Tbilisi: Family Tour — Bears, Chronicle, Jvari & Sabaduri Forest
Description
Four of Tbilisi's most iconic stops. One half-day that covers more than most full-day tours. You start at the Chronicle of Georgia — sixteen stone pillars carved with kings, saints and warriors, standing above the city with the Tbilisi Sea stretched out behind them. Then Sabaduri Forest and the wildlife sanctuary. Hidden among the trees, a small shelter cares for rescued bears, wolves, dogs and horses. Bring apples or carrots — your guide shows you exactly how to feed the animals safely. Completely safe, entirely unforgettable, and the moment kids talk about for the rest of the trip. Jvari Monastery comes last — 6th century, perched above the exact point where the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers meet below Mtskheta. A UNESCO World Heritage site that has drawn pilgrims and photographers for 1,500 years. Small or private groups. English-speaking local guide who actually knows the history. Rated 5.0 by every traveler. Viator Badge of Excellence.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We designed our starting process to be as smooth as possible, whether you prefer the exclusivity of a private car or the fun of a shared group experience. For Small Group Tour Guests: Join us at our easy-to-find meeting location in the historic center: Europe Square. We meet specifically at the open parking area next to the Cafe Tramway (a distinct vintage tram car). It is a central, accessible spot perfect for starting our journey. For Private Tour Guests: Enjoy maximum comfort with our complimentary door-to-door pickup service. Your guide will meet you directly at the lobby of your hotel or residence in Tbilisi, ensuring a stress-free start to your day. Important Note: To ensure we catch the best light and maximize our time at the bear sanctuary and forest, we kindly ask all guests to arrive 10 minutes prior to departure. Our tours leave promptly to respect the schedule of all participants.
The Chronicle of Georgia isn't on most tourist maps — which is exactly why it's worth starting here. Sixteen massive stone pillars rise above the city, carved with the life of Christ, Georgian kings and the saints who shaped this country. The sculptor was Zurab Tsereteli — the same artist behind some of the largest monuments in the former Soviet world. The scale is genuinely hard to prepare for until you're standing in front of it. From the hilltop, the Tbilisi Sea reservoir stretches toward the horizon behind the pillars. In the morning light it looks like a painting. Photographers arrive early and stay late. Most tour groups skip this entirely. The ones who do stop rarely spend enough time. You get 45 minutes — enough to walk around, read the carvings, and take the panoramic view shot that will make everyone at home ask where you were.
After the Chronicle we drive into Sabaduri Forest — and into one of the most unexpected stops on any Tbilisi tour. Tucked into the village of Tskhvarichamia is a small wildlife sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates brown bears, wolves, dogs and horses. These aren't performing animals. They live here permanently, cared for by a dedicated local team. Bring apples or carrots — you can feed the bears yourself. Your guide will show you how to do it safely. Kids go absolutely quiet the moment a bear takes food from their hand. Then they talk about it for the rest of the day. Optional donations support the sanctuary directly. Nobody will pressure you — but it makes a real difference to the animals and the people who care for them. The forest around the sanctuary changes completely with the seasons — deep snow in winter, green and alive in spring, golden in autumn. Every visit looks different.
Step into the pages of a winter fairy tale at Sabaduri Forest, Georgia's most photogenic natural landmark. Located just a short drive from the city within the Tbilisi National Park, this enchanting location is famous for its dense, perfectly aligned trees that create a magical tunnel effect. For photographers and social media enthusiasts, this is the ultimate destination. The forest offers a cinematic backdrop that looks straight out of a fantasy movie. When blessed with snow, it transforms into a pristine white wonderland where families can build snowmen, make snow angels, and capture breathtaking holiday portraits (weather permitting). Even on clear winter days without heavy snow, the mystical atmosphere of the deep woods and the crisp mountain air offer a refreshing escape. It is a place where nature brings out the child in everyone, offering endless opportunities for exploration and creating unforgettable family memories.
