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Indefendence Day in Georgia (8 days, 7 nights)
22.05 – 29.05.
Day 1 (22.05.): Kutaisi – Tbilisi
Arrival in Kutaisi. Meet with the representative of the company. Departure to Tbilisi. Hotel accommodation. Dinner. Overnight.
Day 2 (23.05.): Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Tbilisi
Breakfast. Excursion in Tbilisi. The capital of Georgia is unique. It is located on the several mountain hills, on which the old blocks "creep". Tbilisi - is a beautiful river Kura with its picturesque rocky shores that flows across the whole city. Tbilisi is one of the rare places in the world, where Orthodox Church, Catholic Cathedral, Synagogue and Mosque can peacefully exist in the Old Town.
During the excursion, we will visit Metekhi Church (V c.), Narikala fortress (IV c.), Sioni Cathedral (VI-VII c.), Anchiskhati Basilica of St Mary, the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi, Synaxis of Saint Trinity - temple complex of Tsminda Sameba - the main Cathedral of Georgian Orthodox Church.
Then, excursion in the ancient capital of Georgia - Mtskheta - the town-museum, included to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. Visit of the ancient temple - monastery Jvari (VI c.). On the top of the mountain where the temple is placed, opens a fantastic view on the place of conjunction of two rivers - Kura and Aragvi. There also opens a beautiful view on the ancient capital of Georgia - Mtskheta. Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (1010-1029), at the bottom of which one of the major Christian relics Lords Robe is buried. This relic was brought to the city by Jewish citizen of Mtskheta – Ellios who witnessed Crucifixion. Svetitckhoveli is the burial site of many Georgian kings. There is also the part of life-giving pillar. Visit Samtavro monastery, where blackberry bush grows, flowers and fruits whole year round. Near this monastery St. Nino- enlightener, the preacher of Christianity in Georgia of IV century lived and preached Christianity. The date of official adoption of Christianity in Georgia is 324 AD. This fact is associated with the name of St. Nino, with the assistance and participation of the King St. Mirian and Queen St. Nana. It was St. Nino who persuaded the king Mirian and queen Nana to adopt Christianity in Georgia. Wonderworking icon of Iberian Mother of God, wonderworking icon of St. Nino, grave of St. king Mirian and Queen Nana, hallows of St. Abibos Nekreseli, St. Shio Mghvimeli are located inside the church. Return to Tbilisi. Overnight.
Day 3 (24.05.): Tbilisi – Bodbe – Sighnaghi – Manavi - Tbilisi
Breakfast. Excursion in Sighnaghi. On the way, visit village Bodbe - monastery complex of St. George and the grave of St. Nino who brought Christianity to Georgia. There is the burial site of St.Nino and it is believed that having bath in saint water of the monastery can heal the sick and make miserable people happy. Ablutions in this spring is compared to the holy Communion in Georgia. Wine degustation in one of the winery of Sighnaghi. Walk in ancient Sighnaghi - the "city of eternal love", which is located on top of a ridge overlooking Alazani valley. Currently it is completely reconstructed in its ancient architectural style. 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. Master class - pastries in the tone of Georgian bread - dedas puri and cooking churchkhela. Dinner in traditional Georgian style. The menu includes only Georgian cuisine from ECO products grown on the "Chateau Fort de Manavi" farm. Return to Tbilisi. Overnight.
Day 4 (25.05.): Tbilisi – Ananuri Fortress – Gudauri – Kazbegi – Tbilisi
Breakfast. In the morning, departure from Tbilisi in the direction of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi). On the way, we visit the picturesque Ananuri fortress (XVI c.), located at the Aragvi river and attracting visitors with the beauty of Zhinvali reservoir. Leaving behind the ski resort Gudauri (2200 m), enjoy the stunning trip along Tergi river, through Cross Pass (2400 m). Visit Stepantsminda (Kazbegi). Excursion in Kazbegi: church of the Holy Trinity of Gergeti (2170 m. above the sea level). With fair weather condition there is a chance to take a look of the stunning mountain Kazbegi (5147 m), one of the highest tops of Georgia. Return to Tbilisi. Dinner. Overnight.
Day 5 (26.05.): Tbilisi
Independence Day
Breakfast. Walk along Tbilisi, where Georgians perform songs and dances all over the city till the evening celebrating Independence Day. "Old Town" - is the historic center of Tbilisi that is located at the root of Mtatsminda (Holy Mount) mountain. Almost all the buildings of the Old Town are historical and cultural sites, this part of the city is round shaped like a clock - full of life, here tourists walk alone or in groups, lovers meet near the Clock Tower. This amazing Tower appeared here recently, built by the Puppet Theatre director Rezo Gabriadze. Here artists exhibit their paintings, artisans offer numerous souvenirs.
Excursion in Tbilisi. The capital of Georgia is unique.It stands 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. 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 Metekhi Church ( V c.), Narikala fortress ( IV c.), Sioni Cathedral (VI-VII c.), Anchiskhati Basilica of St Mary, the oldest surviving church, Synaxis of Saint Trinity of the temple complex of Tsminda Sameba - the main Cathedral of Georgian Orthodox Church. Walking tour in the city.Take a walk at the Shota Rustaveli avenue. An evening landscape – "the city of light." Festive dinner. Overnight.
Day 6 (27.05.): Tbilisi – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Tbilisi
Breakfast. Departure to Gori. Visit Stalin museum. Museum consists of three blocks – museum, house and railway carriage. Next, excursion in Uplistsikhe (I millenium BC) – the ancient cave town, that was under the reconstruction stage for centuries and consists of more than 700 caves and buildings, including wine cellars, bakeries, antique theater, hall of receptions of Queen Tamara, preserved to this day. Return to Tbilisi. Dinner. Overnight.
Day 7 (28.05.): Tbilisi – Kutaisi
Breakfast. Departure to Kutaisi. 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. 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. Visit the cave of Prometheus, where we recall the legend of Prometheus. 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 . Overnight.
Day 8 (29.05.): Kutaisi
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your flight to back home.
Price includes:
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