In just eight days you will see the best in the country, the best that was created in the Golden Age of Georgia – 11th – 13th centuries. The country owes her renaissance to its two most powerful monarchs - King David the Builder and his great-granddaughter Queen Tamar - the first female ruler of Georgia. They created an extremely well-developed feudal monarchy and a strong and united country.
This was also the Golden Age for Georgian culture and education. Two great academies were established in East and West, the best books were written, the greatest cathedrals built, the most beautiful frescoes painted, the most stunning icons made and the unique cloisonné enamels created.
The sights you see in this tour include academies, cathedrals, churches and fortresses located in different parts of Georgia and of course the museums where the mediaeval jewelled icons, inlaid crosses and finest cloisonné enamelwork are on display.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive in Tbilisi
Arrive in Tbilisi, meet at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 2:
Tbilisi
Tbilisi sightseeing program - the Old and New Towns. The city offers a great variety of sights, most of them very ancient. All the places of interest in the Old Town are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. We start our visit to Old Tbilisi from Metekhi Church (13th century), then walk up to the brick-domed Sulphur Baths - visitors will later also have an opportunity to take a sulphur bath and invigorating massage. From the Baths we head up the hill to visit Narikala Fortress (4th century) - one of the oldest fortifications in the city. Afterwards we continue to the Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral (7th century) and Anchiskhati Church (6th century). This marks the end of the Old Town. After lunch we visit the stunning treasuries of the Georgian State and Art Museums, before taking a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue - the main street in Tbilisi.
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Day 3:
Tbilisi - Mtskheta – Kutaisi
We visit the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia - Mtskheta and its historic Jvari Church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) - both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Svetitskhoveti Cathedral is also the place where Christ’s robe is buried. From Mtskheta we head to Imereti province (West Georgia) and its main town Kutaisi - the second largest in the country.
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Day 4:
Kutaisi – Bakuriani
The sights in and around Kutaisi are certainly worth visiting. The splendid Bagrati Cathedral ruins (11th century) and Gelati Monastery and Academy (12th century) are UNESCO World Heritage sites. A pleasant walk along the Avenue of Wishes leads to Motsameta - the Church of the Martyrs (11th century). We also visit the Kutaisi Ethnographic Museum. From Kutaisi we travel to Bakuriani ski resort (1806m).
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Day 5:
Bakuriani - Vardzia - Sapara - Bakuriani
Today we drive through Meskheti and Javakheti regions to visit Khertvisi Fortress (10th century) and Vardzia cave town (12th century) - one of the highlights of Georgia. On the way back we visit the Sapara Monastery (13th century).
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Day 6:
Bakuriani - Tbilisi
From Bakuriani take a local train to Borjomi spa town. Relax in the Borjomi Park. In the evening return to Tbilisi, en route visiting Kintsvisi Church (13th century) renowned for its wonderful frescoes.
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Day 7:
Tbilisi - Kakheti - Tbilisi
Visit the sights in Kakheti province: Alaverdi Cathedral (11th century), Ikalto Academy (12th century), Gremi Fortress (16th century). At lunch you will visit a local village to enjoy their hospitality and sample home-made food and wine.
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Day 8:
Departure
Transfer to the airport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes: Accommodation (Hotel “Kolkhi” in Tbilisi) FB, Guide, Transportation, entrance fees as mentioned in the program.
Price excludes: Georgian visas, Insurance, beverages.
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