Although Georgia is rich in fortresses, towers, churches and monasteries the cave towns still remain the highlight of the country. Georgia boasts three big cave complexes: Uplistsikhe, David Gareja and Vardzia. They are all located in different parts of the country, thus giving you the opportunity to see different landscapes, and they are all different too, as they were carved out in different times. The oldest - Uplistsikhe - dates to the 1st millennium BC and was one of the points along the Silk Road; parts of the road where caravans used to pass are still visible today. Then comes David Gareja - a religious cave complex founded in the 6th century. It is located in a semi-desert, consists of 19 monasteries and boasts wonderful mural paintings. Vardzia cave town is the last but not least! Founded in the 12th century as both a religious and secular town it represents the best picture of Georgia in the Golden Age offering cave churches with well-preserved frescoes, wine cellars, refectories and hundreds of dwellings.
This tour also gives you time in the capital Tbilisi and takes in several other places of interest that lie on our route and should not be missed.
Day 1: Tbilisi
Meeting at airport Tbilisi and transfer to hotel. Accommodation. Tbilisi sightseeing program - the Old and New Towns. The city offers a great variety of sights, most of them very ancient. All the places of interest in the Old Town are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. We start our visit to Old Tbilisi from Metekhi Church, then walk up to the brick-domed Sulphur Baths. From the Baths we head up the hill to visit Narikala Fortress - one of the oldest fortifications in the city. Afterwards we continue to the Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Church. This marks the end of the Old Town. After lunch we visit the stunning treasuries of the Georgian State and Art Museums, before taking a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue - the main street in Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 2: Tbilisi - David Gareja - Tbilisi
Visit David Gareja cave monastery and return to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 3: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Bakuriani
Visit the ancient capital - Mtskheta and Uplistsikhe cave town. Overnight in the ski resort of Bakuriani.
Day 4: Bakuriani - Vardzia - Kutaisi
Visit Vardzia cave town. Overnight in Kutaisi.
Day 5:
Visit Sataplia Cave and Navenakhevi Cave. Drive to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 6: Tbilisi
Visit the Georgian Art Museum and Open-Air Museum.
Day 7:Tbilisi
Free day in Tbilisi. You will have chance have entertainments to yours mind. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to the airport.