Kazbegi/Borjomi

Arrival in Tbilisi. You will be meet your guide and transferred to the hotel. Check-in at noon. Free time 1 hour. Afrerwards start your journey in Georgia with Tbilisi city tour at Metekhi church and the monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi. Take a cable car to Narikala Fortress to enjoy breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Walk down to the district of Sulphur bath houses passing by the only mosque in Tbilisi. Stroll through the Sharden area full of narrow streets with cozy cafés, wine tasting bars, souvenir shops, and breathe in the living past. Visit Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the clock tower of famous Rezo Gabriadze Theatre. Cross the Bridge of Peace to Rike Park. Dinner in Mtskheta. After dinner drive to Jvari Monastery- VI century church and monastery, located in the east of Mtskheta, at the mouth of the river Mtkvari and Aragvi, on the rocky mountain peak. Jvari Monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Upon adoption of Christianity, King Mirian raised a high wooden cross on this territory, which was worshiped by other Caucasian Christian nations. Guaram, the leader of Kartli, built a small church next to the cross nowadays known as “a small cross”. At the end of VII and VII century, Guaram’s son – Stepamoz I built a big temple next to a small cathedral, nowadays known as Jvari monastery. The wooden cross got covered up by a temple. The Mtskheta church of Jvari is the first sample of the cross-shaped type churches, it is a new thing in the architecture. Other structures around the monastery (tower, fence) are much older. On the facades of the temple, you can see religious and historical persons, there are old inscriptions too. Afterwards come down and visit Mtskheta city. Town is restored in historical-architectural style. Here you will find houses, restaurants, bazaar, souvenirs and many touristic places. But most important is Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, located in city center. It is main patriarchal cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the Mother Cathedral of Georgia, the place of enthronement (enthronement) of the Georgian Catholicos-Patriarchs, the burial of many kings of Georgia, their family members and patriarchs from the great cathedrals. Monument of Georgian architecture of the XI century, one of the four great cathedrals (Oshki, Bagrati Temple, Alaverdi). Svetitskhoveli is the largest historical church building among the survived ones in Georgia. It has been the religious center of Christian Georgia for centuries. On the advice of St. Nino, King Mirian, who converted to Christianity in the 4th century, built the first church here that has not survived and reach us. In 1970-1971, during the repair and restoration works (supervised architect V. Tsintsadze), traces of its foundation were found. Also, the plan of the basilica built here was completely outlined, which Vakhtang Gorgasali in the second half of the 5th century built here, after the demolition of Nino’s Church. The Catholicos of Kartli Melkisedek built a new church on the site of the damaged basilica in the XI th century. He invited Arsukisdze as an architect. Construction began in 1010 and was completed in 1029. During its existence, Svetitskhoveli has been renovated many times. In 1283 the temple was damaged by an earthquake. In the 14th century, Giorgi Brtskinvale restored the dome of the temple. The same century, the cathedral was damaged by the invaders. At the beginning of the 15th century, King Alexander the Great rebuilt the temple. In 1656, under the leadership of King Rostom and Queen Mary, the dome was restored. Afterwards drive to Tbilisi and return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.

After breakfast departure from Tbilisi in the direction of Ananuri. Ananuri Fortress Complex is a fortress of the feudal era (XVI-XVIII centuries) near the village of Ananuri. It is located on the Georgian military road, at the beginning of Zhinvali reservoir, at 900 meters above sea level. The buildings included in the complex are: upper and lower fortress, fence, towers, Church of the Mother of God, Church of the Deity, “Mkurnali” Church, bell tower, octagonal cell and reservoirs. Ananuri Architectural Ensemble is one of the best monuments of the late feudal era of Georgia. This area (village) has been inhabited since ancient times. However, no traces of early buildings have survived. After the creation of Aragvi Saeristavo, it was included in this Saeristavo. Here was the main fortress of the Aragvi nobility. Its strategic importance increased even more after the weakening of the central government in Georgia (XVII-XVIII centuries). It was the residence of the nobles of Aragvi. The strengthening and restoration of the Ananuri fortress also belongs to this period. After Ananuri, departure in the direction of Kazbegi. Visit to Gergeti Trinity. The exact date of construction of the Gergeti Temple is unknown (However, according to ancient sources and architectural styles, the Trinity was built in the XIV century during the ascension of the Georgian Church), there is no information about the builders and its construction as well. In its name, the term “Gergeti” is attributed to the location where the temple was erected. Earlier, the village of Gergeti was cultivated on the left side of the river Tergi, and on the right side -the administrative center of the historic gorge- Stepantsminda. The temple is built on the left side, on the territory of Gergeti settlement. In the last third of the XX century, in 1966, the village of Gergeti joined Kazbegi, but the old name of the church remained unchanged, and it is still called the Gergeti Trinity. The Trinity Church of Gergeti, with its history and location, is the face of Georgia – a Christian island hidden in the most beautiful nature. Afterwards return to Kazbegi: Khinkali master class and dinner. After dinner departure to Tbilisi and return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.

After breakfast departure from Tbilisi to Borjomi. Full day borjomi and Bakuriani tour. Bakuriani, the oldest ski resort in the Caucasus, has a snow-recreational history since the end of the 19th century, when members of the Russian Imperial family drew attention to the scenic area not far from the famous Borjomi. The purest air of high mountains, filled with the scent of coniferous forests, breathtaking views of the sparkling peaks and gorges, all promised to become a fabulous experience for travelers from different part of the world. Bakuriani ski resort is situated 1700 meters above sea level on the northern slope of Trialeti Range, beneath the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains. There is a 29 km slope available for skiing and snowboarding. Fifteen lifts transport the guests. The location of the winter sports area is between 1,740 and 2,702 meters in elevations. Due to its long winters (4-5 months), the resort is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. It is also a superb venue for children to engage in winter sports and activities. Modern developed ski areas Didveli (1861m) and Kokhta (2155m) are the main slopes of Bakuriani. Different ski trails are suitable for all levels of skiers. Bakuriani is the perfect place to have an unforgettable time with family and friends, get maximum pleasure from winter sports. Also, there are many hotels, hostels, family guest houses, restaurants, and cafes with healthy local food. Thus, the resort is an ideal destination for recreational purposes and sport and nature lovers. You will be able to have dinner at the restaurant in Bakuriani. After dinner drive to Borjomi. Borjomi is located in the Borjomi gorge, in the south-east of Georgia, at an altitude of 800-850 meters above sea level. This resort is surrounded by mountains, which are covered with forests. The population of the city is about 14 thousand people. According to an ancient legend, Borjomi was founded as a natural fortress, the walls of which served as the Caucasus Mountains. Guard towers were built on the slopes of the gorge to protect against the enemies, the remains of which still exist today. Visit borjomi park and accommodate in the hotel. Overnight in Borjomi.

After breakfast departure from Borjomi to Tbilisi International Airport.