One-day excursion around Tbilisi "Sacred Places"

Georgia adopted Christianity in the 4th century during the reign of King Mirian III. Saint Nino, the enlightener of Georgia, brought the faith in Christ from Assyria to Mtskheta. It is here that the concentration of holy places and sacred relics, the greatest monasteries and temples of Georgia, astonishing legends, and remarkable medieval architecture can be found, all near Tbilisi.

We will begin our journey from the legendary place "where the roaring merging streams of the Aragvi and Kura embrace like two sisters." Starting with the Jvari Monastery. Then we will visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the greatest creation of Georgian temple architecture, beautifully described by Konstantine Gamsakhurdia in his novel "The Right Hand of the Grand Master." We will also visit the Samtavro Women's Monastery to pay homage to the tomb of King Mirian III and his wife Nana and see the church where 13 Assyrian fathers, the founders of monasticism in Georgia, arrived in the 6th century. Next, we will visit the Shio-Mgvime Monastery with its incredible history of the hermit monk, one of the 13 Assyrian fathers, St. Shio-Mgvime.

But our excursion doesn't end there. After lunch on the banks of the Kura River at a picturesque restaurant, we will explore Tbilisi with the Anchiskhati Church, Tbilisi Sion, Tbilisi Synagogue, Mosque, and the beautiful streets of the old town.

Excursion program:

• Jvari Monastery - "There, where the merging streams, Embrace like two sisters, The Aragvi and Kura, There was a monastery. Beyond the mountains. And now, a pedestrian sees it. The columns of collapsed gates." Perhaps to these lines by Lermontov, we only need to add - the 6th century and the cross erected on the mountain in honor of the baptism of Georgia.
• Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - For many centuries, it has been considered the crown jewel of Georgian temple architecture. It is the repository of numerous Christian relics, surrounded by dozens of legends. The main protagonist of the outstanding Georgian novel "The Right Hand of the Grand Master." A place of worship for the majority of Georgians.
• Shio-Mgvime Monastery - Not far from Mtskheta, in the caves on a high hill, in the 6th century, a solitary hermit, one of the 13 Assyrian fathers, Shio, settled in Georgia. The reputation of his holiness and faith attracted hundreds of disciples to him, and a monastery known to us now as Shio-Mgvime was established on this site.
• Lunch on the banks of the Kura River - Although all the locations are quite close to Tbilisi, and we don't have to walk much, by midday, fatigue and hunger start to appear. We will satisfy both while admiring the flow of the Kura River in the cool shade of a restaurant by the riverside.
• Anchiskhati Church - In Old Tbilisi, right on a bustling tourist pedestrian street, hides a church dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, dating back to the 6th century. However, it is known to everyone as Anchiskhati, named after the Anchiskhati icon of the Savior. The icon from Anchi (Tao-Klardjeti) was painted using the hot wax technique in the style of Byzantine painting. The icon's frame, a separate masterpiece, was created in the 12th century by the goldsmith Beka Opizari.
• Tbilisi Sion - Historically, the main church of Tbilisi and one of the two main churches in the Georgian Church. Named after Mount Zion and consecrated in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it stands on the banks of the Kura River in the historic center of the city.
• Juma Mosque in Tbilisi - The only surviving Friday mosque to this day, commonly known as Juma. In Arabic, "juma" means "Friday." This mosque should be quite large because, as a rule, it is intended for collective prayer (namaz), which Muslims perform every Friday.
• Tbilisi Synagogue - The Grand Tbilisi Synagogue is located on Kote Abkhazi Street. It was built in 1910. In 1909, the newspaper "Droeba" wrote: "Georgian Jews are facing difficulties in completing the construction of the synagogue in Tbilisi because such a huge building requires a lot of money." But no money was sent from Europe or Russia. This large building was fully funded by Georgian Jews.
• Stroll through the "Old Town" - This will conclude our excursion to the "Holy Places." The narrow streets of Old Tbilisi are also holy places for anyone who loves this city and Georgia.

Difficulty level: Easy. By car - 90 km, on foot - 12 km. Almost all the attractions are within easy reach, and the walking routes are light and can be accomplished by any physically healthy person.

❗️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.

❗️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.