Kakheti - more than just wine tours!
About this experience
Famous for its wines, Kakheti attracts people who want to enjoy not only wine, but also the beauty, tranquility, and seclusion of the Georgian region. I suggest you to take a break from popular wine tours and embark on a journey through the sparsely populated and mysterious Kakheti, which is full of ancient stories, legends, and traditions.
What to expect
Meet the antiquity
You will see structures from the 5th-7th centuries, hear captivating stories of palace intrigues, and see the earliest version of the Bagrationi coat of arms. I will tell you about the history of one of the most amazing churches Alaverdi, as well as its related celebration Alaverdoba, which is the best example of Georgian tolerance and respectful attitude towards other confessions.
Udzarma Fortress and stunning views of the surroundings
The fortress is located in the foothills of the Gombori Range and offers breathtaking views of the Iori River and the mountains. You will learn about the history of Georgia's Christianization, the missionary activities of St. Nino, and the fortress built in the 5th century associated with these events.
Two amazing monasteries
Just an hour's drive from Udzarma, in the direction of the city of Telavi, there are two monasteries. The first - Old Shuamta. In my opinion, this is one of the strangest Georgian monastic complexes, and that's what makes it so charming. In the meadow in the middle of a beautiful forest, you will see three churches: a basilica from the 5th century and two cross-dome churches from the 7th century. One of them is an exact miniature copy of the Jvari Church in Mtskheta! And nearby is the monastery - New Shuamta, founded in the 16th century by Queen Tinatin, the wife of the Kakhetian King Levan. Their marriage, or rather divorce, initiated by the queen, turned out to be not only an unprecedented event in the history of the Georgian monarchy, but also led to a struggle for the throne between Levan's children from different marriages (I will tell you all about this in detail during the tour).
One of the four great cathedrals of Georgia
20 km from Shuamta, there is another amazing place - the 11th-century Alaverdi Cathedral. It is considered one of the four great cathedrals of Georgia. Here you will get acquainted with its very interesting history, be impressed by its size, architecture, and adornment, and also enjoy the enchanting views of the Alazani Valley.
Stepan
May 2, 2021
Excellent tour for those who want to see ancient architecture of Georgia and enjoy the views of mountain landscapes. Unfortunately, one of the monasteries we planned to visit was closed, but it did not spoil the overall impression of the tour. The guide's story was also very interesting, although it...
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Tatiana
June 14, 2019
Huge thanks to Marina for our trip! Due to a large number of children, the route was changed, but this does not diminish the impressions that Georgia's history and beauty made on us! The excursion involves visiting temples, each of which has its own history, yet all these stories are intertwined. Li...
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Julia
May 8, 2019
Marina is an amazing guide! Exceptionally interesting and beautiful route through relatively unexplored places. Lots of interesting and well-structured information, comprehensive answers to any questions. Loved absolutely everything, will definitely recommend to friends and acquaintances. And I am s...
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