One-day excursion "Imperial Stable"

The fortress of Skhvilo served as the residence of the Amilakhvari family until the mid-17th century when it was destroyed by King Rostom. Soon after, the Amilakhvari princes built a new castle in the settlement of Kvemo Chala, below the Skhvilo fortress. The first mention of this castle dates back to 1691 when, after being captured in Akhaltsikhe, King George XI, upon arriving in Kartli, visited Prince Givi Amilakhvari in the Chala castle.

The distinguishing feature of the Amilakhvari family was their wide patriarchal hospitality. Chala was located on the major postal road from Gori to Tbilisi, serving as a center where Georgian and Russian societies converged. Representatives from the north and east would gather here. Travelers would typically be invited to the Bardzima (Amilakhvari) castle and would stay here for several days.

Our excursion will also visit a house known for its patriarchal hospitality, but the exact location and host will be revealed only to the participants.

Excursion itinerary:

• Skhvilo Fortress - Only fragmentary information has reached us about Skhvilo. Theoretically, it could have existed as early as the 10th century when there was a person with the surname Skhviloseli. At that time, the castle may have been called "Skhvilosi," and accordingly, the surname translates to «from Skhvilo." There is a version that in 1465, a certain Iotam Zedgenidze, having received the court title of Amilakhor and the city of Gori as his possession, became the founder of the Amilakhvari princely family and built this fortress.
• Amilakhvari Castle in Kvemo Chala - If you happen to visit this place on a quiet day when you can't hear the noise of passing cars or the shouts of children playing football, you start to hear the clanging of swords and dying cries, the sounds of gunshots and the neighing of horses, and all of this is replaced by the music of waltzes, the clinking of glasses, the rustling of ball gowns, and women's laughter. The castle takes us back to the 19th century with its battles and balls. To war and peace.
• Samtavisi Monastery - one of the most beautiful monasteries in Georgia, not only thanks to its majestic Cathedral of the Resurrection of the Savior but also due to its location, the workshop wall and bell tower, the ruins of monastery buildings and the Bishop's house, the old bell tower at the entrance, and the spirit of faith that has been living here since the 6th century.
• Church of St. John the Baptist - a small, inconspicuous church rarely visited in the village of Idleti. One must take a closer look at it, enter, and be amazed by its unique architecture and the unusual frescoes miraculously preserved to this day.
• Nichbisi Fortress - another property of the Amilakhvari family. Judging by the scale of the preserved fortress walls, it was a large settlement with baths, a church, residential and utility buildings. It is strange that despite the beautifully preserved fortress walls, there are almost no fully surviving structures inside.

Early departure from Tbilisi. If desired, a picnic can be arranged on the way, a visit to a winemaker, or dinner at a rural restaurant (please indicate the options when booking the excursion).

Excursion difficulty: Easy. 140 km by car, 6 km on foot. Almost all attractions are within easy reach, and the walking distances are short and easy.

❗️Required equipment:

• Backpack
• Comfortable, non-slip footwear
• Raincoat
• Warm sweater
• Buff/cap
• Comfortable sportswear
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Personal hygiene items
• Individual first aid kit

❗️Water: According to your needs, but no less than 0,75 liter.
❗️Do not weigh down your backpack with unnecessary items, calculate the required amount of water and clothing correctly.
❗️The tour program includes a visit to the monastery, so please remember to follow the dress code according to the season: for women, a headscarf is required, shoulders should be covered, and neckline and legs should be below the knees; for men, shoulders should be covered, and trousers should be worn.

❗️Tour rules:

1. The tour is led by a guide (or guides).
2. During the tour, all participants obey the leader's instructions to ensure maximum safety, organization, and equal comfort for everyone.
3. It is prohibited to arrive at the meeting point in a state of alcohol intoxication. Participants may be excluded at the discretion of the guide.
4. Drinking alcoholic beverages in the car is not allowed during the journey.
5. The use of headphones is not allowed during walks.
6. Do not litter.
7. Do not pick flowers.
8. Animals are not allowed.
9. To avoid conflict situations during the hike, we avoid discussing topics such as a) politics, b) religion, c) football.
10. In case of force majeure situations, the guide reserves the right to change the course of the tour.

❗️❗️The excursion program provided is a promotional outline. Due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, certain elements of the program may be substituted with equivalent alternatives. 
❗️The average cost of the excursion is indicated for two people. The final price will be determined based on your specific requirements regarding hotel standards, restaurants, and group size. A detailed tour itinerary and list of services will be sent to you via email after registration on the website or upon request. 
❗️If you have allergies to specific plants, animals, food products, or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance.