Georgian Private Holidays4 days in Georgia(Free airport transfer with purchase

Georgian Private Holidays4 days in Georgia(Free airport transfer with purchase

I offer people an entertaining tour where they can also partake in the process. They can work with me to plan what kind of trip they want to have and I think it makes an already interesting adventure more personal and exciting.

Itinerary

Day 1: [Tbilisi tour] - [ Private ioTour]

Stop At: Old Town (Altstadt) Tbilisi, Tbilisi Georgia
We pick you up from the hotel and start Tbilisi city tour at 10:00 a.m. with a nice walk in Old part of the capital. During the day we show you various fascinating and hidden places of this stunning city. We walk through the old street to Metekhi church. You listen to the great history about foundation of Tbilisi. Through the old Shardeni Street and open air market of carpets we visit Sioni church and unique clock tower of the Puppet Theater Rezo Gabriadze. Also you get to know the story about Anchiskhati Church and through the Bridge of peace we walk in Rike Park. We taste local wine and continue our trip to the Narikala fortress. By the cable car, we reach the great monument of mother of Georgia. Then we descend from the mountain, through the narrow streets to the fortress Narikala. From the fortress you enjoy magnificent views on old part of Tbilisi: Metekhi church, Monument of Vakhtang Gorgasali and Sulfur baths district. We take memorable photos and continue our road to the sulfur baths district. On the way, you enjoy impressive views of the “Leghvtakhevi” gorge. Along the bridge of love, we walk to the natural waterfall, located in the center of the capital. At the end of the tour, we take you to the famous Georgian market Navtlugi. You can buy everything you want in this picturesque place. You have a chance to taste almost any product: numerous vegetables, fruits and sweets and get in touch with the locals.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Flea Market Dry Bridge, Kvishketi Str 1a Tbilisi st, Tbilisi 0105 Georgia
After city tour we take you to The Dry Bridge. This extraordinary flea market keeps you entertained for hours. There is a mesmerizing assortment of antiques, old fur hats and stoles, plenty of jewelry, Soviet pins and medals, and endless rows of books. People re-sell antiques rather than their own possessions. It is always interesting to strike up a conversation with sellers.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Mtatsminda Amusement Park, Tbilisi Georgia
You also have opportunity to visit Mtatsminda Park and enjoy the most incredible view of Tbilisi from there. Mtatsminda Park remains a popular destination for travelers and locals looking for a day of fun and leisure. Another reason to go to Mtsaminda Park is the vintage fairground that also includes a Ferris wheel, Tbilisi TV tower and the restaurants.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Tsminda Sameba Cathedral, Elia Hill, Tbilisi Georgia
The guide shows you the Holy trinity church, locally known as “Sameba”. The construction of Cathedral was only completed back in 2004, so it doesn’t offer the same amount of history as most of the other churches in Tbilisi. But the Holy Trinity Cathedral is impressive in other ways. It’s with its height of 97,5m the third largest Orthodox cathedral in the world only after the Saint Isaac´s Cathedral in Saint Petersburg and Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Open Air Museum of Ethnography, 1 Turtle Lake Road, Tbilisi Georgia
You discover Open-Air Museum of Ethnography with your guide. This collection of traditional, mostly wooden houses, collected from all around Georgia, is spread over a wooded hillside with good views, and makes for an enjoyable visit. Then we go up to Turtle Lake (in Georgian “Kus Tba”) which is a small reservoir located on the height of almost 700m above the sea level. It is cozily situated on the left cliff of the Mount Mtatsminda, towering over the Vake Park. You can have dinner here, there are many cafes overlooking Turtle Lake. This romantic city, with a rich history, attracts hundreds of thousands of travelers from all over the world. The beauty of the mountain region and distinctive Georgian culture inspired many famous writers, artists and poets to dedicate their great creations to Georgia. The driver and guide take you to the hotel and drop you there in the evening.

Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch: We will have lunch at the place where all the food is super fresh. ♥‿♥

No accommodation included on this day.

