Mtskheta, Shiomgvime, Uplistsikhe - Journey to the Roots

What to Expect

Mtskheta - at the origins of Georgia's spiritual history
You will visit Jvari Monastery - the first monument in Georgia to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Near the temple, we will talk about the establishment of Georgian statehood, the formation of national culture and art, the emergence of writing, as well as the significant event - the baptism of the Kartli people and the adoption of Christianity as the country's official religion. From the monastery walls, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surroundings. Then we will head to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - the cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Here lie the relics of Christianity - Christ's chiton and Elijah the Prophet's miter, as well as a portion of the relics of Andrew the First-Called. After that, you will walk to Samtavro Church, where the tomb of the first Georgian Christian king Mirian and his wife Queen Nana is located, as well as the relics of the holy elder Gabriel of Samtavro. Additionally, you will see the legendary miraculous blackberry bush, under which St. Nina, the enlightener of Georgia, lived and preached. Despite being cut down by barbarians multiple times, the "blackberry bush" always managed to regrow. After the tour of the temples in Mtskheta, you can purchase authentic Georgian wine, tkemali sauce, cornel and fig preserves.

Mystical Shiomgvime
Next, we will stop by the remarkably beautiful monastery with a rich history. This significant monument of early medieval Georgian architecture was founded in the mid-6th century, and its origins are associated with the "Assyrian father" Shio, one of the thirteen Christian missionaries who came to Georgia. I will tell you about the life of this sacred place, once a center of the country's cultural and religious activities, and reveal mysterious stories that invariably accompany such ancient abodes.

Rock-Hewn Architecture of the "Fortress of God"
The final point of our program will be a visit to the cave city of Uplistsikhe. This is one of the first cities in Georgia. You will explore its oldest part carved into the Kvernaki rock. During Uplistsikhe's heyday, it contained over 700 caves and rock-hewn structures, of which only 150 have survived to this day. However, these surviving structures are sufficient to recreate the architectural evolution of this remarkable monument that has existed for over a millennium. The tour will involve an exciting exploration of the complex network of tunnels, squares, residential rooms, halls, temples, storerooms, and utility buildings, as well as the history, myths, and legends of this settlement.

After the tour, you will be offered a tasting of authentic homemade "Cabernet" wine, and if desired, you can have lunch at a cozy local restaurant.