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* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
Private full day trip to Mtskheta from Tbilisi includes visiting old capital of Georgia where human settled from the 2nd millennium BC and discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jvari Monastery built in 6th century that survived almost unchanged, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral where the robe of Jesus is buried and Samtavro Monastery both completed in 11th century. You will also visit Armaztsikhe-Bagineti, one of the oldest cities of the Antique Era also called Georgian Acropolis from the 3rd century BC and "the cave of Shio", medieval monastic complex located in a narrow limestone canyon with lots of once used hermit sells. Two options are available for the tour. Tour with Lunch option includes tasting the best meals from local traditional cuisine. Tour to Mtskheta is suitable for people who desire to travel through time to explore all main tourist sites and hidden gems of the old capital of Georgia, known with its outstanding examples of medieval architecture. Total drive 105 km (65 miles).
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Private English speaking guide
Private transportation with A/C
All entrance tickets
Bottled water
Departure Point
Traveler pickup is offered
Jvari Church, Mtskheta, Georgia Jvarii Monastery is a sixth-century Georgian Orthodox monastery. Along with other historic structures of Mtskheta, it is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Jvari is a rare case of the Early Medieval Georgian church that survived to the present day almost unchanged. The church became the founder of its type, the Jvari type of church architecture, prevalent in Georgia and Armenia. Built atop of Jvari Mount (656 m a.s.l.), the monastery is an example of harmonious connection with the natural environment, characteristic to Georgian architecture. 30 minutes
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Mtskheta, Georgia Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (the Cathedral of the Living Pillar) is an Orthodox Christian cathedral located in the historic town of Mtskheta, Georgia, to the northwest of the Georgian capital Tbilisi. A masterpiece of the Early and High Middle Ages, Svetitskhoveli is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is currently the second largest church building in Georgia, after the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Known as the burial site of the claimed Christ's mantle, Svetitskhoveli has long been one of the principal Georgian Orthodox churches and is among the most venerated places of worship in the region.[1] Throughout the centuries, the cathedral served as the burial place for kings. The present cross-in-square structure was completed between 1010 and 1029 by the medieval Georgian architect Arsukisdze, although the site itself dates back to the early fourth century. The exterior archature of the cathedral is a well-preserved example of typical decorations of the 11th century. Svetitskhoveli is considered an endangered cultural landmark;[2] it has survived a variety of adversities, and many of its priceless frescoes have been lost due to being whitewashed by the Russian Imperial authorities. 60 minutes
Samtavro Church, Mtskheta, Georgia Samtavro Monastery was founded in the 4th century by the King Mirian III, when a small church was built here by Saint Nino. The main temple is stylistically dated to the first half of the 11th century and was probably built or rebuilt soon after Svetitskhoveli cathedral, by the King George I and Catholicos-Patriarch Melchizedek I. It is protected by UNESCO and combines Transfiguration Church and Nunnery of St. Nino. 30 minutes
Shio-Mgvime Monastery, Mtskheta, Georgia Shio-Mgvime Monastery was founded by the 6th century monk Shio, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers who came to Georgia as Christian missionaries. St. Shio spent his last years as a hermit in a deep cave. The earliest building the Monastery of St. John the Baptist – a cruciform church, very plain and strict in its design dates to 560s-580s. The church has an octagonal dome covered with a conic floor and once housed stone iconostasis now at the Art Museum of Georgia. The monastery was altered in the 11th and 18th centuries but retained its original architecture. 60 minutes
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please let us know if you or anyone in your group have any dietary restrictions. We will use the information to offer a lunch to you if you booked Tour with Lunch option.
Budget Tour option does not include lunch, but you will stop in a restaurant to have lunch.
Tour includes walking in the old town of Mtskheta with various terrain, stairs etc. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Ladies need to wear headscarves and dresses in Georgian orthodox churches. Short trousers for men are also forbidden. Scarves and dresses can also be found near some church entrances.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
bosunf686
05 Jan 2022
This was definitely my highlight of the visit. Jvari Monastery from 6th century and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (where the robe of Jesus is buried). These 2 monuments are super amazing. the view of the lake from the top of the mountain, the atmosphere inside the 2 churches are super amazing experience i will never forget this experience. So good to visit and experience what first Christianity looked like.
Thanks to Giorgi for making all these arrangement and telling us details about this historical places
WakawakDoctor
26 Jul 2021
Giorgi has a way of telling stories of the places you visit that captivates you! He makes sure you understand the history of the monument or place and gives you time to breathe in the environment.
He is an excellent tour guide
J7452ORvivianc
29 Feb 2020
We had a tiring but wonderful full day walking tour. Mr George brought us to the right places to have some stunning views. We had a great time exploring the city. We never seemed to be rushed at any of the sites we visited. Really appreciated. Excellent.
This tour in
Georgia
is organized by
SelectGeorgia-For Holiday
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
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