Tbilisi: Family Tour — Bears, Chronicle, Jvari & Sabaduri Forest

Tbilisi: Family Tour — Bears, Chronicle, Jvari & Sabaduri Forest

By Friendly.ge: Transfers & Tours in Georgia

Exceptional

Free cancellation available

See tickets

Features

Free cancellation available
5h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup

Overview

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 traveller. Viator Badge of Excellence.

Activity location

Europe Square
- Europe Square
- Tbilisi, Georgia

Meeting/Redemption Point

Europe Square
- T'bilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia

Check availability

Join-in tour

5h
English

Join-in tour with tickets: Small group—perfect for singles & couples to meet new friends! Includes entrance tickets. Meeting point at Europe Square

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time: 1:00 PM

Price details

NZ$30.65 x 1 AdultNZ$30.65

Total

50% off

Private tour

5h
English

Private tour with pick-up
Pickup included

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time: 1:00 PM

Price details

NZ$254.34 x 1 AdultNZ$254.34

Total

What's included, what's not

Entry/Admission - Bear shelter
English-speaking friendly guide
Comfortable door-to-door transport (for the private tours)
Lunch
Service charge
Personal expenses
Food for animails

Know before you book

Public transport options are available nearby
Specialised infant seats are available
Not recommended for travellers 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.

Activity itinerary

Europe Square

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 centre: 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 maximise 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.

Memorial History of Georgia

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 towards 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.

Tianetskiy Wildlife Sanctuary Sabaduri

45m
Admission ticket included

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.

Sabaduri Forest

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 film. 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.

Jvari Church

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.

Panoramic view

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 colours. 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.

Europe Square

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.

Location

Activity location

Europe Square
- Europe Square
- Tbilisi, Georgia

Meeting/Redemption Point

Europe Square
- T'bilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. We offer one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Tbilisi your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.