Manglisi Sioni Cathedral (6th-7th century)
You will visit Manglisi Sioni Cathedral that was constructed in the 6th-7th century. The first church was built in the 4th century during the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion.
Situated approximately 55 kilometers from Tbilisi, the cathedral is accessible by road, making it a feasible day trip from the capital. Visitors can explore the cathedral's unique architecture and the surrounding scenic landscapes.
As a reminder, the visitor center of the Algeti National Park is located in Manglisi.
Paravani Lake
Tsalka Canyon tour, also includes a visit to the Paravani Lake.
Paravani Lake, situated in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia, is the country's largest lake by surface area, covering approximately 37.5 square kilometers. Perched at an elevation of 2,073 meters above sea level, it is a volcanic-tectonic lake nestled between the Abul-Samsari and Javakheti mountain ranges.
The shores of Paravani Lake are dotted with several villages, such as Foka, Vladimirovka, and Tambovka, each contributing to the region's cultural tapestry. Notably, the Poka Monastery, located near the lake, is a site of historical and religious importance. Additionally, geological studies have revealed submerged structures beneath the lake's surface, believed to date back to the Bronze Age, indicating the area's ancient human habitation.
Phoka Nunnery of St. Nino
You will visit Phoka Nunnery of St. Nino where St. Nino stayed for two days after she entered Georgia via crossing the mountains of Javakheti. She started preaching the Christian faith, followed the river Mtkvari and reached Mtskheta. The monastery has a missionary role, representing for years the only Georgian-speaking island in an alienated environment. The nunnery produces cheese, candles, cloisonne enamel and confectionery products.
Gorelovka Ethnographic Museum
You will visit the village Gorelovka to visit the Ethnographic Museum. The village was founded by Dukhabors, Christian spiritual religious group of Russian origin.
They rejected the secular government, priesthood, the use of icons, and all church rituals. They do not follow any customs other than marriage. Women are equal to men in the family. They were relocated from Russia during the reign of Emperor Nicholas I and 5,000 Doukhobors were resettled to Georgia between 1841 and 1845.
Tsalka (Dashbashi) Canyon
Tsalka Canyon tour isn’t an ordinary tour due to various reasons. Without exaggeration, Dashbashi Canyon is a major attraction. You will have a chance to explore the canyon and enjoy the views of the canyon.
Importantly, you will visit Tsalka Canyon (Dashbashi Canyon) that has astounding cascading waterfalls that take exotic emerald colors and form dozens of small waterfalls.
Tsalka Canyon is approximately 92 kilometers from Tbilisi, making it a feasible day trip from the capital. The journey by car typically takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Tsalka Canyon, also known as Dashbashi Canyon, is an impressive natural monument located in the Tsalka Municipality, near the small town of Tsalka. Carved by the Ktsia (Khrami) River through volcanic rock, the canyon stretches approximately 7 kilometers and 300 meters deep.
Situated at elevations between 1,110 and 1,448 meters above sea level, Tsalka Canyon boasts a unique microclimate. While the surrounding plateau features sparse vegetation, the canyon's steep slopes are adorned with lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, creating a distinct ecosystem rich in biodiversity.
The canyon is accessible year-round, each season offering its own unique charm. In summer, the lush greenery and cool waterfalls provide a refreshing escape, while in winter, the frozen cascades create a mesmerizing spectacle.
The canyon complex includes a 1800-meter path to the canyon river with stunning views and unique 240-meter long glass bridge over the canyon with a diamond-shaped café in the middle. For adventure enthusiasts, the site also offers a bicycle zip-line suspended 160 meters above the canyon floor
Asureti (former German colony of Elizabettal)
As part of the Tsalka Canyon tour organized by our tour company, you will visit the village Asureti where 7,000 German colonists settled in 1817. After living for almost 125 years, in 1941 Stalin deported Germans from Georgia to Central Asia. Only those who were married to Georgians were allowed to stay.
The durability of the houses built without cement and nails, oak balconies, sulfur bath and wine cellar still amaze people. In Asureti there is an old Georgian vine variety "Shala" found in the forest by a German farmer Shalma. The village has a Lutheran church built in 1871 and a cemetery.
