Georgian Highlights

Arrival, meeting the driver and transfer to the hotel

Overnight in Tbilisi

The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, offers a splendid blend of new and old, therefore on this day tour, you’ll be able to visit its most important sites. The day will start with visiting Metekhi area, one of the earliest inhabited district of Tbilisi. It is the place where King Vaghtang Gorgasali built a church and a fort, which served as his residence. The word Metekhi translates as “ the area around the palace”.

Afterward you’ll visit Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in Tbilisi that dates back to the 6th century and continue your way to Narikala Fortress, another ancient castle dating back to the 4th century. From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of old Tbilisi. Then, you’ll visit Sulfur Baths, a natural hot water springs Tbilisi is so famous for.

 The tour will continue to Georgian National Museum to learn more about the history and culture of Georgia and end the tour on Rustaveli Avenue, the main street of the capital

After breakfast we shall meet up in the lobby of the hotel and drive to explore city of Gori, was founded by one of the greatest kings of Georgia, David the Builder (1089–1125). It has a population of 60,000. Gori is situated where the Liakhvi River enters the Mtkvari. The city was largely destroyed in the 1920 earthquake. Visiting the museum of Joseph Stalin , Georgia is dedicated to the life of the town's most famous son, Joseph Stalin, who became the leader of the Soviet Union. Drive to Kutaisi - antique Kutaia. In certain historical periods it was the second capital of Georgia after Tbilisi according to largeness.  According to the legend about Golden Fleece, Kutaisi is that very land where the epic legend of the Argonauts was acted out.  In the 6th century BC, the tribes of western Georgia formed a state, the Kingdom of Colchis, lying along the east coast of the Black Sea. The legend tells of the courageous Hellenes who led by Jason, crossed the Straits of the Dardanelles and the Bosphorous and reached the shores of the Kingdom of Colchis where the powerful King Aeetes reigned, and where the golden fleece was kept. Ancient Colchis held the secret of how to obtain gold; the discovery of this secret and the acquisition of the golden fleece was the Argonauts' quest. Overnight in Kutaisi

We shall start the day with exploring Kutaisi. Visiting Bagrati Church  – (11th c). It is an old  architectural monument of Kutaisi. Nowadays only ruins are left from the church. One of the UNESCO heritage sites. After we shall visit Gelati Complex comprises the churches of the Virgin (the main church), of St Nicolas, of St. George, as well as the academy which was the center of cultural and spiritual life. The Gelaty monastery complex was founded by King David the Builder in the 12th c. It is noted by the finest examples of Georgian mural painting. Among them is the only surviving portrait of King David the Builder whose grave can be found at the gateway of the monastery. The giant 12th century mosaic of the Virgin with Child is completely unique. We will walk through old and new streets of Kutaisi center stopping by shady Kutaisi Park with numerous sculptures, Colchis Fountain, Drama Theater, historical Green Bazaar where you can find dried and fresh fruits, nuts, spices, homemade jams and many more. We will stop by Okros Chardakhi, a residence of Imereti kings featured by a centuries old plane tree, Kutaisi Holy Annunciation temple, and by Synagogue, if you are interested. Drive to Borjomi. Borjomi is a hydrothermal health spa resort in the southern region of  Georgia. We shall visit the Borjomi Park and drive up with the Cable car. Drive to Bakuriani for the overnight 

We shall start the day by explore the Vardzia, which was erected in the 12-13 centuries during the rule of George III and his daughter of Tamara for the purpose of the southern boundaries of Georgia protection. Vardzia is not just a set of random rooms cut in rocks. It is a multi-storied complex with streets, tunnels and stairs leading to monasteries, temples, fortresses, baths, libraries dwelling houses and so forth. Drive to Akhaltiskhe and visit Rabati Fortress. The old stone Rabat fortress, the main sight of the Akhaltsikhe town, is standing on the small hill on the very shores of the Potskhovi river. Its name comes from Arabic meaning “fortified place”. Drive back to Bakuriani for the overnight 

After breakfast we shall drive to Ananuri ensemble of XVII century. It comprises a tower, small-domed church, big-domed temple and a bell-tower. The ensemble overlooks the artificial reservoir of Zhinvali built in 1971. Continue our drive to see the conjunction of two small mountain rivers famous for the fact that being different in color they still keep their own colors even after merge. We will then drive over the Cross Pass and make a short stop at the Soviet-era “People’s Friendship” mountain view point overlooking a deep gorge of Caucasus mountain range. Arrive in Kazbegi and drive up to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church located on altitude of 2170 m. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt Kazbegi. Overnight in Kazbegi

After breakfast we shall drive to Mtskheta, one of the oldest towns in Georgia and its cultural and religious center. Mtskheta was the capital of the Eastern Georgian Kingdom of Iberia beginning in the 3rd century BC. Visit Jvari Church, a true architectural masterpiece of the early Medieval Period. From its hilltop site you can enjoy views of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers. Visit Svetitskhoveli, the main cathedral of Mtskheta and a sacred place where the robe of Christ is kept. Continue the way to Tbilisi

Overnight in Tbilisi 

After breakfast depart towards the Kakheti region of Georgia, the cradle of Georgian winemaking. Our first stop will be in Bodbe convent, which according to the legend is a burial place of St. Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity in the 4th century. According to Tsar Alexader III of Russia decree, since 1889 Bodbe complex functions as a nunnery. Continue Sighnaghi, the city of love and the Royal Town, one of the crossroads of the Great Silk Road surrounded by defensive walls with 23 towers. Drive to Kvareli and visit Khareba Winery, located in the tunnel carved out of the rock. Originally built for military purposes, today the tunnel is used to store Khareba’s finest wines. Wine tour and wine tasting. Drive to the Airport

Farewell