Old Town and Beyond: A Tbilisi Silk Road Feast with Culinary Backstreets

Tbilisi’s cuisine reflects centuries of trade, migration and occupation, shaped by influences from Persia, the Ottoman Empire, Russia, Central Asia and beyond. We’ll begin in the city’s oldest quarter with tea and khachapuri before tasting freshly baked shoti straight from a traditional clay oven. From there, we’ll explore Georgian walnut spreads, pickles, herbs, spices and sweets such as churchkhela at local cafés and markets. We’ll also sit down for handmade khinkali, followed by a generous Georgian supra featuring garlicky chicken shkmeruli. The day ends with a tasting of natural kvevri wines made using Georgia’s ancient clay-vessel winemaking tradition. Along the way, we’ll explore how Tbilisi’s food culture has been shaped by the Silk Road, Soviet rule and Georgia’s modern revival, connecting the city’s complex history with the flavors found on the table today.

1. 1

   Old Town Tbilisi

   30 min

   We’ll begin in the atmospheric old town of Tbilisi, where we will visit an underground Azeri tea house.

2. 2

   Sioni Cathedral Church

   1 hour

   We will make our way to a church-run shop selling products straight from Orthodox monasteries – long-time bastions of artisanal production – here we will sample some stunning treats

3. 3

   Stop 3

   1 hour

   In the back streets near Freedom Square we will visit an unusual wine bar for a tasting of Georgia's finest small-scale wine producers.

4. 4

   Anchiskhati Basilica

   45 min

   We will visit the oldest church in Tbilisi, an architectural and cultural treasure.

5. 5

   Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater

   45 min

   Near this famous theater, we will sit down for shkmeruli, a sizzling chicken dish and certpeice of any Georgian feast.

6. 6

   Parliament of Georgia

   1 hour

   Near Parliament we will visit a khinkali master and sample her freshly-made dumplings.

7. 7

   Metekhi Cathedral

   30 min

   Another stunning Cathedral we will pass by on our way to an artisanal cheese shop for a tasting.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.