Georgia along and across
Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi and meeting with the representatives of the travel agency “GeoModernTour”. Transfer to 3* hotel “Ponto”, which is located right in the city centre. You will have a walk in Tbilisi – a city with great heart and warmth (even the name “Tbilisi” says about it – “tbili” in Georgian means “warm”).
Day 2: Move to Western Georgia. On your way you will visit the ancient capital of Georgia, the eternal town of Mtskheta which is considered to be the second Jerusalem. They say the first settlement on this territory was founded by Mtskhetos, the son of Kartlos (sixth generation after Moses). We offer you an unforgettable climb to Jvari Monastery with its breathtaking views. Here Lermontov’s hero Mtsyri was standing at the precipice and overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and the Mtkvari Rivers.
Jvari
Next stop will be in Borjomi. You will pay a visit to Borjomi Park, where you will taste the genuine “Borjomi” straight from the spring. You will get a chance to walk in the park and climb to Borjomi Plateau. The way lies through Likhi Ridge which divides Georgia into two parts: Eastern and Western. You will be able to overcome this ridge by Rikoti tunnel extending for 1722 meters long. First stop in Western Georgia will be in the village Shrosha where you can buy lots of clay souvenirs. An hour later you are in Kutaisi – the second largest city of Georgia. According to the legend, Kutaisi was the capital of Colchis Kingdom when Argonauts arrived here, and it was called Aya… Check in to the hotel “Aeetes Palace”. A dinner in the hotel and a walk along the evening city.
Rioni River, Kutaisi
Day 3: In the morning you will visit Bagrati Cathedral, and then move to Motsameta Monastery, Gelati Monastery and Academy, founded by the great Georgian King David IV the Builder, canonized by Georgian Orthodox Church. The king is buried here according to his will. You will dine in Kutaisi and travel to Sataplia cave, where you can see the thousand-year-old stalactites and stalagmites. Return to the hotel. Free time. Supper.
Bagrati Cathedral
Day 4: Drive to Samegrelo, where you will visit the administrative center of the region – beautiful Zugdidi city. Move to the mountains, where Georgian nature will again enchant you with its beauty. Among the high mountains, in the ravine of the Inguri River, you will discover human made miracle – a cascade of Inguri hydroelectric station and reservoir. Return to Zugdidi. Visit the Palace of Samegrelo prince – Dadiani, church, the Botanical Garden and museum, where the chiton of Holy Virgin is kept. Next stop is Rukhi Fortress. You will dine in the restaurant, where among other dishes you can taste gomi (thick maize porridge) with Georgian suluguni cheese. Back to Kutaisi.
Day 5: Move to Adjara. Introduction to this blessed land starts from Botanical garden, founded in 1912 by A. Krasnov buried right here. Batumi, the capital of Adjara Region, is an extraordinarily beautiful city which became the hallmark of Georgia.
Batumi
Batumi
Take a stroll along the boulevard and city center, visit the Museum of Local Lore, try unusual Adjarian khachapuri and move to Sarpi on Georgian-Turkish border. Next you will visit the fortress Gonio Apsara. Return to Kutaisi.
Gonio Apsara Fortress
Day 5: Move to Meskheti (South Georgia). Visit to Khertvisi Fortress and then transfer to carved in rocks Vardzia town. It is not just randomly dug cave rooms. It is a multi-storey complex with streets, tunnels and staircases, leaded by monasteries, temples, castles, baths, libraries, residential buildings… In total there are over 600 rooms connected by passages, stretched along the mountains for 800 meters in length, 50 meters in depth and eight floors in height. In the case of enemy attack, the monastery became a refuge for civilians and could accommodate up to 20 000 person. Move to Akhaltsikhe where you will have your dinner. Return to Tbilisi. Supper.
