Discovering Beauty: Zhinvali, Ananuri, Gergeti Church, and the Charm of Kazbegi

Tbilisi - Your journey starts with a private guide picking you up in Tbilisi and heading to the serene Caucasus Mountains in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) for an overnight stay.

Jvari Church - The name of this monastery is translated as the “Monastery of the Cross.” Jvari Monastery is the 6th-century Georgian Orthodox monastery near Mtskheta. Along with other historic structures of Mtskheta, it is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Jvari Monastery stands on the rocky mountain top at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking the town of Mtskheta, which was formerly the capital of the kingdom of Iberia.

Ananuri - Ananuri castle represents multifunctional architectural complex of the late feudal times in Georgia. Built on the right bank of Aragvi River in 16th-17th cc, it was the main seat of Aragvi Eristavi - Dukes dynasty since 13th c . The village Ananuri is located on the main trade rout leading to the North, to Russia and in past it was part of the Great Silk Road. Nowadays the road is called the Georgian Military Highway. The distance from Tbilisi is 74 km (1 h) - beautiful driving along the Zhinvali water reservoir damping clean and blue mountain river of Aragvi. The castle, the bell tower, three churches and beautifully carved walls are the highlites why the site is frequently visited.

Russian Georgian Friendship Monument - Friendship Monument of Georgian and Russian people was built in 1983 to celebrate the bicentennial of the Treaty of Georgievsk and the ongoing friendship between Soviet Georgia and Soviet Russia. Located on the Georgian Military Highway between the ski resort town of Gudauri and the Jvari Pass, the monument is a large round stone arch and concrete structure overlooking the Devil’s Valley in the Caucasus mountains. Gudauri is a ski resort located in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains. It belongs to Stepantsminda district (2,200 meters above sea level), with a skiing area enjoying maximum exposure to the sun. In addition, the resort takes you on a whole new life as a fabulous sightseeing destination with fresh air.

Gergeti Trinity Church - Gergeti Trinity Church is a popular name for Holy Trinity Church near Gergeti village. The church’s location is the right bank of the Chkheri river under Kazbegi Mountain, 2170 meters above sea level. Gergeti Trinity Church was built in the 14th century, and this is the only cross-cupola church in Khevi province. In times of danger, precious relics from Mtskheta, including Saint Nino’s Cross, were brought here for safekeeping. During the Soviet Era, soviets prohibited religious services, but the church remained a popular tourist destination. The church is an active establishment of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church. You will get an epic panoramic view of the whole valley from the church. Due to the church’s isolation in the steep mountainous area full of nature remains Georgia’s most iconic tourist attraction. You will be impressed with the view of Mount Kazbegi, which is 5047 meters above sea level.

Cascading Wonders: Gweleti Waterfalls, Dariali Gorge, and the Historic Old Capital, Mtskheta

Gveleti Waterfall - After breakfast check out of the hotel. Meet your guide and drive to Gveleti Waterfalls. A small path will lead you through beautiful mountain scenery to the impressive waterfalls of Gveleti.
Gveleti Small Waterfall 770m/30 minutes
Gveleti Big Waterfall: 940 m/35 minutes

Mtskheta - Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities in Georgia, was founded by the ancient Meschian tribes in the 5th century. UNESCO recognizes it as a World Heritage site due to its historical significance and several cultural monuments. It was the capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. However, Mtskheta remained to serve as the coronation and burial place for most kings of Georgia until the 19th century. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (literally the Cathedral of the Living Pillar) is currently the second-largest church in Georgia (after the Holy Trinity cathedral). Known as the burial site of Christ’s robe, Svetitskhoveli has been one of the principal Georgian Orthodox churches and is among the most venerated places of worship in the region.

Tbilisi - Conclude your 2-day Mountain Getaway tour with a comfortable drop-off at your hotel. Thank you for joining us on this memorable journey into nature’s embrace.

• Private transportation service
• 24 hour online support
• Pick up from the hotel
• Drop off at the hotel
• A professional guide service
• A bottle of water

• Hotel
• 4WD car from Kazbegi to Gergeti church (80 GEL - about 25 USD for a car enough for 6 people)

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Minimum age is 5 years

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