No trip to Georgia is complete without visiting its most famous spiritual landmark: the Jvari Monastery. Perched dramatically on a rocky mountaintop overlooking the ancient capital of Mtskheta, this 6th-century architectural masterpiece is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and a profound symbol of Georgian Christianity. For photographers and history lovers, Jvari offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the country. From the churchyard, you can gaze down upon the breathtaking valley of Mtskheta and the surrounding mountain ranges, capturing the essence of the Caucasus in a single frame. Step inside the ancient walls to feel the history of the early Middle Ages. The minimalist, preserved interior and the serene atmosphere provide a peaceful, spiritual finale to your diverse half-day adventure, perfectly balancing the fun of the bear sanctuary and the snowy magic of the forest.
Prepare your cameras for the most famous postcard view in the entire Caucasus. Standing at the edge of the Jvari precipice, you will witness a breathtaking natural phenomenon: the meeting point of two great rivers with distinctly different colors. Watch as the emerald-green mountain waters of the Aragvi River flow into and merge with the sandy-brown currents of the Mtkvari River. Directly below, the red rooftops of the ancient capital, Mtskheta, nestle between the waters and the mountains. This panoramic vista is widely considered the number one photography spot in Georgia and offers an unforgettable visual experience of nature's beauty.
We aim to make the end of your tour as smooth as possible, ensuring you return to the city relaxed and full of great memories. For Small Group Tour Guests: Our tour concludes back at our original meeting point at Europe Square. From here, you are perfectly positioned to grab dinner in the Old Town, take a walk across the Peace Bridge, or easily catch a taxi to your next destination. For Private Tour Guests: Enjoy the convenience of a direct drop-off right back at your hotel or any other preferred location within Tbilisi city limits. A Friendly Note on Traffic: While we always aim to return exactly on schedule, please keep in mind that Tbilisi traffic can be unpredictable, especially during evening rush hours. We recommend not booking strict appointments immediately after the tour, just in case of a slight delay on the return journey.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
For the private tours, we offer convenient pickup services from various locations in Tbilisi. Our guide will pick you up at the location and time you've specified during the booking process. Please ensure you provide accurate pickup details and your contacts to ensure a smooth start to your adventure For our group tour, we meet at Europe Square, a central and easily accessible location. Meeting Point: Europe Square, Tbilisi Look for the parking area in front of Café Tram Just a 6-minute walk from Old Town and Avlabari Metro Station ⏳ Timing & Important Notes: Please arrive on time – we can wait up to 10 minutes, but after that, the tour will depart. If you're late, you'll need to make a new booking – we appreciate your understanding! First come, first choice on seats! The earlier you arrive, the better the seat you can take.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Snow: While we aim to provide a winter wonderland experience, please be aware that we cannot guarantee snowfall. Snow presence is subject to natural conditions, and weather can vary.
- Weather — We run year-round in all conditions. Snow is possible in winter but never guaranteed. Layers and waterproof shoes recommended whatever the season — forest terrain gets muddy after rain.
- Footwear — Solid walking shoes. The forest paths and sanctuary area are uneven. No heels, nothing precious.
- Food — No lunch stop. Bring snacks especially with children. If you have dietary needs (halal, vegan, gluten-free) plan ahead — no food options on the route.
- Time and Traffic: Be aware that traffic in Tbilisi can vary, potentially affecting the tour's duration. Your understanding of possible delays due to traffic conditions is greatly appreciated.
- Arrive on time — We start promptly out of respect for all guests. Arrive 5 minutes early — your guide will be there waiting. Late arrivals cannot join a tour in progress.
- Seating — First to arrive chooses first. Early is always better.
Reviews(22)
Joined the half day group tour in January 2026 with group size of less than 20 people. The tour guide is friendly, hospitable and knowledgeable. My kid thoroughly enjoyed herself at the forest feeding the animals at the sanctuary.
It was such a joy to read this, Steffie! I am so glad your little one had a great time feeding the animals at the sanctuary. That part of the Sabaduri Forest trip is always a favorite for families, and it is wonderful to know it made her day special. January is a beautiful time to visit the Chronicle of Georgia and Jvari, and I am happy our team could make the history feel engaging for everyone. I will definitely pass your kind words along to our guide—they will be delighted to hear they made your family feel so welcome. We would love to have you back for another adventure whenever you return to Georgia!
