Weekend tours from Tbilisi

Tbilisi is one of the most beautiful and colorful cities in Europe, a city with a unique style, taste, legends and cuisine.

Walking along the streets of the old city you will not notice how you find yourself in a colorful, warm and hospitable Tiflis ... Narrow cobblestone streets, hinged lace balconies, patios, churches and squares ... Here you can stroll at any time of the year, discovering everything for yourself new and new places.

We will guide you through Tbilisi streets and alleys, tell the story of this amazing city, introduce you to the culture and traditions of the heart of Georgia.

The oldest urban area of Abanotubani (district of sulfur baths). From here Tiflis began, here this stunning city, unique in its energy, was born.

We dive into the architecture of the old city: the winding streets and lace balconies of Tiflis, the fig gorge and Narikala fortress, the Jewish quarter and a kaleidoscope balcony, a cathedral mosque and a cathedral, sulfur baths and a peace bridge.

Mtskheta is a holy and cult place for every Georgian. Such a number of holy and religious places, as in Mtskheta, located 20 km from Tbilisi, are no longer in all of Georgia. For this, the ancient city is called the “Second Jerusalem”. Here is one of the greatest relics of the Christian world is stored - the Chiton of the Lord.

In Mtskheta is located the main Georgian Cathedral Svetitskhoveli and several of the oldest monastery complexes, here each building is a cultural monument under the protection of UNESCO.

Jvari temple (“Temple of the Holy cross”), built in the 6th century, stands on a high mountain, offering a beautiful view of the confluence of two majestic rivers – Aragva and Kura. According to a legend, the cross of St. Nino was erected on this mountain. Jvari is the first world heritage site in Georgia.

Not far from Jvari there is another cult monument of Christian Georgia – one of the major Orthodox Georgian temples – Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

Svetitskhoveli is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This extraordinary building dates from the 11th century, early in the golden age of Georgian church architecture. It has an elongated cross plan and is adorned with beautiful stone carving outside and in. Christ’s robe is believed to lie beneath the central nave, under a square pillar decorated with colourful if faded frescoes of the conversion of Kartli.

After breakfast we will visit Tsinandali- palace of the princely family of Chavchavadze. There are many amazing, beautiful and tragic events in the history of Georgia are connected with this family.

The history of the Chavchavadze family and their ancestral estate is closely tied with the history of Georgia. Today there is a museum in Tsinandali, visited by tourists from all over the world. The interior of the 19h century has almost been fully restored, though the palace today only has 7 rooms of the original 20. It was also possible to collect touching material evidences from the relatives of the bygone period: embroideries made by the daughters of Chavchavadze, books owned by the family, clothing, and the picture of Imam Shamil painted by Anna when she was held in captivity. The museum has the working desk of Alexander Chavchavadze, the first grand piano, and personal things and books. There are regular art exhibitions held in the museum, and the basement of the palace hosts Kakhetian wine tasting ceremonies.

After an excursion we will go to the Georgian winery for wine tasting, as well as to workshops on making the famous Georgian shoti bread, churchkhela and khinkali.

The Georgian town of Sighnaghi is located in the eastern part of Kakheti, and is known as the City of Love. Sighnaghi was also one of Georgia’s many stops along the ancient Silk Road.

The town has recently undergone significant restoration and infrastructural improvement, rendering Sighnaghi a must-see destination in Georgia. Casino gambling, high end hotels and dining, fine wines and a stunning view of the Alazani Valley make Sighnaghi one of Georgia’s most attractive small towns.

The town sits atop a bluff overlooking the Alazani Valley, which is one of Georgia’s most famous wine-producing regions.

As is typical of Georgia, Sighnaghi is endowed with significant historic and cultural heritage sites. Its charming cobblestone streets and alleys, restored original nouveau woodwork, and detailed facades give the town a romantic mystique. Billed the City of Love, Sighnaghi is a popular wedding venue. The wedding chapel here was the first to operate around the clock, and put Sighnaghi on the map as a destination. Its marriage chapel now hosts ceremonies taking place all hours of the day and night. It is also a frequent venue for traditional Georgian dance recitals, music and craft festivals.

The St. George’s Monastery of St. Nino, sometimes also called the Bodbe Monastery, is one of the most important religious sites in Georgia. Today, there is a nunnery where the monastery used to be, and the St. George Cathedral, part of the monastery, holds the remains of St. Nino, Equal to the Apostles, who brought Christianity to Georgia.

