Tour to Didgori Valley from Tbilisi (Turtle Lake, Ethnographic Museum, Kojori)
Tbilisi, GE
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Visit Turtle Lake, a recreational zone with festivals and concerts
- Explore the Open Air Museum of Ethnography, displaying folk architecture
- Discover the historical Kojori Fortress with its monument to Georgian Junkers
- Experience the St. George Fathers' Monastery on Udzo Mountain
- Learn about the Battle of Didgori, a significant moment in Georgian history
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Private full-day tour
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Duration 9 hours
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English-speaking guide
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Bottled water included
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Air-conditioned vehicle
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WiFi on board
Experience the rich history and stunning natural beauty of Georgia on a private full day tour to Didgori Valley from Tbilisi. Begin your journey at Turtle Lake, a tranquil oasis surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Immerse yourself in Georgian culture at the Open Air Museum of Ethnography, where you can explore traditional darbazi houses, wineries, and water mills. Visit the ancient Kojori Fortress, steeped in history and offering panoramic views of the region. Continue to St. George Fathers' Monastery, a sacred site where childless women come to pray for fertility. Finally, discover the significance of Didgori Valley, the site of a historic battle that led to Georgia's reconquest of Tbilisi. With its intriguing attractions and breathtaking scenery, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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9 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in 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 stunning Didgori Valley with a private tour from Tbilisi, including Turtle Lake, Ethnographic Museum, and Kojori Fortress.
Included
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Private transportation -
In-vehicle air conditioning
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Bottled water
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On-board wifi
Excluded
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Lunch
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Turtle Lake (686.7 m above sea level) is a small lake at the outskirts of Tbilisi so named due to the perceived abundance of turtles living in these places. The Turtle Lake area is designed as a recreational zone and is frequently visited on weekends. It is also a place where festivals and concerts are held.
60 minutes
The Giorgi Chitaia Open Air Museum of Ethnography displays the examples of folk architecture and craftwork from various regions of the country. The museum is named after Giorgi Chitaia, a Georgian ethnographer, who founded the museum on April 27, 1966. It is historic village populated by buildings moved there from all main territorial subdivisions of Georgia. The museum occupies 52 hectares of land and is arranged in eleven zones, displaying around 70 buildings and more than 8,000 items. The exhibition features the traditional darbazi-type and fiat-roofed stone houses from eastern Georgia, openwork wooden houses with gable roofs of straw or boards from western Georgia, watchtowers from the mountainous provinces of Khevsureti, Pshavi, and Svaneti, Megrelian and Imeretian wattle maize storages, Kakhetian wineries (marani), and Kartlian water mills as well as a collection of traditional household articles such as distaffs, knitting-frames, chums, clothes, carpets, pottery and furniture.
60 minutes
Admission Included
Azeula Fortress
The earliest layers of Kojori fortress date to the late 11th century, but most of the structures are newer, dating to the 16th-18th centuries. During the Red Army invasion of Georgia in February 1921, the heights of Kojori saw heavy fighting between the Georgian and Russian SFSR forces. A monument to the Georgian Junkers (cadets) who died in this battle was erected on the site in the 1990s.
60 minutes
Udzo Monastery
St. George Fathers' Monastery stands on Udzo Mountain (1416 metre). According to the legend, a childless man built a church and asked St. George to give him a child. His request was granted and since then (childless) childless women have come here to pray, praying to St. George and leaving an offering on one of the trees (this tree is still called the Christmas tree). The word Udzeo was also used to refer to the mountain and the church. St. George's Day is a moving Christian holiday. The day is held every year, on the Tuesday following Easter. The holiday is called infertility. The population of the nearby villages gathers on the hill.
