One-day excursion "Legends of Shida-Kartli"

Shida Kartli is a historical region located along the middle course of the Mtkvari River, originally centered in Uplistsikhe and now in Gori. Initially, it encompassed the middle course of the Mtkvari, from Tashiskari to Tbilisi. Geographically, it included the lands of the ethnarch lord.

The region is abundant with numerous fortresses, monasteries, churches, and castles. Each location has a rich history, accompanied by fascinating legends. Today, we have chosen our route through fortresses, cathedrals, ancient landmarks, and a castle.

Interesting stories, incredible legends, and thrilling adventures await us. We won't reveal them in advance. All the stories and legends will be shared on-site.

Excursion program:

• Skhvilo Fortress - situated in picturesque surroundings, atop a hill. It offers stunning views of Shida Kartli from the foothills. There is a trail leading to Skhvilo, constantly ascending. You can park your car in the village and hike up, or you can drive up to the fortress (using an off-road vehicle).
• Amilakhvari Castle - the first mention of this castle dates back to 1691 when King George XI, after being captured in Akhaltsikhe, visited Prince Givi Amilakhvari in Chala Castle upon his arrival in Kartli. Initially, the castle, towers, baths, temple, and fortress wall were erected. Later on, agricultural buildings, a palace, and a much larger perimeter wall were added.
• Samtavisi Cathedral - The very first church on this site was built in 472 AD by the order of King Vakhtang Gorgasali and had a basilica form. Fragments of this church are now located beneath the cathedral floor. In the 6th century, another basilica stood here, built by the Assyrian monk Isidore Samtavisi. The remains of this basilica were discovered by archaeologists in the early 2010s. In 1025, construction of the famous Samtavisi Cathedral, which we see today, began and was completed in 1030.
• Best Georgian Cutlets - What can be simpler than a homemade dish of cutlets with mashed potatoes?! Probably nothing! However, every housewife has her own culinary secret. In Georgia, one family possesses a secret that the whole country is hunting for - the secret of famous city cutlets. Get two portions right away, and you won't regret it!
• Nativity of the Mother of God Cathedral in Gori - At first glance, you can tell that this church does not resemble the canonical Orthodox churches. That's because it was originally built in 1810 as a Catholic church. In the 1930s, the church was left without a priest and subsequently closed. In 1989, the Gorispolkom transferred the decommissioned Catholic cathedral of Gori to the Orthodox Church. In the 2000s, repair and restoration work was carried out with the aim of erasing Catholic traces.
• Gori Fortress - In the center of the city of Gori, there is a fortress situated on a hill. Once an impregnable citadel, it now serves as a reminder of the self-sacrifice of Georgians for the defense of their homeland and faith. A monument at its base is dedicated to this cause.
• Ksani Fortress - Ksani Fortress, Mtkvari Fortress, Dustari Fortress, Konstantilabat - a medieval fortress in eastern Georgia, at the confluence of the Ksani and Mtkvari rivers, on Mount Sarkineti. It controls an important strategic intersection. The fortress was built in the early 16th century by Bagrat, the son of King Constantine II of Kartli. A beautiful legend and an informal nickname for the fortress are associated with its fortification.
• Dinner on the Banks of the Kura River (optional) - If, by the end of our excursion, you feel the desire to conclude it by raising a couple of toasts to Georgia, its history, and legends, a small cozy restaurant on the banks of the Kura River will be waiting for us.

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

Excursion difficulty level: Easy. 160 km by car, 10 km on foot - almost all attractions are within reach by transportation, and the walking routes are not challenging, except for a moderately difficult ascent to the Xani Fortress.

❗️Necessary equipment:

• Backpack
• Trekking boots or any other comfortable non-slip footwear
• Raincoat
• Warm sweater
• Buff/cap
• Socks (preferably two pairs)
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Personal water bottle

❗️Tour rules:

1. The tour will be guided by knowledgeable guides.
2. All participants are required to follow the guide's instructions to ensure a safe, organized, and equally comfortable tour for everyone.
3. Participants are not allowed to arrive at the meeting point under the influence of alcohol. Those in such a state may be excluded from the tour at the guide's discretion.
4. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in the transportation vehicle during the journey is prohibited.
5. The use of headphones while walking is prohibited.
6. Let's keep the environment clean and refrain from picking flowers.
7. Pets are not allowed on the tour.
8. To avoid potential conflicts, we refrain from discussing topics such as a) politics, b) religion, and c) football during the hike.
9. In case of unforeseen circumstances, the guide reserves the right to change the tour route.

❗️Water - As per individual needs, but not less than 1 liter.
❗️Avoid overloading the backpack with unnecessary items; make sure to calculate the required amount of food and clothing accurately. Food and equipment are not included in the price! Purchase food in advance!

If you're interested, please contact us for more details about the program, safety guidelines, and the cost of the excursion.

❗️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.