One-day excursion to Gori: "Stalin and the Virgin Mary"

Gori, one of the largest cities in Georgia, is often overlooked by tourists who quickly head to the Dzama, Ateni, or Tedzama gorges. However, both the history of the city, the numerous churches, the Stalin Museum, and the Gori Fortress are worth a visit.

In the center of Gori, there is a large palace located in a beautiful park surrounded by greenery and fountains, built in the Soviet monumental neoclassical style. This is the Stalin Museum, constructed in the 1950s. The museum was opened in 1937 in the very same house where Stalin's father, Vissarion, rented a room for a shoemaking workshop. In front of the main museum stands the house where Joseph Dzhugashvili was born and spent the first four years of his life.

But the first notable attraction in Gori, in our opinion, is the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Samtavisi-Gori Diocese. Its dome can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. This temple doesn't resemble the canonical Orthodox churches because it was originally built as a Catholic church in 1810!

Of course, our excursion doesn't end with these two locations. In Gori, there is the interesting Gori Fortress, a memorial to the warriors who died for Georgia, beautifully restored streets of the Old Town, and excellent winemakers producing unique Georgian wines. And for those who enjoy delicious food, the best kotleti (Georgian meat patties) in Georgia can be found here (you need to know the right places).

So, join us for an interesting, beautiful, and tasty experience!

Excursion itinerary:

• Early departure from Tbilisi. On the way to Gori, we stop at the village of Dzveli Kanda to visit the monastery of the 13 Assyrian Fathers. If we're lucky, we may attend a service and hear Aramaic chants. This is the only place on Earth where the language of Christ has been preserved.
• The journey to Gori is quite short, and soon we arrive in the city. First, we visit the Stalin Museum, and then we head to the Gori Fortress and the memorial to the warriors of Georgia. Next, we explore the Cathedral and stroll through the streets of the Old Town.
• It's time for lunch, and we will enjoy the "famous" city-style kotleti, mashed potatoes, and Georgian salad. For those who want more, there's a wonderful harcho soup, Georgian "ostriy" (a type of soup similar to solyanka but without pickles), khachapuri, and more.
• After lunch, we have some leisure time. Although it is recommended to take a walk, we have the option to relax. We will then head to the Ateni Gorge to visit the Ateni Sioni Church. This cathedral is almost a replica of the Jvari Monastery and is situated in an equally breathtaking location, on the edge of a riverbed. Not on a mountain, but amidst mountains! The place is very picturesque and full of energy.
• After exploring the cathedral and relaxing by the river, we continue our journey through the scenic Tana Gorge. Ahead of us is the church of St. Nino, with remarkably preserved frescoes.
• We conclude our excursion with a dinner at a winemaker's house. Connoisseurs of Georgian wine should know that the famous "Atenuri" wine comes from this gorge.

Excursion difficulty: Easy. The total distance by car is 200 km, and walking distance is approximately 10 km. Most of the attractions are easily accessible by transport, and the walking routes are manageable for physically fit individuals.

❗️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 0,5 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.