Tbilisi: Old and New City Guided Tour with 2 Cable Car Rides

Exploring Tbilisi through this guided tour feels like flipping through a colorful photo album—rich with history, vibrant with modern energy, and topped off with stunning panoramic views. This experience isn’t just about ticking sights off a list; it’s about truly feeling the pulse of Georgia’s capital from different angles, both literally and figuratively.

What we love about this tour is how it combines two contrasting districts—the bustling, modern side with its lush parks and luxury apartments, and the historic heart of Old Tbilisi with charming streets and iconic landmarks. The cable car rides to two breathtaking peaks are a highlight, offering sweeping views that make you understand why Tbilisi is called the city of contrasts. Plus, the insightful guides often share little stories and tips that turn a sightseeing trip into a memorable experience.

One small consideration is the duration—lasting anywhere from 2 to 4 hours—which means you should be prepared for some walking and be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The tour is perfect for first-timers or those wanting an overview that hits both city faces efficiently. If you’re after a deep dive into every nook of Tbilisi, this might not cover every tiny alley but it’s an excellent introduction.

This tour suits travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, scenic cable car rides, and local insights—especially if you appreciate good value, stunning views, and knowledgeable guides.

Good To Know

• Contrasting Districts: Explore both the modern and historic sides of Tbilisi.
• Cable Car Views: Ride two cable cars to peaks offering panoramic city vistas.
• Iconic Landmarks: Discover Narikala Castle, Mother of Georgia, Turtle Lake, and more.
• Expert Guides: Guides share useful tips, local stories, and cultural insights.
• Comfortable Transport: Private transportation between districts conserves energy and time.
• Affordable: At $36, the tour offers strong value considering the views and guided experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Closer Look at the Tbilisi Experience

Starting the Journey: The tour kicks off with hotel pickup, which is incredibly convenient. Being collected from your accommodation means you avoid the hassle of navigating the city on your own, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Tbilisi’s layout. This personalized approach sets a relaxed tone from the start and allows your guide to tailor the experience slightly to your interests.

The Two Cable Car Rides: The two rides are the heart of this tour. The first cable car whisks you up to a peak showcasing Tbilisi’s new face—luxury apartments, lush parks, and modern architecture. This view is a stark contrast to the old town, giving an instant visual of the city’s growth and vibrancy. Reviewers mention that, during the ride, passengers are treated to sweeping vistas, making it clear why the city’s skyline is so captivating.

The second cable car ascends to a historic vantage point, where landmarks like Narikala Fortress and the Mother of Georgia statue stand out. Here, the views blend cityscape with nature—gardens, ancient walls, and the winding Kura River. It’s an ideal spot for photos and soaking in a sense of Tbilisi’s timeless charm.

Exploring Old and New Districts: The guided walk through Old Tbilisi is affectionate and informative. Narrow streets, traditional balconies, and local cafes create an intimate atmosphere. Guides like Mia, Irina, and Nodar are consistently praised for their deep knowledge and friendly manner—many reviews highlight that they go beyond the standard script, sharing fun facts and useful tips about restaurants or hidden spots.

In the newer district, you’ll see the city’s contemporary side—luxury apartments and parks that reflect its rapid development. The strategic use of private transport between these areas means you get more sightseeing and less exhaustion, especially in the summer heat.

Landmarks and Highlights: The tour covers several must-see sites, like the Mother of Georgia statue, an emblem of the city’s resilience, and Turtle Lake, which offers a peaceful escape and often a lovely breeze. The visit to Narikala Castle is particularly memorable, with many reviewers calling it a highlight for its history and views.

Local Tips and Cultural Insights: Guides share useful advice, such as where to find the best local foods or how to navigate the city’s public transport. Many reviewers comment on guides being attentive, friendly, and eager to answer questions—sometimes even treating guests to drinks or helping with photo ops. This personal touch truly elevates the experience.

Value for Money and Practicalities

At $36 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the inclusions. The price covers guide services, cable car tickets, transportation, and hotel pickup/drop-off. With reviews praising the quality of guides like Mia, Nodar, and George, it’s clear that the experience isn’t just about the sights but also about engaging storytelling and personalized attention.

The duration—from 2 to 4 hours—is flexible, which is helpful if you’re tight on time or want to customize your experience. We appreciate that the tour caters to small groups or private bookings, ensuring a more intimate and tailored approach.

What’s Included: The guide’s commentary is a standout, often filled with anecdotes and lesser-known facts that bring the city alive. Cable car rides are confirmed, and the transport between districts adds comfort and efficiency, especially if you’re visiting in hot weather.

