GEORGIA TOUR
Explore Georgia Along the Great Silk Road – AED 4350.00
Starts from: Tbilisi every second Sunday
- Type: Small Group Exploration Travel
- Available: All seasons
- Distance: 880 km
- Duration: 6 Days
We offer easy travel itinerary for all-seasons along the Great Silk Road in Georgia. This ancient trade rout covers here three major regions of Kartli, Imereti and Kakheti. The tour combines history, nature, Georgian culture and wine. We introduce to you three capitals of mediaeval Georgia – Tbilisi , Kutaisi and Mtskheta, historic towns of Vani, Sighnaghi and Gori, the cavecity of Uplistsikhe and karst caves of Prometheus, two UNESCO sites in Gelati and Svetitskhoveli, archaeological site in Vani and two traditional wineries: Askaneli Garden and Giuashvilis’ family wine cellar in Manavi village Giuaani.
The group is Guaranteed to Run after two adults book the tour.
Day 1: TBILISI
- We organize pick up service from centrally located hotel and start city sightseeing from Tbilisi Historic district.
- Tour starts at 09:00. Local Guide will lead you to Holy Trinity Cathedral – gorgeous golden cupola orthodox church of 20th c. We observe city panorama from here, walk around and inside, and after 45 minutes come back to the car.
- Next stop is Metekhi plateau – this rocky cliff wall overlooks the Mtkvari River bed, mediaeval part of the city and Mtstsminda Mount. Nice setting, once, here was the first residence of Riyal family (5th -7th cc). In front of 13th c Metekhi St. Virgin Church we see the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali – the king, who moved capital city from Mtskheta to Tbilisi in the second half of fifth century.
- After enjoying the setting, continue to Europe square and Rike Park. Areal cable car lifts up us to the 4th c fortress on the opposite side of the river. Narikala fort served as the main hold force in Kala district, the second residence of Royal Family (12th c-13th cc)
- From Narikala fortress we start walking down past Botanical Garden Street and Tbilisi Mosque. Follow the Iron spiral staircase, walk out the castle wall to the Legvtakhevi (Fig ravine) waterfall and the Sulfur Bathhouse district – the meeting point of two continents – Europe and Asia.
- Now here we are! The taste of multicultural amalgam, smells of sulfur, coffee and bread, mix of ornamented wooden residential architectural styles and countless churches, sounds of different worships, colorful carpets, artworks, galleries and outdoor cafés. Take time, wander around and continue to Maidan square, Shardeni and the King Erekle II Streets. On the way don’t skip short visit to Sioni Cathedral, the former seat of the patriarch and continue to the modern glass pedestrian Bridge of Peace. All pictures you see here look like a postcard. Walking takes about an hour and half.
- Continue to Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in Tbilisi and Gabriadze theater. This is the end of the city wall and modern town starts across the street.
- We finish the first day plan in National museum located next to Freedom Square on Rustaveli Avenue. Visit Golden treasury in National Museum, halls of Russian Occupation, unique collection of Qajar Dynasty portraits. The museum houses various archaeological, numismatic and ethnographic collections as well.
- Overnight in Tbilisi hotel Brigitte or similar.
Day 2: TBILISI – GORI – UPLISTSIKHE – KUTAISI
- Monday. Total driving time today is 4 hr 48 min (287 km)
- Breakfast at the hotel. Today we start 09:00 for Gori and Kutaisi. Drive to the west passing through the Kartli region. Frist stop is Gori town – 88 km from Tbilisi. Here we visit two sites: Gori mediaeval fortressand Joseph Stalin house-museum. Each will take approximately 30-45 minutes.Next site is cave-town Uplistsikhe, 14 km away from Gori . Uplistsikhe is one of the oldest rock-hewn urbansettlements in Georgia dated back to the 1st millennium BC.Explore Georgia Along the Great Silk RoadSmall Group Tour 6 Days/5 Nights
- Tel: +04 3980201 | Mob: +971563284523| bluefintourism.ae@gmail.com
Our next stop is a place, from where we can see the very nice sunset – Gelati Academy of 12th c. To reach
the place, we drive Rikoti Pass, the natural watershed of East and West rivers: Eastern waters flow down to
the Caspian Sea, the western- to the Black sea. The pass is picturesque, several tunnels make our drive
shorter, the oldest one is the longest – 1.800 m, it was built in 19th c.
After the tunnel, we are already in Imereti, the West Georgia. Head to Gelati Academy and Monastery. The
site served as a cultural center in middle ages and preserved 12th c mosaic, spectacular murals and
manuscripts from 12th-17th cc. The sightseeing will take about 30 minutes. Drive to Kutaisi for free evening
and overnight.
Overnight in Kutaisi hotel Ponte or similar.
Day 3: KUTAISI CITY TOUR-VANI- KUTAISI
Tuesday. Total driving time today is 1 h 54 min (87 km)
https://goo.gl/maps/6JSLSeC6ucXgDutv5
Today we have a relaxing day: Kutaisi city tour and Vani Archaeological Museum-Reserve, only 41 km away
from Kutaisi. This means, we can start a bit late – at 09:30.
After breakfast, visit Bagrati Cathedral 11th c. a former residence of the King Bagrat III, the first King of the
United Kingdom of Georgia and pre-ancestor of the Bagrationi dynasty. The site overlooks Kutaisi, Rioni
River valley and Kvamli mountains on the north.