According to legends, St. Nino died at the age of 60 in Bodbe in the year 335 CE. During her lifetime, she had crossed the entire country, healing people and preaching Christianity. She asked to be buried in this region, where she had spent her life. Later, King Mirian decided to move her body to Mtskheta, but all efforts were in vain: the coffin couldn’t be moved.
 

Route:

* Moving to Kakheti

* Tsinandali

* Wine tasting and workshops at the winery.Lunch

* Sighnaghi

* Bodbe

* Return to Tbilisi

* Overnight in Tbilisi

 

*Option 2: Excursion in Kazbegi

Kazbegi tour is the most popular among visitors to Georgia.Kazbegi is the pearl of Georgia which has recently become very popular because of it’s untouched beauty. With this tour, you will visit all the must-see sights in the Kazbegi Region.

We begin the day by visiting Zhinvali water reservoir. 

Besides the main purpose of this reservoir which is to supply Tbilisi with water, this place keeps many secrets and legends as well. The construction of the reservoir caused big floodings on this territory and almost destroyed all the historical monuments. They say that the old church that was built from the time of King Tamari in the 12th century has fallen underwater and when the water level decreases the Church is reappearing. This church is considered to be one of the most mystical places in Georgia.

 

Afterwards, we’ll continue to explore the famous 17th century Ananuri Fortress, known for its haunting history. 

Ananuri, a castle complex perched along the turquoise waters of the Aragvi River, is a prime example of Georgia’s unique blended architectural aesthetic.

It is located in 70 kilometres from Tbilisi and this place will make you feel special by its beautiful nature and the taste of an ancient history. This medieval monument, which is very well preserved, was originally used for a military purpose and only later it became the residence of the Dukes of Aragvi.

We will pass Gudauri Ski resort. 

 

Gudauri Friendship monument also known as Gudauri Panorama.

The massive round “friendship” monument still looks out over Devil’s Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. It is situated on the Georgian Military Highway between Gudauri, which is considered the best ski resort in Georgia, and Gergeti, where you can find the Gergeti Trinity Church.

Inside the cylinder monument, a vibrantly colored mural depicts heavily stylized scenes from histories. Stone archways open up to Devil’s Valley, and offer an idyllic view for visitors, even if the name is potentially misleading.

 

*Optional: Here you’ll also have a chance to have an unforgettable experience of paragliding over the Caucasus mountains.

The source of mineral water and unusual rocks that have been formed here over millions of years.

 

Stepantsminda is one of the most beautiful destination in Georgia. It's a little town surrounded by huge mountains. It's exceptional landscapes will remain in your memory forever.

Its isolated location on top of a steep mountain surrounded by the vastness of nature has made it a symbol for Georgia.

The old Georgian Church is located under the Mount Kazbek, 2170m above the town of Stepantsminda and village of Gergeti whose name she had adopted. The church is widely known as Gergeti trinity Church thought Georgians call it Gergeti Tsminda Sameba.

Gergeti Trinity Church is above Stepantsminda and thus it seems an impossible experience to climb up to it, but in fact ascent goes quite easy taking only an hour walk up the serpentine road and a thorny forest. Those who prefer not to walk can rent a car with a driver who will ride you up there in 10 minutes. Very often it happens that alpinists conquering the peak spend the night near the church to become acclimatized to new conditions.

*Optional: Teka masterclasses.

Traditions of Georgian ‘Teka’ – fine-fleece thick felt – is something deeply rooted in Georgian history and cultural traditions. Historically, thick felt, a warm and soft fabric and a blend of vivid or pastel colors, was produced in Tusheti, Kakheti, Khevi and Javakheti regions. Today, many people are involved in this field and there is a wide choice of ‘Teka’ carpets, scarves, cloaks, slippers and other items – beautiful and practical accessories for chilly winter days. But there is one point, today only few artists produce this textile according to the original methods. So, while choosing a thick felt item, try to consult with a professional to be sure this ‘piece’ of Georgia was made according to its true traditions. 

 

Route:

* Moving to Kazbegi

* Ananuri Castle

* Gudauri Ski resort

* Gudauri Friendship monument

(Optional: Paragliding over the Caucasus mountains)

* Mineral Springs 

* Lunch

* Stepantsminda

* Gergeti Trinity Church

(Optional: Teka masterclasses)

* Transfer to Tbilisi

* Dinner in Pasanauri