The Very Best of Georgia

Pick up from the hotel after breakfast.
Tbilisi historical district tour.  Visit the most interesting sites and highlights of the Old Tbilisi: Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) (21^st c), Golden Treasury of Georgian National Museum on Rustaveli Avenue, Metekhi Church (13th c.) monument of king Vakhtang I Gorgosali. Continue to Narikala fortress (4^th c.) by cable car and enjoy views of the city from the top. Visit Tbilisi Mosque, Legutakhevi (Fig ravine) waterfall, Sulfur bathe-house district, Maidan square. Sharden and Erekle II streets. Lots of cafes and pubs, souvenir shops and art galleries are located here. Continue the excursion to Sioni Cathedral (6^th – 7^th cc.) and Anchiskhati basilica, which is the oldest church in Tbilisi dating from 7^th c. Overnight in Tbilisi hotel.

Start Kartli region to visit the museum and house of Joseph Stalin in Gori town. The museum was established in mid 20^th c. and 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.
Arrive to Kutaisi and visit 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. Contunue to Tslhaltubo for dinner and overnight.

Visit Prometheus Caves with huge stalactites and stalagmites. A 1.2 km long underground track has 16 caves in total but only 6 of them are accessible for the visitors. The tour is accompanied with classic music.
Explore Kutaisi city and its surroundings: 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.
Drive to Motsameta monastery (“the monastery of martyrs) constructed on the executional place of Georgian martyrs, who refused to accept Islam. The monastery dates back to 10^th c. and was built in 19^th c.
Travel back to Tbilisi. Night in Tbilisi hotel.

After breakfast drive to Mtskheta, one of the oldest Georgian cities, which was a capital of Eastern Georgia up to the 5^th c. then the court 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. Visit 16th century Ananuri Fortress located by the Aragvi River. Enjoy view from Pasanauri view point. Drive to Gudauri ski resort.
Overnight in Gudauri hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel. Drive to Stepantsminda by Georgian Military Road take a few stops to taste mineral waters and to take photos of picturesque views of Caucasus mountains. In Stepantsminda change vehicles and drive to the top of Gergeti hill to Holy Trinity Church 14^th c. A stunning panoramic view of Mount Kazbek (5033 m) and Stepantsminda village opens from the Church yard. Drive back to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi hotel.

After breakfast take a trip to wine producing region of Georgia – Kakheti. Visit Georgia’s most sacred place – Bodbe Church in St. George’s Monastery. Nowadays it functions as a nunnery and it is one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia due to its association with St. Nino, the 4^th century female evangelist, who’s relics are shrine in St. Nino’s Basilica.
Arrive to the center of Sighnaghi. Take a pleasant walk along the beautiful streets of the town. Enjoy the view of Alazani valley from the walls of 18^th century fortress. Visit Sighnaghi Museum which features a wide collection of ethnographic, numismatic collections and photo and documentary items. Also the museum has a gallery where Niko Pirosmani pictures are exhibited.
Drive to a village to a small private vineyard to familiarize with Georgian wine making traditions and see how local families produce and store vine according to centuries old tradition introduced by UNESCO to the Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Next site to visit is Alexandre Chavchavadze real estate and museum in Tsinandali village. Chavchavadze ( 1786-1846) was 19^th century poet, famous public figure and Kakhetian prince. After excursion through the house and garden a glass of Tsinandali wine is offered to all the guests.
Before driving back to Tbilisi have an excursion in Shumi winery facilities and taste local wines.
Trip back to Tbilisi. Night in Tbilisi hotel.

After the breakfast in the hotel check out until 12:00 pm. End of service.