Georgia – Culture & History
This trip takes you to the routes of the unique cultural heritage of Georgia. The tour includes all the best that can offer you this beautiful country. Visit the capital Tbilisi – a pleasant, charming and vibrant city, enjoy the variety of landscapes which are absolutely breathtaking. In 15 days, you will visit the essential sites of the country and discover the most beautiful landscapes of Georgia, historical and cultural monuments and the mountains of the Greater and the Lesser Caucasus. Apart from these you will experience a sincere hospitality of its inhabitants in the magnificent cities and very authentic villages which are often dominated by imposing fortresses and medieval monasteries.
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Destination
Tour Plan
Arrive - Tbilisi
Arrive in Tbilisi, meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Visit the capital of Georgia
Discover the capital of Georgia – Tbilisi, explore its old district with cobbled streets and traditional houses with wooden balconies, at the bank of Mtkvari river. We visit the landmarks of the city: Metekhi church and its plateau which unfolds a superb view of the old city, Narikala Fortress - the ancient symbol of the city, the district of baths (Abanotubani) known for its Sulphur hot springs.
In the afternoon we visit the National Museum and its collections of “golden treasure” from the ancient period. At the end of our day we visit Dry Bridge - place which attracts visitors with its flea market.
Walking hours: around 3h. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Panorama of Alazani Valley and history of the religion in Georgia
We depart to discover one of the most beautiful sites of Kakheti region, the East part of the country. Visit Ninotsminda Monastery in Sagarejo, which was built in the 6th century AD and was one of the earliest achievements of Georgian classical architecture. The cathedral itself is in ruins today, but the side of the four apses is still standing miraculously, with magnificent frescoes from the 16th century.
Short break at Bodbé monastery where St Nino stop of rest during spreading the Christianity in Georgia, this visit allows us to learn the history of the holy evangelizer, very important figure of Georgian religion.
We continue our trip to the small and charming village Sighnaghi, stroll through its cobbled streets and along the wall, admire the splendid panorama of Alazani Valley and the Caucasus.
Transfer: Private vehicle, around 3h. Walking hours: 1 hour. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Discover the Wine Region
We continue our discovery of Kakheti region, appreciated for its wine traditions and richness of historical sites. We visit Tsinandali - palace and historic winery-estate which once belonged to the 19th-century aristocratic poet Alexander Chavchavadze, the palace combines Georgian architecture with Italian inspiration.
We pass through capital and historical city of Kakheti – Telavi where we discover a very colorful local market.
Then we explore the ruins of Ikalto academy where was studied the eminent poet Shota Rustaveli in the 12th century, an author of the great masterpiece of Georgian literature "The Knight in the Panther's Skin “.
We continue our trip to the local house with an old wine cellar, where the locals show us their traditional methods of winemaking, very different from European practice. Degustation of wine.
The next step allows us to discover the 11th century Alaverdi Cathedral.
Return to Tbilisi via Gombori pass, 1600 m, with the picturesque landscapes.
Transfer: Private vehicle, around 2h30. Walking hours: 1 hour. Overnight in Tbilisi.
From UNESCO sites to the Greater Caucasus
Departure for Mtskheta – an old capital of Iberia kingdom, visit Jvari (Cross) monastery perched on a hill and overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral ("Life-giving column") dated back to the 11tcentury. Shopping of Georgian national handmade souvenirs. Possibility of buying national handcrafted souvenirs.
On the way of Kazbegi visit Ananuri Fortress offers picturesque views over the Jinvali Reservoir. Cross the legendary Georgian Military Highway, one of the world’s most beautiful roads, through the valleys, ravines and finally over the 2300 meter Cross Pass. Arrive in Stepantsminda, Kazbegi. Visit Gergeti Trinity church situated 300 m above the village. Option: hiking up to Gergeti church (2 h, 6 km).
Transfer: Private vehicle, around 3h. Walking hours: 2 h. Option: elevation of hiking +/- 450 m Overnight in Kazbegi.
The region with its history since the 1st millennium BC till XX C
Early departure for Gori – soviet city and the central part of Georgia, the hometown of J. Stalin, where you can visit the house-museum of Stalin and its armored car.
Then we discover an abandoned rock-hewn town Uplistsikhe (about 1h30), dug into the rocks dates back to the 2nd century, is overlooking to the river Mtkvari.
We continue our tour to visit Atenis Sioni - an Orthodox church of the seventh century located almost 10 kilometers south of the town Gori. The church is situated in valley of Tana, well known with its historic monuments, authentic landscapes and its very special regional wine.
Visit local wine cellar of Ateni region, degustation.
Walking hours: 2 h. Overnight in Ateni or in Gori.
Visit UNESCO Heritage Sights
In the morning departure for Kutaisi, the second city of Georgia.
Visit the city and its UNESCO sites: Gelati monastery, which is the illustration of the Georgian culture since X C until the XVIII C, the masterpiece of the Golden Age of medieval Georgia, the center of science and education during that period. After we visit recently renovated Bagrati cathedral – the symbol of the city, dated back to the X century.
Transfer: Private vehicle, around 3h. Walking hours: 1 h. Overnight in Kutaisi.
Mountain region Ratcha with its special wine
Visit Martvili Canyon and the way to Svanetian mountains
Svaneti Region and the village Ushguli
Discover Palace of the prince and Black Sea coast
Batumi and Adjarian mountains
Visit Prometheus Cave and the balneological resort
Region of the medieval fortress
Tbilisi - Departure
Tour Location