Cultural Tour Program (High Light of Georgia) – 7 days / 6 nights

Tbilissi – Kutaisi – Bakuriani – Tbilissi – Signagi – Tbilissi

 

 

Day 1. Arrival in Tbilisi early morning.
Met and assisted at the airport; transfer to Hotel; Time to rest.
Tbilisi sightseeing tour
Explore Tbilisi, a capital of Georgia founded in the 5th c by King Vakhtang Gorgasali.  Take a walk around the old town, called Kala, which developed within the walls of a citadel and reached the bank of the river Mtkvari; visit centuries old churches, treasuries of museums and other important cultural and religious sites.

Sites to visit:

  • Metechi church (12th -13th cc) was built under the order of king Demetre the 2nd (‘The Devoted’), although the former church stood here already in 5th century. This area was considered both religious and royal site, as in 12th century royal palace was moved near the church.
  • The district of Sulphur bath houses
  • Sioni Cathedral (7th -19th cc) was started in 500. The cathedral has been ransacked, and damaged many times through its history. Despite all the havoc and destruction Sioni has survived and in such terms may be judged as a symbol for the city as a whole.
  • Narikala Fortress (4th c) – main citadel of the city, which overlooks the oldest part of Tbilisi. During centuries Narikala was considered the best strategic point and every ruler local or invader was adding some new construction to previous fortification.
  • Anchiskhati basilica and bell tower (6th -18th cc)
  • Holly Trinity Cathedral – 2004
  • State museum of History

 

 

Day 2.  Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Gori – Kutaisi
Explore Kartli province, the heart of the country, known for its fertile lands, numerous architectural monuments & archaeological sites. This trip gives us an opportunity to visit 2 largest and most important sites of Kartli: Mtskheta – the ancient capital of eastern Georgia and impressive rock cut town Uplistsikhe situated near town Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin. In afternoon venture west to Imereti province.
Dinner and overnight at Kutaisi guesthouse.

Sites to visit:

  • Jvari Church (6th-7th cc)
  • Svetitskhoveli cathedral 11th cc
  • Uplistsikhe – meaning “The Fortress of God”, an ancient cave town from the 1st half of the 1st millennium BC situated on the crossroads of important trade routes.
  • Stalin’s museum
  • Walking tour in Kutaisi old town;

Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Kutaisi.

 

Day 3. Kutaisi – Bakuriani
Discover Imereti province, well known for its green fields manicured gardens, cool springs & hospitable people.
After breakfast have a walk in Kutaisi Old town; visit its cultural and religious sites. Afternoon proceed to Bakuriani.

Sites to Visit:

  • Bagrati Cathedral (10-11th cc) UNESCO site
  • Gelati Academy Complex (12th cc) UNESCO site
  • Motsameta church
  • Ubisi church
  • Timotesubani cathedral
    Dinner and overnight at hotel in Bakuriani.

 

Day 4. Bakuriani – Varzia – Tbilisi
This tour leads us to Samtskhe – Javakheti region, which is known by important historical events, numerous fortresses, churches and old settlements. The region is named after two of the original Georgian tribes – the Meskh and Javakhs. It often is considered the cradle of Georgian culture. The road leads past arid and stone-terraced landscapes, green valleys littered with centuries old fortresses. The climate and cool water springs are healthy here and landscapes impressive.

  • Khertvisi Fortress 11th cc
  • Vardzia – the rock-cut town, built in the 12-13th cc by Queen Tamar. Initially it was planned as a town-fortress, but later on the complex turned to well defended monastery and important political, cultural, educational and spiritual center of the country.
    Overnight in Tbilisi.
    Quite long and tiring day.

 

 

 

Day 5.  Telavi – David Gareja – Signagi
Explore David Gareja Complex & Semi-Desert, unique for its wild nature, mural masterpieces and rock-cut monasteries. David-Gareja is located in a desert area at the border with Azerbaijan. The very first monastery of the complex was founded by St. David, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers who came to Georgia for strengthening Christian faith. The complex consists of thirteen monasteries. Of particular interest are the complexes of Lavra and Udabno. Being the center of religious and cultural life in the past, today these sites surprise us with their architectural design and unique murals of the 10th – 11th cc. According to the belief, visiting David-Gareja three times can be equaled to a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

 Sites to visit:

  • Lavra Monastery (6th c AD)
  • Udabno Monastery complex (9th-17th cc frescos);

Notes
For your convenience we suggest to wear sport shoes. Please do not forget sun cream, hat, warm jacket and raincoat. Mineral water;
Walking round trip to Udabno monastery complex: 1.5 – 2 hours.
Picnic lunch at a nice spot.
In afternoon explore Signagi – a Royal town surrounded by the defensive walls with 23 towers. The town was mainly inhabited by merchants and artisans. It had many gates through which numerous Silk Road travelers from Asia and Europe passed on their way. Enjoy breathtaking views of Kizikhi area and unusual Charm of Signagi Royal Town. Have a walk-in narrow street of the town in shadow of wooden balconies richly decorated with the lace of carved ornaments. Also visit:

  • Bodbe nunnery Complex;
    Dinner and overnight in Signagi.

 

Day 6.  Signagi –Telavi –Tbilisi
Explore picturesque and the most fertile part of Georgia – Kakheti, which borders the Great Caucasus range from the north Alazani Valley, summits of which are over 3,000 m. This region is known as a birthplace of viticulture and wine- making. The reach land, burning sun and hard work have developed about 500 varieties of vine in Georgia. The history, culture and lifestyle of Georgians are embodied in Georgian wine. It is a symbol of Georgian hospitality, friendship, tolerance and a key to the mystery of Georgian longevity. Enjoy breath-taking views of Kizikhi area and unusual Charm of Signagi Royal Town. Have a walk-in narrow street of the town in shadow of wooden balconies richly decorated with the lace of carved ornaments.

  • Gremi Architectural Complex & Museum
  • Nekresi Monastery complex 
  • Tsinandaly Family Estate, It’s beautiful English style park and centuries old Wine cellar.
    Lunch; Dinner at a local restaurant in Tbilisi; Overnight in Tbilisi.

 

 

Day 7.  Departure; Transfer to the airport