Royal City Mtskheta Tour from Tbilisi

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Our journey starts from Tbilisi - Write us your location and we will pick you up at any place in Tbilisi (including hotels)

   Passes by

2. After 20 minutes drive from Tbilisi, we will arrive at Jvari Monastery. The name of this monastery is translated as the "Monastery of the Cross." Jvari Monastery is a sixth-century Georgian Orthodox monastery near Mtskheta. Along with other historic structures of Mtskheta, it is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Jvari Monastery stands on the rocky mountaintop at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking the town of Mtskheta, which was formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia.

   1 h

3. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is currently the second-largest church building in Georgia, after the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Known as the burial site of Christ's mantle, Svetitskhoveli has long been one of the principal Georgian Orthodox churches and is among the most venerated places of worship in the region. Svetitskhoveli was not only the site of the coronation of the Georgian kings but also served as their burial place.

   1 h

4. Samtavro Monastery is located in the city of Mtskheta. It is one of the most important cultural monuments. St. Nino lived here, King Mirian and Queen Nana are buried here. Abibo Nekreseli, one of the Assyrian fathers, is also buried in the Samtavro monastery. The complex includes several buildings: the main temple, St. Nino's church, bell tower and fence with a tower. Small St. Nino's Church dates back to the 11th century, but it is known that the church was first built by King Mirian in the 4th century. This church is also mentioned in the life of St. Nino. Samtavro is one of the most important and noteworthy monuments in Mtskheta from the historical and cultural point of view.

   1 h

5. Mtskheta is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, founded by the ancient Meschian tribes in the 5th century. Due to its historical significance and several cultural monuments, it is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It was the capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. However, Mtskheta continued to serve as the coronation and burial place for most kings of Georgia until the end of the kingdom in the 19th century.

   1 h

6. Shiomghvime is one of the most conspicuous monasteries of pre-feudal Georgia. It is located on the left bank of the river Mtkvari. It was founded in the second half of the 6th century by Shio, one of the Assyrian fathers. According to the sources, Shio spent the last years of his life in a dark and deep cave, and after his death, according to his will, he was buried there (hence the name "Shio's Cave", "Shiomghvime"). His tomb was considered a sacred place in Shiomghvime. Shiomghvime was also an old Georgian cultural-literary center.

   1 h

7. Our journey finishs in Tbilisi. We will recommend the best restaurants where traditional Georgian dishes are prepared. Also, our experienced drivers will provide you with all the information you may need while traveling in Georgia

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Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 2 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Tbilisi

• Its from-price is 27% below the median of the 184 city tours we list in Tbilisi.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 77 of 184.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Tbilisi

Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, spills along a river gorge beneath a fortress, mixing balconied old houses, sulphur baths and bold modern landmarks.

The old town gathers along the Mtkvari River, its narrow streets lined with carved wooden balconies, churches and wine bars. Abanotubani, the bath district, is crowned by brick domes over sulphur springs, and the walls of Narikala Fortress overlook it all, reached by cable car or a steep walk. The Mother of Georgia statue stands on the ridge holding a sword and a bowl of wine.

Top-ranked sights in Tbilisi: Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, Tbilisi Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi).

See all 1465 experiences in Tbilisi