• Monastery Mgvimevi - The Mghvimevi (cave) Mothers’ Monastery is a 13th-century two-nave basilica, dedicated to the Nativity of the Mother of God, partially carved into rock. The complex features a small hall church, a bell tower, and a circuit wall. During wartime, small caves around the monastery served as refuges. The facade is adorned with carvings around the window, monumental crosses, interlocking rhombuses, cornice carvings, and more. The wooden iconostasis, created in the 18th century, depicts the Savior, the Twelve Apostles, and various scenes from the life of Jesus.
• Chiatura - Chiatura is a mining town located in a mountain valley of the Qvirila River. In 1879, Georgian poet Akaki Tsereteli discovered manganese, and Chiatura quickly developed into a mining colony, becoming a city in 1921. Due to the steep-sided river valley, workers spent significant time walking from the town to the mines, reducing productivity. In 1954, a cable car system was installed to transport workers. Today, 17 cable car systems still operate using the original 1950s infrastructure, with the central hub of 4 lines being upgraded with modern cable car technology.
• Didi Katskhi - The Katskhi Monastery of the Nativity of the Savior is a medieval monastery constructed by the Baguashi family between 988 and 1014. The church is notable for its hexagonal design and rich ornamentation. The exterior features three cylindrical levels that gradually narrow. Although the building was richly ornate, the decoration of the two upper tiers was lost during the 1854 restoration. The relief at the southern vestibule depicts the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, featuring a cross supported by four angels. The church is enclosed by a pentagonal wall with a free-standing bell tower added in the 17th or 18th centuries.
• Katskhi Pillar - The Katskhi Pillar is a 40-meter-high natural limestone monolith that overlooks the small river valley of Katskhura, dating back to the 9th-10th century. The Katskhi Pillar complex includes a church of Maximus the Confessor, a burial vault, three hermit cells, a wine cellar, and a curtain wall atop the column. At the base of the pillar are the newly built church of Simeon Stylites, ruins of an old wall and belfry, and a Bolnisi cross relief. Several local legends surround the pillar, including one that claims the top of the rock was connected by a long iron chain to the dome of the Katskhi church, located 1.5 km away.
• Ubisa Monastery - Ubisa is a medieval monastic complex founded by Grigol Khandzteli in the 9th century and later renewed by Simon Chkondideli in 1141. In the 14th century, during the reign of George the Magnificent, the main temple of the monastery was adorned with unique frescoes. The “Last Supper” of Ubisa Monastery is a new style by the 14th-century Georgian artist Damian and his student Gerasim. This fresco demonstrates that Georgia embraced the Renaissance spirit earlier in the Middle Ages. Before the great Italian Leonardo da Vinci (who painted in 1495 to 1498), a fish appears on the table of Ubisa’s “Last Supper,” along with expressive human gestures and facial expressions in the faces of saints.

• Private transportation
• On-board WiFi
• Tasting Khachapuri (Cheese Bread)
• Bottled water
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Lunch

Embark on a private, all-day journey to explore Katskhi Pillar and Chiatura that takes you through attractions such as the dual-hall Mgvimevi church, constructed within a natural cavern during the 13th century, and the mining hub of Chiatura that is home to the oldest Soviet cable cars. The tour also showcases the Katskhi Monastery, lauded for its unique six-sided design and detailed embellishments, and the awe-inspiring Katskhi Pillar – a limestone monolith crowned with some of the most revered churches. Additionally, you’ll get to explore the Ubisa monastic complex from the medieval era, adorned with some of Georgia’s finest frescoes. Your private tour features a tasting of Khachapuri (traditional Georgian Cheese Bread) in a highland village and sampling of Tsitska wine, which belongs to the native Georgian vine family of Imereti. The drive offers panoramic views of the Jvari Pass and Rikoti Pass, covering a total distance of 435 km (265 miles).

• 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.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.