The essentials for a long weekend

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Arrival - Tbilisi

Arrival in Tbilisi, welcome by driver and transfer to hotel.

Transfer: Private vehicle, approximately 30 minutes, 20km.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

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Visit one of the most charming capitals - Tbilisi

Discover one of the world's most charming capitals - Tbilisi. We begin our tour with the Metekhi church and the plateau, which offers superb views of the old town and Mtatsminda. Continuing on to Abanotubani (the baths district), famous for its sulphurous hot springs, we stroll through the old quarter with its cobbled streets and traditional houses with wooden balconies, on the banks of the Mtkvari river. Visit to the Narikala fortress, the ancient symbol of the city.

In the afternoon, we continue to the National Museum, where we admire the "Golden Treasure" collections from the ancient period.

Stroll along Liberty Square and the main Rustaveli avenue.

Walking time: approximately 3h.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

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Visit UNESCO Sites of Mtskheta and rock-hewn town Uplistsikhe

Departure for the former capital of the Iberian kingdom - Mtskheta, visit to the ancient temple dating from the 6th century - the Jvari ("Cross") Monastery perched atop a hill and offering a picturesque view of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Continuation to Georgia's most beautiful architectural marvel and religious center - the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli ("Life-giving column") Cathedral.

Departure for the center of the country, the Shida Kartli region and the Soviet town of Gori. Gori and its surroundings are remarkable for their cultural and historical sites. Although for many foreigners, Gori is known as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, we can visit Stalin's house museum here.

Next, we will discover an ancient troglodyte town, Uplistsikhe, located near Gori. Carved out of the rock, it dates back to the late Bronze Age and played an important role in Georgia's history and culture.

Continuation to western Georgia via the Rikoti Pass. In the evening, arrival in Kutaisi - the country's second-largest city.

Transfer: Private vehicle, approximately 4h30, 270km.

Walking time: 4h.

Overnight in Kutaisi.

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Visit Kutaisi and its cultural heritage: Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati monastery

In the morning, we begin our discovery of the town of Kutaisi, visiting the colorful agricultural market and the UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage: Gelati Monastery and Academy - an educational and cultural center, illustrating Georgian culture from the 10th to 18th centuries, a masterpiece of the golden age of medieval Georgia. Continuation to the recently renovated Bagrati Cathedral, the symbol of the city, dating from the 10th century.

Departure South, short stop at Borjomi, visit of Borjomi Park where you can taste the natural mineral springs.

Arrival at Akhaltsikhe.

Transfer: Private vehicle, approximately 3h, 175km.

Walking time: approximately 2-3h.

Overnight in Akhaltsikhe.

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Discover splendid cave town Vardzia and the alpine lake of Paravani

Visit the cave city of Vardzia - a monastic complex carved out of the rock, a jewel of medieval architecture (12th-13th century), the cave contained 3,000 rooms spread over 13 floors that served as cells, living spaces, stables, libraries, treasuries, cellars, stores and even pharmacies, the multi-storey caves being linked by narrow tunnels.

Return to Tbilisi, with a stop at the Poka Monastery on the shores of Lake Paravani, surrounded by the mountains of the Lesser Caucasus.

In the evening, arrival in Tbilisi.

Transfer: Private vehicle, approximately 5h, 240km.

Walking time: approximately 2h.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

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