Georgia Classic Tour

Arrive in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. You will be met by our driver for drop-off at the hotel, where check-in begins at noon. Have a rest after your flight.
In the afternoon, take a private, guided walking tour of Tbilisi:

• Tour of Holy Trinity Cathedral (also known as Sameba Church), one of the largest houses of worship in the world.
• Drive to Tbilisi’s modern quarter, passing the Parliament Building on Rustaveli Avenue before reaching Freedom Square, which impresses with a golden statue of St. George and 18th-19th century architecture.
• Continue to Metekhi Church (13th century), guarded by a statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, who allegedly wielded a 16-kilogram sword during his lifetime.
• Walk across the Bridge of Peace, which spans the Kura River into Rike Park.
• From popular Rike Park, take a cable car up to Narikala Fortress (4th century), Georgia’s oldest citadel and the best spot for a panoramic view of the city and the botanical gardens. Nearby stands the 20-meter-high statue of Kartlis Deda, also known as the Mother of Georgia.
• Wander through Old Tbilisi, the city’s largest district. Along the way you’ll pass the famous Jumah Mosque.
• Discover the quaint and picturesque Bridge of Lovers near the cooling waters of the 22-meter-high Legvtakhevi Waterfall.
• Continue through the historic Abanotubani District, passing by the famous Tbilisi Sulfur Baths which, at least in legend, are closely tied with the city’s founding.
• Exit Tbilisi’s Old Town and stroll along Jan Shardeni Street (Jean Chardin), an area filled with cozy coffee shops, wine tasting bars and souvenir stores.
• Enter Sioni Cathedral (7th century) to admire its jaw-dropping interior of gold and turquoise frescoes.
• Take a photo near the cartoonish Leaning Clock Tower of Tbilisi, which marks the site of the city’s famous Reza Gabriadze Puppet Theater.
• Stand in awe of Anchiskhati Basilica Church (6th century), a Georgian Orthodox Cathedral and the oldest house of worship in Tbilisi.

Transfer to the hotel or continue exploring Old Tbilisi on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Tour duration: approximately 6 hours
Meals provided: none

After breakfast, transfer to Mtskheta (25km, 30min), ancient capital of Iberia and a holy pilgrimage site for most Georgians. In Mtskheta you will visit:

• Jvari Orthodox Monastery (6th century), a unique remnant of the early Georgian church built at the top of a hill. The church overlooks the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi Rivers and amazes its visitors with simple yet beautiful facades.
• Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), where one of the holiest items of the orthodox Christian world - the seamless robe, or chiton, worn by Jesus Christ at crucifixion - is believed to be buried. Admire its stunning architecture and moving frescoes as you learn the various legends connected with the church.

Continue to Mount Kazbek in Georgia (130km, 2hrs 30min) via Ananuri Castle.

• Visit Ananuri Castle Complex (16th-17th centuries) to explore the fortresses, admire its churches, climb the medieval tower and stand awestruck before a sweeping view of the Caucasus Mountains and Zhinvali Reservoir.
• Stop for a quick photo shoot at the People’s Friendship Arch (1983).
• Arrive in Stepantsminda and take a 10-minute drive up 2170 meters to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church (14th century), with the snow-capped peak of Mount Kazbek looming before you at 5030 meters. Enjoy the breathtaking view and fresh air as you walk about the mountain, church and bell tower, which represent Georgia’s history and tenacity in full grandeur.

Overnight at the hotel in Kazbegi.
Meals provided: breakfast

Drive in the morning to Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC) to explore the ancient cave fortress built entirely from rock (185km, 3hrs). Translated as “Fortress of the Lord”, this amazing town was inhabited across millennia. Trace the various civilizations that inhabited the town as you climb through homes, churches and even a secret tunnel.
Your next stop is Ateni Sioni Church (7th century), a remote Georgian Orthodox chapel famous for its frescoes.
Finish your tour in Gori, a town built by King David the Builder in 1089-1125 and placed on the map by Joseph Stalin, who was born here in 1920. Learn more about the Soviet leader at the Stalin Museum, which includes the house in which Stalin was born, while enjoying the panoramic view of Gori.
Drive to Tbilisi (100km, 1hr 30min). Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Meals provided: breakfast

Free morning to pack up and prepare for your return flight home. Check out from the hotel by noon. Transfer to the airport. End of the Georgia Classic Tour.
Meals provided: breakfast