Mtskheta, Shiomgvime, Uplistsikhe - journey to the sources

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 formation of Georgian statehood, the development of national culture and art, the emergence of writing, and the iconic event - the baptism of the Kartli people and the acceptance of Christianity as the country's official religion. From the monastery walls, you will enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surroundings. Then we will head to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - the cathedral patriarchal church of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Here lie relics of Christianity - the chiton of Jesus Christ and the milt of the Prophet Elijah, as well as a part of the relics of St. Andrew the First-Called. After that, you will walk to Samtavro Monastery, 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. In addition, you will see the legendary miracle-working blackberry bush under which St. Nina lived and preached - the ‘blackberry bush' was cut down by barbarians several times, but it always grew back. After the tour of the temples in Mtskheta, you can purchase authentic Georgian wines, tkemali sauce, cornel and cornelian cherry jam.

Mystical Shiomgvime
Next, we will stop near an incredibly beautiful monastery with a rich history. This significant monument of early medieval Georgian architecture was founded in the middle of the 6th century, and its emergence is associated with the ‘Assyrian Father' Shio - one of the thirteen Christian missionaries who arrived in 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 religious centers.

Rock architecture of 'God's Fortress'
The final point of our program will be a visit to the cave city of Uplistsikhe. This was one of the first cities in Georgia. You will visit its most ancient part carved in the Kvernaki rock. During its heyday, Uplistsikhe included over 700 caves and cave structures, of which only 150 have survived to this day. However, these surviving structures are enough to recreate the picture of the architectural development of this amazing monument, which has existed for over a millennium. During the tour, you will have an exciting exploration of a complex chain of tunnels, squares, residential rooms and halls, temples, storerooms, and economic buildings, as well as the history, myths, and legends of this settlement.

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