Full-Day Trip to Mtskheta, Gori and Uplistsikhe from Tbilisi

Overview

This full-day excursion from Tbilisi allows you to discover the Kartli region, an area marked by a rich succession of historical and cultural sites dating from the 3rd millennium BC to the medieval period. The itinerary passes through locations that served as power centres for priests, chiefs and kings, testifying to the strategic role of this region situated at the crossroads of cultures between East and West. You will explore sites where various beliefs, from Mithraism to Zoroastrianism, coexisted. A professional guide and transport are included. Please note that entrance fees for Uplistsikhe are your responsibility, while access to the Stalin Museum in Gori and lunch at a local restaurant are optional and not included.

Itinerary

1. Traveler’s Meeting Point

   Traveler's Meeting Point - is a free space where you can meet new exciting people, play some board games, listen to good music or enjoy a glass of wine.

   · 30 min

2. Uplistsiche Cave Town

   11:00 Arrive at Uplistsikhe. 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 rock-cut cultures from Anatolia and Iran coexistence of pagan and Christian architecture.

   · 1 h 30 min· Admission not included

3. Gori

   13:00 Arrive at a lunch place. Unique possibility to feel as native. Visit a local restaurant and enjoy traditional, delicious food.

   · 1 h 30 min

4. Stalin Museum

   14:45 Arrive at Stalin Museum. 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 Gori, populated since the early Bronze Age. According to medieval Georgian annals, King David IV founded Gori. The fortress of Gori (Goris Tsikhe) appears to have been in use already in the 7th century, and archaeological evidence indicates 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.

   · 1 h· Admission not included

5. Jvari Monastery

   16:35 Arrive at Jvari Monastery. The name of this monastery is 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.

   · 30 min

6. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

   17:25 Arrive at Svetitskhoveli In Mtskheta. Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities in Georgia, was founded by the ancient Meschian tribes in the 5th century. UNESCO recognizes it 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. 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 robe, Svetitskhoveli has been one of the principal Georgian Orthodox churches and is among the most venerated places of worship in the region. 19:00-19:30 Traveler's Meeting Point ( 50 meters from Avlabari metro station )

   · 1 h 30 min

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Public transport is available nearby.
• Not recommended for pregnant women.
• Suitable for all fitness levels.
• The minimum age for travellers is 5 years.
• The tour operates in all weather conditions; please dress accordingly.
• Church dress code: shorts are forbidden, and women must cover their heads.
• The activity can accommodate up to 200 travellers.
• Confirmation is immediate upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• Cancellation up to 1 day before: 100% refunded.
• Cancellation less than 24 hours before: no refund.

Who is it for?

• Travellers aged 5 and over
• Those interested in ancient and medieval history
• English or Russian speaking travellers

What makes it different

• Transport and professional guide included
• Itinerary combining three major sites in the Kartli region

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 59467P11

Activity offered by Gamarjoba Georgia Tours via Viator.