Mtskheta-Tbilisi - Past and Present Capitals of Iberia
About this experience
Following the timeline of events, you will first visit the ancient capital, the heart and soul of the country, where Christianity became the state religion on our land. Without Mtskheta, it is impossible to imagine Georgia - you will see this for yourself when I introduce you to the history of ancient monuments Jvari, Svetitskhoveli, and Shiomgvime. In the second part of the tour, you will walk through the iconic places of Tbilisi and finish by enjoying the beauty of the city in the evening illumination from Mtatsminda Mountain.
What to Expect
First Capital and Heart of Georgia - Mtskheta
Everyone who visits Mtskheta remembers the famous lines from Lermontov's poem: "There, where, merging, they rustle..." Wonderful landscapes and an atmosphere of antiquity invariably set a poetic mood. Near the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Georgia - Jvari Monastery - we will talk about the enlightening activity of St. Nino. Then you will visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which remained the country's main cathedral for centuries. In the Shiomgvime Monastery, you will see an architectural complex from the 6th to 19th centuries, where I will talk about one of the thirteen Assyrian Fathers who came to Iberia to preach Christianity. After visiting the sanctuaries of Mtskheta, I will be happy to recommend where to try excellent Churchkhela, homemade wine, and Chacha.
Tbilisi by Car and on Foot!
From the ancient capital, you will move to the modern one, where you will first visit the third largest Orthodox church in the world - the Holy Trinity Cathedral. On the complex's territory, you can taste the famous Georgian lemonade "Lagidze." Then, you will stroll along the main avenue named after the medieval Georgian poet who created the poem "The Knight in the Panther's Skin" - Rustaveli. In Old Tbilisi, you will visit the symbolic Bridge of Peace, connecting the past and the present, the Narikala Fortress, the Fig Gorge, and Abanotubani, the famous district of sulfur baths, where I will tell you about the city's origin and its early steps in history. In the evening, you will drive up to Mtatsminda Park, from where you will have a wonderful view of the entire city in the evening lights. Optionally, you can descend on the funicular on the way back.
Organizational Details
- I will pick you up at your hotel in Tbilisi and bring you back.
- The price includes transportation costs (comfortable Toyota Prius V car) and Wi-Fi.
- Additional expenses: tickets for the cable car, funicular, etc., are paid separately on the spot.
- Paying the guide by card is possible