Day 2: [ Kazbegi ] - | Jinvali-Ananuri-Gudauri-kazbegi | - [ Private ioTour]

Stop At: Jvari Church, Mtskheta Georgia
Jvari Monastery is a sixth-century Georgian Orthodox monastery near Mtskheta, eastern Georgia. Along with other historic structures of Mtskheta, it is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Jinvali Water Reservoir, 40 km to the North from Tbilisi, Tbilisi Georgia
Zhinvali, also Jinvali, is an artificial water reservoir located on the river Aragvi in Georgia. The building of the hydroelectric dam formed the Zhinvali Reservoir. The dam has been built in 1986.
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Ananuri Fortified Castle Ensemble, Georgian Military Highway, Ananuri Georgia
Ananuri castle represents multifunctional architectural complex of the late feudal times in Georgia. Built on the right bank of Aragvi River in 16th-17th cc, it was the main seat of Aragvi Eristavi - Dukes dynasty since 13th c . The village Ananuri is located on the main trade rout leading to the North, to Russia and in past it was part of the Great Silk Road. Nowadays the road is called the Georgian Military Highway. The distance from Tbilisi is 74 km (1 h) - beautiful driving along the Zhinvali water reservoir damping clean and blue mountain river of Aragvi. The castle, the bell tower, three churches and beautifully carved walls are the highlites why the site is frequently visited. The castle was the scene of numerous battles. In 1739, Ananuri was attacked by forces from a rival duchy, commanded by Shanshe of Ksani and was set on fire. The Aragvi clan was massacred. However, four years later, the local peasants revolted against rule by the Shamshe, killing the usurpers and inviting King Teimuraz II to rule directly over them. However, in 1746, King Teimuraz was forced to suppress another peasant uprising, with the help of King Erekle II of Kakheti. The fortress remained in use until the beginning of the 19th century. In 2007, the complex has been on the tentative list for inclusion into the UNESCO World Heritage Site program The fortifications consist of two castles joined by a crenellated curtain wall. The upper fortification with a large square tower, known as Sheupovari, is well preserved and is the location of the last defense of the Aragvi against the Shamshe. The lower fortification, with a round tower, is mostly in ruins. Within the complex, amongst other buildings, are two churches. The older Church of the Virgin, which abuts a tall square tower, has the graves of some of the Dukes of Aragvi. It dates from the first half of the 17th century, and was built of brick. The interior is no longer decorated, but of interest is a stone baldaquin erected by the widow of the Duke Edishera, who died in 1674. The larger Church of the Assumption (Ghvtismshobeli), built in 1689 for the son of Duke Bardzem. It is a central dome style structure with richly decorated facades, including a carved north entrance and a carved grapevine cross on the south façade. It also contains the remains of a number of frescoes, most of which were destroyed by the fire in the 18th century.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Russian Georgian Friendship Monument, Georgian Military Highway, Gudauri 383085 Georgia
The Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument or Treaty of Georgievsk Monument is a monument build in 1983 to celebrate the bicentennial of the Treaty of Georgievsk and ongoing friendship between Georgia and Soviet Russia. Located on the Georgian Military Highway between the ski resort town of Gudauri and the Jvari pass, the monument is a large round stone and concrete structure overlooking the Devil's Valley in the Caucasus mountains. Inside the monument is a large tile mural that spans the whole circumference of the structure and depicts scenes of Georgian and Russian histor
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Gergeti Trinity Church, Stepantsminda Georgia
The old Georgian Church is located under the Mount Kazbek, 2170m above the town of Stepantsminda (former Kazbegi) and village of Gergeti whose name she had adopted. The church is widely known as Gergeti trinity Church thought Georgians call it Gergeti Tsminda Sameba. It was built in the 14th century, but not much is known to us of its history, though it was mentioned in one of the guide books from 1906, that the church was built on the place that used to be pagan idols worshiping. And in 18th century, the church turned into storage for main Georgian relics that were transported here in the time of Persian invasion to Tbilisi. In the beginning of the 20th century, Soviet government had closed the church, and it was returned back to the Georgian Orthodox Church only in the 1990’s. But for the long times it had served as a popular waypoint for travelers on the road connecting Russia and Georgia. Gergeti Trinity Church is above Stepantsminda and thus it seems an impossible experience to climb up to it, but in fact ascent goes quite easy taking only an hour walk up the serpentine road and a thorny forest. Those who prefer not to walk can rent a car with a driver who will ride you up there in 10 minutes. Very often it happens that alpinists conquering the peak spend the night near the church to become acclimatized to new conditions. The architecture in the Gergeti Trinity Church is a traditional one for Georgia, although it is the only cupola church in the northern part of Georgia. A small bell tower is situated near the church, decorated with few bas-reliefs. The church itself is quite simple: only bas-reliefs and ordinary patterns decorate the massive stone blocs and the windows almost don’t let any light creating mysterious twilight. Unfortunately, it is not allowed to take photographs of the church interior.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch: We will have lunch at the place where all the food is super fresh. Its small Georgian paradise ♥‿♥
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 3: [Kakheti Region]- | wine tour | | [ Private ioTour]

