Vibrant and charming Georgia
DAY 1 Arrival to Kutaisi. Visit Prometheus cave, Uplistsikhe, transfer to Tbilisi
Arrival to Kutaisi, meeting with your driver and guide. Starting discover the famous Prometheus Cave, where you can find a very special form of stalactites, stalagmites, petrified stone waterfalls and hanging curtains, underground river and lakes – all this on a nice 1.4km walk in mysterious and cool atmosphere and short boat trip if interested. Transfer to Tbilisi, on the way visit Uplistsikhe – an impressive cave-city in Eastern Georgia, which was a significant cultural center before the Christian era. The name Uplistsikhe literally means “The God’s Castle” and the cave complex sits 10km east of Gori in modern day Georgia. One of the most ancient settlements in the Kingdom of Kartli (Iberia) the town became a major political and religious center for the Kingdom, and its foundations were later ascribed to the mythical Uplos. Step back in time as you wander the caves, passing temples which predate Christianity, pagan sacrificial sites, bakeries, an amphitheater and a Christian basilica. You can view many of the artifacts recovered from the ancient city at the National Museum in Tbilisi. Arrival to Tbilisi, hotel accommodation.
DAY 2 City tour of Tbilisi and Mtskheta
Breakfast in the hotel. Start of Tbilisi city tour. First stop will be at glorious Sameba – the main cathedral and the tallest religious building of the country. Next up is Metekhi Church located in the neighborhood of the same name and gracefully situated on a cliff above Mtkvari river. Your guide will then take you to the new Rike Park to admire the view and perhaps take a few photos in front of The Bridge of Peace, a stunning modern structure designed by Italian architects and one of the new symbols of the city. One of the highlights of the day is a visit to Narikala – the capital’s ancient fortress, where the stunning views over the city will open out before you. You’ll be whisked to the top in a cable car and after your visit will wander down by foot through the narrow and historic streets of the Old Town, among them the newly renovated Shardeni street – the street which never sleeps, and one of Tbilisi’s nighttime hot spots. Walking to Legvtakhevi gorge, where you’ll see the waterfall. Then under the tunnel Meidanbazar you will have opportunity to buy Georgian sauces and spices. Free time to have a lunch.
Proceed to city Mtskheta – the old, legendary capital of Georgia, just 20km from the city center. The historic capital of Eastern Georgia (Kartli) and set at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi Rivers, Mtskheta has remained at the spiritual heart of Georgia since Christianity was established. You’ll visit Jvari Monastery (Monastery of the Cross), previously a pagan temple and latterly turned into Christian church. Perched on a windblown, rocky promontory, take some time to enjoy the exceptional scenery and take some photos of this amazing UNESCO world heritage listed structure. The Svetitskhoveli cathedral remains at the center of the Orthodox church. There is a legend that a seamless robe of Christ’s is buried somewhere within the temple and you’ll find fragments of paintings dating back to the 11th century, including one depicting a hand which stories tell is the hand of the cathedrals architect which king Giorgi amputated to stop him making another cathedral as beautiful as Svetitskhoveli.
Drive back to Tbilisi, transfer to the hotel. Free time. In the evening transfer to Georgian restaurant to have delicious dinner with folk show. After transfer to the hotel.
DAY 3 Tour to Kakheti: Bodbe monastery, Signagi city tour
Breakfast in the hotel. This day is dedicated to a visit of Kakheti, in the eastern part of Georgia, famous for the old tradition of wine-making. We will visit the nunnery of Bodbe, a significant pilgrimage site in Georgia due to its association with St. Nino. 3km away there is St. Nino’s spring, believed to have been created through St Nino’s prayers and have strong healing powers. We’ll then move on to the highlight of today’s tour – a visit to Signagi, the so-called “city of love”. Packed full of 19th century architecture Signagi resembles an Italian city with its Mediterranean-style colorful, small houses and narrow old streets. With views over the Alazani valley to the Caucasus on the horizon the town is a very pleasant place to while away an afternoon.
After the tour of Signagi, we’ll visit one of the traditional, authentic winery, where you will discover more about the traditional methods of wine making in Georgia. Here you will have delicious Kakhetian lunch with master-classes of making Georgian snickers Churchkhela as well as tasting of Kakhetian wines.
Return to Tbilisi.
DAY 4 Tour to Ananuri, Gudauri and Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)
In the morning we will depart for Kazbegi. Our journey will take us along the Georgian Military Road to the fortress and monastery of Ananuri which is located on the bank of Jinvali reservoir. Ananuri is the seat of the Dukes of Argavi, a dynasty which ruled the area during the middle ages and saw many battles won and lost. Remaining occupied by various Dukes and Kings until the early 19th century the complex included two fortifications and two churches, one of which, the Church of Assumption contains the remains of frescos, most of which were destroyed in a fire in the 18th century.
Later on you will visit the pride of many Georgians – the ski resort Gudauri, located at an altitude of 2195m. With kilometers of ski runs, the cheapest ski passes in Europe and sun drenched south facing slopes the resort offers fabulous terrain for beginners and advanced skiers alike. In summer hiking, horse riding, birdwatching and climbing are some of the many activities on offer.
Finally, will go up the mountain and enjoy the breath-taking views from the Gergeti Trinity Church – built in medieval time the church is located on the slope of Mount Kazbek with the Caucus mountains rising in the background. The only cross-cupola church in Khevi, photos of the church and detached bell-tower have become symbols of Georgia, inspiring travelers to from across the world to visit Georgia.
After the tour will travel back to Tbilisi.
DAY 5 Departure
Breakfast in the hotel. Check out.
Your driver will meet you at the hotel lobby for the scheduled transfer to Kutaisi International Airport.
We are looking forward to arrange other vacations for you in the future!
PRICE OF TOUR FOR 1 PERSON IN USD
No. of pax in the group |
3* hotel |
4* hotel |
2 person |
445 |
510 |
4 person |
370 |
405 |
6 person |
310 |
345 |
Payment can be also made in Euro according to currency exchange rate as of the date of booking.
Each program can be updated as per individual request and budget.
Each program can be re-calculated with the option guide/driver as one person.
► Accommodation in the hotel of chosen category:
In Tbilisi – 5nights with breakfast,
► Tours according to the itinerary,
► English-speaking guide 4 days,
► Transportation,
► Transfer to and from Kutaisi airport;
► Entrance fees;
► 1 dinner at national restaurant with folk show;
► Cable car ride during Tbilisi city tour;
► Wine degustation in Signagi;
► 1 lunch with master classes of «Georgian Snickers» сhurchkhela;
► 24/7 Customer Support Line.
► Visa,
► Airfare,
► Medical insurance;
► Personal expenses,
► Tips for the guide and driver..
If you would like to have a tour on the full board basis, we gladly will arrange the lunches in the best local restaurants which were hand-picked by our travel experts.
YOUR DEDICATED TRAVEL EXPERT:
Lana Ramishvili
E-mail: geo@capitaltravel.ge
Mob., Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram: + (995 571) 11 18 18
Skype: capitaltravel1