What’s Not Included: Food and drinks are not included, so it’s wise to bring some water and perhaps plan to enjoy a meal or coffee afterward in the vibrant city.

Walkthrough of the Itinerary

Starting Point: After being picked up at your hotel, the group heads straight to the first cable car station. This seamless transition helps maximize sightseeing and minimizes walking fatigue.

First Cable Car & Modern Tbilisi: The ride up offers stunning views over new districts, parks, and luxury buildings. Many reviews highlight this part as a highlight—it’s like seeing the city from a bird’s-eye view, with plenty of photo opportunities. Once at the top, guides point out modern architectural marvels and share insights about the city’s recent development.

Exploring the New District: Walking through this area, you’ll notice the blend of green spaces, boutique cafes, and upscale residences. Here, your guide might share stories about Tbilisi’s rapid growth and future plans.

Second Cable Car & Old Tbilisi: The second ascent takes you to the historic heart. Photos from this vantage point are often stunning, with views of the historic streets, the fortress, and the river below. The walk through Old Tbilisi’s winding streets is enchanting, full of traditional buildings and local shops. Many reviewers note that their guides shared fun facts about the landmarks, making the history feel personal and engaging.

Major Landmarks: Narikala Fortress, Mother of Georgia, Turtle Lake, Botanical Garden, and local viewpoints are all covered. The guides are attentive to guests’ interests, ensuring everyone gets the perfect photo or a quiet moment of reflection.

Tour End & Drop-Off: After roughly 2-4 hours, the tour concludes back at your accommodation or a central point, closing with a sense of having a comprehensive snapshot of Tbilisi’s old and new faces.

Authentic Experiences & Honest Insights from Reviewers

Reviewers often mention how guides like Mia, George, and Nodar are passionate, friendly, and knowledgeable. One noted that their guide even paid for Turkish coffee—a generous gesture reflecting the warm hospitality that Georgia is famous for. Others appreciated the flexibility of the tour, with one reviewer mentioning that the guide adjusted the pace to suit their needs, making the experience feel personalized.

Many guests found the views from the peaks to be unforgettable. Several reviewers praised the quality of the cable car rides, describing them as smooth and scenic, and some appreciated the chance to see the city from two different perspectives within a short time.

The value for money is clear—at just $36, you receive a well-organized, informative, and scenic introduction to Tbilisi, guided by experts who seem genuinely invested in making sure visitors enjoy every moment.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a blend of scenic vistas, cultural insight, and relaxed sightseeing, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for first-timers eager to see the highlights without feeling rushed or exhausted. Families, couples, and solo travelers will find the experience engaging and informative, especially since guides are praised for their friendliness and local knowledge.

Those who enjoy photo opportunities will appreciate the views from both peaks, while those interested in local culture and history will find the guided commentary insightful and engaging. It’s also a good pick for travelers on a budget looking for a comprehensive introduction to Tbilisi without breaking the bank.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it very convenient for travelers staying in Tbilisi.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the pace and the group.

Are private tours available?
Yes, you can opt for a private tour, which offers a more personalized experience with the same highlights.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Can children join?
Youth under 18 are only permitted on private tours, making this suitable for families with older kids or teens.

Are the cable car rides safe?
Yes, the cable cars are modern, smooth, and provide safe transport to scenic viewpoints.

Is there a lot of walking involved?
Yes, expect roughly 2 miles of walking, mostly through historic streets and scenic viewpoints.

What’s not included?
Food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring some water and perhaps plan a meal afterward in Tbilisi’s lively cafes.

Final Thoughts

This Tbilisi tour offers a well-rounded and visually stunning introduction to Georgia’s capital. The combination of cable car rides, exploring contrasting districts, and expert guides makes it a great value for travelers wanting to see the city’s highlights efficiently and comfortably.

The guides are frequently praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and willingness to go above and beyond, turning an ordinary sightseeing trip into a memorable experience. The views from the two peaks alone make it worth the price, providing perfect photo opportunities and a new appreciation for Tbilisi’s unique blend of old and new.

While it’s not a deep dive into every corner of the city, it’s an ideal way to get your bearings, enjoy some stunning vistas, and get tips for further exploration. If you’re visiting Tbilisi for the first time and crave a relaxed, scenic, and insightful overview, this tour is definitely worth considering.

In brief, this tour is best suited for travelers who want a scenic, culturally rich snapshot of Tbilisi with friendly guides and excellent value. It’s perfect for those who love spectacular views, cultural stories, and a comfortable pace—a smart pick for a memorable Georgian introduction.

You can check if your dates are available here: