Cultural Tour in 7 days / 6 nights

Day 1

Arrival in Accommodation in hotel meeting with a guide at the hotel and we start a city tour. Sameba - The cathedral of XX c. The church of XIII c. located on the bank of the river Mtkvari in the old city , Straddling the Mtkvari River is an arresting new pedestrian bridge “Bridge of Peace” courtesy of Italian architect Michel De Lucchi- the structure composed of glass and iron with a 150 m canopy roof connecting Old Tbilisi with a new recreational park on Rike. Abanotubani (Baths` district) - The Asian-type coloring baths built on the hot sulfur springs-all the bath are below the ground level and are overlapped by semicircular domes and are naturally lit via glass lantern over the cupola Walk along Chardin Street a very narrow and short, it is named after a French explorer Jan Chardin who visited Tbilisi in 1663. It’s a great way to wander around the local art galleries and souvenir shops with a chance to refuel in one of the area’s many cafes. Sioni – The former Cathedral of VI-XIII cc. with the wall painting of XIX-XX cc; Anchiskhati - The ancient basilica of the VI c. in the old city; Art museum of Georgia - is one of the leading museums in the country of Georgia. Falling under the umbrella of the , AMG is located near Freedom Square, Tbilisi and possesses around 140,000 items of Georgian, Oriental, Russian, and other European art. By cableway visit Narikala – An ancient fortress overlooking Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, and the Kura River. The fortress consists of two walled sections on a steep hill between the sulphur baths and the botanical gardens of Tbilisi. Newly built in 1996–1997, it replaces the original 13th-century church that was destroyed in a fire. By Funicular Railway we go up in Mtatsminda (holy land)- free time to walk in a park, near the park you can have a dinner at Funicular Restaurant by additional price.

Overnight in Tbilisi

Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel Drive to Svaneti region - land of fairytales Svaneti -Beautiful, wild and mysterious - Situated on the southern slopes of the central Caucasus Mountains and surrounded by 3,000–5,000 meter peaks, Svaneti is the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus, so remote that it was never tamed by any ruler. Four of the 10 highest peaks of the Caucasus are located in the region. The highest mountain in Georgia, Mount Shkhara at 5,201 meters (17,059 feet), is located in the province. Svaneti is known for their architectural treasures and picturesque landscapes. The botany of Svanetia is legendary among travelers. The famous Svanetian towers erected mainly in the 9th-12th centuries, make the region’s villages more attractive. Typically bilingual, they use both Georgian and their own unwritten Svan language. In the province are dozens of Georgian orthodox churches and various fortified buildings. Architectural monuments of Upper Svaneti are included in a list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

On the way visit visit Zugdidi and Dadiani’s Palace (XIX century); The way proceeds to Zemo (upper) Svaneti; EngurHES (Enguri Dam).

Overnight in Mestia

Day 3

Breakfast in the hotel At 10:00 am After breakfast visit Historical and Ethnographic Museum of Mestia which houses manuscripts from the 10th and 12th centuries; Also we visit the museum houses materials belonging to famous Georgian alpinist Mikheil Khergiani (1932-1969) There are: alpinist’s memorial things and different exhibits of life Svaneti.

Visit Hatsvali–mountain ski resort which is situated 8 km from Mestia. The road goes through the pine forest and there is a spectacular views of Mt.Ushba and white slopes of Mt. Tetnuldi.

Overnight in Mestia

Day 4

Breakfast at the hotel After breakfast drive to Ushguli village, the highest standing settlement in Europe (2,200 m). Ushguli has been "saved" by its particularly inaccessible location, which helped preserve the villages' timeless feel. Spend time in Ushguli strolling old narrow streets. Visit Lamaria Church complex with impressive wall frescos (XII). Locals believe that it was under this church that Queen Tamara was buried. Enjoy picturesque view of Mt. Shkhara. Ushguli architectural complex is a valuable architectural and historical monument listed in the World heritage of UNESCO for its exclusiveness. There are about 70 families living in Ushguli (around 200 people). Ethnography Museum of Ushguli - Museum has a superb collection of gold, silver and wooden icons and crosses dating back to the 12th century from Ushguli’s seven churches.

Return to Mestia. Overnight in Mestia,

Day 5

Breakfast at the Hotel Drive to Kutaisi Visit Bagrati Cathedral - named after Bagrat III, the first king of united Georgia, the beautiful Cathedral is a well-preserved complex, with wonderful mosaics and wall paintings. The cathedral and monastery represent the flowering of medieval architecture in Georgia. Gelati - the greatest monastery cathedral of Georgian culture “Golden Age” (XII c.); here at the main entrance is the grave of David the Builder. The king wanted to be buried in a place where all people coming to the monastery would step on his grave.

Free time Overnight in Kutaisi

Day 6

Breakfast in the hotel After the breakfast we visit “Prometheus Cave” one of the richest caves of Europe. It is characterised by the variety of underground rivers and beautiful landscapes. Walking route for tourists is 1060 m. near the main entrance about 60 meters long there is a lake. The cave itself is very breathtaking with its 16 specious architectural halls and each one is distinct by scales and unsurpassed shape. Prometheus cave is one of the richest with its space, variety and underground rivers and landscape.

Drive to Tbilisi Proceed to Tbilisi - On the way visit Mtskheta - an ancient city-museum is one of the oldest cities of Georgia, it is located approximately 20 kilometres north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Aragvi river. Mtskheta was founded in the 5th century BC. It was capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia (Kartli) from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. It was a site of early Christian activity, and the location where Christianity was proclaimed the state religion of Kartli in 337. It remains the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Due to its historical significance and several cultural monuments, the "Historical Monuments of Mtskheta" became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) and Jvari Monastery (6th century) in Mtskheta are amongst the most significant monuments of Georgian Christian architecture, and are historically significant in the development of medieval architecture throughout the Caucasus.

Overnight in Tbilisi

Day 7

Breakfast at the hotel Free time Transfer to the Airport

Have a safe flight!

PRICE INCLUDES (PER PERSON):

1. Hotel accommodation (Bed&Breakfast): in Tbilisi ( 2 nights), in Mestia (3 nights), in Kutasisi (1 night) 2.Full transportation and transfers in Georgia as specified in itinerary. 3 All European speaking guide-interpreter service. 4. A bottle of water 5. Entrance fees to museums and sightseeing destinations.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

1. Air-ticket. 2. Board meal plan. 3. Visa for Georgia entry. 4. Personal expenses (telephone, mini-bar, laundry, etc.) 5. Alcoholic drinks. 6. Additional tours and transfers not included in the itinerary. 7. Travel Insurance