Spend Orthodox Christmas in Tbilisi: the Alilo procession on Rustaveli, Christmas Eve liturgy at Sameba Cathedral, and a winter day among Kakheti's vineyards.
- —Christmas Eve liturgy at Sameba Cathedral, the seat of the Georgian Orthodox Church, on the night of 6 January
- —The Alilo procession along Rustaveli Avenue on 7 January, Georgia's largest public Christmas event
- —Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, the UNESCO-listed core of Georgian Christianity
- —A day in Kakheti combining Sighnaghi's fortress walls, Bodbe Convent and St Nino's tomb, and a cellar visit with mulled wine and chacha
- —Base in a centrally located hotel in Old Tbilisi for the whole stay, no repacking between nights
- —Private car and licensed guide throughout, so you are not queuing for a seat on a tour bus during the busiest week of the Georgian calendar
Map: OpenStreetMap · Road route and driving times: OSRM · Times exclude stops.
- ✓ 3 nights in a centrally located hotel in Old Tbilisi, breakfast included
- ✓ Private transport with driver for all transfers and day trips
- ✓ English-speaking licensed guide for Mtskheta, the Alilo procession, and the Kakheti day
- ✓ Entrance arrangements for Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery (donation-based, checked at booking)
- ✓ Wine and chacha tasting with mulled wine at a Kakheti family cellar
- ✓ Airport pickup on arrival and transfer on departure
- ✓ All taxes and service charges
- — International flights
- — Lunches and dinners, other than the tasting on Day 4
- — Travel insurance
- — Personal expenses and tips
- — Any entrance fee for the Sameba Cathedral car park or special-access areas, if applicable
- · Dress modestly for church visits: shoulders and knees covered, headscarves for women are expected and can be borrowed at most church entrances
- · Early January in Tbilisi runs cold, often below freezing at night; bring warm layers, a hat and gloves, and waterproof footwear for icy pavements
- · Central streets around Rustaveli Avenue close to traffic on the morning of 7 January for the Alilo procession; expect to walk a stretch to reach the hotel
- · The Christmas Eve liturgy at Sameba runs several hours and is mostly standing room; arriving early secures a better position inside
- · Some shops and restaurants reduce their hours or close around 6–7 January; opening times are checked at booking
- · The Tbilisi–Kakheti road can have ice or fog in winter; drive time to Sighnaghi is about 1 hour 45 minutes, longer if conditions require a slower pace
Is the Alilo procession open to everyone, or do we need tickets?
It is a free public event. You watch from the pavement along Rustaveli Avenue; no ticket or booking is required.
Can non-Orthodox visitors attend the Christmas Eve liturgy at Sameba?
Yes, the cathedral is open to the public. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and remain quiet during the service.
What happens if it snows heavily during the trip?
Tbilisi and the Mtskheta road are cleared quickly. The Kakheti day is the one most likely to be adjusted in timing, and we confirm the plan with you the evening before.
Is the hotel within walking distance of the Alilo procession route?
Yes, hotels used for this tour are in the Old Town, within walking distance of Rustaveli Avenue, though some streets are closed to cars that morning.
Prices are per person for two travelling together, in euros; solo travellers and larger groups are quoted on request. Every departure is private and adjusted to you. Hotels, wineries and restaurants on our routes are verified by GTour.
A small stone Orthodox church near Nekresi monastery surrounded by green forest in Kakheti. · Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
| Group | Per person | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | €1,584 ≈ $1,766 · 4,585 GEL | €1,584 ≈ $1,766 · 4,585 GEL |
| 2 travellers | €990 ≈ $1,104 · 2,865 GEL | €1,980 ≈ $2,208 · 5,731 GEL |
| 3 travellers | €941 ≈ $1,049 · 2,724 GEL | €2,823 ≈ $3,148 · 8,171 GEL |
| 4–6 travellers | €842 ≈ $939 · 2,437 GEL | €3,368 ≈ $3,755 · 9,748 GEL for four |
Private tour: your own car and driver, guide and hotels as described. Conversions at today's National Bank of Georgia rate.
Free cancellation up to 7 days before the tour. Between 7 days and 48 hours: 50 % of the price. Less than 48 hours or no-show: no refund. If a mountain road closes and the tour cannot run, you choose a new date or a full refund.
20 % deposit confirms the booking. Deposit by card or bank transfer when the date is confirmed; the balance in cash or by card at the start of the tour. No hidden fees — fuel, parking, driver and guide are included; entrance tickets, meals and hotels are listed per tour.
Since 1 January 2026 every foreign visitor to Georgia must hold health and accident insurance with cover of at least 30,000 GEL — see our guide to the rule. Our vehicles carry passenger liability insurance; your travel policy covers you.
Full booking conditions · Terms of use · What "Verified by GTour" means
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