Short tour: Kutaisi – Mountainous Adjara*

 

 

Arrival to Kutaisi. Meet the representative of the company. Excursion in the ancient city Kutaisi, that is more than 3 thousand years old. Visit Gelati monastery and academy, established by the great Georgian king – David IV the Builder. Gelati Monastery has preserved a great variety of murals dating back to XII-XVIII centuries. Therefore, the most wonderful in the architecture of Gelati complex is its frescoes and mosaics. They travel us in ancient past and remind of their creators. Next, excursion to the Cathedral of Bagrati that was erected in Kutaisi during the reign of Bagrat III. It was named after the first king of united Georgia. As a main place of the kingdom, it was consecrated in 1003. Both Gelati monastery with Academy and Bagrati Cathedral are included into the list of World Heritage sites of UNESCO. Then, visit "monastery for the accomplishment of desires" – Motsameta. Monastery overlooks the Rioni river surrounded by rugged coastline vegetation. The legend says that Georgian dukes David and Constantine Mkheidze were executed by Muslims for their devotion to Christianity and the monastery is constructed at the place of their martyrdom. Dukes David and Constantine are canonized; their relics are stored in a large rectangular ark on a dais in the small hall of the monastery. People believe that if you wish something, crawl under the ark three times and venerate holy relics, your wish will come true. Excursion in the Prometheus castor cave. According to the legend, Prometheus was chained on the rock because he gave fire to humanity. The cave is located 5 km northwest of the city of Tskhaltubo. It was discovered in the early 80's of the twentieth century. It is one of the most attractive caves, thanks to its underwater rivers and landscapes. Almost all underwater karst forms: stalactites, stalagmites, and others. Hotel accommodation. Overnight.

 

 

Breakfast. Arrival to Batumi. On the way, visit Botanical Garden with 5,000 exotic plants, including rose garden, with 1200 sorts of roses. Excursion in the city. Batumi – is "Georgian Singapore" – the most famous Black Sea resort of Georgia, with the population of 120 000 people. A visit card of Batumi – a beloved place for both local residents and visitors of the city – is Batumi Piazza built in 2009. In 2010, a new, 7 meters high, moving sculpture of Love became the adornment of the city. The monument is represented by a figure of a woman and a man. They seek for each other, during 8-10 minutes they move towards each other and eventually merge as one in original way. Excursion in Batumi: animated fountains (a laser show), famous dolphinarium (tickets for extra charge), Argonauts square with statue of Medea. Hotel accommodation. Overnight.

 

Breakfast. Travel to Adjara – one of the best options for environmental and ethnic tourism. This region offers big variety of sightseeing. At thevalleys of the rivers Acharistskali and Chorokhi there are many small villages famous for their centuries old traditions and customs incorporated in their modern life. In Makhuntseti and Dandalo, you can see arched bridges constructed on the slopes of the mountains from the period of Queen Tamara. Visit the waterfall of Makhuntseti and the church of Zvare. Fragments of the primary painting is preserved in this church. It is located at the very top of the mountain, offering spectacular views of the surrounding area. Enchanting mountain scenery can be kept in your memories for ages. Next, visit the wine house «Adzharis Tskhali». It produces a occasional and exclusive wine «Chkhaveri» and varieties of chacha aging with coffee and berries. Wine degustation. Return to Batumi. Overnight.

 

 

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport of Kutaisi. Home return.