Duration: | 6 Day(s) - 5 Night(s) |
Tour Category: | Culture Tours |
Day 1: Tbilisi
In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel to start the city tour of Tbilisi with visits to the Old Town: Metekhi Temple (12th c.), and the Abanotubani bath houses, these balmy sulfur baths have hosted poets, writers, musicians, kings down through the centuries; Narikala - The main fortress of Tbilisi (4th c. – if available we’ll take a cable car ride to the fort), excellent for views on the swirling river Mtkvari (Kura) and this city of so many ages and nationalities.
Walking through some narrow streets, along which some carpet and souvenir shops are situated. We visit Sioni Cathedral (11th c.) and Anchiskhati church (6th c.); Visit the Georgian State Museum and Rustaveli Avenue - the main street of Tbilisi.
Overnight at a 3* hotel in Tbilisi.
Meals included: none.
Day 2: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Akhaltsikhe
We start a trip by driving to Mtskheta - Georgia's ancient capital is 20km from Tbilisi. Scientists date the town back to the 2nd millennium B.C. Here Georgians accepted Christianity at the beginning of the 4th century. The World's Cultural Heritage of UNESCO includes the town and its architectural monuments. Visit Jvari Monastery (6th c.) & Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c.) We drive to Samtskhe-Javakheti province, where we stop overnight at the tiny town of Akhaltsikhe.
Dinner and overnight at a family guesthouse in Akhaltsikhe (sharing facilities).
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3: Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia – Akhaltsikhe
In the morning travel to Vardzia. The magnificent cave town – Vardzia (12th century) is one of the highlights of the trip. It stretches over half a kilometer along the river Mtkvari and has 19 tiers. There used to be about 3000 caves. It’s got a church hewn out in rock with amazing 12th-century frescos.
The complex also includes dwellings quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories, wine cellars, pharmacies, etc. Today we will also visit the Khertvisi fortress (10th century). Upon returning to Akhaltsikhe we’ll visit a very impressive Rabat citadel telling so much about Akhaltsikhe and its inhabitants.
Dinner and overnight at a family guesthouse in Akhaltsikhe (sharing facilities).
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 4: Akhaltsikhe – Kutaisi
Today our journey continues to Imereti province (West Georgia) – very different from East Georgia with its cool springs, green fields, and beautiful gardens.
Visit the pretty town of Kutaisi, the second largest in the country (antique town more than 3000 years old), and its historical places: Gelati Cathedral (12th century) – one of the earliest academies in Europe, and the splendid Bagrati Cathedral (11th century). Both Gelati and Bagrati Cathedrals are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today we also visit the natural grotto full of stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy a nice walk (involves many steps) inside this mysterious world.
Dinner and overnight at a family guesthouse in Kutaisi.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5: Kutaisi – Gori – Gudauri
Drive to the town of Gori – the heart of Kartli province and the birthplace of Georgia’s infamous son – J. Stalin. We visit the Museum of Stalin and continue to Uplistsikhe Cave Town – the Great Silk Road destination. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out in the rock, and even an antic theatre.
Afterward, drive up the famous Georgian Military Highway (leading to the Georgian-Russian border). On the way, we visit the Ananuri architectural complex (17th century), the two churches, and the fortress overlooking the Zhinvali water reservoir. Arrive at Gudauri.
Dinner and overnight at 2*+ hotel in Gudauri.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6: Gudauri – Kazbegi – Tbilisi (No Overnight in Tbilisi)
A stunning drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River will bring us to Kazbegi – the main town in the region. From Kazbegi a leisurely 1.5-hour walk up through beautiful valleys and woodland leads to Gergeti Trinity Church located at 2170m. Weather permitting you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi (5047m). We walk back to the town and return to Tbilisi. Arrive in Tbilisi and the end of the tour.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Service Includes:
Accommodation at double/twin occupancy (single at a supplement), English-speaking guide, excursion fees, transportation, meals as mentioned, 1 bottle (0.5 liters) of mineral water per person per day.
Service Excludes:
Insurance, flights, visa fees (if required), beverages, and portage.