Georgia Country of Wonderland

Arrival in Tbilisi

You’ll start your trip with learning more about the Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. You’ll be able to visit some of its iconic landmarks, such as a 4th century Narikala Fortress, famous sulfur bath neighborhood Abanotubani, the Freedom Square, the oldest Basilica - Anchiskhati, Metekhi Church, walk on pedestrian bridge called the Peace Bridge, and visit Rike Park. You’ll listen to the history of the city, how it came to be and why it’s called Tbilisi.

The day starts with visiting Jvari Monastery, which sits at the top of the hill overlooking Mtskheta and junction of Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Jvari Monastery is one of the oldest religious buildings in Georgia. It is believed that St. Nino, the evangelist who brought Christianity to the country put her wooden cross here. The name “Jvari” means “cross” in English. Then, you’ll visit the former capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Mtskheta. Here, you’ll visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of the most important religious buildings in the country. In addition, it’s the architectural masterpiece of Early Middle Ages. The day continues to Zhinvali Dam, one of the most picturesque reservoirs in Georgia with its emerald green waters. You’ll stop by Ananuri Castle, which was a seat for Dukes of Aragvi, a feudal family ruling the area in the 13th century, as well as see the confluence spot of white and black Aragvi rivers. Finally, you’ll arrive at one of the ski resorts of the country - Gudauri to overnight.

From Gudauri the road continues to Stepantsminda town through the Georgia Military Road. On the way to Stepantsminda, you’ll stop at Friendship Monument dedicated to Russian-Georgian friendship and overlook the picturesque valley from here. You’ll also visit Jvari point before arriving in Stepantsminda. From here, you’ll take a Delica car to visit Gergeti Trinity Church, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the area. The church sits at the root of Mount Kazbegi offering stunning views of the surrounding Caucasus Range.

On this day, you’ll be able to visit one of the mountainous and remote areas of the country. Pshavi is a small historic region which borders with Khevsureti and Tusheti. Similar to many remote areas of the country, the population here has dropped drastically, but the area is gorgeous offering splendid views of the Caucasus Mountains. Tianeti is another townlet of the region, which used to be an important area during the Soviet rule, as may food processing factories were operating here. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the town lost its glory. The trip then continues to Akhmeta where you’ll visit the 6th century basilica called “Gvtaeba”, which used to be a temporary place of Anton Martkopeli, one of the Assyrian Fathers. And finally, you’ll arrive to Telavi, a central city of Kakheti which once was a royal seat of Kakhetian Kings. Here, you’ll visit Batonis Tsikhe and a museum inside the castle which exhibits memorabilia of King Erekle II.

On this day, you’ll visit some of the most significant areas of Kakheti region. You’ll drive to Nekresi, a historic town to visit one of the ancient churches of the country, which became a refuge of Abibus, one of the Assyrian Fathers that came to Georgia to spread Christianity. Tsinandali is a palace residence of Alexander Chavchavadze, a 19th-century aristocratic poet, who even had his enormous wine cellar and started producing his own wine according to more European methods. Sighnaghi town, known as the city of love, is a beautiful town with its red rooftops, colorful houses, and narrow cobblestone streets overlooking the picturesque Alazani Valley.

The seventh day of the trip still continues in Kakheti region before taking you back to the capital. From Sighnaghi, you’ll visit Bodbe Monastery, the final resting place of St. Nino, an evangelist who brought Christianity to the country. Then, you’ll drive to David Gareji monastery complex, a rock-hewn monastery, built by one of the Assyrian monks, David, who came here to spread Christianity in the 6th century. The complex features churches, chapels, hundreds of cells, and beautiful fresco paintings that are still intact.

Georgia has several cave towns across its teritorry, and you’ll be able to see one more of such town on this trip. However, before visiting this cave town - Uplistsikhe - you’ll stop in Gori, a hometown of the Soviet Leader Joseph Stalin. The tour includes visiting his house-museum in order to learn more about his childhood spent in Georgia. Afterward, we will drive to Uplistsikhe. The name of this rock-hewn town translates into English as Lord’s Fortress. The area played a significant role in Georgia history and features architectural marvels of different periods including, pre-Christian, Anatolian, and Iranian. Then, you’ll continue your way to Kutaisi and overnight there.

Kutaisi is the former capital and home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will see all the important landmarks within the city tour including Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati Monastery, and the Prometheus Cave. Then you’ll continue your way to Martvili Canyon, one of the most gorgeous places of the country. With its emerald green water and untouched nature, you’ll see why Martvili is considered as the natural wonder of the country. In addition, you’ll be able to ride a boat inside the canyon to make your trip even more exciting and adventurous. The coastal city of Batumi in Adjara region is the final stop for this day.

You’ll visit Botanical Garden of Batumi, one of the most gorgeous subtropical gardens of the country. Later, you’ll visit Petra Fortress, a strategic complex build in the 6th century A.D. Afterward, you’ll come back to Batumi to admire some of its old and new parts and buildings including Neptune’s and Piazza Squares, St. Nicholas Church, Batumi Port and its Seaside Park, Chacha Fountain and St. Mary Cathedral to name just a few.

You have a free day in Batumi to soak up the sun, sea, and the city. You’ll be on your own and can either go for swimming, sea the parts of Batumi that was not included in the previous day, or even go shopping.

Departure from Batumi to Tbilisi