Discover Kazbegi: A Perfect 3-Day Getaway

Private Tour to Jinvali, Ananuri, Gudauri and GergetiJinvali Water Reservoir supplies Tbilisi with drinking water (max depths 75m) constructed in 1985. Flooding during the reservoir construction destroyed historical monuments. Church built in 12th century during King Tamar period has fallen underwater (during 6 months). In winter when water level decreases the church reappears. People believe that anyone who can dive deep into the water and ring the bells of the church will get any wish come true.Ananuri Castle Complex was a castle and seat of the dukes of Aragvi, a feudal dynasty ruling the area from 13th century. The castle was the scene of numerous battles. In 1739, Ananuri was attacked by a rival duchy, commanded by Shanshe of Ksani and was set on fire. The fortress remained in use until the 19th century. The complex is on the tentative list of UNESCO program. The complex consists of church Medicare, water reservoir, bell-tower, prison cell, seven-storey tower Sheupovari (sturdy), older Church of the Virgin (first half of 17th cent. with tall square tower and graves of dukes), larger Church of the Mother of God built in 1689 for the son of Duke Bardzim. South façade has cross on top of 2 dragons, pigeons on the grape trees with deer and sheep image, cherubims, an angel, chained lions and the scene of the Ascension of the Cross.Gudauri Ski Resort is the largest and highest ski resort in Georgia (elevations of 1,993m - 3,276 m). It has 34.8 km of slopes of all difficulty levels and 15 lifts. Guests can take cable car in mountains, try paragliding and horse riding.Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument was built in 1983 to celebrate the Treaty of Georgievsk and ongoing friendship between Soviet Georgia and Soviet Russia. Guests can enjoy panoramic view of Caucasus Mountains.Gergeti Holy Trinity church was built in the 14th century and is the only cross-cupola church in Khevi province at elevation of 2170m under Mount Kazbek (5054 m). In times of danger, precious relics from Mtskheta, including Saint Nino's Cross were brought here for safekeeping. Apostle Andrew traveled in the gorge, who erected a cross in Gergeti. A cross was also erected in Gergeti by St. Nino, who also preached in the gorge. According to legend, the church was built by Vakhtang Gorgasali. The stone for construction was brought from two kilometers away from the village of Khechi. Gergeti is the village nearby the church. On the south wall of the temple there is a small council (XV-XVI centuries), where the Council of Elders of Khevi resolved the most important issues of community life. There were long stone sitting chairs in the council which held community congresses and public courts. Tour includes 4x4 transportation from Kazbegi to Gergeti Church during winter period.

4x4 Tour to Dariali, Gveleti Waterfall, Sno, Juta and Truso valleyDariali Monastery of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel is near Russia and Georgia border. Construction was completed in 2011 (elevation 1300 m).Gveleti waterfall (Snake’s Waterfall) is one of the most splendid waterfalls in Georgia. It’s really very easy to get there. There are many wonderful places for a picnic near the waterfall, from here one can see picturesque views all over the Kavkasioni. Also, in the village there is the remnant ancient castle of the feudal Georgia.Village Sno is the home of the Patriarch of the Georgia. Sno has a statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali and Medieval Watch Tower of Shiola Gudushauri, 17th century local fighter who accepted a noblemanship from the King for his bravery against Leks. But as locals didn't accept to be ruled by Shiola, he was killed. Giant portrait sculptures of Georgia’s prominent writers and public figures by Merab Firanishvili (natural rocks are from Dariali Gorge).Juta - village in Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, in Kazbegi municipality, in Sno community. Located on the southern slope of the Khevi Kavkasioni main ridge, in the valley of the river Snostskhali (Tergi right tributary). 2200 meters above sea level, 20 km from Stepantsminda. Places to visit in Juta include:Chaucki, Juta waterfall and Lake TinaTruso Valley, source of Tergi River is quite mystical and spectacular place known for its mineral water springs, white/yellow travertines, mineral lake with bubbles, towers of middle ages- most notably Zakagori castle, villages on a very high altitude such as Resi (2350m), tasty cheese and Ossetian Khabidzginas (khachapuri with cheese and potatoes) and nice people. Unfortunately, conflict between Ossetians and Georgians and border closure by Russian government (Locals had winter pastures in the lowlands of northern Ossetia) made this gorge abandoned.

Tour from Kazbegi to Mtskheta and drop off to hotel.Jvari Monastery is the 6th century UNESCO site that survived almost unchanged. The church founded the Jvari type of church architecture, prevalent in Georgia and Armenia. In 4th century St. Nino, a female evangelist who converted King Mirian III to Christianity, erected a large wooden (or vine) cross on the site of a pagan temple.Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (the Cathedral of the Living Pillar) is the second largest church in Georgia known as the burial site of Christ's mantle and recognized by UNESCO. The present cross-in-square structure was completed in 1010-1029 by architect Arsukisdze. In 4th century A.D. during the reign of Mirian III of Kartli (Iberia). St. Nino chose the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers as the place of the first Georgian Church.Mtskheta -human settled from 2nd millennium BC. Founded by Mtskhetos, the son of Kartlos, ancestor of the Georgians or by Meschian tribes in 5th cent. BC. It was the capital of Kingdom of Iberia from 3rd cent. BC- 5th cent. AD, conquered by Alexander the Great in 4th cent. BC.