One-Day Tour from Tbilisi: Mtskheta, Kazbegi, Ananuri
About this experience
In one day, we will visit beautiful places of Georgia that were remembered by Pushkin, Lermontov, Tolstoy, Dumas and many other famous people: the famous Military-Georgian Road, the gorges of the Aragvi and Terek rivers, Darial Gorge, Mount Kazbek, Cross Pass, and the impressive, majestic, heart-warming, and awe-inspiring mountains of the Main Caucasus Range!
What to Expect
- The tour starts with a trip to the old capital of Georgia, the city of Mtskheta. We will see the Jvari Monastery (the one mentioned by Lermontov) and the spiritual center of the country - the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. We will take a walk in the city center, which leaves an indelible impression after the historical reconstruction.
- Next, after enjoying the views of the huge Zhinvali Reservoir, it will be time to visit the impregnable fortress of Ananuri, which for many centuries guarded the entrance to the Aragvi River Gorge and was essentially the last line of defense. We will explore this fortress and conduct a comparative analysis of its capabilities.
- Then, having crossed the Cross Pass (2395 m above sea level) and passed by the ski resort of Gudauri, we will arrive in the village of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi). Here live the mountaineers-mokheves, fearless warriors with an inexhaustible sense of humor and boundless hospitality. If desired, you can taste khinkali (a dish native to these parts) or, for example, mkhlovani (a local authentic dish, similar to khachapuri, but with a filling of local cheese, beet tops, nettle, and alpine herbs).
- Mount Kazbek, the second highest in Georgia (5047 m), is visible from the village square on a clear day. The surrounding mountains are incredibly beautiful. Here the powerful Tergi roars, known in the Northern Caucasus as the Terek. By car, we will climb to the top of one of the mountains near the town of Kazbegi: here is the famous monastery of the Holy Trinity Sameba (14th century, altitude about 2400 m). In good weather, breathtaking views open up from here.
- We will also see the incredibly beautiful Darial Gorge and return to Tbilisi in the evening.
Organizational Details
- Includes: guide/driver services, car, fuel
- Not included: accommodation, meals, entrance fees, airport/city transfers
- In winter, the Cross Pass and the St. Trinity Sameba Monastery may be closed due to weather conditions. In this case, an alternative route of similar distance is offered.
Inna
October 25, 2024
It was our second tour with Vano. The tour was scenic, but there was also a lot of interesting information. At our request (as we had a child with us), the tour was slightly shortened and instead of Kazbegi, we reached the ski resort of Gudauri, where the views of the mountains are simply breathtaki...
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Ella
October 19, 2024
Vano is an amazing tour guide. We had a great time! Thank you so much!
Elena
October 3, 2024
Among a large number of proposals and tour guides, we are pleased that Vano accompanied us. Educated, well-mannered, knowledgeable, and well-versed in the history of his country! The more than 10-hour trip to the mountains in a small car went smoothly. Excellent driver. The tour is excellently organ...
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