Stop At: Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino, Signagi Georgia
The St. George’s Monastery of St. Nino, sometimes also called the Bodbe Monastery, is one of the most important religious sites in Georgia. Today, there is a nunnery where the monastery used to be, and the St. George Cathedral, part of the monastery, holds the remains of St. Nino, Equal to the Apostles, who brought Christianity to Georgia. There is also a new cathedral being built, using much of the same construction methods used to make the most famous cathedrals in Georgia centuries ago. According to legends, St. Nino died at the age of 60 in Bodbe in the year 335 CE. During her lifetime, she had crossed the entire country, healing people and preaching Christianity. She asked to be buried in Georgia, where she had spent her life. Later, King Mirian decided to move her body to Mtskheta, but all efforts were in vain: the coffin couldn’t be moved. Originally, a little temple in honor of the martyr St. George was built on this place, but this temple didn’t survive. In 850, the newer Cathedral that stands today was built on the spot of the older temple. This new temple follows classic design principles, following the best traditions of Georgian architecture. The interior has a few 9th century frescoes, with lots of additions from the 12th through 17th centuries.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Signagi City Walls, Signagi Georgia
Sighnaghi is located in the east side of the historical region of Kakheti - the heart of Georgia`s wine-growing regions. It is one of the smallest and most beautiful towns in Georgia due to its special and unique architecture and natural location; Sighnaghi is known as a "City of Love”, characterized with the beautiful, narrow, and cobblestone streets. It overlooks the most beautiful landscape of Alazani Valley and Caucasus Mountains. Sighnaghi is walled with the 5 km. remnants of 18th-century fortifications. There are two Georgian Orthodox churches in the town dedicated to St. George and to St. Stephen. The town with its environs are home to several historical and cultural monuments, specifically protected by the State since 1975. The local Ethnographic and Archaeological Museum dating from the 1950s was upgraded and developed into a modern-standard exhibition the – Sighnaghi Museum – in 2007. The venerated Bodbe Monastery is located 2 kilometers from Sighnaghi and is a place of pilgrimage due to its association with St. Nino, the 4th-century apostle of Georgia. Sighnaghi developed into a city in the 18th century. However, it’s scientifically proved that this place had been playing an important role in the development of the region since Paleolithic, Late Stone and Bronze Ages. The history of the town and its fortress is associated with the name of King Erekle II. In 1770 the King entered Sighnaghi into the list of cities and made it act the leading part in the defence against Lekis. The wall with the length of about 5 kilometers and 23 towers was constructed in the same period. The fortress could accommodate almost all Kizikhians in that period. Sighnaghi Wall is still considered to be one of the most important historic monuments in Kakheti and throughout Georgia. Today the Wall is reconstructed in its earliest form. In the 19th century Sighnaghi turned into the biggest center of workmanship and trade. It was a cultural center of Eastern Georgia. Several caravan routes crossed there. According to historic data, there were 131 shops and stalls at the central square of the town. Over the past years a rehabilitation project has been carried out in Sighnaghi. Within the scope of the project the town gained it historical format again: restoration of old buildings, revetment of streets, improvement and development of infrastructure. Today Sighnaghi is also called a town-museum because the architectural style that characterized it 200 years ago is still preserved there. The wall, houses built with Georgian bricks, wooden fretwork balconies, cobblestone pavements, wine cellars, basements and of course the inimitable views produce an unforgettable impression upon the visitors of the town. Sighnaghi is distinguished by its clement, humid climate. Winter temperate is cold, summer – quite hot. The highest average annual temperature is 24.3°C (July) and the lowest average annual temperature is 0.2°C (January). Position data: 41°36′55″N 45°54′46″E / 41.61528°N 45.91278°E / 41.61528; 45.91278 Country: Georgia Region: Kakheti Area: 1251 km2 Altitude: 790 m. above sea level Population: 2000

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Tunnel Winery Khareba's, Meurneoba District Kakheti, Kvareli 383320 Georgia
In August 2011, Winery Khareba modernized its cellar in Terjola (Imereti) and today it is equipped with modern machinery including stainless steal tanks. Here, we produce our premium still and sparkling wines. 8000 years old winemaking method and innovative achievements of the 21st century are combined in the Terjola cellar. This is a place where more than 40 kinds of wines are produced using more than 20 different indigious grape varieties. Winery Khareba's eastern Georgia cellar is located in Vachnadziani (Kakheti) and has been producing wines since 1957. This cellar mainly produces table wines and production capacity is more than 55 000 hectoliters per year. We also own a spirits (Brandy) production facility in Akhmeta (Kakheti).

