• Tbilisi - Archaeological findings confirm that the area of Tbilisi was inhabited as early as the 4th millennium BC. The earliest mention of the site dates back to the latter half of the 4th century, when a fortress was constructed during the reign of King Varaz-Baku. By the end of the 4th century, Tbilisi became the residence of the Persian official Pitakhshi. From the mid-5th century, it returned to the control of the kings of Kartli. Vakhtang Gorgasali restored and expanded it, thus he is often regarded as the city’s founder. Some historians suggest that King Vakhtang Gorgasali (who reigned in the latter half of the 5th century) was more responsible for the city’s revival and reconstruction rather than its founding.
• Mtskheta - Mtskheta is a city in Georgia, serving as the administrative center of Mtskheta Municipality and the Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region. The historical monuments of Mtskheta are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The population is 7,940 people (2014). The city features a railway station, food and light industry enterprises, and the Zemo Avchala hydroelectric power station. Mtskheta is rich in cultural (higher education institutions, theater, museum) and architectural monuments.

Geography
Situated at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, on both banks of the Mtkvari and the right bank of the Aragvi. It has a railway station on the Tbilisi-Samtredia line. Located 480 m above sea level, it is 21 km from Tbilisi (by rail).

• Jvari Church - The temple’s name has historical significance. In the 30s of the 4th century, from the early years of Christianity’s adoption, King Mirian III erected a wooden cross on this site, which was later revered not only by Georgians but also by Christians throughout the Caucasus. In the second half of the 6th century (545 - 586), the Kartli patriarch Guaram built a small church to the north of the cross. At the end of the 6th century and the beginning of the 7th century (586/587 - 604/605), Guaram’s son, the patriarch Stephanos I, along with his brothers Demeter and Adarnas (604/605 - 634/635) and other members of the patriarchal family, constructed a large temple next to the small church, which was topped with a wooden cross (the pedestal of the cross remains in the church to this day).

• Bottled water
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• English and Russian Language Guide
• Free Wi-Fi on Board

• Lunch

Archaeological digs have verified that the area of Tbilisi was settled as early as the 4th millennium BC. The earliest recorded mention dates to the latter half of the 4th century, when a fortress was constructed in this region during the rule of King Varaz-Bakuri.

Mtskheta is a city in Georgia, serving as the administrative center of Mtskheta Municipality and the Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region. The historical sites of Mtskheta are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. As of 2014, the population is 7,940. The city features a railway station, food and light industry businesses, and the Zemo Avchala hydroelectric power plant. Mtskheta is rich in cultural and architectural landmarks, including higher education institutions, a theater, and a museum.

The Mtskheta Cross Monastery, also known as the Seat of the Chain, is a 6th-century church and monastery. It is situated east of Mtskheta, at the meeting point of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, atop a rocky mountain. This site is also included in the World Heritage List.

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