Guided Tour of Stalin’s Birthplace

£950 per person

Embark on a tour exploring Joseph Stalin’s history and legacy, gaining critical insight into the human cost of his leadership.

This tour focuses on the life of Joseph Stalin, exploring his early years and rise to power. Born in 1878 in Gori, Georgia, Stalin faced poverty and hardship, with a troubled family background. His time as a seminarian and later as a revolutionary helped shape his future role in the Bolshevik Party. The tour delves into his early struggles, criminal activities, and eventual rise to power. Key sites, including the Stalin Museum in Gori, provide insight into his origins and journey to prominence. The tour also looks at how Stalin’s past influenced his later decisions, including the Great Terror, the creation of the Gulags, and his role in the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War.

5 Days
12+ Age
Georgia
Cultural Tours
  • Destination
    Georgia
  • Departure
    Tour starts and ends in Tbilisi.
  • Departure Time
    There will be a welcome meeting during the evening of the first day.
  • Return Time
    The tour ends following breakfast on day five.
  • Dress Code
    Clothing suited to hiking, bus journeys, monastery visits (modest inc. headscarves' for women), and dinners out.
  • Included
    Airport Transfers
    Breakfasts
    Entrance Fees
    Local Sim Card
  • Not Included
    Flights
    Lunches and Dinners
    Personal Travel Insurance
    Spending Money

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Day One: Arrival in Tbilisi

Arrive in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, join your group for dinner at a Georgian restaurant, where you can meet fellow travellers and enjoy local dishes like khachapuri and khinkali.

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Day Two: Georgian National Museum

Start the day with breakfast before exploring Tbilisi’s historic Old Town. Visit landmarks like Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, Anchiskhati Church, Sioni Cathedral, and the synagogue. Learn about Georgia’s history at the Georgian National Museum and the Museum of Soviet Occupation. Walk along Rustaveli Avenue and Pushkin Street for shopping and architecture, then visit the Avlabari district, including Stalin’s Underground Printing House. End the day with a stroll on Agmashenebeli Avenue, passing landmarks like Leo Tolstoy’s former residence, before dinner.

 

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Day Three: Mtskheta - Gori - Uplistsikhe

After breakfast, depart for Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital. Visit Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century hilltop church with views of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, and see a tribute to Russian writer Lermontov. In Mtskheta, explore the UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Continue to Gori, Stalin’s birthplace, and visit the Stalin Museum. Then, explore the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe, a rock-hewn settlement from the early Iron Age. Return to Tbilisi in the evening to relax or explore at your own pace.

 

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Day Four: Ananuri - Gudauri

On the fourth day, after breakfast, head north along the Georgian Military Highway. Stop at the Ananuri architectural complex, then continue to the Gudauri ski resort to see the Arch of Friendship. Travel further into the Greater Caucasus Mountains to Kazbegi, where you’ll take a jeep ride to the Gergeti Trinity Church at 2170 meters. After the day’s exploration, return to Tbilisi for a traditional dinner with folk dancing and singing.

 

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Day Five: Departure
The tour ends after breakfast, followed by an airport transfer.

TOUR LOCATION

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What to Expect

 

This tour involves full days of exploration, typically lasting 7 to 8 hours, with a mix of sightseeing and travel. Expect moderate walking, especially at historic sites like Uplistsikhe and Mtskheta, where terrain can be uneven. While regular breaks are included, participants should be prepared for some time on their feet. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, though small itinerary adjustments can be made upon request. Georgia’s weather varies—summers can reach 35°C (95°F), while winters may drop below freezing. Checking the forecast and packing accordingly is advised. Meals outside of breakfast are not included, allowing flexibility to explore local restaurants or markets. Travelers should budget around $20 to $30 per day for meals and personal expenses. Flights, visas, and travel insurance are not included, and participants should check visa requirements before booking.

 

Inclusions and Exclusions

 

The tour includes all coach transportation, airport transfers, entry to Uplistsikhe and the Stalin Museum, and accommodation in 3-star (or higher) hotels. A bottle of water per person per day is provided, and a guest lecture by an expert will take place on either the first or second evening. Flights, visas, and travel insurance are not included. Lunch and dinner are also excluded, giving travelers the freedom to choose where and what to eat. A single supplement is available on request for those who prefer private accommodation.

 

Accommodation

 

Accommodation is in comfortable 3-star or higher-rated hotels in Tbilisi, such as Graphica Hotel or similar, depending on availability. Rooms are based on double occupancy, with upgrade options available upon request. Those interested in private rooms or higher-category hotels should arrange this when booking.

 

The standard accommodation will be comparable to the following images: