Georgia · Religious & Spiritual

9-Hour History Tour of Mtskheta and Uplistsikhe with Gori

9 Hours Round trip from RPQM+C79 Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Ascend to the 6th-century Jvari temple for a mesmerizing view of Mtskheta
02 Explore the patriarchal Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
03 Unearth the mysteries of the ancient Uplistsikhe cave city
04 Delve into Stalin's legacy at the Gori Museum, featuring preserved sculptures

Embark on a cultural odyssey through Georgian history, from the ancient Jvari Church with panoramic views of Mtskheta to the revered Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which houses relics of Christianity. Delve into the pagan past at Uplistsikhe's cave city, where ancient rituals and trade links come to life. For those interested, an optional visit to the Stalin Museum in Gori offers insight into the life of the controversial leader.

Embark on a cultural odyssey through Georgian history, from the ancient Jvari Church with panoramic views of Mtskheta to the revered Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which houses relics of Christianity.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Gori, Tbilisi, Uplistsikhe, Mtskheta

Languages Georgian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Jvari Temple and Panoramic Views of Mtskheta

Our walk begins with the paths once taken by A. Pushkin, M. Lermontov, P. Tchaikovsky, A. Dumas-father, L. Tolstoy, and many others. Turning off the path, you will pass through the places where the events described by Lermontov in the famous poem "Mtsyri" unfolded and go up to the 6th-century Jvari temple. From here, you will see an enchanting view of Mtskheta: "... where the merging noise, hugging, as if two sisters, the jets of Aragva and the Kura ..."

Day 02

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Christian Relics

In Mtskheta, you will visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (Pillar of Life-Giving), the patriarchal cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Get acquainted with its history and the significant events of the past. This is the burial place of revered Christian shrines - the tunic of Jesus Christ and the mantle of Elijah the Prophet - as well as the relics of St. Andrew the First-Called.

Day 03

Uplistsikhe Cave City and Kura Valley Panoramas

A short road to the northwest brings you to the cave city of Uplistsikhe, dating from the end of the 2nd millennium to the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. I have studied many notes about this unusual place, and I will tell you all the most interesting things about it. As you explore the stone labyrinths of living quarters and utility rooms, you will imagine the life of the pagans and their cult rites. You will learn about Uplistsikhe's trade with the ancient states of Urartu and Media, as well as its heyday and decline. The site also offers wonderful panoramas of the Kura Valley. (Additional ticket price: 15 GEL)

Day 04

Optional Visit to the Stalin Museum in Gori

In the second part of the trip, at the request of the group, you can visit the Stalin Museum in his hometown of Gori. In the halls of this museum pantheon, you will see Stalin's preserved sculpture, his personal belongings, and furniture, while the museum guide conducts the excursion. (Additional ticket price: 15 GEL)