Visit Georgia

Driving distance: 144 km (3 h 8 min). Check out and drive to Mtskheta – the former capital of ancient Georgia. Before leave the city, visit Chronicle of Georgia - Memorial of Georgian Kings. Huge bronze Soviet monument overlooks Tbilisi and Tbilisi Reservoir. In Mtskheta visit two of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jvari Monastery (6th c.) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c.). Walk around the town, find cozy cafe for lunch and drive towards the Caucasus mountains through the Georgian Military Highway. On the way to Gudauri ski-resort make a short stop to see the Ananuri castle (16-17th cc) and Zhinvali reserve. The complex stands near the Aragvi River and an artificial reservoir, it comprised of three churches, fortifications and residential tower of local feudal dynasty of Aragvi Eristavi. After visiting Ananuri, drive towards the Greater Caucasus Mountains and arrive at the ski-resort Gudauri, which lies at an elevation of 2196 meters. Dinner and overnight in Gudauri.

Driving distance: 210 km (4 h 20 min). After breakfast at the hotel, start exploration of the Caucasus mountains. The road reaches its culmination on 2395 m level on the Jvari Pass. Make several stops and taste mineral waters, as well as to observe waterfalls and Snowy peaks of the mountains around. Observation platform from Soviet times so called Gudauri Panorama is the best place for panoramic views on Aragvi river valley. Change transport to 4x4 WD vehicles and visit the peak of the Mount Gergeti (2000 m) and the Gergeti Trinity Church 14th c – this brilliant medieval monastery is located on a very attractive spot - on the top of the town Stephantsminda and same time, on the foothills of His Majesty the Kazbegi pick (5054m). The panoramic view from here is emotional. Next, visit Gveleti waterfall, Dariali, Sno valley and finally, after the trip to the mountains drive back to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Driving distance: 246 km (4 h 7 min). After breakfast, check out and drive towards Samtskhe-Javakheti passing through the Kartli region. On the way, make several visits in Kartli. Gori town, the heart of the Kartli region, has long history. In 20th c it became prominent as the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin was born (21.12. 1878). Stalin museum in Gori consists of the memorial house, train and museum building with a collection of his personal belongings. Head for the ancient Uplistsikhe caves. Uplistsikhe is one of the oldest rock-hewn urban settlements in Georgia dated back to the 1st millennium BC. The town was cut in rocks and had many secret tunnels and passes connecting ancient chambers and halls. Only one third is unearthed. Next stop is Borjomi – a town famous for its mineral sparkling healing water. Taste Borjomi water and take a walk through Borjomi Park. In the evening arrive in Akhaltsikhe. Overnight in Akhaltsikhe.

Driving distance: 63 km (1 h 22 min). After breakfast visit Akhaltsikhe Castle. Akhaltsikhe castle is a medieval fortress in the historical district Rabati. Established in the 9th century and later rebuilt by innumerous times, today the castle represents a favourite venue of festivals and events. Amphitheatre, fountains, gardens, museum, castle, hotel, souvenir shop and courtyard overlook the city from the hilltop and you can observe beautiful panorama of lesser Caucasus mountains. Excursion takes about one hour. After the excursion at Akhaltsikhe Castle, drive to Vardzia – a rock-hewn cave monastery on the left bank of the river Mtkvari. Initially planned as a town-fortress in the 12th -13th c.c., during the reign of the king Giorgi III and Queen Tamar, the complex became a well-fortified monastery, which had a significant role in political, cultural, educational and spiritual life of the country. Follow the rocky steps upwards to the main hall beautifully painted in 12th c. The image of the king, queen and ktitor has survived to this day. Some hidden tunnels connect 5th floor to 8th, some goes deep to the spring. There is one long and half-ruined downhill tunnel, which goes out of the town to the riverside. Excursion takes about one and half hours. Overnight in Vardzia.

Driving distance: 222 km (3 h 54 min). On the final day of the tour, after breakfast at the hotel, depart for Tbilisi. Drive through Ninotsminda and the Javakheti Plateau. Along the way towards Tbilisi, make several stops at the alpine lakes of Sagamo and ParaVani and Tsalka reservoir. In the evening arrive in Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out until 12:00 pm. End of service.