About this experience
Experience the amazing cave city founded back in the Bronze Age, miraculously preserved in Georgia despite countless foreign invasions and wars. Discover the ancient strategic importance of the city of Gori, better known as the birthplace of Stalin, and get acquainted with the exquisite wines of Kartli.
What to expect
Uplistsikhe Cave City
Located just 100 km from Tbilisi, Uplistsikhe is a truly unique place to visit if you are in Georgia. Several cave complexes have been preserved in Georgia, each of them interesting in its own way. You will visit the oldest one: the rock-hewn city of Uplistsikhe. During the tour, you will explore its complex network of tunnels, squares, residential rooms and halls, temples, storage rooms, and economic buildings; learn about the history, myths, and legends of this settlement (dating back to 2-1 thousand years BC); and enjoy the picturesque surroundings along the Kura River.
Gori - History turned legend
Gori is well known as the birthplace of Stalin. But not only fans of the great leader of the Soviet people will find it interesting. This ancient fortress city emerged in the 7th century in a very important strategic location for the country, where roads from the east and west intersected. For centuries, Gori was the target of all conquerors, as controlling the city meant political control over eastern Georgia. Lovers of antiquity will be interested to explore the remains of the ancient fortress located in the city center. And if you wish, you can visit the Stalin Museum, where the staff will conduct an informative hour-long tour for you.
Introduction to Kartli Wines
In the vicinity of Gori and Mtskheta, there are several private wineries that hospitably offer small tours and wine tastings of their own production. At one of the wineries, you will learn about the subtleties of grape growing and wine production, as well as enjoy lunch with homemade Georgian dishes.
Organizational details
- The last point of the declared route can be replaced (or combined) with a visit to the 7th-century Ateni Sioni Temple, located 12 km from Gori. The temple is known for its unique 11th-century frescoes and an ancient inscription on the facade dating back to the 9th century.
- Entrance fees to Uplistsikhe and the Stalin Museum are not included in the tour price.
- Visiting a winery requires prior arrangement with its owners. Wine tasting, in case of purchasing wine, is complimentary.
Victor
July 14, 2024
The place is beautiful and monumental. The excursion was interesting and I liked the way information was presented.
Galina
May 2, 2024
A great tour. It really stimulates the imagination and amazes with the ancestors' ability to live in harmony with nature. Marina is an excellent specialist, knowledgeable and professional guide with the right academic presentation of the material and language proficiency.
Natalia
January 4, 2024
Many thanks to Marina for the tour, we really enjoyed it. Comfortable bus, interesting story, delicious lunch at the winery, we learned a lot of new interesting things, despite the fact that it was our third time in Georgia. Marina, thank you! Definitely recommend!
