Sacred Mtskheta and Legendary Borjomi
About this experience
During the journey through Mtskheta and Borjomi, you will learn about the history of Christianity development on Georgian land, the diversity of local nature, and discover legends and valuable secrets of local villages that are often overlooked. Additionally, as a professional chef, I will tell you about the nuances of Georgian cuisine along the way and show you a non-touristic restaurant for locals where they prepare amazing khinkali.
What to Expect
Religious Center of Georgia
"Not long ago, where, merging, murmuring, embracing, like two sisters, the streams of Aragvi and Kura, there was a monastery," - this is how M.Yu. Lermontov described the mountain monastery of Jvari, which will be the starting point of your journey. Here you will hear the most important facts from the history of Jvari, ancient fables about the third cross, learn about mysterious tunnels, and also get a view of the confluence of two rivers, Mtskheta, and its surroundings from the best angles. In the city of Mtskheta, you will visit one of the main religious and spiritual centers of Georgia for thousands of years - the magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Here I will tell you what this famous place is known for and what legend is associated with the first king who officially endorsed Christianity. Religious relics and the past of the Samtavro Monastery will logically conclude the acquaintance with the sacred center of Georgia.
Colorful Villages and National Culinary Traditions
On the way to Borjomi, you will pass about 25 villages - Tatar, Azerbaijani, and others, - about each of which I will tell you the most interesting facts known only to the locals. Some settlements are the birthplace of famous Georgian dishes, some are interesting for their way of life, and some are curious with their history reflecting the socio-political processes in the country. Additionally, I will show you a great non-touristic cafe where you can try handmade khinkali, which is already a rarity in itself, and feel the difference between homemade and 'machine' methods of preparation.
Beauties of Borjomi
You will stroll through the central park of Borjomi, see the Prometheus Monument and waterfall, take a cable car ride to the plateau to enjoy breathtaking views, and also visit the wonderful Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov. Additionally, I will show you a very atmospheric place rarely visited by tourists - the old train station, as well as small streets and interesting places in the city where I used to work before. Of course, we will talk about Borjomi water, about where it all began, how the first bottles and labels were made, how the mass production of the legendary mineral water was established, and you can taste the famous water right from the source.
Organizational Details
- The excursion is conducted in a comfortable BMW car with air conditioning.
- For your convenience, I will pick you up from any point in Tbilisi, after which we will set off on our journey.
- The price includes transportation costs and tour services.
- Entrance tickets to the Borjomi Park and cable car, as well as meals, are paid for separately.
- Upon request, it is possible to organize bathing in the sulfur baths of Borjomi, as well as visit a restaurant there or upon return to Tbilisi.
- By prior arrangement for an additional fee, it is possible to extend the route with a trip to the Rabati Fortress and Vardzia Cave City (please coordinate with the guide in advance).
Ksenia
January 6, 2019
Alexander is an excellent guide. With humor, we learned about Georgian traditions and visited Mtskheta and Borjomi very informatively. Alexander is punctual and very open in communication, 10 hours with him flew by very quickly.
Larisa
November 5, 2018
My spouse and I went on an excursion with Alexander. We liked the punctuality, articulate speech, and safe driving of the guide. The story about traditions, way of life, and his perspective on modern Georgia as someone who has visited another country and has a certain life experience was very intere...
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Irina
October 22, 2018
Wanted to say a big thank you to Alexander!!!!! The tour was very enjoyable, the route was well planned, on the way we stopped at a family Georgian cafe where we had a taste of authentic Georgian cuisine! Alexander's storytelling was very interesting, and the landscapes we saw were very beautiful.
