We will travel to the Green Monastery located in the mountain forests. The old stone Rabati Fortress is the main object of the city of Akhaltsikhe, standing on a small hill, right on the banks of the Pocchovi River. The fortress has recently been rebuilt and restored. The last and biggest project of M. Saakashvili’s (former president) period, still causing a lot of controversy. The fortress is one of the attractions of the Samche-Javacheri region. Now on the territory of the fortress, there is a hotel, a museum, wine and souvenir shops, a café and an information centre. Rabat is an Arabic word meaning any fortified place. This was usually the name of the commercial quarter near the fortress. Therefore, formally, Rabat is a part of the city of Akhaltsikhe located on a hill near the fortress. Over a long period of time, this name “stuck” to the fortress. The history museum operating in the fortress is new, beautiful, well-equipped. The exhibition ranges from fossils to Turkish rifles. Numerous archaeological finds from the Stone and Bronze Age, Colchidian bronze axes, found in Meschetia. The exposition mainly reflects the archaeology and history of Meskhetia and South Georgia. We will have breakfast and go on an excursion to the Vardzia rocks. Vardzia – which was built in the 12th-13th century during the rule of George III and his daughter Tamara, for the purpose of protecting the southern borders of Georgia. Vardzia is not just a collection of random rooms carved into the rocks. It is a multi-storey complex with streets, tunnels and stairs leading to monasteries, temples, fortresses, baths, libraries, residences, etc. unique complexes of 11-13-story public and religious buildings extend for hundreds of meters, interconnected by tunnels with a total height of more than one hundred meters. The mysterious and almost inaccessible city could accommodate about fifty thousand people at one time.
After visiting the rocks, we will travel to a local (non-tourist) hot mineral water pool, which is located in an old building. This is a local attraction where you will experience real Kartveli (Georgian) entertainment.
We will go on an excursion in Tbilisi – you will start with the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. You will continue the tour by visiting the Metekhi Church and the monument to Vakhtag Gorgasali, who was the legendary founder of Tbilisi. You will take the cable car up to Narikala fortress, where you will enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the city. Likewise, you will go down towards the sulphur baths, you will pass the only mosque in Tbilisi. Furthermore, you will walk around the Shardeni district, full of narrow streets with cosy cafés, wine-tasting bars, and souvenir shops. You will visit the Anchiskhati Basilica and the famous Rezo Gabriadze Theatre clock tower.
We will have lunch and continue the tour by travelling to the old capital of Mtshkheta, which was the Iberian capital of the East Georgia Kingdom since the 3rd century. Ave. Christ. You will visit the Jvari Church, a true masterpiece of architecture from the early medieval period, built on top of a hill. You will enjoy the view of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers.
You will visit Svetitskhoveli, the main cathedral of Mtskheta and the holy place where the Shroud of Christ is kept. The historical monuments of Mtskheta are on the UNESCO World Heritage List and during this tour, you will learn more about how the city functioned as the capital of Georgia for hundreds of years. The old town of Mtskheta today is a very important archaeological site and remains the modern seat of the Orthodox and Apostolic Church of Georgia.
The first stop is the winery, where you will be introduced to Kartveli wine. You will participate in a wine tasting.
While in Georgia, you simply must try the Churchkela sweet, which is made from walnuts and fruit juice. The sweet is called Kartveliska Snickers. You will have the opportunity to participate in the production of various national dishes (baking bread, making khinkali, churchkelas).
Your Daily Tour Program Insights:
Day 1:Exploring Kutaisi, Borjomi, and Akhaltsikhe: A Journey Through Georgian Heritage
- Begin your adventure at Kutaisi Airport, then venture towards Borjomi with stops for currency exchange and delightful refreshments.
- Allow yourself to experience a real culinary orgasm in Georgia paired with local wines in Borjomi.
- Wander through the renowned Borjomi National Park, famed for its mineral-rich springs.
- Discover the serene Green Monastery amidst the lush forest on your way to Akhaltsikhe.
- Uncover the intriguing history of the renovated Rabati Fortress, nestled on a hill by the Pocchovi River.
- Retreat to a cozy guest house, where an optional traditional Georgian dinner awaits, featuring a rich assortment of local dishes and wines.
Day 2:Discovering Vardzia, Khertisi, and Borjomi: Immersing in Georgia’s Enchanting Past
- Awaken your senses with a delightful breakfast before embarking on an unforgettable journey to the ancient marvel of Vardzia.
- Delve into the mystical depths of Vardzia, where centuries-old tunnels and towering monasteries whisper tales of Georgia’s royal heritage.
- Indulge in a local hot mineral water pool nestled within an historic setting, offering a quintessential taste of Georgian hospitality and relaxation.
- Unwind and rejuvenate amidst the serene landscapes of Borjomi, where every corner reveals a new chapter of Georgia’s rich cultural tapestry.
Day 3: Tbilisi and Ancient Mtskheta: A Journey through Georgia’s Cultural Gems
- Begin your day with a captivating tour of Tbilisi, starting at the majestic Holy Trinity Cathedral and continuing to the historic Metekhi Church and the iconic Vakhtang Gorgasali monument.
- Ascend via cable car to Narikala fortress for breathtaking views of the city, then descend to explore the centuries-old sulfur baths and Tbilisi’s picturesque mosque.
- Wander through the quaint streets of Shardeni district, alive with cozy cafes, inviting wine bars, and artisanal shops.
- Delight in a leisurely lunch before venturing to Mtskheta, the ancient capital boasting the UNESCO-listed Jvari Church and the revered Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where the Shroud of Christ is enshrined.
- Relax in Tbilisi’s renowned saunas with traditional tea, or opt for an evening of exploration and a delightful dinner featuring authentic Georgian flavors.
- Settle in to the specially selected authentic hotel.
*The accommodation of Caucasus Tour is selected with exclusive elements: rooms with panoramic views, bedding with lavender scents, which gives a special atmosphere and a feeling of relaxation.
Day 4: Exploring Kakheti: Journey through Georgia’s Wine Country
- Begin your day with a visit to Bodbe Monastery, a sacred site housing the relics of St. Nino, pivotal in Georgian Christianity.
- Discover Signagi, the “City of Love,” renowned for its romantic atmosphere and medieval charm within protective walls.
- Experience the rich traditions of Kakheti, Georgia’s wine-producing heart, at KTW wine factory with a guided wine tasting.
- Indulge in Churchkhela, a local delicacy made from walnuts and fruit juice, known affectionately as “Georgian Snickers.”
- On your return to Tbilisi, opt to visit a prestigious winery for a dinner featuring traditional Georgian dishes (25 EUR), and engage in culinary workshops like baking bread and making Khinkali and Churchkhela.
- Reflect on the day’s cultural and culinary delights as you journey back to Tbilisi, enriched by the flavors and traditions of Kakheti.
*On the way to Tbilisi, you can stop at a high-class winery, where you can order a dinner of national dishes for 25 euros. You can also take part in the production of various national dishes (baking bread, making khinkali, churchkelas).
Day 5: Departure
- Transfer to Kutaisi Airport, cherishing lasting memories of this beautiful country.
“Caucasus Tour” programs are authored, compiled, planned and optimized by travel experts, travel gourmets and local connoisseurs of the country of Georgia. Detailed travel programs are not published publicly, they are available only to “CAUCASUS TOUR” clients.
