Jewish Heritage Tour of Georgia — 3 Days
Jewish history in Georgia is not limited to old synagogues. It is a centuries-old story of people, families, religious traditions, cultural ties and coexistence.
The Jewish community in Georgia dates back roughly 2,600 years, and the relationship between Georgian and Jewish cultures has become an essential part of the country's historical heritage.
Over these three days we visit several of Georgia's most significant Jewish centres — Tbilisi, Kulashi, Kutaisi and Oni. The tour connects working synagogues, former Jewish quarters, historic communities and the human stories that shaped the unique character of Georgian-Jewish relations.
What this tour offers It is designed for travellers who want to discover Georgia not only as a destination, but as a country with many centuries of Jewish history: the roughly 2,600-year Jewish presence; the Jewish heritage of Tbilisi; Georgian Jewish and Ashkenazi communities; the historic settlement of Kulashi; the Jewish quarter and synagogues of Kutaisi; the legacy of Boris Gaponov; the famous synagogue of Oni; and the story of the Aliyah from Georgia to Israel.
Optional services on request: Hebrew-speaking guide; kosher meals; Shabbat-friendly itinerary; airport transfer; 4★ or 5★ hotels; extra night in Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Racha; wine tasting; custom route adjustments; visits to places connected with your family roots.
Jewish Heritage of Georgia — this journey is not only about discovering the past. It is the story of two peoples who for centuries lived side by side, preserved their identities and created a shared cultural heritage.
📋 Tour details
- Duration
- 3 days
- Region
- Tbilisi • Imereti • Racha
- Difficulty
- Easy
What's included & what's not
- Comfortable private transport
- Professional driver
- Full route organisation
- Guide service
- 2 nights accommodation
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Entrances and visits included in the programme
- Organisational support throughout the tour
- Flights and international transfers
- Lunches and dinners (unless agreed in advance)
- Kosher meals (arranged separately, on prior request)
- Hebrew-speaking guide (optional service)
- Personal expenses and drinks
- Wine tasting and additional activities
- Insurance
These extras are paid separately — good to budget for in advance.
Itinerary
- 1Day 1 — Tbilisi: an introduction to Georgian Jewish history. The Great Synagogue of Tbilisi (an active religious centre, community history and traditions); the David Baazov Museum of History of Jews of Georgia and Georgian-Jewish Relations (origins of the communities, the Soviet period, the Aliyah); the Ashkenazi Synagogue of Tbilisi; a walk through Old Tbilisi — the former Jewish quarter, Kote Apkhazi Street, Meidan, Abanotubani. Evening at a Georgian restaurant (kosher meals on prior request). Overnight in Tbilisi.
- 2Day 2 — Tbilisi → Kulashi → Kutaisi: following the lost communities. Kulashi — historic synagogues, the former Jewish quarter, buildings linked to religious life and the Jewish cemetery; conversation about the mass emigration to Israel in the second half of the 20th century. Kutaisi — the historic Jewish quarter, the city's synagogues, the role of trade and crafts, and the story of Boris Gaponov, who translated "The Knight in the Panther's Skin" into Hebrew. Evening in the historic centre of Kutaisi. Overnight in Kutaisi.
- 3Day 3 — Kutaisi → Oni → Tbilisi: the synagogue the town protected. The Oni Synagogue — built at the end of the 19th century, one of the most remarkable monuments of Jewish heritage in Georgia; the story of how, in the Soviet period, Jews and Georgians stood together to protect it. The former Jewish quarter of Oni and the stories of local families. A Racha experience — a local lunch and a short introduction to the mountain landscape. Return and end of the tour in Tbilisi.
📍 Places we visit
Specific landmarks and sights you'll see on this tour
- The Great Synagogue of Tbilisi
- David Baazov Museum
- Ashkenazi Synagogue of Tbilisi
- Old Tbilisi and the former Jewish quarter
- The historic Jewish settlement of Kulashi
- Jewish quarter and synagogues of Kutaisi
- The Oni Synagogue
- Former Jewish quarter of Oni
- The nature of Racha
ℹ️ Good to know
Please read — this keeps the tour running smoothly for everyone
- Visits to working synagogues depend on the day, the religious calendar and local rules.
- On Friday evenings, Shabbat and Jewish holidays the programme may change.
- Opening hours of synagogues and museums are confirmed before each departure.
- Kosher meals and a Shabbat-compliant programme require prior arrangement.
- The tour is available as a private or small-group experience.
Frequently asked questions
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