UNESCO Gems of Mtskheta - Old Capital of Georgia
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our first stop is Jvari church which is one of the oldest churches in Georgia. The name of the church is translated as "cross." The church overlooks magnificent views of the ancient capital Mtskheta and the confluence of two rivers (Aragvi & Mtkvari). Jvari church is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO, along with other historic structures in Mtshketa. Jvari is the perfect place for those looking to travel back in time and enjoy the architecture of the Middle Ages.
Our last stop is Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Kartli, the East Georgian Kingdom from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD, and was also the location where Christianity was proclaimed as the official religion of Georgia in 337. Although the capital was moved to the more easily defended Tbilisi in the V century, Mtskheta continued to be the coronation and burial place of Georgian kings, and the seat of the Patriarch, who is also known as the Bishop of Mtskheta. Here we visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral which dates from the 11th century - early in the golden age of Georgian church architecture. Svetitskhoveli is considered as mother Cathedral of Georgia and is the burial of many kings of Georgia, their family members, and patriarchs from the great cathedrals although the holiest thing in this cathedral is the part of the robe of Jesus Christ which is believed to lie beneath the central nave, under a square pillar decorated with colorful if faded frescoes of the conversion of Kartli.
Discover the charm of Georgian handcrafts and souvenirs at the Mtskheta Flea Market. Stroll through vibrant stalls, meet local artisans, and find unique treasures, from traditional textiles to hand-carved wooden keepsakes. Let this market be your cultural shopping haven, offering a delightful and authentic experience during your tour.
Our last stop is - Samtavro Monastery. we'll visit the serene surroundings of the 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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Our agent will contact you and our driver/guide will meet you at the doorstep of your accommodation.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(33)
Giorgio was very accommodating and friendly, we visited Jvari and Mtskheta as well as a third cathedral. He was patient and we could spend enough time in the town of Mtskheta.
Luka was great and the trip was enjoyable and very interesting. We learned a lot. …………………………………………………………………………………..
It was my first time to visit Georgia and my first tour. I was an amazing experience, I have learned a lot about Georgian culture and knew more about their religion, Thank you to Lela and George they were lovely, kind and very accommodating, I was lucky enough to have them both my tour guide.You will fall in love with the place because of them. I cant wait to come back and have another tour with them.
Dear Jennifer, Madloba (Thank you) from the bottom of our hearts! Reading your review brought such a smile to my face. It is a huge honor that you chose us for your very first tour in Georgia, and I am thrilled that we could help set the tone for your trip! George and I truly enjoyed spending the day with you in Mtskheta. It was wonderful to share the deep history, spiritual significance, and culture of our old capital with someone so interested and open to learning. Hearing that you fell in love with this place because of our time together is the best compliment we could ever ask for. We are already looking forward to your return! There is still so much more of Georgia to show you. With love and gratitude, Lela & George We Are Georgia Tours
We only had a few days stopover in Tbilisi and wanted a short tour from the city to the main highlights. Our guide Lela was great, super knowledgeable and experienced, we learned a lot about Georgia and shared lots stories on the drives between locations. We’d highly recommend the tour and our guide.
Madloba (Thank you) for this wonderful feedback! I am so glad that the Mtskheta tour was the perfect fit for your short stopover in Tbilisi. It was truly a joy to spend the day with you and ensure you saw all the main highlights efficiently and comfortably. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations and sharing the stories and history of Georgia with you on the drives. Thank you for your incredibly kind words about my knowledge and experience. I hope you can return someday for a longer stay! Best regards, Lela
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!
Dear KARTIKEYA, Thank you immensely for your heartwarming words! I'm thrilled to learn that you had a fantastic experience on the Private UNESCO Gems Tour with us. Ensuring our guests feel comfortable and enjoy every moment is of utmost importance to us. If you ever find yourself planning more adventures in Georgia or need assistance down the road, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your travels and satisfaction are our top priorities. Warm regards, Lela and the We Are Georgia Tours Team
Had an amazing time with Luka and Lela. Great people who do a great job. 10/10 would recommend to a friend.
Thank you so much for your positive review! I'm thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time on the Private UNESCO Gems Tour with Luka and Me. It's wonderful to know that you found us to be great people who do a great job. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're delighted that you had a memorable experience exploring Mtskheta, Jvari, and Uplistsikhe. If you ever plan to visit Georgia again or explore different regions, we would be honored to welcome you for another adventure. Once again, thank you for choosing our tour, and we appreciate your kind words. Warm regards, Lela
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.
Thank you for your wonderful review and for choosing our Private UNESCO Gems Tour! I'm thrilled to hear that you had a great day trip with a lot of variety and enjoyed the visit to the bronze age cliff village, which is indeed a remarkable historical site. We aim to provide enriching experiences at a reasonable cost, and I'm glad to know that you found value in the tour. If your travels bring you back to Georgia or if you explore other destinations, we would be delighted to host you for more memorable experiences. Thank you for taking the time to share your positive feedback! Warm regards, Lela
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.
Dear Mauricio, Thank you for taking the time to share your impressions of the UNESCO Treasure Tour on Viator! I'm thrilled to hear that you found the tour impressive and that the history and atmosphere of the UNESCO cities resonated with you. Luka and I are honored by your kind words regarding his knowledge, willingness to share stories, and overall contribution to the tour experience. If there's ever more you wish to explore in Georgia, we would be delighted to welcome you back for another powerful tour. Thank you for choosing our tour, and I wish you many more enriching travel experiences in the future! Warm regards, Lela
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.
Dear Mauricio, Thank you for sharing your experience from the UNESCO Treasure Tour on TripAdvisor! I'm delighted to hear that you found the tour impressive and that the history of the UNESCO cities, their churches, and the overall atmosphere resonated with you. It's wonderful that Luka's knowledge and willingness to share the stories of the sites added value to your experience. If there's ever more you wish to explore in Georgia, we would be honored to welcome you back for another powerful tour. Thank you for your kind words, and happy travels! Warm regards, Lela
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.
Hello, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience on the UNESCO treasure tour to Mtskheta, Jvari, Gori, and Uplistsikhe. Catherine, our guide, is indeed excellent, and it's fantastic to know that her eagerness to share knowledge and engage with you added value to your journey. We always aim to offer a well-curated experience that covers all the highlights and provides opportunities for exploration. Thank you once again for choosing our tour, and we hope to have the pleasure of showing you more of Georgia's treasures in the future. Warm regards, Lela
