One-day excursion to Kakheti - «Pearls of Kizikiya»

Kiziki, also known as Kisiqi (formerly known as "Kambechovani"), is a historical and geographical region in Eastern Georgia that has been inhabited since ancient times. Initially, it was part of Ereti and later became part of Iberia. It was later incorporated into the Kingdom of Kakheti. The main city and administrative center of Kiziki (Kambechovani) from the early centuries AD was Khornabuji.

Today, it is part of the Dedoplistsqaro municipality in the Kakheti region. Although only the remains of the ancient city remain, where archaeological excavations are being conducted, the imposing and majestic fortress of Khornabuji still overlooks the surrounding roads from the hilltop. That is our first destination for today.

Our excursion will not be limited to Khornabuji alone, although we will devote enough attention and time to it. Another significant place awaits us - Mount Elia (Mount Prophet Elijah). Archaeological excavations confirm the existence of a church at this location as early as the 6th century. Alexandre Dumas (the father), who visited here in 1859, recorded an interesting legend from the local residents, according to which a raven fed Saint Elijah here, and it was from this place that he ascended to heaven, leaving his cloak to his disciple Elisha.

Want to learn more? Join us and let's go.

Excursion program:

• Khornabuji Fortress - Khornabuji (Choti, Tamaris Tsikhe) is a medieval fortress city in eastern Georgia, one of the provinces of the historical Kingdom of Kartli. It is located north of Dedoplistsqaro, on the right bank of the Alazani River, on top of an impregnable rocky mountain known as "where Mount Ereti or Cold Mountain begins." Khornabuji translates from ancient Iranian as "pillar of the sun."
• St. Elijah Monastery - The Church of Elijah was built in 2006 on the remains of an old church. Archaeological excavations confirm the existence of the church as early as the 6th century. Elioba is one of the favorite holidays of the residents of Kiziki, celebrated on August 2nd, and many people gather on the slopes of the mountains.
• Kochebi Lake - Mlashe Tba or Kochebi Lake is located between the Shiraki Valley and the Iori River, 4 km from Dedoplistsqaro, at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level. The lake is highly saline and known for its healing mud, which is used to treat joint and skin diseases. According to prevalent scientific opinion, it is a remnant of the Caspian Sea and, earlier, the ancient Paratethys Ocean.
• Niko Pirosmani House-Museum - The historic house-museum of artist Niko Pirosmani is located in the village of Mirzaani. The complex includes a residential house, auxiliary buildings, a 1979 exhibition hall, and 14 original paintings by the artist (including "Reclining Woman," "Woman with Easter Eggs," "Shota Rustaveli").
• St. Stephen's Cathedral in Tibani (Khirs) - Khirs is formally considered a monastery, although it resembles a temple externally. The construction of the church in the Khirs monastery is attributed to King Kviri of Kakheti. The establishment of the monastery in this place dates back to the 6th century and is associated with one of the 13 Assyrian Fathers, Stephanos Khirseli.
• On the way back to Tbilisi, we can discuss the day's events, legends, and stories over a table with winemakers from this beautiful region (optional, pre-booking required).

Excursion difficulty level: Easy, with only a moderately difficult ascent to Khornabuji Fortress. 350 km by car, 8 km on foot - almost all attractions are within transportation reach, and the hiking trails are not challenging.

❗️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 1 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 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.

❗️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.