UNESCO Gems of Mtskheta - Old Capital of Georgia

Step back in time and explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Mtskheta, Jvari, Gori, and Uplistsikhe in Georgia. Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning architecture of these ancient destinations.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Jvari Church - Our first stop is Jvari Church, one of the oldest churches in Georgia. The name translates to “cross.” The church offers stunning views of the ancient capital Mtskheta and the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Jvari Church is a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with other historic structures in Mtskheta. It’s an ideal destination for those wanting to step back in time and appreciate Middle Ages architecture.
  • Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - Our final stop is Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Kartli, the East Georgian Kingdom from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD, and the place where Christianity was declared the official religion of Georgia in 337. Although the capital moved to Tbilisi in the 5th century, Mtskheta remained the coronation and burial site for Georgian kings and the seat of the Patriarch, also known as the Bishop of Mtskheta. Here, we visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, early in the golden age of Georgian church architecture. Svetitskhoveli is considered the mother cathedral of Georgia and is the burial site for many Georgian kings, their family members, and patriarchs. The holiest relic in this cathedral is believed to be a part of Jesus Christ’s robe, lying beneath the central nave under a square pillar adorned with colorful, though faded, frescoes of the conversion of Kartli.
  • Mtskheta - Explore the charm of Georgian handcrafts and souvenirs at the Mtskheta Flea Market. Wander through vibrant stalls, meet local artisans, and discover unique treasures, from traditional textiles to hand-carved wooden keepsakes. This market offers a delightful and authentic cultural shopping experience during your tour.
  • Samtavro Church - Our final stop is Samtavro Monastery. Visit the serene spiritual sanctuary nestled amidst lush greenery. Here, you can soak in the tranquil atmosphere and admire the intricate architecture that reflects centuries of Georgian religious tradition.
What's Included
  • Pick-up from your hotel / apartment
  • 24/7 Online support
  • Private transportation
  • Drop-off at your Hotel / Apartment
What's Not Included
  • Guide Service (You can add it during checkout)
Additional Information

Join a journey of the UNESCO Gems of Georgia. Explore Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Georgia. Visit Jvari Church, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and Samtavro Monastery. Each destination on our tour offers a unique experience of Georgia’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions.

We’ll start by visiting the architectural masterpiece of the 6th-century Jvari Church, commanding panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Next, we’ll explore the historical depths of the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a symbol of Georgia’s enduring spirituality and cultural legacy. Then, immerse yourself in the bustling energy of the Mtskheta Flea Market, where local artisans showcase their crafts and souvenirs, providing a taste of authentic Georgian culture.

Lastly, we’ll visit Samtavro Monastery, a spiritual sanctuary nestled amidst lush greenery. Here, you can soak in the tranquil atmosphere and admire the intricate architecture that reflects centuries of Georgian religious tradition.

Location
Jvari Church
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(29 Ratings)
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Connector67230732300
Dec 29, 2023
Excellent services! - Luca and his team at We are Georgia Tours very courteous and professional. They made us feel very comfortable during the entire tour. Our pickup from the Hotel was right on time. Excellent services!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U5534ffethanh
Nov 30, 2023
Good time! - Had an amazing time with Luka and Lela. Great people who do a great job. 10/10 would recommend to a friend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Islandler
Nov 17, 2023
Low price for great day trip with a lot of variety - Really great day trip with private guide, low cost and we were picked up from our hotel Low price for great day trip with a lot of variety Really enjoyed the bronze age cliff village that was almost 10,000 years old.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mauricio_v
Oct 30, 2023
A very impressive tour. - The tour of the UNESCO cities is impressive. The history and what you feel walking through their spaces, churches, and everything they once represented for the people of Georgia and the history of the world is fascinating. Moreover, if you add the knowledge and willingness of Luka, the guide, who shares and comments on the stories of the sites, there is nothing more to ask for. It's a long story for a powerful tour.
Review provided by Viator
Mauriciovv3600lo
Oct 28, 2023
A Long Story for a powerful tour. - The tour of the UNESCO cities is impressive. The history and what you feel walking through their spaces, their churches and everything they once represented for the people of Georgia and for the history of the world, is interesting. Moreover, if you add the knowledge and willingness of Luka, the guide, who shares and comments on the stories of the sites, there is nothing more to ask for.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matthew_c
May 17, 2023
A great way to see the Caucus Mountains - This tour is a great way to see the Caucus Mountains. The guide Catherine was excellent and very eager to speak with us all. The sites we visited were well curated, hitting all of the highlights around Kazbegi. Lots of car travel is required, but it’s coupled with adequate stops and chances to walk around.
Review provided by Viator
Theresa
Dec 16, 2022
A great place to remember.. - A wonderful place to visit, Amazing creation of nature.. unbelievable ancient place. Thank you Lela for guiding us, really have a great time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anthikltz
Nov 22, 2022
Private tour with Lela - Really amazing tour. Our guide Lela and our driver Batcho made everything so easy and comfortable for us! Both of them showed us amazing hospitality. Lela is always being so kind to us and even gave us a small souvenir gift for us to remember this experience. She's very knowledgeable, explains everything in details and she was willing to answer all of our questions. A highly recommended experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dolgonosm
Oct 23, 2022
Amazing tour with a wonderful tour girl, named Lela. - This is a very interesting tour, a lot to see, a lot of history and a lot of memories. Lela is very knowledgeable, nice, friendly and lovely, who made us feel like family. We had a great time! I highly recommend this tour with this company!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karimsq5860ye
Oct 22, 2022
Super - A tour into old Georgia which I highly recommend for history freaks! Amazing nature, and much to see from pre-historic caves to ancient churches ending with the much ironic Stalin's birthplace, turned museum in Gori. All made possible by our amazing tour guide, Lela, who rendered the whole experience the more enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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