Georgia: a Seven-Day Journey Through Time

Tbilisi was founded in the 5th century and became the capital of Georgia in the 6th century. Since that time, the city has been destroyed and rebuilt on nearly 30 different occasions following a long history of fighting off Persian, Arab, Turkmen, Mongol, Turk and finally, Russian invaders. Tbilisi today is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in the Caucasus. We begin our visit with a walking tour through Tbilisi’s narrow streets and inner courtyards and stroll down Rustaveli Avenue, the main thoroughfare running east through the city. We will also visit Metekhi Church of the Virgin, Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica. Later we will visit the Georgian national museum. Overnight in Tbilisi Meal plan: Breakfast - Lunch

After breakfast we drive to Mtskheta (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ancient capital of the Georgian Kingdom. Here we visit Jvari Monastery (6th c.) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral built in the 11th century as one of the symbols of unification of Georgia. Visit Samtravo monastery. We will also visit the city of Gori founded by one of the greatest kings of Georgia, David the Builder in the 12th century. One of the “must see” places of Gori is the house museum of Joseph Stalin. After visiting that unique museum we drive to Uplistsikhe meaning “the lord’s fortress”. It’s an ancient rock-hewn town. Built on a high rocky left bank of Mtkvari River, it contains various structures dating from the 2nd ML BC to the Late Middle Ages. Overnight in Tbilisi Meal plan: Breakfast - Lunch

This morning we depart to Kakheti region, famous for being the most important wine making region in Georgia. Our first stop is Alaverdi monastery, located on the Alazani valley, on the background of the snowy mountains of the Caucasus Range. Later we will visit Ikalto Academy, beautifully located in a grove of cypress trees. Founded by King David the Builder in the 12th century, the academy was the largest center of education in medieval Georgia and was said to have served as a place of study for the celebrated poet Shota Rustaveli who wrote the Georgian national epic, “The Knight in the Panther Skin” Later we will explore the city of Telavi, visit the palace of Irakli the II, the last king of Georgia. Overnight in Telavi Meal plan: Breakfast - Lunch

After breakfast we will visit Tsinandali– the summer residence of the noble Georgian family – Chavchavadze. The founder of this beautiful European style palace and gardens was the father of the Georgian romanticism – Alexander Chavchavadze. Drive to Vardisubani and visit the “Qvevri” (clay amphora) workshop in the house of Zaza, a 4th generation “Qvevri” maker. Meet Zaza, who is also an amazing winemaker and learn all about the ancient Georgian traditional Qvevri wine-making secrets inscribed as a UNSCO Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Continue to Sighnaghi, a city which is famous for its wine and carpet making culture. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Kizikhi area and the unique charm of Sighnaghi Royal Town. Have a walk in the narrow streets of the town shadowed by the wooden balconies, which are richly decorated with the lace of carved ornaments. Drive back to Tbilisi. On the way back to Tbilisi, visit Bodbe monastery. Overnight in Tbilisi Meal plan: Breakfast - Lunch

Today we will drive north along the Georgian Military Highway, linking Georgia with Russia into the mountainous provinces of the Greater Caucasus. The first stop of our tour will be Ananuri to see the incredible 16th century fortress complex built by the warring dukes of Aragvi in an attempt to control the main road. We will marvel at the snow-capped Mount Kazbek (the highest mountain in Georgia), an extinct volcano that surrounds us and reaches to just over 16,500 feet (5047m). We drive to the base of the hill and then walk across the meadow leading to the Tsminda Sameba Monastery – a 14th century church built on a mountain peak at 7,200 feet (2200m). Back to Tbilisi Overnight in Tbilisi Meal plan: Breakfast - Lunch