Tbilisi to Mtskheta, Jvari, Gori, Uplitsikhe Guided one-day

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ID: GYG570545-974620
Category:
Country: Georgia


Description

Discover Georgia! From Tbilisi, explore Mtskheta UNESCO sites, the iconic Jvari Monastery, delve into history at Gori, and wander the ancient rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe.
“Mtskheta” was the ancient capital of Kartli, the East Georgian Kingdom from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD, and was also the location where Christianity was proclaimed as the official religion of Georgia in 337. To date, it still remains the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church.
The favourable natural conditions, its strategic location at the intersection of trade routes, and its close relations with the Roman Empire, the Persian Empire, Syria, Palestine, and Byzantium, generated and stimulated the development of Mtskheta and led to the integration of different cultural influences with local cultural traditions. After the 6th century AD, when the capital was transferred to Tbilisi, Mtskheta continued to retain its leading role as one of the important cultural and spiritual centres of the country.

“Jvari Monastery”
The Holy Cross Monastery of Jvari, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Samtavro Monastery are key monuments of medieval Georgia. The present churches include the remains of earlier buildings on the same sites, as well as the remains of ancient wall paintings. The complex of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the centre of the town includes the cathedral church, the palace and the gates of the Katolikos Melchizedek that date from the 11th century, built on the site of earlier churches dating back to the 5th century. The cruciform cathedral is crowned with a high cupola over the crossing, and there are remains of important wall paintings in the interior. The rich sculpted decoration of the elevations dates from various periods over its long history. The small domed church of the Samtavro Monastery was originally built in the 4th century and has since been subject to various restorations. The main church of the monastery was built in the early 11th century. It contains the grave of Mirian III, the king of Iberia who established Christianity as official religion in Georgia

“Gori” State Stalin Museum is situated in Gori, in the town where Stalin was born. The complex of the museum was opened in 1957. In the house, where Stalin was born, the memorial museum was opened in 1937, during Stalin’s lifetime.
The complex of the museum includes the memorial house, Stalin’s carriage, and the two-storeyed exhibition building.

Uplistsikhe – meaning “The Fortress of God” is an ancient cave town from the 1st half of the 1st millennium BC. situated on the crossroads of important trade routes. It was the main center of paganism and represents a complex of halls, caves, theatres, altars, pagan temples, secret tunnels, prisons, pharmacy, passages-streets all carved out of stone over an area of 4 hectares. The city was surrounded by the protective moat surrounding it from the east and the north. Uplistsikhe had four gates from all parts of the world. The cave city still has the two-column reception hall of Queen Tamara with arch niches and huge pylons.

Highlights

  • Discover old capital of Georgia
  • Explore the ancient city
  • Get acquainted with the history of Georgia

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Your guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point in a blue uniform.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.