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Shumi Winery, Village Tsinandali, Kakheti, Georgia, Tsinandali 2217 Georgia
he company owns Vazioni small museum which houses a fine collection of wine related exhibits, an ethnography department and a wine-tasting area.

The museum collection already contains 294 varieties of vine collected by SHUMI employees in different areas of Georgia, as well as 92 varieties of foreign vines. Among all these different Georgian vines, only 15 are used for commercial purposes today. The Museum also aims to find rare species of vine with unique qualities which could enrich Georgian wine-making.

The exhibition hall exhibits ancient wine-making accessories found in Georgia, such as grape presses, clay “Qvevri” (pots of great capacity) and various drinking vessels used in ancient Georgia. The Museum Vazioni is regularly visited by Georgians from all over the country and by tourists from abroad. The wine-tasting area is very popular among foreign visitors who can taste and purchase SHUMI products in a unique environment.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 4: [Uplistsikhe & Mtskheta]- | [ Private ioTour ]

Stop At: Uplistsiche Cave Town, Kvakhvreli 15 km Eastwards to Town Gori, Gori Georgia
Uplistsikhe, the cave town is situated 7 km southeast of Gori on the left bank of the River Mtkvari. The site still amazes the visitors by its dimensions, extraordinary position, refined forms and the beauty of landscape. You will find huge echoing halls, long meandering corridor-streets, chambers for pagan worship and even the remains of Georgia's oldest theater there. You will be impressed by the skill, knowledge, experience and physical and spiritual power of all those, who created this unique monument.

The history of Uplistsikhe goes back to the 2nd-1st millenniums B.C. In antiquity, the city was one of the most important centers of Kartli and in the middle Ages it stood on an important trade route that linked Byzantium with India and China. In 10th-16th centuries B.C. one of the strongest communities, residing on this territory used the natural caves for dwellings, later Uplistsikhe became one of the strongest political, cultural, religious and economic centers and the royal residence.

After the establishment of Christianity as the state religion, in the 30s of 4th century, the town began to decline. During Mongol invasions in 12th century it was badly damaged and soon in the 13th century, the hordes of Genghis Khan's son Khulagu finally destroyed it. The five thousand inhabitants of Uplistsikhe perished and life ended forever in the fortress.

Today various kinds of halls, rooms, and buildings made in different epochs still survive. Archaeological findings such as ritual things and jewels made of gold, silver, Iron, bones, stone and clay sculptures shed light to the history of the town. Archaeologists claim that the people of Uplistsikhe had close ties with the centers of Urartu, Asia Minor and Greek-Roman countries. The handicrafts made here are of high artistic quality, today kept in the State Art Museum of Georgia.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Stalin Museum, 32 Stalin Avenue, Gori Georgia
Established in 1937 the Stalin memorial museum is located in Gori and retains its Soviet-era characteristics until recent days.

The museum exhibits re-create scenes from the life of the leader and include unique photos, gifts and furniture. The house where Stalin was born is preserved under a stone canopy nearby.

Museum complex consists of memorial house, where Stalin was born, exposition building with tower and Stalin’s personal coach with interior, by which he had travelled to Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam. Museum houses Stalin’s personal things, study room of Kremlin, manuscripts, gifts from over the world, Stalin’s mask (author: Manizer), paintings (U. Japaridze, L. Gudiashvili, E. Akhvlediani, G. Totibadze, K. Magalashvili, A, Kutateladze, A. Bletkin, V. Serov, D. Maisashvili, S. Semenov etc.) all located in the town's central square:

Stalin's house - a small wooden hut, in which Stalin was born in 1878 and spent his first four years. The hut is a duplex, and Stalin's father Vissarion Jughashvili, a local shoemaker, rented the one room on the left hand side of the building and maintained a workshop in the basement.

Stalin Museum – the main building of the museum, which contains many items actually or allegedly owned by Stalin, including some of his office furniture, his personal effects and gifts made to him over the years. There is also much illustration by way of documentation, photographs, paintings and newspaper articles. The display concludes with one of twelve copies of the death mask of Stalin taken shortly after his death.

