Overview Daily Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrival
Day 2 Tbilisi sightseeing tour
Day 3 Tbilisi –Kakheti region-Alaverdi-Tsinandali – Tbilisi
Day 4 Tbilisi-Gori-Uplistsikhe-Bakuriani
Day 5 Bakuriani-Vardzia-Bakuriani
Day 6 Bakuriani-Kazbegi
Day 7 Kazbegi-Tbilisi
Day 8 Departure
Descriptive Daily Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Tbilisi.
Transfer to the hotel.
Day 2
Tbilisi tour
After breakfast enjoy a guided walking tour of Tbilisi. The tour will include Metekhi Church(5th-13th cc), the Sulphur Baths(17th-19th cc), Narikala Fortress by the cable car, v Sharden street, Sioni Cathedral(6th-11th cc), Modern Bridge of Piece, Anchiaskhati basilica(6th c) and bell tower and the Treasury of the State Museum of Tbilisi.
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 3
Tbilisi -Kakheti – Tbilisi
Visit Signagi hill-town; Drive to Tsinandali. Visit the palace and the beautiful English garden of the noble Georgian poet and a wine maker – Alexander Chavchavadze. Continue the way to Telavi – the main administrative centre of Kakheti region; Excursions to Alaverdi Cathedral – built in 11th century. First the monastery was founded here by one of 13 Syrian monks, who came to Georgia in the 6th century, founded monasteries and spread Christianity in this way.
Optional visit to a winery. Return to Tbilisi.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 4
Tbilisi-Bakuriani
Excursion to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. Visit Jvari monastery located on the hilltop opening the fascinating view of old capital of Georgia – city of Mtskheta. It was built in the 6th century on the site of st. Nino’s Cross erected there in the 4th century as the symbol of the victory of Christianity over Heathen faith.
After drive to Svetitskhoveli one of the most sacred places in Georgia. The first wooden church in Georgia was built here immediately upon declaring Christianity the state religion (337). Current impressive temple has been built in 11th century and is one of the largest cathedrals in Georgia. Continue the way to Gori and walk up to Uplistsikhe cave town, which dates back to the 1st millennium BC. Drive to Bakuriani nestled in the Mountains of the Lesser Caucasus.
Night will be spent in Bakuriani.
Day 5
Bakuriani-Vardzia-Bakuriani
Today depart Bakuriani and commence an excursion into the southern mountains of Georgia. Visit the magnificent cave town Vardzia built by the legendary Georgian Queen Tamar in 1185. Cave city includes a church that is carved out of the cliff and contains stunning frescoes from the 12th century. En-route we stop at Khertvisi fortress. The night will be spent back in Bakuriani.
Day 6
Bakuriani-Kazbegi
Before the trip along the Georgian Military Highway visit an old park of a famous SPA resort Borjomi. Mineral water tasting and walking around. Continue driving through the Military Highway and stop at Ananuri Fortress(17th c). Drive to Kazbegi via Jvari Pass. Stop at some look-out points and the calcite formations of the mineral spring Vedza .
Overnight in Kazbegi.
Day 7
Kazbegi-Tbilisi
Explore Kazbegi(1700m) and enjoy wonderful views of the Caucasian Mountains, including Mt. Kazbek, 5047m. Drive or walk up to 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church, located at 2200m.
Return to Tbilisi.
Gala dinner in Georgian restaurant with folk dances and Georgian polyphonic songs.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 8
Departure.
Georgia is a small and one of the most surviving countries, country of constant invasions and instant constructions. Location of the country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia determined its magnificent history.
