From Tbilisi: Mtskheta Half-Day Tour with Monasteries

Discover the ancient heart of Georgia on a half-day trip from Tbilisi to Mtskheta. Visit the UNESCO-listed Jvari Monastery, explore the historic center, and see the ruins of Bebris Tsikhe fortress.
Begin your journey in Tbilisi with a comfortable drive toward Mtskheta, located approximately 20 kilometers northwest of the capital. As you travel, your guide will introduce you to the history, traditions, and cultural importance of the region.

Your first stop is Jvari Monastery, dramatically positioned on a hill above Mtskheta. From the monastery, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the ancient city and the meeting point of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers.

Jvari dates from the 6th century and is one of the most important examples of early medieval Georgian architecture. The site is strongly associated with Saint Nino and the Christianization of Georgia. Jvari is one of the three principal monuments included in the UNESCO-listed Historical Monuments of Mtskheta.

Continue to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Iberia. Mtskheta was an important political, cultural, and religious center for centuries and became particularly significant after Christianity was proclaimed the official religion of Georgia in the 4th century.

In the historic center, visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of the country's most important religious monuments. The present cathedral was constructed in the 11th century on the site of earlier churches and remains one of the defining landmarks of Mtskheta.

Next, visit Samtavro Monastery, located in the heart of Mtskheta. Samtavro has a particularly strong connection with Saint Nino, who is traditionally associated with the site during her time in Mtskheta. The monastery complex includes the main 11th-century church and the smaller St. Nino Church. It is also traditionally associated with King Mirian III and Queen Nana, among the earliest royal figures connected with Georgia's Christian history.

Samtavro is not simply an additional monastery stop — it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage property together with Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. The three monuments represent important stages in the development of Georgian religious architecture from the 4th to the 18th centuries.

The final historical stop is Bebris Tsikhe, an ancient fortress near Mtskheta. Explore the surviving ruins and learn about the defensive importance of the area surrounding the former capital. The fortress also provides a different perspective on the region's medieval history and landscapes.

After exploring the main attractions, relax during the return journey to Tbilisi.

Per garantire la disponibilità, prenota il prima possibile. La prenotazione anticipata è consigliata soprattutto se stai pianificando il viaggio durante l'alta stagione come le festività pubbliche o i fine settimana.

Questa escursione può essere annullata senza costi fino a 24 ore prima dell'inizio del viaggio. Se la annulli dopo 24 ore o non ti presenti all'escursione, ti verrà comunque addebitato il prezzo intero dell'attività. Essere in ritardo al ritiro o alla partenza sarà considerato come non presentarsi.