Georgia – Cultural Heritage

Arrive in Tbilisi International Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Check in (standard check in time 15:00).

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Here myth and history, culture and traditions, diverse nature and hospitable people; all intermingle with one another, inspired poetry, polyphonic songs and elegant dancing. A blend of cultures, a smell of spices, different nations meeting on street corners, different faiths sharing the same courtyards…. This is Tbilisi, the city that has been dominated by traders, warriors, tyrants and dictators in turn. Take a walk around the old town and breathe in the living past. Today Tbilisi is a modern city with well-known museums and theatres, art galleries, churches, Sulphur bathhouses and narrow streets with inner courts.

Sights to visit: – Metekhi Church of Assumption (13th c.) built by the king Demetre II. Resting upon the top of the hill, the church is a good example of cross-domed Georgian orthodox churches.

– Georgian Synagogue – Jewish prayer house built from 1895 to 1903. – Sioni Cathedral (6th-19th cc.). The cathedral was the seat of the ruling Catholicos-Patriarchs and is commonly referred to as the “Tbilisi Sioni”, following an old Georgian custom of naming churches after places in the Holy Land.

– Anchiskhati Basilica (6th c.) – the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi.

– Narikhala Fortress – the main citadel of the city where you can enjoy the wonderful views of Tbilisi.

– Sulphur Baths (outside view) – high in sulphurs and other minerals, with a constant temperature of 38C to 40C, the waters have long been used as a therapeutic aid for a range of ailments. – Rustaveli Avenue – the central avenue in Tbilisi named after the medieval Georgian poet, Shota Rustaveli.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

In the morning, we drive to Mtskheta – the ancient capital of Georgia, located at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers.

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jvari, the 6th century cross-shaped monastery built on the top of a cliff, overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. At this place St. Nino, a female evangelist, erected a large wooden cross on the site of a pagan temple; Svetitskhoveli, the fortified cathedral dating from the 11th century. Svetitskhoveli is a sacred place where the Robe of Christ is buried.

Visit Chateau Mukhrani winery – Prince Ivane Mukhranbatoni’s castle built in XIX century, garden, unique underground cellars and stable. Learn about the history of Georgian Royal family Estate and discover the Chateau’s art of winemaking. Lunch and wine tasting at the winery.

Drive to the center of Shida Kartli region – Gori, known as the birthplace of the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. Visit Stalin’s Museum in Gori where you can see the house, where Stalin was born and his personal railway carriage.

Visit Uplistsikhe (“Fortress of God”) rock-hewn town (2nd Millennium BC). Uplistsikhe is located on the left bank of Mtkvari river and is notable for unique combination of various styles of rock-cut

cultures and the co-existence of pagan and Christian architecture. Here you can see ancient wine presses carved in stone.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Today we will explore picturesque and the most fertile part of Georgia – Kakheti, which borders the Great Caucasus range from the north Alazani Valley, summits of which are over 3,000 m. This region is known as a birthplace of viticulture and wine- making.

Explore Sighnaghi fortified town famous for its wine and carpet making culture. Enjoy breathtaking views of Kizikhi area and unusual Charm of Sighnaghi Royal Town. Have a walk-in narrow street of the town in shadow of wooden balconies richly decorated with the lace of carved ornaments.

Lunch at the local Family.

Visit Bodbe Nunnery (9thc), the place where St. Nino, the 4th.c female evangelist of Georgians is buried.

Visit Tsinandali Family Estate and wine cellar, which once belonged to the 19th century aristocratic poet Alexander Chavchavadze. The residence consists of summer home, garden and winery, featuring several vintages of white wine.

Overnight in Telavi.

In the morning explore local farmers market in Telavi, where you can enjoy the large variety of fruits and vegetable, meat, cheese, etc. Here you can find all ingredients Georgians use for cooking. In the market taste local Churchkhelas and dried fruits.

Visit “Tsivis Kveli” Cheese Production near Telavi which produces different kinds of smoked Sulguni, Old Georgian Traditional varieties of cheeses as well as different kinds of modern produced cheese. Cheese tasting will be offered at “Tsivis Kveli”.

In Alazani valley visit elegant 11th c. Alaverdi Cathedral, founded by the Assyrian monk Joseph Alaverdeli, who settled in a former pagan village and converted people to Christianity.

Drive to Tbilisi.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Drive along Georgian Military Highway and visit Ananuri Architectural complex-former residence of Dukes of Aragvi region. Complex featuring churches and towers dating back to the XVI-XVII cc. is beautifully overlooking Jinvali reservoir.

Arrive in Kazbegi – a small town with the views of Mt. Kazbek – the seventh highest peak in the Caucasus Mountains. Mt. Kazbek is associated with myth of Prometheus, according to the legend he was chained on the mountain in punishment for having stolen fire from the gods and having given it to mortals. Hike to XIV c. Gergeti Holy Trinity Church located at an elevation of 2170 m under Mt. Kazbegi. The walk takes about 3 hours.

Visit local family – dumpling making masterclass. Lunch at the family house.

Overnight in Kazbegi.

Start your morning with a hike to Gveleti Waterfall, a hidden natural gem nestled within the Dariali Gorge. A short but picturesque trail leads through dramatic cliffs and lush landscapes, culminating in the sight of the cascading waterfall, where you can enjoy the refreshing mist and take in the beauty of Georgia’s untouched nature.

This day combines history, breathtaking landscapes, and adventure, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.

Drive to Tbilisi.

Free afternoon for leisure and own exploration.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Check out before 12:00. Transfer to airport. Departure.