I believe this tour was one of the best decisions I made during my visit to Tbilisi. The places are different than what other tours generally offer. That is why it makes this tour special. Price is fair and the hidden gems they show you during this tour are beautiful and priceless. Nini is an admirable tour guide. She is lovely and knowledgeable (and a great photographer as well). I am sure that you’ll instantly like her too. Special thanks to Mr. Nukri. He’s an excellent driver and a good man.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Ameer! 🌟 We are so happy to hear that choosing this tour was one of your best decisions in Tbilisi. You hit the nail on the head—where else can you find a mix of ancient history, deep nature, and rescued wild animals all in one day? It’s a combination that truly offers something for everyone. I will be sure to pass your kind words along to Nini and Mr. Nukri. Nini was so happy to hear you enjoyed the photos! She always says that a great trip deserves great memories to look back on, so she’s thrilled she could capture those moments for your family. And Mr. Nukri is indeed the backbone of our team—safe, professional, and always with a smile. We can’t wait to welcome you and your family back to Georgia for another adventure!
We loved this experience- seeing many beautiful places!! Seeing animals made my heart full! Forest was lil disappointing as guidr mentioned its difficult to get same weather there - its a rare phenomenon! But still it was amazing times - Oksana was super friendly, knowledgeable guide - she explained everything in detail!! She was very patiently with us! Chronicle n jvari monastery are masterpieces 🫶🏻 Highly recommended this tour n Oksana ofcourse ❤️
Thank you so much, Manpreet! We are thrilled you enjoyed the experience and that Oksana made your day so special with her knowledge and patience. It’s wonderful to hear that the bear sanctuary and the monuments were such highlights for you! Nature can certainly be unpredictable with the weather, but we’re so glad it didn't dampen your spirits. We truly appreciate your kind recommendation and hope to see you in Georgia again!
We had an excellent tour in Tbilisi Georgia . We booked an our tour to sabudari forest, chronicle of Georgia and jvari forest with FRIENDLY.GE and our tour guide was Ms khatuna.She was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and made everyone feel welcome. We loved the mix of history, local culture, and amazing food, everything was explained very clearly and thoughtfully throughout the entire trip.This tour was a highlight of our visit. I highly recommend this experience if you are visiting Georgia be sure to book a local tour with FRIENDLY.GE. And thank you once again To Ms khatuna to make our tour very nice.
Thank you so much for the glowing review! We are so happy to hear that Ms. Khatuna made your family tour a highlight of your visit. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed the mix of history and culture, from the majestic Chronicles to the peaceful Sabaduri forest. We truly appreciate the recommendation and are glad the food and local stories added that extra touch to your experience. We look forward to welcoming you back for more exciting adventures with Friendly.ge!
We had a wonderful experience on the Family Half-Day Tour to Sabaduri, Georgian Chronicles, and Jvari, especially traveling with an infant and senior family members. The itinerary was very well planned — relaxed, scenic, and not physically demanding, which made it ideal for all age groups. Our guide Guram truly made the trip special. He was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and patient, and he genuinely cared about everyone’s comfort. Guram explained the history and culture in a clear and engaging way, never rushing us, and he was always happy to adjust the pace to suit our family’s needs. He was especially considerate with the baby and very respectful toward the seniors, which we greatly appreciated. The locations were beautiful and easily accessible, with plenty of time to enjoy the views at Jvari, learn about the Georgian Chronicles, and relax in the peaceful Sabaduri area. The drive was smooth, and transportation was comfortable throughout the tour. Overall, this was a stress-free, enjoyable, and enriching experience. We highly recommend this tour to families, especially those traveling with infants or elderly members — and if you get Guram as your guide, you’re in excellent hands!
Dear ManiKanta, Thank you so much for this heartwarming review! ❤️ We are absolutely thrilled that you chose us for your family trip. Knowing that everyone—from the little one to the seniors—felt comfortable, safe, and cared for is the best compliment we could receive. Guram is indeed a gem, and he will be so happy to hear that his patience and storytelling made the day stress-free for your family. We are also so glad you enjoyed the magical scenery of Sabaduri and visited the bears! 🐻🌲 It is a special place, and we love sharing it with guests who appreciate nature. Thank you for the beautiful photos and for trusting us with your family memories. We hope to welcome you all back to Georgia one day!
