Road from the Distant Past to the Present

“God created the universe, and once again returned to his Lord. On his way he stumbled on the Caucasus Mountains and all the beauty of his creation which he has been carrying with him has been scattered nearby. That’s how that miracle of nature got settled across the Caucasus Mountains... It is impossible to see Georgia even once and don’t believe in this legend.”

Day

1

Arrival in Tbilisi;

Hotel accommodation

Overnight In Tbilisi

Day

2

Arrival in Tbilisi.

Hotel accommodation.

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi - Constructed in 2004, it is the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox Cathedral in the World. “Sameba” is a synthesis of traditional styles dominating the Georgian church architecture at various stages in history and has some Byzantine undertones.

Metekhi - The magnificent church of XIII c. Located on the bank of the river Mtkvari in the old city;

Going up Narikala Fortress by a cable lift;

Straddling the Mtkvari River is an arresting new pedestrian bridge “Bridge of Piece” courtesy of Italian architect Michel De Lucchi- the structure composed of glass and iron with a 150 m canopy roof connecting Old Tbilisi with a new recreational park on Rike.

The unusual novelty on the background of Old Tbilisi near the Baratashvili Bridge is the biggest House of Justice in the world built by famous Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas

Abanotubani (Baths’ district) – The Asian-type coloring baths built on the hot sulfur springs-all the bath are below the ground level and are overlapped by semicircular domes and are naturally lit via glass lantern over the cupola; trying the bath is optional and costs 10$.

Thone -Georgian bakery- taste the delicious flavor of Georgian bread;

Walk along Chardin Street – a very narrow and short, it is named after a French explorer Jan Chardin who visited Tbilisi in 1663. It’s a great way to wander around the local art galleries and souvenir shops with a chance to refuel in one of the area’s many cafes. Visit enamel gallery and caravansary;

One of the famous memorials of the old city-Sioni Church in honor of Virgin Assumption. In the cathedral Saint Nino’s sacred rood made from two pieces of vine fixed with each other with enlightener’s hair is kept.

Tbilisi Montmartre;

Walk along one of the central streets in Tbilisi –Rustaveli Avenue which has been recently renovated and is abundant with the fascinating sites like Rustaveli Theatre, National Picture Gallery, Kashueti Church (1910), Parliament of Georgia, the Movie theatre, Opera and Ballet theatre, Academy of sciences and Shota Rustaveli monument and as well as a great venue for shopping

State Museum of Fine Art

Bombora - Mtatsminda Park amusement entertainment Centre by a rail lift (on demand)- better known “Bombora” is the most elevated park of Tbilisi and at the same time one of the favorite place of Georgians for entertainment, walking and pleasant pastime.

Day

3

Breakfast at the hotel

Drive to Kakheti region.

Visit David-Gareja – out in the far desert you can’t help but feel you have discovered one of the most mysterious secrets that travel can offer. The one of the most grand cave-monastery complexes of the world (VI c.), the seemingly endless desert, the silence and stand-alone stillness are unlike anything you have ever seen;

Lunch

Sighnaghi - Newly rebuilt old Georgian town in Kakheti with amazing architecture and people known as “City of Love”

Visit Monastery of Bodbe - the monastery complex erected on the grave of St. Nino – the enlightener of Georgian;

Overnight in Kvareli.

Day

4

Breakfast in Kvareli;

Nekresi - the unique pattern of Georgian Architecture – monastery complex (IV-X cc.);

Gremi - Royal-town of Feudal Age (XVI c.);

Lunch

After lunch Tsinandali - Prince Al. Chavchavadze`s residence with unique wine collection and beautiful English park located in the village well-known for its vine species; wine tasting Back to – Tbilisil

Overnight in Tbilisi

Day

5

Breakfast at the Hotel;

Drive to Shida (Inner) Kartli and visit the ancient town-museum- Mtskheta;

Jvari - the unique paragon of Architecture and landscape mixture – the church of VI-VII cc; 

Svetitskhoveli - the greatest church in Georgia and the unique masterpiece of Architectural art;

Samtavro - St. Nino’s chapel of IV c. and the ancient nunnery;

Lunch;

Shiomghvime - The impressive monastery complex surrounded with the scenery of therocky mountains (VI c.);

En route visit Ananuri - the monastery and fortification ensemble of the   XVI-XVIII cc.

Overnight to – Gudauri.

Day

6

Breakfast at the hotel

Visit Gergetis Sameba (Trinity of Gergety) - the church of XIV c. erected on the mountain in front of the Mkinvartsveri in the gorge of the river Tergi;

Sno Fortress - The unique fortress of Late Feudal Age erected on the mountain summit;

Dariali gorge;

Drive – To Gori;

Overnight In Gorge

Day

7

Breakfast at the hotel

Visit Stalin’s museum.

Uplistsikhe - The Pagan and Medieval town carved in the volcanic rock

Lunch;

Atenis Sioni - The cross-domed church with unique relieves. (VII c.);

Overnight in Akhaltsikhe.

Day

8

Breakfast at the hotel;

Visit Rabati - a medieval castle complex in Akhaltsikhe, Georgia. Built in the 13th century, initially was called the Lomisa castle until it was conquered by Ottomans.

Visit Vardzia - the grand rock-carving town of the “Golden Age” of Georgian culture (XII c);

Lunch;

The Astronomical Observatory of Georgia;

Proceed to Adjara;

Overnight in Batumi.

Day

9

Breakfast at the Hotel;

Visit to – Dolphinarium;

Gonio Fortress - the Fortress of Antique Age (I-IIcc. AD);

Swimming in sea

Lunch;

Drive to Kutaisi;

Overnight in Kutaisi

Day

10

Visit Bagrati Cathedral - the ruins of grand Cathedral. (X-XI cc.);

Gelati - the greatest monastery cathedral of Georgian culture “Golden Age” (XII c.);

Lunch;

Drive to Mestia;

Overnight to – Mestia;

Day

11

Breakfast in - Mestia;

After breakfast visit historical and Ethnographic Museum of Mestia - which houses manuscripts from the 10th and 12th centuries;

Laghami saint George’s church in Mestia (XII c.);

Latali church in Latali village (X-XI century);

Overnight – in Mestia

Day

12

Breakfast in Mestia;

Depart to village Ushguli - It is considered to be one of the highest populated places in the world;

Lunch;

After lunch visit: The church Lamaria, basilica with wall-paintings dedicated to Holy Virgin surrounded with tower fence (IX-X cc.) in Ushguli

Ethnography museum of Ushguli;

Accommodation at the Guesthouse in Ushguli;

Supper at the guesthouse;

Free time.

Overnight in Ushguli.

Day

13

Back – To Tbilisi

Overnight - -In Tbilisi

Day

14

Transfer to the Airport