MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

In the morning we start the excursion in Tbilisi. The capital has a long and fascinating history. It was founded in the sixth century by Vakhtang Gorgasali, king of Iberia. The king was hunting with his falcon in those forests and, after hunting a bird, the bird of prey fell into a hot spring and died scalded. The monarch took the incident as a divine sign and decided to found his capital there. For this reason, tbili, in Old Georgian, means hot water. Due to its beneficial sources of mineral water, the capital quickly became the most important city in the Caucasus. In the 12th-13th centuries, Tbilisi was the most powerful political, economic, and cultural center in Central Asia. The Silk Road, which ran through Georgia, made the city the most important bridge between Europe and Asia. However, Arabs, Khwarezmites (Sunni Muslim dynasty of Mamluk origin), Mongols, Persians and Russians have penetrated its walls. The city has suffered about thirty sacks and as many reconstructions. Tenacity and faith are not lacking in the hardworking Georgians.

We start with the visit of the 4th century fortress of Narikala , with its wooden houses with decorated balconies, with the sulphurous baths that were visited by famous writers, poets, composers and even kings.

The old city is impressive for the mixture of cultures. Here mosques, synagogues, Armenian and Catholic churches coexist with Georgian Orthodox churches in enviable harmony. We will also visit the sulphurous baths, the  12th-13th century Meteji church, inside which is the tomb of St. Shushanik (5th century). Then the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity or Tsminda Sameba, built between 1995 and 2004. It is the third tallest Orthodox cathedral in the world. Overnight stay at the hotel in Tbilisi.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we start our journey to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, which is located 20 km from Tbilisi. Scientists date the city to the second millennium BC. Mtskheta was the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia, between the 500th centuries BC and 500 AD. The Georgians accepted Christianity at the beginning of the 4th century, like the Armenians, about twenty years before Rome. The city and its architectural monuments are included in the UNESCO World List of Cultural Heritage. We visit the 6th century Jvari Monastery ("cross" in Georgian), located on the top of a hill from which a splendid view opens over the city of Mtskheta and the confluence of two rivers, Aragvi and Mtkvari. Then we visit the present-day city of Mtskheta and the  11th century  Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a masterpiece of Georgian architecture of its Golden Age. Then we start the journey to Gori (50,000 inhabitants), the birthplace of Stalin (steel), Josef Dhugasvili (1878-1953), where we will visit the museum and the birthplace of the historic communist leader.

Then we will visit Uplistsije. This tremendous cave-city dating back to the tenth century B.C. is one of the most impressive and oldest architectural masterpieces in Georgia. Here are preserved hundreds of rooms, halls, streets, a theater, and a large hall for pagan rituals, as well as a water conduction system. Unfortunately, Uplistsije was damaged by earthquakes and invasions, however, this monument has a colossal appearance and leaves a deep mark on all visitors.

Note: A visit to Uplistsije requires walking on a limestone floor for about an hour and a half. There are stairs, slopes and a poorly lit tunnel, so it is recommended to wear closed shoes and walk with some ease.

In the afternoon we return to the capital. Overnight stay in a hotel in Tbilisi.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH

In the morning we continue our journey to the Kajeti region, famous for its variety of vine and wine. Today the house is the museum, which contains an impressive wine cellar and is surrounded by an extensive and lush park.

Lunch at a restaurant in TUNNEL – WINERY

We then visit the  11th-century Alaverdi Cathedral, a masterpiece of Georgia's Golden Age

After lunch visit to the capital of the Kakheti – Telavi region, where we will visit the royal palace of the seventeenth century.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

In the morning we leave the hotel and visit the city of Signaghi. This city dating back to the eighteenth century is surrounded by a wall with twenty-three defensive towers. The city is recently restored in the traditional style and is picturesque and charming. From there there is a wonderful view of the Caucasus that contrasts with the plains of the Alazani River. In the afternoon arrival in Tbilisi. Overnight stay at the hotel in Tbilisi.