John Graham Tours
John Graham Tours
5
Multi-day ToursCultural ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursHiking & Camping ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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About
In depth, curated, cultural: only the exquisite, rare, and exceptional. Our small groups are self-selecting; come if you are curious and open minded, and enjoy the finest in historical sites, local cuisine and wines, with the preparation and logistical management to make you feel like you don't have to worry about a thing.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
83 reviews
Excellent
81
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
2trvel
Washington DC240 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
John Graham, the organizer of our group trip to Georgia and Armenia, was the best guide we’ve ever had! His connection with people, extensive knowledge, and insider/outsider perspectives were some of what made this trip memorable. The logistical aspects and attention to detail were also superb - the hotels and restaurants were extremely well chosen, and John kept on top of things with the other guide Roseanna in Armenia, who was also extremely engaging, informative and resourceful.
There were many highlights arranged for the trip in addition to the “normal” sights: the polyphonic music by John’s friends (John is an accomplished ethnomusicologist), the hikes, the cultural productions, experiencing the wines in the cradle of viticulture including traditional kvevri making, the food everywhere! John deserves a lot of credit for putting together experiences that were evocative and interesting. The “supra” dinners that he led were particularly memorable, providing insight into local traditions. He (and the other guides) were always open to discuss social customs and their own experiences, as well as broader geopolitical issues. In fact we enjoyed the insights we got from these discussions as much as the considerable charms of the region. We would highly recommend John Graham Tours as a way to experience this fascinating region.
There were many highlights arranged for the trip in addition to the “normal” sights: the polyphonic music by John’s friends (John is an accomplished ethnomusicologist), the hikes, the cultural productions, experiencing the wines in the cradle of viticulture including traditional kvevri making, the food everywhere! John deserves a lot of credit for putting together experiences that were evocative and interesting. The “supra” dinners that he led were particularly memorable, providing insight into local traditions. He (and the other guides) were always open to discuss social customs and their own experiences, as well as broader geopolitical issues. In fact we enjoyed the insights we got from these discussions as much as the considerable charms of the region. We would highly recommend John Graham Tours as a way to experience this fascinating region.
Written August 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much!
Written August 18, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Miriam S
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Friends
The Highlands Experience in West Georgia turned out to be another true gem. I thoroughly enjoyed my second visit to the Republic of Georgia. Going back proved to be a great decision, gaining new insights, and visiting more amazing sites.
#JohnGrahamTours# did a fantastic job organizing another amazing trip, brilliantly combining treks in the beautiful Caucasus mountains with visits to historical sites.
The accommodations in remote areas of the Western Caucasus were top notch. At the end of a long day, it was wonderful coming back to a quaint guesthouse with a great ambience, stunning views, delicious home cooked meals, and a friendly family environment, it does not get better than this in the mountains!
The restaurants were terrific, everyone was delighted with the Georgian cuisine and fine wines which were in abundance at all meals. In Mestia we were serenaded by wonderful Georgian singers and had the unique opportunity to view a great movie --- Dede--which provided great insights into the Svaneti culture and context.
Our guide, Dato, was fantastic, he is highly knowledgeable with the history and socio-cultural context in Georgia, and always eager to share his insights and perspectives. As in the past, I found Dato to be gracious, caring, and considerate, and highly responsive to everyone’s needs. He is willing to walk that extra mile which is needed to make sure everyone is well looked after.
John, the head of the company, is outstanding, he gave us an inspiring tour of Tblisi, welcoming guests to his adopted country, and ensured everyone was well taken care of.
If you are looking for a unique adventure, I highly recommend JohnGrahamTours.
#JohnGrahamTours# did a fantastic job organizing another amazing trip, brilliantly combining treks in the beautiful Caucasus mountains with visits to historical sites.
The accommodations in remote areas of the Western Caucasus were top notch. At the end of a long day, it was wonderful coming back to a quaint guesthouse with a great ambience, stunning views, delicious home cooked meals, and a friendly family environment, it does not get better than this in the mountains!
The restaurants were terrific, everyone was delighted with the Georgian cuisine and fine wines which were in abundance at all meals. In Mestia we were serenaded by wonderful Georgian singers and had the unique opportunity to view a great movie --- Dede--which provided great insights into the Svaneti culture and context.
Our guide, Dato, was fantastic, he is highly knowledgeable with the history and socio-cultural context in Georgia, and always eager to share his insights and perspectives. As in the past, I found Dato to be gracious, caring, and considerate, and highly responsive to everyone’s needs. He is willing to walk that extra mile which is needed to make sure everyone is well looked after.
