Royal City Mtskheta Tour from Tbilisi
Highlights
- Visit Jvari Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Explore the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a venerated place of worship
- Discover Samtavro Church and its historical significance
- Experience the rich architectural heritage of Mtskheta
- Visit the Shio-Mgvime Monastery, a conspicuous pre-feudal monastery
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Duration 5 to 6 hours
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Private transportation included
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Air-conditioned vehicle
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WiFi on board
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English and Russian guide
Embark on a private day tour to Mtskheta from Tbilisi and immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural heritage of Georgia. Explore the UNESCO-listed Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Samtavro Church, and Shio-Mgvime Monastic Complex. Marvel at the stunning landscapes as you travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable driver. Walk through the ancient streets where Georgian kings were crowned and uncover the historical charm of Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities in the country. Discover the burial site of Christ's mantle at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and visit the historic Samtavro Monastery. Lastly, explore the Shio-Mgvime Monastery, known as one of the most prominent monasteries in pre-feudal Georgia. Immerse yourself in the cultural and historical significance of Mtskheta and create memories that will last a lifetime.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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5 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in Russian, English
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the historical charm of Mtskheta on a private tour, visiting UNESCO sites like Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in comfort.
Included
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In-vehicle air conditioning
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Private transportation
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On-board wifi
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Tbilisi
Our journey starts from Tbilisi - Write us your location and we will pick you up at any place in Tbilisi (including hotels)
After 20 minutes drive from Tbilisi, we will arrive at Jvari Monastery. The name of this monastery is translated as the "Monastery of the Cross." Jvari Monastery is a sixth-century Georgian Orthodox monastery near Mtskheta. Along with other historic structures of Mtskheta, it is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Jvari Monastery stands on the rocky mountaintop at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking the town of Mtskheta, which was formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia.
The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is currently the second-largest church building in Georgia, after the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Known as the burial site of Christ's mantle, Svetitskhoveli has long been one of the principal Georgian Orthodox churches and is among the most venerated places of worship in the region. Svetitskhoveli was not only the site of the coronation of the Georgian kings but also served as their burial place.
Samtavro Monastery is located in the city of Mtskheta. It is one of the most important cultural monuments. St. Nino lived here, King Mirian and Queen Nana are buried here. Abibo Nekreseli, one of the Assyrian fathers, is also buried in the Samtavro monastery. The complex includes several buildings: the main temple, St. Nino's church, bell tower and fence with a tower. Small St. Nino's Church dates back to the 11th century, but it is known that the church was first built by King Mirian in the 4th century. This church is also mentioned in the life of St. Nino. Samtavro is one of the most important and noteworthy monuments in Mtskheta from the historical and cultural point of view.
Mtskheta
Mtskheta is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, founded by the ancient Meschian tribes in the 5th century. Due to its historical significance and several cultural monuments, it is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It was the capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. However, Mtskheta continued to serve as the coronation and burial place for most kings of Georgia until the end of the kingdom in the 19th century.
Shiomghvime is one of the most conspicuous monasteries of pre-feudal Georgia. It is located on the left bank of the river Mtkvari. It was founded in the second half of the 6th century by Shio, one of the Assyrian fathers. According to the sources, Shio spent the last years of his life in a dark and deep cave, and after his death, according to his will, he was buried there (hence the name "Shio's Cave", "Shiomghvime"). His tomb was considered a sacred place in Shiomghvime. Shiomghvime was also an old Georgian cultural-literary center.
Tbilisi
Our journey finishs in Tbilisi. We will recommend the best restaurants where traditional Georgian dishes are prepared. Also, our experienced drivers will provide you with all the information you may need while traveling in Georgia
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Service animals allowed
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Try local khachapuri at nearby cafes.
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Visit the Mtskheta Museum for more history.
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Stroll along the riverbank for scenic views.
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Check out the local artisan shops in Mtskheta.
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Bring a camera for stunning photo ops.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Embarking on a private day tour to Mtskheta from Tbilisi promises an unforgettable experience, where ancient history, religious landmarks, and cultural heritage come together in a captivating journey. Sit back and relax in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle as you explore four of Georgia's most treasured sites: Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Samtavro Church, and Shio-Mgvime Monastic Complex. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and architectural wonders of Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that reflects the grandeur of Georgia's past.What to expect?
During this unique tour, expect to be amazed by the historical charm and spiritual significance of each landmark. Delve into the sixth-century Jvari Monastery, perched on a rocky mountaintop and offering panoramic views of Mtskheta. Discover the awe-inspiring Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where Georgia's kings were crowned and laid to rest. Explore the Samtavro Church, where ancient Georgian king Mirian and Queen Nana found their final resting place. Lastly, venture into the Shio-Mgvime Monastic Complex, a sacred site steeped in history, founded by one of the Assyrian fathers.Who is this for?
This tour caters to all history enthusiasts, architecture admirers, and cultural explorers who wish to delve into the rich heritage of Georgia. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this captivating experience in Mtskheta is bound to leave a lasting impression. History buffs will revel in the opportunity to walk the same streets where ancient Georgian kings were crowned, while those seeking spiritual serenity will find solace in the tranquil monastic complexes. This tour is for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of Georgia's cultural identity and wants to experience the beauty of its revered landmarks.Why book this?
The private day tour to Mtskheta from Tbilisi offers a seamless and personalized experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in Georgia's rich history. With an expert driver guiding you through each site, you can relax and enjoy the journey while learning fascinating insights about the landmarks. The convenience of private transportation ensures a comfortable and hassle-free experience. From the breathtaking views at Jvari Monastery to the architectural wonders of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the spiritual aura of Samtavro Church, this tour encapsulates the essence of Georgian heritage, leaving you with cherished memories for a lifetime.Good to know
It is important to note that the total duration of this tour ranges from 300 to 360 minutes, providing ample time to explore each destination fully. To start the tour, simply inform the operator of your location in Tbilisi, and they will pick you up at your specified place, including hotels. During the tour, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be some exploration on foot. Additionally, your experienced driver will be more than happy to provide you with valuable information and recommendations about other attractions and traditional Georgian cuisine in Tbilisi.Reviews
Previous travelers have praised the private day tour to Mtskheta from Tbilisi for its seamless organization, knowledgeable drivers, and the opportunity to witness Georgia's historical and religious treasures up close. Visitors were particularly impressed by the stunning views from Jvari Monastery and the serene atmosphere of the monastic complexes. Many described the tour as a truly enriching experience that deepened their understanding of Georgian culture and left them with a renewed appreciation for the country's remarkable heritage. Overall, reviews praise this tour as a must-do for anyone seeking a captivating journey through Georgia's past.This is a popular product and the date you are looking for just sold out. Next available date is