Tsalka Canyon Private Tour: Explore Vintage Cathedrals, Organic Farms, and Stunning Lakes
5.0
4 Ratings
Manglisi
Embark on a private tour of Tsalka Canyon and discover vintage cathedrals, organic farms, and stunning lakes. Indulge in local cuisine and endemic wines while exploring the breathtaking natural beauty of the region. Book now!
Duration:
12 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Manglisi Sioni - You will visit Manglisi Sioni Cathedral that was constructed in 6th-7th century. The first church was built in 4th century during the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion. Byzantine Imperor Constantine gifted to King Mirian abundant treasures and parts of the Holy Cross of Christ and sent Bishop John (Ioanne) to build churches in Georgia. Before he arrived in Mtskheta, he stopped in Manglisi and started building a temple.
- Paravani Lake - You will visit Paravani Lake (2 073 m) is the largest lake with 38 sq.km area with depth of 3 meters. From mid-autumn to mid-spring it is covered with ice.
- Poka Nunnery of St. Nino - You will vist Phoka Nunnery of St. Nino where St. Nino stayed for two days after she entered Georgia via crossing the mountains of Javakheti. She started preaching the Christian faith, followed river Mtkvari and reached Mtskheta. The monastery has a missionary role, representing for years the only Georgian-speaking island in an alienated environment. The nunnery produces cheese, candles, cloisonne enamel and confectionery products.
- Gorelovka - You will visit village Gorelovka to visit Ethnographic Museum. The village was founded by Dukhabors, Christian spiritual religious group of Russian origin. They rejected the secular government, priesthood, the use of icons, and all church rituals. They do not follow any customs other than marriage. Women are equal to men in the family. They were relocated from Russia during the reign of Emperor Nicholas I and 5,000 Doukhobors were resettled to Georgia between 1841 and 1845.
- Dashbashi Canyon - You will visit Tsalka Canyon (Dashbashi Canyon) that has astounding cascading waterfalls that take exotic emerald colour and form dozens of small waterfalls. The canyon complex includes a 1800-meter path to the canyon river with stunning views and unique 240-meter long glass bridge over the canyon with a diamond-shaped café in the middle.
- Asureti - You will visit village Asureti where 7,000 German colonists settled in 1817. After living for almost 125 years, in 1941 Stalin deported Germans from Georgia to Central Asia. Only those who were married to Georgians were allowed to stay. The durability of the houses built without cement and nails, oak balconies, sulfur bath and wine cellar still amaze people. In Asureti there is an old Georgian vine variety \
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and/or taxes
Additional Information
This comprehensive full-day tour features visits to the Manglisi Cathedral, a structure from the 6th-7th centuries, as well as Poka Nunnery of St. Nino, known for its organic offerings. We’ll also swing by the village of Gorelovka near the Georgia-Armenia border, where we will visit the Ethnographic Museum of the Dukhabors, a Christian spiritual group of Russian heritage. Additional highlights include the former German colony of Asureti (Elizabettal), and the stunning Tsalka (Dashbashi) canyon complex, complete with a 1800-meter trek to the canyon that boasts a series of charming waterfalls and an exceptional 240-meter long glass bridge featuring a diamond-shaped café at its center. Our journey will involve exploring the following lakes: Tsalka, Paravani, Saghamo, Bugdasheni, and Madatapa. Two tour variations are available: a Luncheon & Wine Tasting option which features a sampling of delectable local meals and endemic wines, or a Private tour to Tsalka Canyon perfect for those who appreciate spectacular natural settings, picturesque lake views, organically grown food, and endemic wines. The total travel distance is 385 km (235 miles).
- Tsalka Canyon is closed during bad weather and the height of the visitor in the canyon must exceed 1.2 m. To reach the canyon guest need to hike around 30 minutes.
- Ladies need to wear head scarves and dresses in Georgian orthodox churches. Short trousers for men are also forbidden. Scarves and dresses can also be found near church entrances for men and women to enter churches.
- Standard Tour does not include lunch, but you will stop in a restaurant for lunch.
Location
Manglisi Sioni
იოანე მანგლელის ქუჩა
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
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1 star
Jessica_t
Aug 21, 2023
Great tour of hidden gems! - Giorgi was a great guide and host, spending the whole day driving us to to each part of the tour. It was great to see the less touristy areas of Georgia and learn more about Georgia's history Would highly recommend this tour to anyone that wants to escape the tourist crowds!
We accidently left one of our pieces of luggage in his car after the tour ended and he kindly drove all the way back to our hotel accomodation the next day to return it to us in his free time. A very caring guide
Review provided by Viator
Taunic2017
Sep 5, 2022
Magical Tsalka Canyon with the hanging diamond viewing platform - We heard about the new diamond-shaped glass viewing platform across Tsalka canyon as we were planning our trip to Georgia - [it was opened just in June 2022], and we knew we had to go there! Tsalka canyon by itself is gorgeous, but the new viewing platform makes it a unique and almost magical experience.
You can walk across the bridge [partially made of glass], to the diamond-shaped platform in the middle which is entirely made of glass and affords amazing views of the canyon below. Once you've taken all of the instagramable pics from the viewing platform, the walk down into the canyon and back is equally gorgeous. At the bottom there is a series of waterfalls which are peaceful, and you can see the diamond platform from the bottom.
Our guide from Select Georgia tours had excellent English, and was extremely patient as we kept stopping to take pictures [and rest!] on the hike down and back from the canyon. I highly recommend Tsalka canyon and Select Georgia tours is the best!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carol_t
Jul 21, 2020
Amazing Experience in Georgia! - What a terrific tour! I was personally hosted by Giorgi, who was a charming and knowledgeable guide. He picked me up promptly in an impeccable tour van and we jumped right into a wonderful all-day overview of a very special part of Georgia off the main tourist paths. Giorgi always knew the best spots to get extraordinary views and photos and gave me fascinating information on the local culture, history and especially the music! He found a wonderful restaurant for lunch run by an amazing and welcoming family serving all organic and local products. The work being done at Phoka Nunnery is so impressive and the incredible range of products they produce were elegantly wrapped and delicious! I have been wanting to see Phoka since it was written up in the NYT earlier this year, and am so glad I chose to go with SelectGeorgia!
Review provided by Viator
Abir1971
Mar 4, 2020
Our family Holliday in the amazing Tbilisi - It was one of the best holidays ever ... breath taking landscape .. rich culture .. delicious food .. and above all George our guid who took us to the most fascinating places
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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