All Georgia from Kutaisi

 

 

 

 

Breakfast. Panoramic tour in Tbilisi. The capital of Georgia is unique. It is located on the several mountain hills, on which "creep" the old blocks. Tbilisi – is a beautiful river Kura with its picturesque rocky shores, that flows across the whole city. "Old Town" – is the historic center of Tbilisi, that is located at the root of Mtatsminda (Holy Mount) mountain. Almost all of the buildings of the Old Town are historical and cultural sites, this part of the city is round – the – clock full of life, here walk alone or in groups tourists, meet lovers near the Clock Tower. This amuzing Tower appeared here recently, built by the Puppet Theatre director Rezo Gabriadze. Here artists exhibit their paintings, artisans offer numerous souvenirs. There are mainly 2-3-storey houses built of stone and brick, and they have a special Tbilisi architecture, which is characterized by narrow streets, galleries and carved wooden balconies. Tbilisi is one of the rare places in the world, where can peacefully exist in the Old Town orthodox church, catholic cathedra, synagogue and mosque.

During the excursion visit of: Mechetian Church (V c.), Anchiskhati Basilica of St Mary – the oldest surviving church, Synaxis of Saint Truinity, temple complex of Tsminda Sameba – the main Cathedral of Georgian Orthodox Church. The rise by the cable car (tickets for extra charge) to the Narikala fortress (IV c.).

Next, excursion to the ancient capital of Georgia Mtskheta. Visit of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (1010-1029), at the bottom of which is buried one of the major Christian relics Lords chiton, as well as the burial place of many of the Georgian kings. Here is also the part of life-giving pillar. Visit of temple-monastery Jvari (VI c.). At the top of the mountain where the temple is located, opens a fantastic view on the place of confluence of two rivers – Kura and Aragvi. There also opens a beautiful view on the ancient capital of Georgia – Mtskheta.

Return to Tbilisi. Overnight in the hotel.

 

 

Breakfast. Departure to "town of everlasting love"Sighnaghi. On the way visit in the Bodbe village of the monastery complex of St. George and the grave of St. Nino, that brought Christianity to Georgia.

Walk along the ancient town Sighnaghi, that is placed at the top of the ridge, overlooking Alazani valley. It was currently restored to its original from. Then, passing through, acquaintance with the history of the Manavi Fortress (XI century) and the Manavi Temple (XVIII century). The church was built in 1794 by the abbot of the monastery of John the Baptist from the monastery David Gareji - Ephraim. In the 17th century here was located the royal vineyards and the estate of Heraclius II. Stop in the pearl of Kakheti - a private estate "Chateau Fort de Manavi". In the program of the visit: tasting of wines and chacha, produced according to traditional old Georgian technology directly in the marani "Chateau Fort de Manavi" from grapes grown in the estate's own vineyards. The highlight of the tasting will be "Manavi Green" - a wine made from a special grape variety that grows only in the area of the village of Manavi in Georgia. In the evening there is an opportunity to have master class and dinner - pastries in the tone of Georgian bread - dedas puri and cooking churchkhela (for additional payment). The menu includes only Georgian cuisine from ECO products grown on the "Chateau Fort de Manavi" farm.

Return to Tbilisi. Overnight in the hotel.

 

 

Breakfast. Visit the Stalin museum (tickets for extra charge). Museum consists of three blocks – museum, house and railway carriage. Next, excursion to Uplistsikhe (I centuries BC) – a wonderful cave town, that was finishing the building for centuries, and included more than 700 caves and buildings, including wineries, bakeries, antique theater, hall of receptions of Queen Tamara, preserved to this day. Return to Tbilisi. Free time. Overnight.

 

 

Breakfast. Free time. Overnight.

In the moring drive to recently reconstructed Akhaltsykhe fortress, the motherland of Charles Aznavour, the ancient center of Catholicism in Georgia. In the complex, together with Orthodox Church of St. Marina, are placed mosque, catholic church and monastery of Benedictine Sisters, synagogue and Armenian church. Departure to Borjomi. We will taste of the worldknown mineral water Borjomi from the spring. Return to Tbilisi. 

 

 

Breakfast. In the morning, departure from Tbilisi in the direction of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi). On the way to it, we will overlook the picturesque Ananuri fortress (XVI c.), located above Aragvi river, and also the amazing beauty of Zhinvali reservoir. In passing the ski resort Gudauri (2200 m), the stunning trip along Tergi river through Cross Pass (2400 m), will bring us to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi). Excursion in Kazbegi: church of the Holy Gergeti Trinity Church (2170 m above the sea level). Upon request jeep ride to the Gergheti church (for wxtra charge). When the weather is fair, the stunning view on the mountain Kazbeg (5147 m), one of the highest tops of Georgia, opens. Return to Tbilisi. Overnight.