Stalin's personal railway carriage - the green Pullman carriage, which is armor plated and weighs 83 tons, was used by Stalin from 1941 onwards.

Working hours: Everyday, 10.00 – 18.00 in summer, 10.00 – 17.00 in winter

Ticket price: Adults –15 GEL, children – 1 GEL, students – 10 GEL

Free of charge:

Children less than 6 years of age and homeless children

soldiers

employers of Georgian and Foreign Museums

ICOM members

I and II category disabled persons

refugees.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Arsukidze, Mtskheta 383400 Georgia
Svetitskhoveli is the main Christian Orthodox Cathedral in Georgia, built in 1010-1029 cc by the Georgian architect Arsukisdze and represents the high artistic value of Feudal time’s architecture. It was the main pilgrimage place on the Silk Road, the burial place of the Christ’s Robe, the tomb place of Georgian Kings and the most frequently visited place in Georgia. It is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the historical town of Mtskheta, the former capital of the kingdom of Iberia.

Driving distance from Tbilisi is 20 km (15 minutes) North-West. The history of the monument dates back to the 1st century A.D. According to the main legend a part of the Lord's tunic fell into the hands of a Mtskheta dweller, local Jewish man Eliazar, who had witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Eliazar brought the tunic to Georgia. In Mtskheta he was met by his sister, Sidonia. She strained the tunic to her breast and gave her soul to God. No one could take the precious thing from Sidonia's hands and therefore she was buried holding the tunic. On her grave a miraculous tree grew under which curative sweet-smelling liquid streamed throughout summer and winter.

In 337 king Mirian declared Christianity as the state religion of Georgia and decided to build the main temple on the place where the Lord's tunic was buried. The cathedral which began its life as a wooden church was named a ‘Living pillar’ because of the main pillar which was cut from the sacred tree growing on Sidonia's grave.

The first stone cathedral was built in 6th century. Today the remains of the decorated pillars can be observed under the transparent glass floor.

The current construction was built in 1029 by the Georgian architect Arsukidze.

The cathedral differs in its artistic value, magnificence, harmony and the special role it has played in the history and art of the country. The décor of the western façade is the most relief and artistically ornamented part of the Cathedral, which nearly has fully preserved its original form. Asymmetry characteristic to the Cathedral is better seen on the southern façade. A western part of the southern façade preserves an interesting composition of relief and sculptural figures dated to the period of the Cathedral construction. The eastern façade, as compared with other facades, is symmetric and differs in variety and mastery of ornaments. A system of decorative arches is used on the northern façade, the central arch being elevated stressing the Cathedral's height, 54 meters.

Some scholars claim that Alexander the First in 15th century renovated almost completely demolished cathedral. Svetitskhoveli reached our time bearing the ornamentation and interior paintings of those days. A well-known zodiac circle is the only one in the whole Georgia. The first sun clock with the shape of a peacock is depicted on the exterior wall of the cathedral.

In 1787, King Erekle ordered a wall to be built around the cathedral. The monument, full of legends still amazes its visitors. Setitskhoveli is a favorite place for local people, young couples and tourists who can observe colorful wedding ceremonies there every weekend
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Jvari Church, Mtskheta Georgia
The masterpiece of Early Christian Orthodox architecture Jvari Monastery is dated 585-604 cc AD. Located on the hill top near the town Mtskheta, it is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1994. The name is translated as the Monastery of the Cross.

According to traditional accounts, in the early 4th century Saint Nino stayed here to pray and erected a wooden cross on Mtskheta’s highest hill. The church was built on the crest of a cliff at a confluence of the rivers Mtkvari and Aragvi. It is a representative of the tetra conch architectural type that was popular not only in Georgia but also in Byzantine world.

Jvari served as a model for many other churches in the country. Unusual and varied relief sculptures decorate its façades. The importance of Jvari complex increased over time and attracted many pilgrims. According to the legend pilgrims visiting the site shed tears while praying and the nearby natural lake was named the Lake of tears.

The harmonious relationship between the landscape, architectural forms and divisions, the well-thought-out disposition of decorative elements and splendid relieves carved on big slabs of a stone give the south and east walls special expressiveness. Among the reliefs of the east wall are found the portraits of the kings who built the church. Included in UNESCO world heritage sights, the monument is still used for major celebrations.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.