Pilgrimage in Georgia

Meeting at Tbilisi International Airport, transfer and check-in to the hotel. Depending on the time of arrival, an evening walk around the city. Welcome dinner.

After breakfast we visit Jvari Monastery (VI century) – on the top of the mountain. From the slopes of the hill, on which was erected monastery Jvari, at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers, can be seen Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. as well as Samtavro Transfiguration Orthodox Church and Nunnery of St. Nino in Mtskheta. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Jvari Temple, and Samtavro Monastery are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We visit Shio-Mgvime Monastery. Light lunch in Mtskheta. From the Shio-Mgvime Monastery, we will go to Samtavisi cathedral. The church is a typical example and the founder of the Georgian interpretation of the cross-in-square churches. The cathedral is now one of the centers of the Eparchy of Samtavisi and Gori of the Georgian Orthodox Church. The Samtavisi complex is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Return to Tbilisi. Dinner. Hotel.

Today our first destination is Ananuri architectural ensemble. Inside the complex, among other buildings, there are three churches. Complex has been on the tentative list for inclusion into the UNESCO World Heritage Site program. Our next stop is the Cross Pass, at an altitude of 2395 meters above sea level. There is also an observation deck from which incredible views of the Greater Caucasus open up. After, our path lies to the Gergeti Trinity Church (XIV c), located at an altitude of 2170 m above sea level, at the foot of Mount Mkinvartsveri (ice peak, 5,054 m). The church is now an active establishment of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church. Light lunch in Stepantsminda. Return to Tbilisi. On the way back, visit Tsilkani Cathedral of the Virgin Mary. Since 1926, the icon has been kept in the National Museum of Georgia. Dinner in Tbilisi. Hotel.

After breakfast drive to Bodbe Monastery, now functions as a nunnery and is one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia. Then we visit city of love – Sighnaghi, the Royal town, a beautiful example of the city architecture. Thanks to its location in the heart of Georgia’s wine regions, as well as its picturesque landscapes, Sighnaghi is a popular tourist destination. Light lunch in Sighnaghi. Continue our way to Nekresi Monastery. The monastery was closed down shortly after the Imperial Russian takeover of the Georgian church in 1811. After a hiatus of nearly two centuries, the monastery became functional again in 2000. It is a complex of buildings, including the three-church, a bishop’s palace, refectory, defensive tower etc. The complex is inscribed on the list of the Immovable Cultural Monuments of National Significance of Georgia. Hotel in Telavi (or nearby). Free time. Rest. Dinner.

After breakfast our way will continue to Alaverdi Monastery, symbol of the blossoming of the Kakhetian culture. Our next stop will be Ikalto monastery According to sources, the first academy in this area was founded in 9 AD, but during the Arab invasions it was entirely devastated. The monastery remains active today and serves as a popular destination of pilgrimage. Then we visit “Wine Trails” winery in the village of Ikalto. You will get acquainted with the traditional Georgian wine making technology. Wine tasting and early dinner with national dishes and various wines which are made in the cellar of “Wine Trails” company. On the way to Tbilisi, we’ll stop at Shuamta Monastery – Two of the architectural monuments of Kakheti are the Dzveli and Akhali Shuamta Monasteries. Both of them stand in a forest of deciduous trees, which makes them look even more fascinating. Hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel. This day will be entirely dedicated to the capital Tbilisi. Visit Cathedral of the Holy Trinity- the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Metekhi Church, built in the XII century. Sioni Cathedral (VI-XII century), one of the most famous monuments of the old town. Anchiskhati Basilica- was built in the VI century, which was later completely destroyed. In the XVII century it was rebuilt in its original form. The Icon of Ancha the Savior was transferred to this church. (At the request of the group visiting the gold fund of the art museum, where ancient miraculous icons are kept). Free time in the old town. Dinner. Hotel.

Preparation for departure. Transfer to the airport.
End of the tour.