MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

In the morning, arrival in Tbilisi. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the city center. The capital has a long and fascinating history. It was founded in the 6th century by Vajhtang Gorgasali, King of Iberia. The king was hunting with his falcon in these forests, and after catching a bird, the falcon fell into a hot spring and died scalded. The monarch took this incident as a divine sign and decided to establish his capital there. Therefore, Tbilisi, in old Georgian, means “hot water.” Thanks to its beneficial mineral springs, 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 passing through Georgia made the city the most important bridge between Europe and Asia. However, its walls have been breached by Arabs, Khorezmites (a Sunni Muslim dynasty of Mamluk origin), Mongols, Persians, and Russians. The city has endured around thirty raids and as many reconstructions. Persistence and faith have never failed these hardworking Georgians.

We begin the visit with Narikala Fortress (4th century), with its wooden houses featuring decorated balconies and the sulfur baths, once visited by famous writers, poets, composers, and even kings.

The old city impresses with its mix of cultures. Mosques, synagogues, Armenian and Catholic churches coexist in enviable harmony with Georgian Orthodox churches. We will also visit the sulfur baths, the Metekhi Church (12th–13th century), which houses the tomb of Saint Shushanik (5th century).

We will visit Gudiashvili Square and Orbeliani Street.

Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Tbilisi.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

In the morning, we leave the hotel in Telavi and visit Bodbe Monastery.

Next, we visit the town of Sighnaghi, which dates back to the 18th century and is surrounded by a wall with twenty-three defensive towers. The town has been recently restored in a traditional style, making it picturesque and charming. From here, there is a wonderful view of the Caucasus Mountains, contrasting with the plains of the Alazani River below.

In the afternoon, arrival in Tbilisi. Overnight stay at the hotel in Tbilisi.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

In the morning, we begin our journey to the Greater Caucasus. On the way, we visit the impressive Ananuri Castle (17th century), which for centuries served as the residence of the Eristavi (rulers) of the Aragvi region. The architectural complex includes several buildings that were used both for living, worship, and defense. The Great Church of the Virgin is the focal point of the fortress, decorated with magnificent reliefs and ornaments. From the fortress, there is a stunning view of an emerald-colored lake.

We then continue our journey to the most mountainous region of Georgia, Kazbegi (160 km from Tbilisi; 90% good road; approximately 2 hours 30 minutes), enjoying the magnificent beauty of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Before arriving, we cross the Cross Pass (2,390 m above sea level), as geographically Kazbegi is already in the northern part of the Caucasus.

From the village of Kazbegi, several 5,000-meter peaks are visible, including Mount Kazbegi. In Kazbegi, we ascend to Gergeti Church (14th century), located on a hill overlooking the village. The ascent is made by 4x4 vehicles, which will be waiting in the center of Kazbegi. From the monastery, enjoy a splendid view that has inspired 18th-century Russian poets such as Pushkin and Lermontov.

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

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we begin our journey to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, located 20 km from Tbilisi. Archaeologists date the city back to the 2nd millennium BC. Mtskheta was the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia from the 5th century BC to the 5th century AD. The Georgians adopted Christianity in the early 4th century, like the Armenians, about twenty years before Rome. The city and its architectural monuments are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

We visit Jvari Monastery (“Cross” in Georgian) from the 6th century, situated atop a hill with splendid views of Mtskheta and the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Then we explore the modern city of Mtskheta and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), a masterpiece of Georgian architecture from its Golden Age.

Next, we travel to Gori (population 50,000), the birthplace of Joseph Stalin (Ioseb Jughashvili, 1878–1953), where we will visit his museum and birthplace.

We then visit Uplistsikhe, an impressive cave city dating back to the 10th century BC, one of Georgia’s most ancient and remarkable architectural masterpieces. Hundreds of rooms, halls, streets, a theater, a large hall for pagan rituals, and a water conduit system have been preserved. Although Uplistsikhe was damaged by earthquakes and invasions, it still has a colossal appearance and leaves a deep impression on all visitors.

Note: Visiting Uplistsikhe requires walking on limestone terrain for approximately 1.5 hours. There are stairs, slopes, and a poorly lit tunnel, so closed shoes and comfortable walking are recommended.

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