Visit to Jvari – Georgian Monastery, one of the masterpieces of Georgian architecture, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is an important historical and religious center in Georgia. Jvari (literally “cross”) is located on the top of a mountain at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi  rivers – where the first Christian cross was erected by Saint Nino, Equal to the Apostles. The observation deck of the monastery offers a stunning view of the city of Mtskheta.

Visit to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – The ancient shrine and spiritual center of Georgia, majestically stands on the banks of the Kura River, as a guardian of ancient traditions and faith. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it preserves the most important Orthodox relics: the chiton of the Lord, a particle of the relics of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, the robe of the prophet Elijah. A magnificent combination of ancient Christian motifs with Georgian national style creates an amazing architectural work of art.

Visit to the Church of St. Stephen the Martyr (Antioch of Mtskheta), built in the V century on the holy site of the baptism of the Georgians, at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers, the church is one of the oldest in Mtskheta. The temple was the Greek master Averlios Akolios. Since the foundation of the church, it has changed greatly. consists of buildings from different periods: a hall church, transformed into its modern appearance from the northern nave of the old three-nave basilica, an entrance gate and a defensive gate tower.

Visit to Samtavro Monastery - The monastery, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a most important and remarkable monument from a historical and cultural point of view. From this holy place, Saint Nino, Equal to the Apostles, preached the righteousness of Christ to the Georgian people. Here the Georgian Christian faith and self-awareness were born. Samtavro houses Christian relics - the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, the relics of the elder Gabriel Urgebadze.

Visit to Shio-Mgvime Monastery - An outstanding monument of early feudal architecture in Georgia, surrounded by majestic mountains. The monastery complex, lost in a beautiful rocky massif covered with hundreds of caves, enchants the visitor at first sight. The monastery played a significant role in preserving and spreading Georgian culture, and its walls still contain ancient manuscripts and art.

Overnight in Tbilisi

Visit to the monasteries of Dzveli Shuamta and Akhali Shuamta (Old Shuamta and New Shuamta). These two monasteries were once important religious centers of Christian Georgia. Dzveli or Old Shuamta consists of several temples built over the centuries. The very first of them is the small church in the foreground. The current convent – ​​Akhali or New Shuamta was built later, in the XVI century. The monastery complex consists of the Church of the Virgin Mary, a bell tower and outbuildings.

Visit to the medieval Academy and Monastery of Ikalto - The unique complex hides a rich history associated with the monastic cloisters and academy. The monastery, founded in the  VI century, was one of the cultural and scholastic centers of Georgia. With its faculty of winemaking, the Ikalto Academy is the first scientific school of wine in the world, known to historians. Despite numerous devastations, many testimonies from the monastery’s heyday have survived to this day.

Visit to Alaverdi Monastery - An outstanding example of medieval Georgian architecture. Surrounded by massive walls, the temple proudly rises against the backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains. Majestically rising, it dominates the surrounding landscape. Built in the XI century in the Alazani Valley. The space of the church is impressive - high arches form a cross in the upper register of the structure. It belongs to the cross-domed type of church and is the highest in Eastern Georgia.

Visit to the Gremi  architectural ensemble - Considered the pearl of the Kakheti wine region. The ensemble consists of the Church of the Archangels, a bell tower, a three-story royal palace, surrounded by a wall with towers and embrasures, where the remains of a secret underground passage leading to the river are still preserved. The fortress offers breathtaking views of the Greater Caucasus.

Visit to Nekresi Monastery - An ancient monastery complex located in a picturesque place, at the very top of the mountains, in the embrace of green forests. Many centuries ago, there was an ancient city of the same name Nekresi, the ruins of which can be seen from the height of the monastery. The Monastery Complex offers a breathtaking view of the Alazani Valley.

Overnight in Tbilisi

Visit to Martkopi Monastery - The monastery was founded in the VI century by the Assyrian Father Anton Martkopi. There are several churches on the mountainside: the Church of the Virgin Mary, St. George and Father Anthony. To the east of the monastery, on the top of the mountain, stands Father Anthony's column, on the ruins of which a tower was recently built. The monastery has always enjoyed special rights, and in certain periods was also a refuge for the kings of Georgia.

Visit to Ninotsminda Monastery - The main building of the ensemble is the Ninotsminda Cathedral of the VI  century. The temple is a direct predecessor of one of the highest peaks of Georgian architecture - the Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta, where the central-domed system first reached significant dimensions. The monastery complex includes: a cathedral, a rampart, a bell tower, a bishop's palace and various outbuildings.

Visit to the cave monastery complex - David Gareja. The monastery complex is a true symbol of the history and spirituality of Georgia. The foundations of the monastery complex were laid in the first half of the VI century by the Assyrian monk David. Together with his disciple, he settled in a small cave in the middle of the Gareji  desert and soon founded the first monastery there - the Lavra of David.

Currently, the complex is about 20 monasteries carved into the rocks. The main monastery is considered to be the Lavra of St. David, which is located on the northern slope of the mountain. According to National Geographic magazine, the David Gareja monastery complex is one of the wildest and most beautiful places in the world.

Visit to Bodbe Monastery. The monastery embodied ascetic severity and religious grandeur. It is here that the relics of St. Nino, who is considered the Enlightener of the Georgian people, are currently kept. One of the most important Orthodox shrines in Georgia is located Inside the temple, the miraculous icon of the Iveron Mother of God has streamed myrrh several times. All year round, Orthodox believers from all over the world come to the miraculous image.

Night in Tbilisi

Walking program (or excursion) in  the city

The duration of the program depends on the departure time.

Transfer to the airport