Georgia, Ancient Christian Country

At arrival local representative of the company will meet you and deliver to the hotel on the company’s car.

You will explore Old Tbilisi with its old narrow streets, houses with overhanging balconies painted in different colors and decorated with incredible ornaments. You will visit Christian churches, synagogue, mosque located side by side and sense the spirit of old town. You will view Narikala Fortress being the outpost and main citadel of the city for many centuries and panoramic view of Old Tbilisi will leave indeed deep impression. After descending from the fortress you will find yourself in Abanitubani, at the bathes with natural geodesic sulfur waters that delighted the travellers from all over the world for many centuries. You will visit the National Museum, to see the exhibits dated back starting from antiquity and epoch of Colchis creating deep impression about brilliance of Georgia. You will have a walk along Rustaveli Avenue.

After the breakfast in the morning you will travel to 4^th century Davit Gareji, one of the outstanding religious-cultural centers of Georgia of feudal period, as well as the monastic cave complex. Even today it impresses the viewers with high creative value of construction art and painting. In Davit Gareji you will visit the ancient monuments of the complex – Lavra and Udabno monasteries. You will view the rock-hewn churches, cells of the hermits, refectory and premises; as well as rainwater collection system artificially cut in the rocks, with its inlet ditches and water reservoirs. You will view the main structures of the complex, Transfiguration and Godmother churches, where you will find the beautiful original paintings of 10^th century. In Davit Gareji the “Stone of Thank” brought by Holy Father Davit of Gareji from Jerusalem is regarded as sacred object there, it is placed on  the grave of Davit of Gareji and it is well-known for its miraculous nature.

From Davit Gareji you will head to Kvareli and on your way there you will visit the farmer’s family, where you will taste the kvevri wine made based on 8000-year traditions and enjoy delicious family dinner.

Night stay in Kvareli.

You will visit Nekresi Monastery Complex which includes several monuments of Georgian architecture, of which small basilica of 2^nd half of 4^th century is one of the oldest churches in Georgia. Nekresi is one of the favorite places of prayer for the Georgians.

Further you will visit the medieval residence of Kakheti kings (1466-1614), fortified city of Gremi, the political, economic and educational center in the past.

Further you will visit Alaverdi Cathedral, a beautiful sample of medieval Georgian architecture, with the roof made of blue tiles, located on green Alazani valley. Complex surrounded with the wall includes various structures. Of them, the centuries-old wine cellar deserves special attention. There you will taste the delicious wine made by the monks in kvevri.

Later you will visit Ikalto Monastery, established by Zenon, one of thirteen Assyrian Fathers in 6^th century, his remains are laid in the same Monastery. The complex includes three churches, ruins of old wine cellar and refectory, as well as of the academy.

Travel to Sighnaghi and stay for night.

You will visit St. Nino Monastery in Bodbe. Here you will view cathedral of 4^th century built on the grave of Saint Nino, Equal to the Apostles, the Enlightener of Georgia. In the temple you will be charmed with the beautiful painting and frescos. The greatest holy objects in the Monastery are Wonderworking Iveron Godmother Icon and miraculous St. Nino Spring, which, according to the legends, has burst out of the ground as a result of St. Nino’s prayer. Later there was built the ritual water pool and small chapel. Numerous worshippers visit this holy place every day.

Returning and night stay in Tbilisi.

After the breakfast you will visit Mtskheta, ancient capital city of Georgia (UNESCO monument IVc BC – VI), the city is associated with formation of Georgia statehood, with the history of Christianity. Mtskheta is the place of burial of the great treasure of Old Testament – Elijah the Tishbite’s robe and greatest Christian relic – Christ’s mantle. You will view Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11^th century), the most important among medieval Christian monuments in Georgia. It is surrounded with two-level wall with the towers. Further you will view Jvari Monastery of 6^th century, also UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located on the top of the mountain, facing Mtskheta, it looks over the ancient capital city of Georgia at the confluence of two rivers, with magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the middle.

Further you will visit Shiomghvime Monastery of 6^th century, one of the most important in Georgia. Its founding is associated with the missionary activities of St. Shio, the disciple of one of thirteen Assyrian Fathers – John of Zedazeni. Here is the grave of St. Shio as well.

Later you will visit the medieval monastery of Sapara, beautifully decorated from inside and outside with wonderful ornaments.

Supper and night stay in Akhaltsikhe

Today you will travel to Vardzia, where you will see 13-level magnificent monastery complex with hundreds of premises. You will walk in the tunnels and on the squares connecting the stone city, see rock-hewn wine cellars, kvevris and churches. You will see the unique water supply system of this magnificent city, providing potable water to thousands of people.

Further you will visit Zarzma, the most important monument of Georgian architecture, rich with carved ornaments and beautiful wall painting.

Your further way is to Rabath Fortress, historically the center of slave-trading. In the territory of Rabath there are located: Sargis Jakeli’s castle, St. Marina Church, palace of Akhaltsikhe Pasha, Ottoman Mosque, caravansary and bathes.

Supper and night stay in Akhaltsikhe.

After the breakfast you will visit Poka Nunnery, where the nuns produce 16 unique types of cheese and we shall have a chance to taste these cheeses and local handmade chocolate. If you desire, you will have the opportunity to buy natural mountain honey.

Later we shall head for village Chobareti. There you will have a master class in making khachapuri of Meskheti and you will have a chance to observe how Meskhetian cheese “tenili” is made, it is on the List of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. You will have also a chance to participate in baking Georgian shoti bread and sweet kada. You will view old Meskhetian house “oda”, distinguished with its architecture and get familiar with the lifestyle of Meskhetian people in the past.

Return to Tbilisi and supper.

Transportation from hotel to the airport.