The sightseeing city of Sighnaghi is the main attraction of the Alazani Valley in the Kakheti region.
Due to its good location - almost on the top of the mountain - Sighnaghi was never captured by enemies, thanks to which it has survived to this day almost in its original form.
The long fortress walls that protected little Georgia from enemy attacks in the old days, now serve as a tourist attraction of this small cozy and pretty town, which offers breathtaking views of the Alazani Valley, sun-drenched framed by the Caucasus Mountains!
In the past, many trade routes passed through Sighnaghi. This contributed to the high development of trade and crafts.
The city has a touching and dumb sad legend of love. The famous and talented artist Niko Pirosmani was born and lived in Sighnaghi. He was very poor, so he had to work as a house painter for food and a roof over his head. By a fateful combination of circumstances, the young artist met the French actress Margarita de Sevres. The girl completely possessed his heart. Favorite colors of the actress were red roses. The artist fell in love with her so much that he "sold his house, sold paintings and shelter, and with all his money bought a whole sea of flowers." The artist covered the square under the windows of the actress with a million of beautiful scarlet roses. Unfortunately, the girl did not share his feelings, went back to France, leaving a poor artist with a broken heart.
One of the most important sights of the city of Sighnaghi - the monastery of St. Nino - is located in the town of Bodba, a few kilometers from Sighnaghi. Here lie the relics of the most revered saint in Georgia, who brought Christianity to the country - the very Nino who lived under the blackberry bush in Samtavro monastery in Mtskheta and put the first cross on Mount Jvari, made of vine and intertwined with her own hair.
And welcome to the Tsinandali Estate!
Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, the founder of the Georgian romanticism turned the estate in the village of Tsinandali, which he inherited from his father into cultural and intellectual center of the country, the status it preserves to this day. The place regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, literary events and master classes.For the first time in the country's history, wine was bottled in the historic cellar of Tsinandali. The collection of Alexander Chavchavadze's wines is also stored here - more than 15,000 bottles, the oldest of which dates back to 1814.
This walking tour allows you to enjoy the local architecture and attractions, listen to a meaningful s
tory about the centuries-old history and modern life of the city. Exciting landscapes will accompany you all the way. Discover the ancient culture of Tbilisi, the city which, despite numerous invasion, hasn't lost its unique traditions. Walking along Rustaveli Avenue, in the shadow of old cedar trees, we will make you feel the captivating spirit of Tbilisi. Also, we’ll see: The Vorontsov Palace - one of the most famous architectural monuments of Tbilisi. It was built in 1868 by the governor of the Russian emperor in Tbilisi, Mikhail Vorontsov. The Anchiskhati Church or the Church of the Virgin Mary is located in the northern part of the Old City and is considered the oldest temple in Tbilisi and the second oldest one in Georgia. The Marionette theatre, located on Shavtelidze Street, founded by Rezo Gabriadze In 1981, in Tbilisi, that won the hearts of the audience from the first shows and nowadays, this theatre travels all around the world. Also, we’ll stroll along the Shardeni street full of bars, clubs, and boutiques. The street bears the name of the French traveler and writer Jean Chardin, who made a long journey to the East and, in particular, Georgia, in the 17th century. We’ll visit the 13th-century beautiful Metekhi church. The viewing platform in front of the church will offer you breathtaking, the most scenic views of the Old Tbilisi, in particular, you’ll admire the Narikala Fortress, the most famous and ancient monument of Tbilisi antiquity, locals call it "Soul of the City." We will climb the cable car to the Narikala fortress, and also take a walk to the “Figs” waterfall, which belongs to the Botanical Garden. This is a city where it is very clearly felt that time can stop.
At the end of an urban adventure, you will have a tasting in the most authentic wine gallery in Tbilisi. You will taste wines from traditional qvevri and learn about the features of Georgian winemaking.
Telavi-Gremi-Nekresi-Ikalto-Alaverdi
Why go? Take a walk through the vineyards, try the wine, buy it here, visit the most colorful and autistic market in Telavi, try all kinds of churchkhela, see the monasteries. In September, Rtveli is held in Kakheti - a grape harvest festival. Of course, nature is especially beautiful at this time. This time we get to Kakheti, passing the Gombory pass, this is a beautiful artery of a mountain road winding through the mountains, which gives a lot of beautiful views: pastures, gardens, villages, mountain ranges.
We begin the tour with a visit to the ancient academy and monastery Ikalto - Founded by saint Zenon in the VI century. The Monastery was famous as one of the most significant cultural-scholastic centers of Kakheti as well as of the whole of Georgia. A high school, the academy, was founded there; an outstanding Georgian philosopher Arsen Iqaltoeli used to live and work in it. Archaeological excavations revealed numerous workshops, wine-cellars, a smithy, store-rooms and other household rooms grouped around the Academy building. The academy of Ikalto trained its students in theology, rhetoric, astronomy, philosophy, geography, geometry chanting, etc..
We continue the tour and visit the small city of Telavi, which is located in the heart of the Kakheti region, in the Alazani Valley.
