A five-day tour to Georgia is the best way to enjoy Georgian hospitality, visit tourist attractions, taste Georgian cuisine and famous Georgian wine.
Day 1.
Meeting at Tbilisi International Airport and transfer to the hotel.
Free time.
Day 2.
A visit to the ancient capital of Georgia, Mtskheta, and a sightseeing tour of the historic part of Tbilisi
We will begin our excursion with a visit to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia.
Mtskheta – this area was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age. In the early 4th century, a missionary from Jerusalem, Nino, preached Christianity in Mtskheta. It is said that Saint Nino’s prayer caused a storm and hailstorm, destroying the idols of Armazi. King Mirian III embraced the new religion, and Christianity became the state religion.
The historical monuments of Mtskheta are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Jvari Monastery (VI century) is located on the top of a mountain at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers near Mtskheta. From the mountain there is a stunning view of Mtskheta and you can see how the streams of two rivers – the Kura and Aragvi – merge. By 545, a small temple already stood on the “cross” mountain; it is now in ruins. A larger church in the form of a tetraconch, consecrated in honor of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, was erected between 586 and 604.
Svetitskhoveli is the cathedral patriarchal temple of the Georgian Orthodox Church in honor of the twelve Apostles, built in 1010-1029, on the site of the first Christian church in Georgia, erected over the grave of St. Sidonia, buried with the chiton of Jesus Christ taken out of Jerusalem. Svetitskhoveli has been the main cathedral of all Georgia for a millennium. One of the foundations of the temple was the sacred trunk (cedar) that stood at the burial place of the robe of Christ, after which the temple was named. (From Georgian: sveti – a pillar, tskhoveli – life-giving).
Then we will return to Tbilisi and continue our excursion with a visit to the historical part of the city.
Metekhi Plateau is a historical district of Tbilisi, located on a cliff overlooking the Mtkvari (Kura) River.
The monument “Georgian Mother” – which has become one of the symbols of Tbilisi. The statue symbolizes the Georgian national character: a female figure holds a cup of wine in her left hand to greet those who came as a friend, and in her right hand a sword for those who came as an enemy.
The Narikala Fortress is the most famous and ancient monument of Tbilisi antiquity, since the fourth century is called the date of construction of the fortress. The original name of the fortress was Shuris Tsikhe (Enviable Fortress), and the modern name was given by the Mongols, having captured Tbilisi – “narin kala” in Mongolian means “small fortress”.
Abanotubani (Bath Quarter) is a historical district in the center of Tbilisi, famous for its complex of baths standing on natural sulfur springs. Baths form a separate quarter of the city, which is a popular place for many tourists.
Sioni Cathedral (VI-XII centuries) – historically the main temple of Tbilisi, built in the name of the Assumption of the Mother of God – one of the most famous monuments of the old city, named after the Jerusalem Zion Mountain. Among the relics kept in the temple is the ancient cross of St. Nina, woven from vines, which, according to legend, the Mother of God handed over to St. Nina before sending her to Georgia.
Anchiskhati – a 6th century church dedicated to the Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. The oldest surviving church in Tbilisi.
Tbilisi State Puppet Theater named after Rezo Gabriadze – in the Old Town on Shavteli Street there is a small Puppet Theater (one of the attractions of Tbilisi), with only 80 seats. It was built by Rezo Gabriadze in 1981 and is adjacent to the oldest building in the city – the 6th century Anchiskhati Basilica.
The Bridge of Peace – a pedestrian bridge across the Kura River, connecting Heraclius II Street and Rike Park. The bridge offers stunning views of the city.
Day 3.
Excursion to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church
After breakfast, depart along the Georgian Military Highway towards the Gergeti Trinity Church.
The Zhinvali Dam is located in the Mtskheta-Mtineti region, in the middle of the Aragvi River. It is one of the most beautiful places in Georgia, attracting many tourists. In addition to generating electricity, the Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Station serves an important function as a water supply for the city of Tbilisi.
