Jvari Temple - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe cave town

Jvari Church - Our tour begins at the Jvari Monastery, an ancient temple dating back to the 6th century, near the historic capital of Mtskheta. Perched atop a high mountain, it offers stunning views of the surrounding area, where the turbulent waters of the Aragvi and Kura rivers meet. The temple draws thousands of visitors due to its architectural beauty, strategic location, and historical significance. The name of the church translates from Georgian as “the cross,” and it has a rich history that we will share with you during the visit.

Mtskheta - Our next stop is Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just like the Jvari Monastery. Inhabited for over 2500 years, Mtskheta was once the capital of the early Kingdom of Iberia. This historic town is home to numerous ancient monuments, including the Pompey Bridge, a stone bridge over the Kura River built around 65 BC during the time of Pompey the Great, Bebris Castle from the 1st century, and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of the most sacred places in Georgia where Christ’s robe is said to be buried.

Uplistsikhe Cave Town - Our final destination is Uplistsikhe, the “Fortress of God,” an ancient cave city carved into the rock over 3000 years ago. This site played a crucial role in Georgia’s history. Its unique structure has preserved architectural and religious buildings spanning several millennia. Today, 150 caves remain, some of which we will explore during our tour. Highlights include a cave tunnel, an ancient sun temple, the royal cave of King Tamara, a winery, a 6th-century church, a library, and an ancient pharmacy.

Jinvali-Ananuri-Gudauri (Caucasus Mountain tour)

Jvari Church - Departing from Tbilisi early in the morning, we head towards Gudauri along the Georgian Military Road, covering 120km. Our first stop is the Jvari Monastery, an ancient 6th-century temple located on a high mountain, offering breathtaking views of the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers. The temple is renowned for its architecture, location, and historical importance. The name of the church translates from Georgian as “the cross,” and we will share its history with you during the visit.

Jinvali Water Reservoir - Our next stop is the Jinvali Water Reservoir, an artificial lake on the Aragvi River, perfect for capturing memorable landscape photographs.

Ananuri Fortified Castle Ensemble - Just 15 minutes away is the Ananuri Castle, one of Georgia’s most popular tourist attractions. This fortress complex includes a pair of churches and a 16th-century defensive tower. Located on the shores of the Jinvali Reservoir, known for its striking turquoise waters, the fortress was once the seat of the eristavis (dukes) of Aragvi. Here, you can enjoy excellent views of the mountains, water, and the picturesque fortress.

Gudauri - Our next stop is Gudauri, a renowned ski resort in Georgia situated at an altitude of 2200m above sea level. The resort’s highest lift station is at 3,306m, offering top-notch skiing opportunities. The ski season runs from December 25 to April 25.

Russian Georgian Friendship Monument - The Gudauri Friendship Monument, also known as the Gudauri Panorama, is one of the most beautiful spots with stunning views of the Devil’s Valley and the Caucasus mountains. Built in 1983 during the Soviet era to commemorate the bicentennial of the Treaty of Georgievsk and the friendship between Soviet Georgia and Soviet Russia, the monument is a large circular stone and concrete structure. Inside, a vibrant mural depicts stylized scenes from Georgian and Russian histories. The Gudauri Friendship Monument is the highest point on your trip, offering views of snowy mountains almost year-round.

The duration of the Jvari - Jinvali - Ananuri - Gudauri tour is approximately 9 hours.

• Hotel pick-up & drop-off
• Private transportation
• On-board WiFi

• Entrance fee to Uplistsikhe caves - 5$ per person