Tbilisi: 3 Cable Cars Tour with Optional Lunch

Traveling through Tbilisi offers a blend of history, vibrant street life, and scenic beauty. This cable car tour promises a chance to see the city from three different vantage points, each with its own charm and unique perspective. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this experience provides a relaxed and insightful way to grasp Tbilisi’s layout and highlights.

We love how this tour combines stunning panoramic views, informative guides, and the option to indulge in authentic Georgian cuisine and wine. It’s perfect for those who want a mix of sightseeing with a touch of local flavor. A possible downside? The 3-hour option focuses mainly on the attractions without including the lunch, so if you’re craving a full meal experience, the 5-hour version is a better pick.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who appreciate scenic vistas, are interested in cultural insights, and want a comfortable, guided experience. It’s also ideal if you prefer private or small group tours with flexible options.

Good To Know

• Multiple viewpoints: Ride 3 different cable cars, each offering distinct perspectives of Tbilisi.
• Comprehensive views: See the Old Town, Bridge of Peace, Mother of Georgia, and more.
• In-depth experience: Includes hotel pickup, guide, and transportation—making logistics seamless.
• Optional local lunch: Adds a culinary layer with Georgian pastry, wine, and a leisurely pace.
• Short or long: Choose between a 3-hour sightseeing-only tour or a 5-hour in-depth experience.
• Authentic insights: Knowledgeable guides like Georgi enhance the understanding of landmarks.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring Tbilisi from the Sky: An Overview

This Cable Cars Tour is a thoughtfully curated way to get a broad yet intimate view of Tbilisi’s diverse neighborhoods, historic sites, and scenic parks. The tour kicks off at Rike Park, where you’ll board the first cable car, crossing over the Kura River to reach the iconic Narikala Fortress and the Mother of Georgia statue. From here, the vistas stretch over the Old Town’s maze of rooftops, the Bridge of Peace, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral — landmarks that define Tbilisi’s skyline.

The second cable car takes you from the city’s main avenue up to Mtatsminda Mountain. From this elevated vantage point, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city’s modern skyline, including the distinctive Tbilisi TV Tower and the Mtatsminda Park ferris wheel. It’s a scene that captures the contrast of old and new Georgia in one breathtaking glance.

Finally, the Soviet-era cable car from Turtle Lake to the Vake District offers a different perspective—more suburban and lush, with views of Vake Park, newer skyscrapers, and sports stadiums. This route also takes travelers through an area that blends Soviet architecture with contemporary urban life, giving a rounded picture of Tbilisi’s diverse neighborhoods.

What Makes the Cable Car Experience Special

The real charm of this tour lies in the variety of viewpoints, each offering a distinct visual story. The Narikala Fortress and Mother of Georgia provide a sense of history and the city’s organic growth around the hilltops. You’ll see the winding streets, the colorful rooftops, and the river that helps define the city’s geography.

Riding the Mtatsminda Mountain cable car is particularly memorable. From the top, you’ll get an expansive view of Tbilisi’s skyline—an urban landscape that’s both charming and modern. The presence of the TV Tower and Mtatsminda Park’s ferris wheel makes for a picture-perfect scene, especially if the weather is clear.

The Soviet-era cable car from Turtle Lake is a fascinating ride because it offers a glimpse into Georgia’s recent past. As you glide above the upscale Vake District, expect views of Vake Park’s lush greenery and the sleek lines of newer buildings, contrasting sharply with the historic old town.

The Tour Itself: In-Depth Breakdown

The Itinerary and Transport

The tour begins with hotel pickup, a real benefit if you’re staying in central Tbilisi. From there, the guide introduces each segment of the tour, sharing insights that make the experience more than just a ride. The transportation is private or small-group, which results in a personalized atmosphere, more flexible pacing, and less waiting in lines.

The cable car rides are straightforward but memorable. Each ride lasts around 10-15 minutes, giving ample time to soak in the views and snap photos. The first ride over the Kura River offers a striking view of the Old Town, with its blend of medieval and modern architecture. The second ride to Mtatsminda involves a scenic ascent that reveals the city’s layout from above, with the sprawling hills surrounding Tbilisi.

