Amazing Georgia

Pick up from hotel. Drive to Mtskheta — one of the oldest Georgian cities, which was a capital of Eastern Georgia up to the 5^th c. then the royal residence was moved to Tbilisi. Archeologists discovered remains of the city dating back to 1000 year BC.
Mtskheta is a popular tourist destination as it contains two of the UNESCO World Heritage sites – Svetitskhoveli Cathedral of 12^th c. and Jvari monastery of 6^th c. Both of the sites represent true masterpiece of different styles of Georgian church architecture.
Tbilisi historical district. Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) built in 21st c which presents a mixture of traditional Georgian church architecture. Continue the tour from Meteckhi plateau and visit Metekhi Church of 13th c. overlooking Mktvari river. Nearby the church stands the monument of king Vakhtang I Gorgosali (Vakhtang the Wolf Head) who established the city of Tbilisi – the capital of Easter Georgia. Continue to Narikala fortress by cable car and enjoy views of the city from the top. The fortress was built first built in 4th c. AD. Stroll down to the old city and visit Tbilisi Mosque, Legutakhevi (Fig ravine) waterfall and take a walk towards Sulfur bathehouse district – one of the oldest districts in Tbilisi. Walk on Maidan square. Sharden and Erekle II streets. Lots of cafes and pubs, souvenir shops and art galleries are located here. Sioni Cathedral the former seat of patriarch, also stands here. The Cathedral was built in 6th – 7th cc. Continue to Anchiskhati basilica, which is the oldest church in Tbilisi dating from 7th c.
After the excursion dinner in authentic restaurant with entertaining program – Georgian polyphonic singing, folk dances and music.
Overnight in Tbilisi hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel. Hotel check out.
Visit the museum and house of Joseph Stalin, located in Gori town, where Stalin was born. The museum presents items related to Soviet leader’s life.
Continue to Uplistsikhe, an ancient village, located near Gori. Uplistsikhe is a rock-cut town approximately covering 8 ha., can be divided into 3 parts, the middle one is the largest and connected to the other two with passes and tunnels. The complex contains structures dating back to Early Iron Age.
Continue driving to Tskhaltubo via Ricoti Pass. See baskets and ceramic jars and other handmade crafts at markets by the road.
Arrive to Tskhaltubo. Hotel check in. Dinner in the hotel. Night in Tskhaltubo Hotel.

After breakfast in the hotel drive to Prometheus caves. It is one of the largest caves in the word, has more than 16^th halls and many underground rivers. The length of the tourist route is 1060 m., total length 15 555 m, the maximum height is 20 m., air temperature is 15 – 17 C all year round.
Dinner in Tskhaltubo hotel. After dinner drive to Martvili canyon.
Night in Tskhaltubo hotel.

Check out after breakfast. At 9:00 start to Kutaisi to explore Kutaisi city and its surroundings: Bagrati Cathedral – a masterpiece of medieval Georgian church architecture. The cathedral was built in 11^th c. and it was named after the King Bagrat III, who was the first King of united Georgia. Renovated in 2012, it stands on a hill and dominates the city of Kutaisi. Gelati Academy and Monastery (12^th c.) built during the reign of David the Builder, one of the most prominent Kings of Georgia. Gelati was a cultural and intellectual center for a long time and preserved lots of murals and manuscripts from 12^th -17^th cc. Visit Motsameta monastery hidden on the top of a hill in green forest.
Lunch in Rikoti restaurant.
Arrival to Akhaltsikhe. Explore Rabat fortress (14 c.) The fortress was built after the invasion of Ottoman troops. There are many facilities inside the fortress including the citadel, harem, school, mosque, Jakeli castle, bathes and etc. Night in Akhaltsikhe hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel. Hotel check out.
Drive to visit one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia — Khertvisi fortress (9th c.)
Continue to Vardzia – cave city built by Queen Tamar and her father in 12th – 13th cc. During the reign of Tamar Vardzia was a monastery accommodating up to 2000 monks. It had 6000 apartments, throne hall and a large church with a tower. Have a walk in Kharagauli park on arrival in Borjomi.
Taste sparkling mineral water from the spring.
Drive back to Tbilisi. Transfer to hotel. End of service.

Breakfast in the hotel. Hotel Check out before 12:00 am. End of service.