Georgian Highlights

Arrival and overnight 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.

Gori is the hometown of the Soviet Leader Joseph Stalin, therefore, the tour includes visiting his house-museum in order to learn more about his childhood spent in Georgia. Afterward, we will drive to one of the cave towns of the country - 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. The final stop of the third day will be a ski resort Bakuriani, famous for coniferous forests. Located in Borjomi, at the elevation of 1,700 meters above the sea level, Bakuriani is characterized by transitional climate moving from humid maritime to relatively humid continental.

The day starts with visiting Borjomi Park to try the mineral water in its original form before it gets bottled. From here, you’ll continue your way 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. Then, you’ll visit villages of Sno and Juta before going back to Gudauri.

From Gudauri, you’ll continue the way back to Tbilisi, but before arriving in the capital, you’ll stop in 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. Then, you’ll continue your way to Jvari Monastery, sit 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 when St. Nino, the evangelist who brought Christianity to the country, made the citizens believe in her religion, King Mirian put a wooden cross here. The name “Jvari” means “cross” in English. After arriving in Tbilisi, you’ll be treated with an evening walking tour to enjoy lit up capital.

This day starts with a drive to Kakheti region to visit its famous cave town - David Gareji, along with beautiful Sighnaghi and Bodbe Monastery. David Gareji is a rock-hewn monastery complex, 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. 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. Bodbe Monastery is quite close to Sighnaghi, which is the final resting place of St. Nino.

On your last day in Georgia, you’ll visit another important sights of Kakheti region. 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. Telavi is the central city of the region and 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.