Tour program
day 1
Arriving in Kutaisi
Kutaisi - Gelati – Bagrationi – Batumi
Kutaisi – is located in the western part of Georgia, at both sides of river Rioni. Its altitude is 125-300 meters above sea level.
Gelati - medieval architectural complex is 11 km from Kutaisi. Gelati Monastery was named after Virgin Maria’s Nativity, and was found by King David the Builder in 1106, later on they built two temples, a bell tower and academy, the entire territory is surrounded by walls. For centuries, the complex was the spiritual, cultural and scientific center of Golden Age of Georgia. Also it is the burial of King David the Builder and other kings of Georgian.
The ancient castle Ukimerioni is without a doubt the oldest place in Kutaisi, it is even older than the city itself. The main building called Bagrati Temple was built in 1003 and was the residence of Georgian kings during wars. The temple is situated on a mountain, over river Rioni (now it slightly changed its channel), the slope was very high and steep, and the temple itself was fortified so well that it was impossible for enemies to take it unless finding a traitor to show them the way, which happened several times. Today the temple is restored, but it still has no roof, therefore it is called “open-air temple”. On the area you can still find preserved ruins, from the temple you can see` a gorgeous view of the entire city and the surrounding.
Bagrati Temple with its architectural and artistic values plays a significant role in the history of Georgia, moreover, the coronation of King David the Builder, the one who united Georgia that time, took place right in this temple.
- Next head to Batumi. After checking in Batumi Hotel we arrange a romantic dinner in a luxurious restaurant (including transportation to and from the hotel, on the way back you can enjoy the beauty of night Batumi).
day 2
Batumi - Waterfalls
Breakfast in Hotel
After breakfast we take a walk on mountain areas of Adjara and visit Botanical Garden. In the valleys of rivers Chorokhi and Adjaristskali you can see arched bridges from the period of King Tamar’s reign and church, where the remains of primary painting can be still seen. We will also visit Mokhuntsedi waterfall, Zvari Church, and the castle on top of the mountain which offers a fascinating mountain landscape.
Lunch in Batumi
After lunch you return to Tbilisi and check in hotel.
In the evening you visit Mtatsminda and enjoy another romantic dinner there. (transportation to and from the hotel, on the way back you can enjoy the beauty of night Tbilisi).
day 3
Signaghi
Breakfast in Hotel
Sighnaghi, so called city of love, the charm of Kakheti. It was declared as city in 1801. Sighnaghi as a castle was built in 1762, unfortunately its initial look was not saved to the present days. The city is situated along almost 40 hectares of land, and the heights of remained castle walls are 4 km. In the castle along the perimeter you see 28 watchtowers and 5 entrances. Each tower had its name. The city retained remarkable examples of architecture of the XIX century residential buildings. The structure of buildings is presented in the southern Italian classicism style with Georgian elements. The city is impressive with its magnificent history.
- Lunch in Signaghi restaurant;
- Signaghi-Kvareli (wine tasting). Visiting wine cellars;
- Free time;
- Dinner;
- Overnight stay in Signaghi.
day 4
Telavi – Alaverdi – Gremy – Ikalto - Tbilisi
Breakfast in Hotel
Kakheti is not only the birthplace of wine, but it is also rich with its cultural heritages and ancient traditions. There are 30 temples in Kakheti. The most famous of them are Alaverdi, Ikalto and the most ancient temple of Nekresi.
Telavi – is the capital of Kakheti. It is located on a slope of mountain, 500-800m above sea level. Here you can enjoy a gorgeous view of Alazani Field and Caucasus Mountains.
Alaverdi - one of the most famous medieval churches in Georgia, was built at the beginning of the XI century and is located 20 km. from Telavi. It is one of the tallest buildings (45 meters) of its time. Alaverdi was the burial place of kings of Kakheti.
Nekresi - city Nekresi was built in II BC by king Parnavaz. Nekresi temple is located in the valley of river Alazani, it consists of several religious buildings of different ages. The earliest building is small church built at the end of the IV century, shortly after adoption of Christianity as the official religion of the state. The church was built with rough-cut stone and stands on foundation that has been converted into the burial chamber. In VI-VII century, church of Blessed Virgin Mary was erected, it preserved fragments of wall inscriptions and frescoes of the XVI century. The complex also included a Dome square church (IX cent.) and the Episcopal Palace of the XVI century.
Lunch in Telavi.
Gremy - in 1466 it became the capital of Kakheti. For that period Kakheti was an independent kingdom. The residence of a new king began to build up and grow. Architects used the terrain in very clever and original way, they built church, king’s residence and other facilities on the mountain. Market place was located on the west, and noble palaces on the east. For that time the whole area of the city was about 50 hectares. However, Gremy prosperity did not last long. The cruel ruler Shah Abbas of Persia wiped it off the face of the earth in 1616. Gremy, prosperous city turned into pile of ruins. Former center of Kakheti could never regain its former look, and in the middle of the XVII century Telavi became the capital of Kakheti. Today, in Gremy we can see a beautiful church of St. Archangels, built in 1565 by King Levan. The church interior is decorated with paintings that derives a great interest for religious painting lovers. Architecture is strict with concise characteristic of medieval Georgia. As a material for construction of the church they used bricks instead of stones.
Drive back to Tbilisi;
Dinner in Tbilisi restaurant where you can taste Georgian national cuisines and enjoy live music and dancing.
day 5
Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - Djvari – Shio Mgvime
Mtskheta - the old capital of Georgia. Today it is the administrative center of Mtskheta – Mtianeti region. It holds unique culture and monuments. Mtskheta is listed in UNESCO World Heritage list and is one of the most important centers of Georgian culture. In Mtskheta there is Svetitskhoveli church, it was named after 12 Apostles of the Christ, it is without doubt, one of the most important churches in Georgia. Svetitshoveli from ancient times was the patriarchal cathedral, Svetitshoveli is cross domed building with fine architectural ornaments and frescoes.
Djvari Monastery - is located on the hill of mountain, east of Mtskheta. In 20s of the V century a wooden cross was erected here, as a symbol of unification of the country.
Shiomgvime Monastery Complex - located 9-10km from the center. It was established by Assyrian priest Shio in the VI century. Father Shio himself was buried in bottom floor of the church, in cave of 12m deep, above the cave a church was built by the monastery priest Michael in the XI century.
Lunch in Mtskheta.
Free time for the evening!
day 6
Depart for home with a gift from the company – Photogallery of the trip.
* Photographer will be following you from the airport through the tour.
The tour price includes:
- Excursion with guide;
- 3-4 star hotels, they are very nice and you will be able to find them everywhere you go;
- Meals according to the program;
- Transportation according to the program.
If desired, you can get married. Wedding dresses can be rented out (is not included in the tour price).