We will visit the castle and fortress of Erekle II- “Batonis Tsikhe” (translated as the fortress of the master), the former residence of the Kakhetian kings in the XVII-XVIII centuries. Inside the fortress is the royal palace, two court churches, a bathhouse and a tunnel. The fortress fence also includes observation towers.
We continue our journey on the highway between Kvareli and Telavi, to the small fortress Gremi, which was the capital of the Kakheti kingdom of the XV-XVII centuries. The city consisted of three main parts: the Arkhangelsk monastery complex, the royal residence and the shopping district. Gremi existed for only a century and a half, at the beginning of the 17th century the city was destroyed by the troops of the Iranian Shah Abbas I. Here you will hear the story of the creation of the city.
The monastery complex of Nekresi, which is located on the slope of the huge mountain Cavcasioni. This is a unique place for several reasons. Firstly, it was from here that Christianity began to spread throughout Georgia. Secondly, the 4th century church, which is the oldest in Georgia, is part of the Nekres complex. And thirdly, from the top of the mountain, on which the monastery stands, offers stunning views of the Alazani Valley. Once the monastery was home to more than 2,000 monks and was a fairly large city. Only a few buildings have survived to this day.
And in the end, the Alaverdi Monastery awaits your visit - the creation of the Assyrian fathers, namely Joseph Alaverdi, who came here in the middle of the VI century, and was buried in this temple, and the grave still exists.
Return to the hotel.
Uplistsikhe, whose name translates to 'Fortress of the Lord', is an ancient rock-hewn town, which played a significant role in Georgian history over a period of approximately 3,000 years. Extraordinary creation, moreover, the creation of nature and the hands of men. Archaeological excavations have revealed extraordinary artifacts dating from the late Bronze Age all the way up to the late Middle Ages.
Beginning its history in the 2-nd millennium BC, Uplistsike has been identified as one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia. Back then, the complex was a very important cultural center for pagan worship in the Kartli (Iberia) region.
Mtskheta
The ancient city of Mtskheta is a must-visit place in Georgia. Especially if you are staying in Tbilisi. Since the ancient capital of Georgia is only 20 minutes from the modern capital. This ancient city is called the "Second Jerusalem". Holy Nino Cappadocia brought the good news here, one of the greatest shrines of the Christian world, the Heaton of the Lord, is kept here.
Tbilisi-Kazbegi-Tbilisi (350 km both ways)
Leave all your worries to the other side of the border and go with us to visit and experience the magical beauty of one of the regions of SAKARTVELO-Kazbegi. Everyone knows that in this small country, all regions are radically different from each other in nature and culture, even the character and appearance of local people is radically different in the region. Maybe with one Glance Mountain people will seem strict and not talkative to you, but, like all KARTVELI, they are also very hospitable and proud who appeared to be their homeland. However, how differently, this is the great mountain Kazbeg.
On the way to Kazbegi we will visit the Ananuri Fortress (XVII century), which stands on the banks of the Zhinvalsky reservoir, and enjoy magnificent views from the arch, from a height of 2384 meters.
And finally, the last chord of this trip ... Get ready for the scale of magnificence that will soon fall on you, this is a spectacle that the Gergeti Trinity monastery, located at an altitude of 2,170 meters, should feel with all six senses, and Included in the 10 most beautiful temples in the world, a unique location makes it more beautiful and exciting.
The last point of your unforgettable trip will be the most delicious pearl of this Khinkali region with unique spices, such can only be prepared in Kazbegi, we will adjust the mood of your trip to the tone of smooth chacha.
Transfer to Tbilisi.
Day 1. Tbilisi- Borjomi (200 km)
Transfer to the resort town of Borjomi, which is located in the south-eastern part of Sakartvelo. The resort is known for all its mineral springs. The city is surrounded by mountains covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. And Borjomi-Kharagagulsky National Park is one of the largest reserves in Europe. We will visit, Green Monastery ”, the name itself already tells about itself, is located away from the bustle of the world among the beautiful high mountains, dense green forests and on the bank of a fast noisy transparent river. The Green Monastery is one of the oldest male monasteries in Georgia. The most ancient building dates from 9-10. Once inside the temple, it is impossible not to feel the breath of antiquity. After visiting the monastery, we return to Borjomi. Hotel accommodation. Relaxation. After taking a break, you can walk through the central park of the city, where you can taste mineral water directly from the source.
Overnight in Borzhom.
Day 2. Borjomi - Vardzia - Rabati-Tbilisi (400 km)
After breakfast, we set off to visit the rocky town of Vardzia - a fabulous open-air museum, a product of the era of the Golden Age, the era of Queen Tamar. The complex at one time consisted of 13 floors and 3000 rooms. Vardzia is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Trial List. On the way, we will visit the Rabati fortress in the city of Akhaltsikhe, which is considered one of the tolerant places on the territory of Georgia. From the 9th century on this place, a representative of different denominations peacefully coexisted. After visiting the sights, we will have lunch and return to Tbilisi.
