Private tour to Uplistsikhe and Mtskheta from Tbilisi

Minimum age: 3

Highlights

• Visit the main Cathedral of Georgia, Svetitskhoveli
• Learn about the history of Jvari Monastery
• See the confluence of the rivers Aragvi and Mtkvari
• Discover Uplistsikhe cave town
• Explore Gori and Museum of Stalin

All about the trip

Kartli region is well known by a diverse range of cultural sites historical monuments and landscapes. This region was the home of gods and their earthly embodiment – priests, chiefs and kings. The region was standing over the crossroads of cultures. Despite the rich history of this region, visitors stay left in the dark on what exactly happened here. Information is limited and much of what you see is left up to the imagination. Walkways and stairwells make you feel like you are walking in a city like Jerusalem before Jesus was ever born.

The ancient capital of the Kartli region and Georgia was Mtskheta from the 2nd to the 5th century AD. An impressive fact that Georgians claim - the robe Jesus wore during the crucifixion was buried underneath the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (one of the most important cathedrals in Georgia). It is believed that the robe was brought to Mtskheta from Jerusalem. We will drive up to Jvari Monastery to get the best view. Sweeping views of the Caucasus Mountains, the confluence of Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, and the old town dotted by the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral will take your breath away.

We start our trip at 9:00. Our guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to our company head-office to check-in for the tour.

Uplistsikhe cave town 

Uplistsikhe is an antique rock-hewn town in eastern Georgia. It was built on a left bank of the Mtkvari River, contains multiple structures dating from the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages, and is notable for the unique mixture of various styles of rock-cut cultures from Anatolia and Iran as well as the coexistence of pagan and Christian architecture.

Lunch in a local family

This is a unique possibility to feel as native. Visit a local family and enjoy homemade, traditional, delicious food.

Stalin Museum or free time In Gori (optional)

Stalin Museum (Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin Museum) is a museum dedicated to the life of Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, who was born in Gori. The Museum retains its Soviet-era characteristics, Stalin's original house, and Stalin's railway carriage.

In case of free time in Gori (optional)

Discover the city of Gori has been populated since the Early Bronze Age. According to the medieval Georgian annals, the town of Gori was founded by King David IV. The fortress of Gori (Goris Tsikhe) appears to have been in use already in the 7th century, and archaeological evidence indicates the existence of an urban community in Classical Antiquity. In the 2008 Russo-Georgian war, the town came under aerial attack by the Russian air force from the outset of the conflict.

Jvari Monastery

The name of this monastery translated as the "Monastery of the Cross". Jvari Monastery is the 6th-century Georgian Orthodox monastery near Mtskheta. Along with other historic structures of Mtskheta, it is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Jvari Monastery stands on the rocky mountain top at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking the town of Mtskheta, which was formerly the capital of the kingdom of Iberia.

Svetitskhoveli in Mtskheta

Mtskheta is one of the oldest cities in Georgia founded by the ancient Meschian tribes in the 5th century. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site due to its historical significance and several cultural monuments. It was the capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. However, Mtskheta remained to serve as the coronation and burial place for most kings of Georgia until the 19th century.

The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (literally the Cathedral of the Living Pillar) is currently the second-largest church in Georgia (after the Holy Trinity Cathedral). Known as the burial site of Christ's mantle, Svetitskhoveli has been one of the principal Georgian Orthodox churches and is among the most venerated places of worship in the region.

After the trip, we take you to your hotel in Tbilisi.

What is included in the price

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Tbilisi  
• Transportation by new private vehicle 
• Professional driver service 
• One bottled water 

What is not included in the price

• Food and beverages
• Entrance fee to Museum of Stalin in Gori (5 USD per person, optional)
• Entrance fee to Uplistsikhe (2,5 USD per person)   

Instructions

Please dress according to local weather conditions.

This activity is organised by Gamarjoba Georgia, Vladimer Meskishvili street 14, Tbilisi, Montenegro, +995599329275, gamarjobageorgiatours4@gmail.com.