30 minutes
Didgori Valley is known with The Battle of Didgori, fought between the armies of the Kingdom of Georgia and the Great Seljuq Empire on August 12, 1121. The large Muslim army, under the command of Ilghazi, was unable to maneuver, and suffered a devastating defeat due to King David IV of Georgia’s effective military tactics. The battle at Didgori was the culmination of the entire Georgian-Seljuk wars, and led to the Georgians’ reconquest of Tbilisi in 1122. Soon after that David moved the capital from Kutaisi to Tbilisi. The victory at Didgori inaugurated the medieval Georgian Golden Age and is celebrated in The Georgian Chronicles as a (the "miraculous victory"). Modern Georgians continue to remember the event as an annual September festival known as Didgoroba ("the day of Didgori")
60 minutes
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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Ladies need to wear head scarves and dresses in Georgian orthodox churches. Short trousers for men are also forbidden. Scarves and dresses can also be found near church entrances for men and women to enter churches. Comfortable shoes and warm jacket are recommended. -
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking. -
Try the local cuisine near Turtle Lake.
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Visit the Ethnographic Museum early.
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Bring a light jacket; it can be chilly.
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Respect dress code at monasteries.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Experience the enchanting beauty of Didgori Valley on a private full-day tour from Tbilisi. This immersive journey takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Turtle Lake, the fascinating Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography, the historical Kojori Fortress, the serene St. George Fathers' Monastery, and the legendary Didgori Battle Memorial. With a total duration of 540 minutes, this tour promises to be an unforgettable adventure filled with rich history, natural wonders, and cultural heritage.What to expect?
During this tour, expect to be captivated by the stunning natural beauty of Turtle Lake, situated at the outskirts of Tbilisi. Immerse yourself in the Georgian culture as you explore the Giorgi Chitaia Open Air Museum of Ethnography, showcasing traditional folk architecture and craftwork from different regions of the country. Step back in time as you visit the ancient Kojori Fortress, with structures dating back to the 11th century. Discover tranquility at the St. George Fathers' Monastery, a sacred site where prayers for fertility are made. Finally, delve into the rich history of Georgia as you stand at the Didgori Battle Memorial, where an epic victory in 1121 marked the beginning of the Georgian Golden Age.Who is this for?
This private full-day tour is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking an immersive experience in Georgia's history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply curious about new destinations, this tour caters to a wide range of interests. It is suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and even small groups of friends. Let the captivating stories of the past, the picturesque landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the Georgian people make this tour an unforgettable experience for anyone eager to explore the hidden gems of Didgori Valley.Why book this?
Embark on this private full-day tour to Didgori Valley and unlock the secrets of Georgia's rich past. With a knowledgeable local guide, you'll gain unique insights into the historical significance of each site, immersing yourself in the culture and heritage of the region. Travel comfortably in a private vehicle, allowing for a flexible itinerary catered to your interests. Capture stunning photos of the picturesque landscapes and create lasting memories. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical landmarks, ensuring an enriching and memorable experience.Good to know
As you embark on this tour, it's important to note that the total duration is 540 minutes, encompassing visits to Turtle Lake, the Open Air Museum of Ethnography, Kojori Fortress, St. George Fathers' Monastery, and the Didgori Battle Memorial. Transportation is provided by a private vehicle, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the journey. It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking and exploring. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the beauty of the landscapes and historic sites. This tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and natural wonders of Didgori Valley.Reviews
Travelers who have experienced this tour have been captivated by the beauty, history, and cultural significance of Didgori Valley. They praise the knowledgeable guides who provide fascinating insights into each site visited. Visitors have been especially impressed by the stunning landscapes of Turtle Lake and the authenticity of the Open Air Museum of Ethnography. The Kojori Fortress and St. George Fathers' Monastery have been described as serene and awe-inspiring, providing a glimpse into Georgia's ancient past. The Didgori Battle Memorial has left a lasting impression on travelers, who celebrate its historical significance and the sense of triumph it represents. Overall, this private full-day tour has received high praise for its well-rounded itinerary and the opportunity it provides to truly immerse oneself in the wonders of Didgori Valley.
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