8-Hour Mtskheta and Uplistsikhe Tour with Jvari and Kazbek Views

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Admire the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers from Jvari Monastery
• 02 Photograph the Greater Caucasus and Mount Kazbek from observation platforms
• 03 Stroll through Mtskheta's cosy courtyards and souvenir quarter
• 04 Learn how historical events shaped Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and its relics
• 05 Explore Uplistsikhe, a 3,000-year-old rock-hewn city and open-air museum

Embark on an 8-hour journey through some of Georgia's cultural gems, from the scenic heights of Jvari Monastery to the ancient rock-hewn city of Uplistsikhe. Admire the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers, photograph the Greater Caucasus and Mount Kazbek in clear weather, stroll through Mtskheta's cosy courtyards and souvenir quarter, and learn about the history and relics of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. The tour concludes at Uplistsikhe, a 3,000-year-old open-air museum with streets, squares, gates, tunnels, and archaeological remains spanning several ages.

Embark on an 8-hour journey through some of Georgia's cultural gems, from the scenic heights of Jvari Monastery to the ancient rock-hewn city of Uplistsikhe.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Tbilisi, Uplistsikhe, Mtskheta, Mount Kazbek

Languages English, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Jvari Monastery and River Confluence Views

• Here, you can admire the confluence of the two rivers, Kura and Aragvi.
• If the weather is clear enough, you can photograph the Greater Caucasus with Mount Kazbek from observation platforms.

2

Day 02

Mtskheta Courtyards and Souvenir Quarter

• In the courtyards, you can see fruit trees and gazebos with grapevines.
• It is nice to stroll between souvenir shops in search of memorable gifts. There are the smells of spices, a variety of traditional Georgian churchkhela, tea, and honey.

3

Day 03

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral History and Relics

• We will talk with you about the historical events that affected the cathedral's architecture, as well as the relics and the stories of how they appeared here.

4

Day 04

Uplistsikhe Cave Complex and Ancient City

• Uplistsikhe is a rock-hewn city, one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus, with a 3,000-year history.
• Nowadays, it is a historical and architectural museum-reserve. There are streets, squares, a sewer system, four gates, a secret tunnel leading to the Mtkvari River, a fence, and more. It is currently considered an open-air museum.
• It was first mentioned in written sources in the 7th century. In Uplistsikhe and its surroundings, archaeological and architectural monuments have been preserved, the oldest of which date back to the Early Bronze Age and belong to the Mtkvari-Araks culture. The lower layer of Katlanikhevi dates back to the end of the Middle Bronze Age.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Guide-driver service
• Comfortable transport
• 0.5 litres of water per person

What's Not Included

• Entrance ticket to the Uplistsikhe complex: $6 per person
• Lunch or dinner at a roadside cafe
• Tips for the guide-driver

What to bring

• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Ensure modest clothing and a head covering, as we are visiting active temples during the tour.
• Bring a hat or a scarf to protect yourself from the bright summer sun.
• Take a camera or mobile phone to capture plenty of juicy photos.
• Bring cash to pay for dinner or purchase souvenirs.

Know before you go

• We will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to start the tour.
• It is recommended to start at 09:00.
• An early start allows us to avoid the boring traffic gaps typical of the capital's morning hours.
• We will drop you off at your hotel in Tbilisi or any other location in the city centre.
• Jvari Monastery dates to the early 7th century. This monument has been protected by UNESCO since 1994. The reason for this was its age, architectural features, and construction technique. The place is also notable for its beautiful views.
• Mtskheta is a cosy town with tiled roofs and brickwork on two-storey houses.
• Scientists date the current cathedral to the beginning of the 11th century; however, it stands on the foundation of a temple built when Georgia adopted Christianity.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Tbilisi, Georgia

Tour start

RPQM+C79, Mtskheta, Georgia

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.