Vardzia
Day 7: This day you will dedicate to two capitals – Tbilisi and Mtskheta. You will start introducing with 1500 years old city of Tbilisi from visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral. This is not only the biggest church in the Georgia but also a whole complex including 13 churches. You will take a walk along the city and visit Metekhi church (5th century). At the monument to the founder of Tbilisi King Vakhtang Gorgasali you will be told the legend of founding the city. Excursion to Sulphur Baths district called Abanotubani. You will be able to visit Tbilisi mosque – the only mosque in the world where Sunnis and Shiites can pray together. Then you will climb to Naikala Fortress. From the top of the hill where the fort is you can enjoy marvelous views opening on the ancient city. You’ll take a walk along the Chardin Street. Next visit you will pay to Sioni Cathedral where the relics of Apostle Thomas are kept. Move to Georgia’s ancient capital – eternal town of Mtskheta, where you will dine at the Public Restaurant. Here you will discover Svetitskhoveli Cathedral built in 11th century. They believe that praying in this church three times is equal to one praying in Jerusalem. The sanctuary for all the Christians – Jesus Christ’s chiton, in which he was crucified, is kept in this medieval church. A lot of interesting facts you will learn about Samtavro Nunnery. Behind the fortress wall of the nunnery you’ll find a little church and a bush of blackberry planted at the times of Saint Nino (the Enlightener of Georgia). Here you can also visit St. Gabriel’s tomb, who was canonized by Holy Synod of Georgian Orthodox Church. A friendly dinner in Georgia’s ancient capital is waiting for you after your excursion. Return to Tbilisi.
Mtskheta Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th Century)
Day 8: They say that Georgians started cultivating grape and producing wine eight centuries ago. Recently during the excavations in Kakheti archeologists found a vine stone in earthenware crockery. It’s considered that Kakheti (the land of wine and love) is the cradle of wine in Georgia. This day you will spend in this region. There are over 500 sorts of grapes in Georgia, 70 per cent of it grows in Kakheti Region. You will pay your first visit to Bodbe Monastery.
The first church here was built in 4th century during the life of St. Nino, who is buried right here. Then you will walk down to the saint spring; its appearance is linked to the name of St. Nino as well. They say that if a believer dips into the spring he will relieve of all the illnesses. Next stop is a beautiful city of Sighnaghi – the only city in Georgia which is still surrounded with a fort. You will get a chance to walk along the city and enjoy its marvelous views, especially at Alazani Valley.
Bodbe Monastery
Move to Gurjaani. Here you will visit “Gurjaani Wine House”. Your master will meet you outside and invite you in where you will get a chance to cook barbeque, Georgian lavash and famous khinkali. You will participate in producing chacha (vine vodka) and Georgian sweets called churchkhela. After a “culinary class” you will taste Georgian wine bottled just in 1500-1800 bottles and later you’ll participate in Kakhetian feast with real toast-master. Return to Tbilisi.
Gurjaani Wine House
Day 9: In the early morning you will travel towards the Caucasian Ridge by Georgian Military Highway. First stop will be in Pasanauri village.
Gudauri
Here you will discover amazing nature of Mtiuleti. On your way you will cross famous ski resort Gudauri. As soon as you pass the Cross Pass, which is 2379 meters long, you will find yourself in Stepantsminda village. The settlement is stretched out at the foot of Kazbegi Mountain. Here you will check in a hotel, rest and have dinner. Then you’ll climb to Gergety Trinity Monastery which is located on the slope of Kazbegi at the height of 2047 meters. It will take you 3 hours.
Gergeti Trinity Church
For additional fees you will be able to rise there on horseback or by car. You will take a walk through Darial Gorge and discover a beautiful Gveleti Waterfall there. Return to the hotel and participate in making Georgian khinkali. Dinner.
Day 10: After having breakfast you will climb to the mountain where the Church of St. Elijah (7-9th centuries) is situated. You will have a chance to walk in the nearby forest for 1-2 hours. Transfer to Tbilisi. Departure.
TOUR FEES:
550 euro per person for group of 10 tourists.
650 euro per person for group of 5 tourists;
750 euro per person for group of 4 tourists;
910 euro per person for group of 2 tourists;
The price includes:
• Hotel accommodation in Tbilisi 3* and in Kutaisi 4*;
• 2 meals (breakfasts and suppers), all friendly feasts;
• All entrance fees;
• Transfer;
• Guide services;
• Visiting “Gurjaani Wine House”;
Extra charges:
• Airline tickets;
• Hotel accommodation 4* and 5*.
Contact Us – +995 55 78 64 37 , +995 95 56 38 56
e-mail – caucasustbilisi@gmail.com
geomoderntour@gmail.com
caucasustbilisi 