Classic Tour to Georgia

10:00 am is recommended to start Tbilisi City tour.

After breakfast guide will meet you near the hotel and begin the full day Tbilisi city tour.

The first place to visit is the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), the main cathedral of Georgia and one of tallest orthodox Christian churches in the world. The tour will take about 40 minutes.

Next stop is the Metekhi plateau. Situated on an elevated cliff above the river Mtkvari and old Tbilisi, this was the first residential area of Georgian Royal family; the church was built in the 13th century. Fantastic view - Tbilisi Historical district is lied in front of you!

Now start walking to Europe Square, Rike Park, and take a cable car, which goes to the other side of the river and to the Narikala Fortress – major fortification of mediaeval times. Enjoy panoramic views, walk down towards the LegvtaKhevi canyon (“Fig Ravine) and waterfall, through the Sulfur bathhouse district and Shardeni street and come across to the Maidan square. The area is notable for beautiful narrow streets, outdoor cafes, art galleries and souvenir stores, which links to the modern glass Bridge of Peace.

Have a wonderful day ahead!

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Today we drive to the Great Caucasus mountains and stay in Kazbegi for two nights.

After breakfast, check out and head to the North. Mtskheta – the old capital of former Georgian kingdom Iberia, is the first site to visit. Mtskheta town and its historical monuments: Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral are recognized by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

Jvari is a church of tetranoch architectural style, dated back to 6th century and was popular in Byzantine, Armenia and Georgia as well.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c) is known as the burial site of Christ’s mantle and has long been one of the most sacred places for Georgians. The interior walls of the cathedral are painted with frescoes. The stonework in the church depicts carved grapes reflecting Georgia’s wine-making traditions.

After Mtskheta tour, we continue towards Khevi region and on the way make a stop at Ananuri Fortress (built in the 16-17th cc) near the Zhinvali Reservoir. Medieval fort is comprised of churches, and residential buildings of local lord – Aragvi Eristavi.

This road had great economical and historical importance, as it was the trade tour, part of the Great Silk road, connecting Caucasus countries to the north. In 19th c the road was named by Russian Empire as Georgian Military Highway. Today, we follow it through Jvari Pass, Gudauri observation platforms, travertine mountain up to Kazbegi and in the evening arrive in Stephantsminda for overnight.

Overnight in Stephantsminda.

After breakfast start a full day Caucasus mountains exploration. Morning trek to Gergeti mount, observe Snowy peaks and visit the Holy Trinity Church 14th c., located on the very top of the mountain, overlooking Stephantsminda and at the same time, situated under the foot of the glacier Kazbegi (5054 m).

Drive to the Dariali Gorge, walk to the waterfalls of Gveleti. Follow the roaring stream of the river Tergi, visit Dariali Monastery and see Georgia-Russian border.

Second half of the day spend in Truso Valley.

Overnight in Stephantsminda.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check out and depart for Gori – a small town in Kartli region. There are two sites to visit today in Gori: the museum of Joseph Stalin, the Soviet dictator leader and the ancient caves of Uplistsikhe (15 km from Gori).

Uplistsikhe town was carved in rocks, dated back to the 1st millennium BC. and is considered as the earliest discovered urban settlement in Georgia. The tour in Uplistsikhe will take approximately 40 minutes.

After visiting Kartli, continue to the west, through Rikoti Pass. We can make several stops on our way: near pottery and local farmers’ markets that sell various fruits, vegetables and handmade goods.

In the evening arrive in the former capital city of Georgia – Kutaisi. Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gelati Academy in the evening is very convenient, as the best sunset view is here and can be seen from the windows of 12th c Academy building.

Another highlight - Bagrati Cathedral, (11th c) is located in central part of the city and can be visited today or next morning.

Overnight in Kutaisi.

Start tour to Vani Archaeological Site, located about 42 km away from Kutaisi (about 45 minutes). Vani Archaeological Museum-Reserve is included in UNESCO tentative list. The permanent exhibition of the museum displays cultural development of the site between 800 BC and 100 AD (goldwork, silver, unique bronze sculptures and their fragments, samples of coins, etc.). Highlights of the exhibition include spectacular collection of jewellery, that displays skills, and talent of local goldsmiths.

Afterwards, we drive to Prometheus Caves that is known for various types of stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, petrified waterfalls, cave pearls, underground rivers, and lakes. If the water level permits, boat trip will be available to book on site.

In the evening return back to Kutaisi.

Evening stroll on Agmashenebeli Square and at Kutaisi Opera to the Kutaisi Historic district. Bagrati Cathedral of the Dormition is beautifully set on the hill top and overlooks Khvamli mountains and the river RiOni. The archaeological part of Bagrati Royal residence reveals 1st c curtain wall, the ruins of 9th c St, George church and secrete passage to the lower fort.

Overnight in Kutaisi.

After breakfast at Kutaisi hotel, check out and leave Kutaisi. On the way back to Tbilisi make a short stop on Rikoti Pass and visit 9th c Ubisa Monastery, prominent for 14th c wall paintings.

In Tbilisi enjoy leisure evening, visit shopping malls, flea market on the Dry Bridge, Tbilisi Historic District and Mtatsminda park by funicular train.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the Airport for departure.

We wish you nice flight back home and hope to greet you again in Georgia.