Georgian Cultural Tour
Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Sighnagi, Gudauri, Kazbegi, Gori, Kutaisi, Batumi
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1: Arrive in Tbilisi
Arrive at Tbilisi International Airport and check-in at the hotel.
Overnight: Tbilisi
Day 2: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Tbilisi
After breakfast, drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD, a UNESCO heritage site. According to the itinerary, visit the sixth-century heritage "Cross Monastery"; (the upper monastery overlooks Mtskheta for sightseeing) and the "Svetitskhoveli" cathedral. It has become the cradle of Christianity in Georgia since the construction of the "Svetitskhoveli" cathedral in the eleventh century. Hiding the holy robe of Jesus Christ under "Svetitskhoveli" cathedral. "Svetitskhoveli" and Mtskheta represent the religious center of Georgia.
After lunch, drive back to Tbilisi to visit the old city. In the sixth century Tbilisi became the capital of the "Iberian Kingdom" in eastern Georgia. In the old city we will visit the Metekhi Cathedral built in the 6th century. The original word of Metekhi means "the back garden of the king`s palace". During the rule of Russia and the Soviet Union, the "government" changed the use of the church, and appearance of the church shows signs of destruction as well. Then we will take the cable car up to Narikala Castle, the most famous attraction in Tbilisi. The fortress was built in the 4th century, and locals have since called it the Mother Fortress. From Narikala Castle, we can overlook the panorama of Tbilisi New and Old Town. Then continue to visit the sulfur bath area. we can enter the sulfur bath and enjoy hot spring water that has many benefits for blood pressure and skin. Finally, we walk through Shardeni Street, the busiest pedestrian street in Tbilisi, and most visited Tbilisi Peace Bridge. The Peace Bridge is a glass bridge designed by an Italian designer after the Georgia-Russia War in 2008 and has become a symbol of peace.
Overnight: Tbilisi
Day 3: Tbilisi – Sighnaghi – Tbilisi
After breakfast, drive to Kaheti, the cradle of red wine. Georgia has an 8,000-year-old traditional cultural history of wine making. In Kakheti, we must visit a traditional Georgian winery: Shumi Winery - We will walk in the vineyards to learn about the culture of Georgian vineyards, and then taste Georgia`s unique Kvevri`s red wine and various local specialties in the winery. After lunch, we will visit Sighnaghi, "City of Love", restored in 2008. In Sighnaghi we will visit the second longest "Great Wall" in the world: 4,4 km in length. The city walls of Sighnaghi were built in 17th and 18th centuries, including 23 towers and 6 gates. After visiting the "Great Wall", have a romantic free activity in the city, take a slow and leisure walk, and enjoy peaceful environment.
Finally return to Tbilisi.
Overnight: Tbilisi
Day 4: Tbilisi – Kazbegi
After breakfast, drive to the amazing and magnificent Kazbegi. On the way, visit Ananuri Castle built in the 16th-17th century, located on the bank of the Jinvali Reservoir. After visit paragliding activities, that can be arranged in the beautiful Gudauri Valley. Passing through Gudaoli Ski Resort, we will arrive at Kazbegi. Then we will transfer to Gergeti Holy Trinity Cathedral (2,200 meters above sea level), built in the 14th-15th century, overlooking the panoramic view of Kazbegi. Behind the cathedral, you can see the second tallest Kazbegi Glacier in Georgia (5,054 meters above sea level).
Overnight: Kazbegi
Day 5: Kazbegi – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Kutaisi
After breakfast, drive to Gori. Gori was founded by one of the Georgia`s greatest king, David The Builder; (1089-1125). Gori is the hometown of Stalin, General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. We will visit Stalin`s former residence and museum. Then drive to Uplistsikhe rock-cut town (Lord`s Fortress). Rock City was built on the rocks on the left bank of the Kura River, and has various styles of architectural art, religious and trading history. Then drive to Kutaisi, the second largest city in the country.
Overnight: Kutaisi
Day 6: Kutaisi – Batumi
After breakfast, drive to the Bagrat Cathedral and Castle Ruins on the hill outside the city, which was listed as a World Cultural Heritage in 1994. With a history of more than 1,000 years, it is one of the largest Orthodox churches in Georgia, representing the artistic level and style of Georgia`s medieval prosperity. This is also the best place to overlook Kutaisi. Then we visit to the cave of Prometheus. The cave was discovered by local cave scientists in 1983. In cave, we treck for 50 minutes to appreciate the mysterious environment in the cave. The line length is about 1800 meters. In the afternoon, drive to Batumi, the most modern city in Georgia. In Batumi we will visit the statues of Ali and Nino, a love story of two people of different cultures and religions. Continue to visit the boulevard, you can see the Ferris wheel, the Alphabet Tower, Media Square, Piazza Square, the old town and so on.
Overnight: Batumi
Day 7: Batumi – Tbilisi
After breakfast, return to the capital of Georgia – Tbilisi. In the afternoon, we will visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. The church was built between 1999-2004 and became a symbol of Georgia`s freedom and independence. At last, enjoy free time activity.
Overnight: Tbilisi
Day 8: Tbilisi – departure
Enjoy breakfast, depart from the hotel, go to Tbilisi International Airport, take the flight back, and end the happy trip.