John, the head of the company, is outstanding, he gave us an inspiring tour of Tblisi, welcoming guests to his adopted country, and ensured everyone was well taken care of.
If you are looking for a unique adventure, I highly recommend JohnGrahamTours.
Written September 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa K
Vienna, Austria55 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We were a family group of 7 with quite a bit of experience in Georgia. Tusheti is remote (poor roads) and we had never been, so we asked John to put together the trip for us. We enjoyed 3 days of hiking- every day more spectacular than the day before- with decent guesthouses and wonderful Georgian songs almost every night. We enjoyed also very much the company and guidance of the second guide David Beridze. Many thanks to John and David for an unforgettable experience!
Written August 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Lisa, it was a pleasure traveling with you and your family and friends!
Written August 18, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Donna F
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Friends
I was recently a part of a two-week guided tour led by John Graham through Georgia. And by that, I mean we covered most regions of the country from the Caucuses to wine country, from cities to rural settings. We took in sights, walked and hiked to spectacular views, dined in homes and participated in lectures and concerts.
John Graham is not only a fountain of information and insight into all aspects of the culture, politics and history of Georgia, he takes that knowledge and builds a great sense of connection with his guests leading them into a great appreciation of all things Georgian. Food, wine, regional identity, music (both sacred and folk) and art are interwoven in guided tours and conversation. John is good at peppering his talks with personal experiences which helps his guests appreciate what they are seeing, doing, tasting and hearing.
Through personal stories, insights and his own deep dive into Georgian life, he conveys the joys and challenges of living in a country with so much to offer while still trying to find its place in the world.
We were treated to amazing scenery, art, musical experiences, real-life situations and thorough background information on how Georgia got to the place that it occupies in the world today.
John was able to read the group so well, knowing when and how to push us as well as when to change gears to accommodate changing energy levels.
John was able to tailor our trip with the right balance of adventure, relaxation and cultural events.
I would highly recommend a trip with John Graham – whether it be a cultural or hiking adventure, it promises to be extraordinary!
John Graham is not only a fountain of information and insight into all aspects of the culture, politics and history of Georgia, he takes that knowledge and builds a great sense of connection with his guests leading them into a great appreciation of all things Georgian. Food, wine, regional identity, music (both sacred and folk) and art are interwoven in guided tours and conversation. John is good at peppering his talks with personal experiences which helps his guests appreciate what they are seeing, doing, tasting and hearing.
Through personal stories, insights and his own deep dive into Georgian life, he conveys the joys and challenges of living in a country with so much to offer while still trying to find its place in the world.
We were treated to amazing scenery, art, musical experiences, real-life situations and thorough background information on how Georgia got to the place that it occupies in the world today.
John was able to read the group so well, knowing when and how to push us as well as when to change gears to accommodate changing energy levels.
John was able to tailor our trip with the right balance of adventure, relaxation and cultural events.
I would highly recommend a trip with John Graham – whether it be a cultural or hiking adventure, it promises to be extraordinary!
Written January 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Donna, it was a joy to travel with you and Zack. Please come again!
Written January 21, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
exsushi
Washington DC, DC87 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
The tour was excellent. The organization was flawless, the itinerary was well chosen with a mixture of more remote, mountainous areas and lowlands cultural monuments. The two guides, Dato and Lasha were very devoted and knowledgeable, reliable, and always available. The food was always fresh and good, although there was not a lot of variety from place to place. The hotels and guesthouses were generally good, except in the more remote areas where the facilities were very rustic and sometimes a bit inconvenient like in Dartlo. This was understandable, because this is a heritage village with very few facilities, including the Internet which did not Work. I particularly appreciated the two instances where we had Georgean singers come to our table and perform for us, as well as the visit to the winery, where we had lively explanations and winetasting. The vehicles were in good shape, and the drivers were very careful and safe, in spite of the Road infrastructure, which was often in construction.
Written September 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for coming, it was a wonderful group of travelers!
Written November 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nancyjanin
London, UK86 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
John is uniquely qualified to show visitors the depth of Georgian history, cuisine, politics, and traditional culture. An American who first came to study Georgian chant in 2003, John is now fluent, married and settled in Tbilisi, and connected to virtually every musician in the country. We were a group of 24 and every person left enchanted with Georgia and Georgians and with many wonderful experiences to remember. John has a special interest in and knowledge of traditional music and we were treated to private concerts virtually every day - in hotels, in monasteries, in churches, at country meals. This is a must-see destination and John is the best guide you can find. All hotels, restaurants, and particularly meals in private homes were up to high standards.
