The tile-roofed town of Telavi (165 km east from Tbilisi) situated on the slopes of the Gombori range is the main town of eastern province Kakheti.

There are two excellent reasons for coming here: the old churches in the green and pleasant countryside, and wine. Kakheti is chief grape-growing district of Georgia.

At 10 km northwest of Telavi there is monastery Ikalto, where King David the Builder founded Academy in 12th century the largest center of education in east Georgia. According to the legend the outstanding poet Shota Rustaveli studied here. Not far from Ikalto Alaverdi Cathedral (11th century), tall and white, rises from flat farmland. The highest church on the territory of Georgia is the symbol of the blossoming of Georgian culture.

About 12 km east of Telavi architectural complex of the 16th century Gremi stands on a high rock.Built from square bricks near old capital (now destroyed) of Kakheti kingdom Gremi is known also by its frescos.