Continue city sightseeing. Walk to Kutaisi Historic district, Opera house, Agmashenebeli Square and drama
theater, visit Kutaisi State Historical Museum and Botanical Garden.
After finishing the city tour, take one free hour for lunch.
Second half of the day we dedicate to exploring Vani archaeology. 50 minutes’ drive on narrow backroad to
Sulori River. The complex is located near a small town and includes archaeological site, an expedition base,
and the museum itself. Guided excursion will take 50 minutes.
The permanent exhibition displays cultural development of the unearthed city between 800 BC and 100
AD. Highlights of the exhibition include spectacular collection of jewelry of local goldsmiths.
Optional* It is possible to visit Geiser sulfur pools in nature.
Evening drive back to Kutaisi. Overnight in hotel Ponte or similar.
Day 4: KUTAISI – PROMETHEUS CAVES – MTSKHETA – TBILISI
Wednesday, Total driving time today is 4 hr 35 min (276 km) https://goo.gl/maps/2RKBPVh4N8dVcCgT8
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive 22 km to the North to Prometheus caves. Discovered in
1984, these karst caves are one of the biggest natural caves in Georgia -1.2 km long underground trail is
open for public. The one-hour tour is accompanied by light enhancements and classical music. If the water
level permits, we can experience a boat trip for 300 m at the end of the caves.
Now head towards East, former capital town of ancient kingdom of Iberia, holy town Mtskheta. The place is
included in UNESCO list for the high artistic value of unique mediaeval architecture and represents the main
Explore Georgia Along the Great Silk Road
Small Group Tour 6 Days/5 Nights
Tel: +04 3980201 | Mob: +971563284523| bluefintourism.ae@gmail.com
pilgrimage site, as it is believed, the Robe of Savior is buried under a 17th century ciborium. Visit
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, walk in a town, find some souvenirs and evening return back to Tbilisi.
Check in the hotel. Leisure evening. Overnight in Tbilisi hotel Brigitte or similar.
Day 5: TBILISI –MANAVI- SIGHNAGHI –TBILISI
Thursday, Total driving time today is about 3 hr 40 min (222 km)https://goo.gl/maps/8kG1637VccddeC1z8
Today drive to Kakheti – region that is known for its organic wine-making traditions. In 60 km to the East,
we are in Giuaani winery. Here we listen to our host, learn about Qvevry wine production and taste 3
varieties of premium local wines (2 red, and 1 white).
Continue our trip to Sighnaghi – a small mediaeval town, surrounded by 18th c. defensive wall and
marvelous, cozy museum of archaeology, ethnography and arts. On the second floor there is permanent
exhibition of genius naïve artist Niko Pirosmani and fantastic view from the balcony overlooking Alazani
River Valley.
Continue to Bodbe Monastery – a functioning nunnery, a place where relics of Georgian enlightener St.
Nino are preserved. She was a female apostle who preached Christianity in the 4th c.
Drive back to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Note: In case you want to travel longer, please see the extension tours below or contact us
bluefintourism.ae@gmail.com
Day 6: TBILISI
Friday, check out time is 12:00. This is the end of our 6-day tour. We organize one group transfer to/from Tbilisi
airport at the beginning and at the end of the tour. For Private transfers, please, inform us in advance.
We are looking forward to greet you again on optional tours from Tbilisi next morning.
Minimum group size to run this tour is 2 adults
- Adult Rate …………………………………. AED 4350.00
- Staff: • English speaking guide service
- Transport: Comfortable A/C
- Vehicle One group transfer to/from Tbilisi airport at the beginning and at the end of the tour
- Accommodation: 5 overnights in double/twin rooms at 3* hotels: • 3 x nights in Tbilisi hotel Brigitte or similar on days 1,4,5 • 2 x nights in Kutaisi hotel Ponte or similar on days 2 and 3 Meals: 5 x Breakfasts – on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Entertainment and other: 1 x wine tasting in Giuashvilis’ family winery on day 5 2 x bottles of water per person daily • Excursions and entrance fees in accordance with the program
- All taxes
- Accommodation in Single room
- Hotel night on the last day of the Land Only
- Itinerary.
- Travel insurance
- Meals and beverages unless mentioned in
the itinerary - Breakfast on the final day if departing
earlier than 8 am
Note: The price is given per adult person in USD based on the shared Double/Twin rooms in 3* hotels
SS- Additional cost in case of Single room request
CHILD POLICY:
0-6 years – Free
7-12 years – 481 USD
13 years and over – Adult price
The deposit for this trip is: 1000 AED
10% Discount is available for “early bird” booking (6 months before your landing).
Price includes one group transfer to/from Tbilisi airport at the beginning and at the end of the tour and pick
up/drop off service from the centrally located hotel for joining the first day sightseeing tour.
Price includes group overnights for the dates indicated in the dossier.
Price does not include private airport transfers and overnight on the last day of itinerary.
Flights SHOULD be booked individually.
Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the trip is showing
“Guaranteed”
ADDITIONAL PRICING INFORMATION:
• Single room supplement: 550 AED
• Private pick-up transfer from Tbilisi airport: 120 AED
• Private drop-off transfer to Tbilisi airport: 100 AED
• Discounted double way private transfer to/from Tbilisi airport to/from Tbilisi hotel: 180 AED
• Farewell dinner in a Georgian Traditional restaurant with a folk show: 110 AED
To arrange airport transfers or pre-tour hotel overnights, please, contact us bluefintourism.ae@gmail.com