Visiting Ananuri fortress (XVI c). Ananuri Fortress is located in the village of the same name, 70 km from Tbilisi. Ananuri served as the main stronghold for the Aragvi eristavis, the rulers of this region. The fortress was built in the gorge of the two rivers Aragvi and Vedzatkhevi in such a way that not one army could pass by unnoticed. Ananuri Fortress played a significant role in numerous wars and has never been taken by storm in its history. Today it is one of the main points of tourist routes in Georgia.
Near the village of Pasanauri lies a stunning site that attracts thousands of tourists. It’s the confluence of two rivers — the White and Black Aragvi.
Next stop at the viewing platform in Gudauri. Located on the Georgian Military Highway between the ski resort town of Gudauri and the Jvari pass, the monument is a large round stone and concrete structure overlooking the Devil’s Valley in the Caucasus mountains.
Arrival in Kazbegi (passing through the Jvari Pass 2379 m above sea level). Ascent to the Gergeti Trinity – among all the churches of Europe located in the alpine zone, Gergeti Trinity is located at the highest point – 2200 m. The church is located at the foot of the peak of Mkinvartsveri (from Georgian: “Ice peak”). In Soviet times, the church was closed, now returned to the Georgian Orthodox Church. Gergeti Holy Trinity Church is very popular among tourists – this is one of the most beautiful places in the mountains of Georgia.
Lunch (at your discretion) in Stepantsminda (an urban-type settlement). In the evening, we return to Tbilisi.
Day 4.
Excursion to Kakheti — KTW, Bodbe, Sighnaghi
Visiting the wine factory KTW (Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking), tasting of several varieties of wine. On the way to Sighnaghi, stop in the village of Badiauri, where we will see how the Kakhetian “mother’s bread” (Dedas Puri) is baked; at the stop you can buy spices, churchkhela – a traditional Georgian national delicacy.
On the way to Sighnaghi, we’ll stop in the village of Badiauri, where we’ll see how Kakhetian “Mother’s Bread” is baked and sample local cheese. At the stop, you can buy various spices and Churchkhela, a traditional Georgian delicacy.
Arrival at the Bodbe Monastery – the nunnery of the Bodbinsky diocese of the Georgian Orthodox Church. The Georgian Orthodox monastery complex, originally built in the 9th century, was extensively rebuilt, especially in the 17th century. Currently, the monastery functions as a convent and is one of the main places of pilgrimage in Georgia due to its association with St. Nino, a 4th-century Georgian evangelist whose relics are kept here. This is a beautiful place indeed – from here there is a wonderful view of Alazani valley.
Next we will visit Sighnaghi – the city of love, is located on terraces connected by winding steep streets. Despite being one of the smallest towns in Georgia, Sighnaghi is a popular tourist destination due to its location in the heart of Georgia’s wine regions, as well as picturesque scenery, pastel-colored houses and narrow cobbled streets. Situated on a steep hill, Sighnaghi towers over the vast Alazani Valley, and the Caucasus Mountains can be seen in the distance.
Dinner with traditional cuisine and Kakhetian wine. In the evening return to Tbilisi.
Day 5.
Transfer to Tbilisi International Airport.
Tour price: 350 Euro
from November to March: 290 euros
In case of accommodation in 4* hotels such as: Metekhi Line, Reikartz King Tamar, Cherry Garden or similar hotels.
Single occupancy supplement: + 90 Euro (from November to March: +60 euros)
The tour price is per person, based on double occupancy for a group of 6 or more people.
Payment can also be made in US dollars at the appropriate exchange rate.
The price includes: accommodation in a 4* hotel with breakfast in Old Tbilisi, private guide services, driver services and all transfers as per the program, ascent to the Holy Trinity Church in Gergeti, wine tasting, tasting of Kakhetian bread and cheese.
For travel agents
For groups of 10 or more people, we invite the team leader for free.
This 5-day tour can easily be converted into a 6-, 7-, or 8-day tour. For example, you can add a tour of the Uplistsikhe cave city and the Stalin Museum in Gori, or add one or two free days in Tbilisi in the middle or end of the tour.
