capped Greater Caucasus. Browse local artisan shops selling ceramics, wine, and textiles.
Wine Tasting
Visit a local family winery for a guided tasting of Kakhetian wines — including amber (skin-contact) qvevri wines, Rkatsiteli, and Saperavi. Learn about Georgia's 8,000-year winemaking tradition directly from the producers.
Lunch in Sighnaghi
Lunch at a local restaurant with regional Kakhetian specialities — mtsvadi (grilled skewers), fresh salads, lobiani, and local cheese, paired with house wine.
Bodbe Monastery
Visit the 9th-century Bodbe Monastery, the resting place of St. Nino of Cappadocia, who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century. Explore the cathedral, the peaceful garden grounds, and descend to St. Nino's sacred spring in the valley below.
Departure for Tbilisi
Begin the 90-minute return drive to Tbilisi.
Arrive Tbilisi
Drop off at central meeting point in Tbilisi.
What's Included
- Comfortable transportation from/to Tbilisi
- Female English-speaking guide
- Wine tasting at family winery
- Bodbe Monastery entrance
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Water on board
What's Not Included
- Additional wine purchases
- Artisan market purchases
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones)
- Light layers (spring and autumn can be cool)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Camera
- Small bag for market purchases
- Water bottle