Written September 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Nancy, it was lovely to travel with you and all of your friends! I look forward to meeting again!
Written November 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
5678PamS
Dallas, TX109 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
I would give this tour a 6 star rating - excellent!
This was my second tour of Georgia with John’s company. Whether he travels with you or one of his guides the tour will be rich with culture and history. Half of the people in our group were on their third trip with John. Each of his tours are different, but each will have a knowledgeable guide of the area traveled. Any problems that happened during the trip were solved efficiently and quickly by John, or his guide. One of the things that was a pleasant surprise was John often adapted the itinerary to the group’s interest.
This was my second tour of Georgia with John’s company. Whether he travels with you or one of his guides the tour will be rich with culture and history. Half of the people in our group were on their third trip with John. Each of his tours are different, but each will have a knowledgeable guide of the area traveled. Any problems that happened during the trip were solved efficiently and quickly by John, or his guide. One of the things that was a pleasant surprise was John often adapted the itinerary to the group’s interest.
Written November 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Pam, it was lovely to travel with you again after so many years!
Written November 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RedondoTraveler
Redondo Beach, CA12 contributions
Aug 2022
It has been two weeks since we returned from our Walking in the Caucasus (West). As I look through my many pictures and share our experiences with family and friends, I am grateful to have had this opportunity to see this beautiful country with John Graham tours.
This particular tour combined hiking in the Svaneti and Racha highlands with cultural visits to old churches and monasteries. We also opted for the Kazbegi extension - and our so happy we did so! Our guides told the stories of the frescoes, gathered their singing friends for Georgian chant and city songs, and adapted nimbly to unpredictable changes in weather! Our fellow travelers were curious, interesting people who added to the tour with their questions and shared life experiences.
If you have any interest in exploring this part of the world, I encourage you to consider doing so with John Graham Tours!
This particular tour combined hiking in the Svaneti and Racha highlands with cultural visits to old churches and monasteries. We also opted for the Kazbegi extension - and our so happy we did so! Our guides told the stories of the frescoes, gathered their singing friends for Georgian chant and city songs, and adapted nimbly to unpredictable changes in weather! Our fellow travelers were curious, interesting people who added to the tour with their questions and shared life experiences.
If you have any interest in exploring this part of the world, I encourage you to consider doing so with John Graham Tours!
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much! Come back again!
Written June 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John U
Saint Louis, MO362 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This tour was to southwestern Georgia and the adjacent area of Eastern Turkey. John Graham himself was the guide in Georgia, and we had another guide (a brilliant linguist) in Turkey, both of whom have deep knowledge of local history and a passion and talent for sharing that with us. The astonishing scenery (especially in Eastern Turkey, with its deep chasms and fortresses on crags) would have been enough, but we were supplied with sheet music at the beginning of the tour, and had a chance to sing some polyphonic Georgian chant in the now-abandoned churches in Turkey, often with other Georgian groups who chanced to be in the area. The food was great and the hotels very nice. There is also the chance to do things not on the tour, as the opportunities arise (e.g. I had a chance to dance with local Kurds in Kars). (I will say that if you are only going to go to Georgia once, take one of John Graham's tours that include Svaneti, up in the high Caucasus - it will change your life.) One warning: if beaches and shopping are your primary goals, those are not the focus of these tours; they are deep cultural experiences that attract a very interesting and interested "clientele". This was my second tour with John Graham; my only regret is not having learned about his organization sooner.
Written June 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John, you brought so much to the tour group, you should have been a third honorary tour guide, or at least, honorary dance leader! I always enjoy our conversations, see you again soon!
Written August 29, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heiko H
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
A superb trip! Well organized and packed with a veritable cornucopia of visual, gastronomic and sensory delights. This was primarily a hiking tour, and we experienced amazing walks in Tbilisi and high up in the South Caucuses, while also visiting many sites of historical significance and learning all about Georgian wine-making. Both our guides/drivers were attentive, communicative and well-informed. My 13-year old son and I had a blast and came home tired, but happy.
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Heiko, it was fantastic traveling with you and your son through the Caucasus. I enjoyed our conversations and look forward to meeting you again!
Written August 29, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I AM at Diuma Hotel interested in a comprehensive tour. STEPHEN GAUDUN ROOM 29
Written June 7, 2022
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