Great experience and the duration was ideal. Khatuna was an excellent guide, cheery and kind. Would definitely recommend it.
Dear Danai, thank you so much for your kind words! We are delighted to hear that you had such a great experience and that the tour duration was a perfect fit for you. Khatuna will be so happy to hear that her cheery and kind nature made your day special. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you in Georgia again!
10/10 excellent tour. Enjoyed the magnificent views. Overjoyed meeting and feeding the bears and wolves on the Sanctuary. Nini, our tour guide, did a great job explaining things and telling the history of the places we visited. She was great at taking photos and knows where the best area to take them. She was very kind and approachable.
Hello! It makes my heart so happy to read your wonderful review! Thank you so much for choosing us to be a part of your journey through our beautiful Georgia. I am absolutely overjoyed to hear that you had such a 10/10 experience! It sounds like you had a truly magical time at the sanctuary—the bears and wolves definitely have a way of stealing everyone's hearts, don't they? I will be sure to pass your lovely compliments along to Nini. She will be so touched to know that her storytelling and photography skills helped make your trip so special. We always say she has a "magic eye" for the best photo spots! We are truly appreciative of your kindness and for sharing these beautiful memories with the world. We hope the rest of your 2026 is just as spectacular as your time in the Sabaduri forest!
Our guide Nina was very friendly and patient with us. The tour is so much fun, not tiring at all. 10/10 Chronicles of Georgia are legendary and the bears and wolves sanctuary was so much fun. Nina also got us carrots to feed them and taught us few tricks to play with the animals
I hope you and your family are having a wonderful and joyful time in Georgia! I am absolutely delighted to read your wonderful review. It was such a pleasure to have you join us for our Sabaduri Forest and Georgian Chronicles tour. I will certainly share your kind words with Nina; she will be so excited to hear that you enjoyed the visit to the sanctuary and the legendary views at the Chronicles. It makes us so happy to know that the carrots and the little interactions with the animals added that extra bit of magic to your day! We are truly appreciative of you being a part of this adventure and for choosing Friendly.ge for your family holiday. Wishing you a spectacular 2026 filled with many more lovely and memorable travels!
Khatuna was a wonderful guide, friendly and knowledgeable and with a spacious comfortable vehicle. This is a good trip for a family and not to daunting time wise.
Dear Yves, I hope you and your lovely family are having a wonderful and joyful time continuing your holiday in Georgia! Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a heartwarming review. I am absolutely delighted to hear that you had a marvelous experience exploring the Chronicles and the Sabaduri Forest with our wonderful Khatuna! She is truly a gem on our team, and I will be so happy to share your kind words with her. I am glad to know that the comfort of the vehicle and the pacing of the tour were perfect for your family. It was a true pleasure to host the four of you. We wish you a very happy holiday season and hope that the memories of our snowy landscapes stay with you for a long time!
We had an amazing experience with Ms Khatuna. She's well informed, passionate about her work and country. She answered all the questions we had and it was very enlightening and entertaining. The snowy forest walk was truly a moment picked out of a fairytale. Feeding the bears and wolves was also a unique experience. We truly enjoyed and would highly recommend booking this tour. We've already booked another tour for tomorrow and plan to book their walking tour as well. Kudos to the entire team!
Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful feedback 😊! We're absolutely thrilled that you had an amazing experience with Ms Khatuna! ❄️🌲 It's always heartwarming to hear that our guests really connect with the beauty of Georgia and enjoy the special moments like the snowy forest walk and feeding the bears and wolves. 🐻🐺✨ We're beyond grateful for your continued support and for choosing to explore more of Georgia with our team. 💖 We wish you an incredible time in Kakheti 🍇🍷 and can't wait to welcome you on the walking tour! Thank you again for supporting tourism in Georgia 🇬🇪 - it means the world to us! 💫