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The Viewpoints and Landmarks

• Narikala Fortress & Mother of Georgia: Standing tall, these landmarks offer a commanding view of the city and the river. The guide provides brief contextual stories, making this a meaningful stop.
• Old Town and Bridge of Peace: From above, you realize how compact and interconnected these historic districts are.
• Mtatsminda Park & Tbilisi TV Tower: The panoramic view from the mountain is awe-inspiring, showcasing both the skyline and the surrounding hills.
• Turtle Lake & Vake District: A lush, suburban landscape with views of sports facilities and modern apartment blocks. The contrast here is striking.

The Optional Lunch: A Taste of Georgia

Adding the 5-hour option transforms the tour into a half-day culinary adventure. After the sightseeing, you’ll be treated to a local lunch featuring Georgian pastry and wine. This isn’t just a quick bite — the guide introduces you to authentic flavors, pairing traditional pastries with regional wine, providing an immersive taste of Georgian hospitality.

According to reviews, the lunch is highly praised for its quality, with visitors noting the delicious food and well-selected wine. The experience feels genuine, adding a cultural depth that complements the sightseeing.

Pricing and Value

At $32 per person, this tour is quite reasonable considering the private transportation, guided insights, and multiple cable car rides. When you factor in the hassle-free logistics, the stunning views, and optional lunch, it offers solid value for a half-day activity. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off is a perk, especially in a city where transportation can sometimes be tricky for visitors.

The 5-hour option, with the added lunch, provides a more relaxed pace, allowing for deeper enjoyment of the scenery and a taste of local food and drink. This makes it ideal for those looking to combine sightseeing with culture.

Real-Life Insights from Past Participants

One reviewer, Janet from Bulgaria, praised the guide Georgi, saying he was “very intelligent and speaks very good English,” which made the experience smooth and informative. She also mentioned that the tour helped her understand “how the city is planned and how beautiful it is,” emphasizing the educational aspect.

Another reviewer appreciated the views of the city skyline and how the tour “showed the city from above,” making it easier to understand its layout. The flexibility of the private tour format was also highlighted, as it allows for a tailored experience.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive view of Tbilisi without the hassle of navigating public transport or climbing steep hills. It’s perfect for first-time visitors eager to get a lay of the land or those interested in photography, thanks to the multiple panoramic points.

History and architecture buffs will appreciate the insights into landmarks like Narikala Fortress and the Mother of Georgia statue. Foodies and wine lovers benefit from the optional lunch, adding a culinary dimension to the sightseeing.

It’s also a good pick for small groups or private tours, providing a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere. However, those with mobility issues or traveling with very young children under 14 should note the tour’s structure and restrictions.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easier, especially if you stay centrally.

How long do the cable car rides last?
Each ride is approximately 10-15 minutes, giving plenty of time for photos and taking in the views.

What’s the difference between the 3-hour and 5-hour options?
The 3-hour version focuses on the main viewpoints, while the 5-hour includes a local Georgian lunch, with wine and pastries, offering a more immersive cultural experience.

Can I do this tour with children?
Children under 14 are allowed only on private tours, and the overall activity suits most ages unless mobility is limited.

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments due to the nature of the cable cars and walking involved.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advised, as the tour involves outdoor viewpoints. Large luggage or strollers are not permitted.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

What language is the tour guide in?
Guides typically speak English, ensuring clear explanations throughout the experience.

Final Thoughts

This three cable car tour of Tbilisi offers a well-rounded, accessible way to see some of the best viewpoints the city has to offer. The combination of panoramic vistas, insightful guides, and optional Georgian cuisine makes it an appealing choice for many travelers. In just a few hours, you’ll gain a new perspective on Tbilisi’s layout, architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods, all from a comfortable, guided platform.

Whether you opt for the shorter 3-hour version or the longer 5-hour experience, this tour provides great value and memorable sights. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy scenic routes, cultural insights, and small-group intimacy. For anyone wanting to combine sightseeing with a taste of Georgian hospitality, it’s a solid pick that showcases the city from above in the best possible way.

You can check if your dates are available here: