The Christian faith is an integral part of the culture and history of Georgia. It was on the basis of Christianity that such branches of art as architecture, literature, painting and spiritual music were built and developed — unique Church choral chants – Georgian polyphony, which can only be heard in the temples of Georgia. Proof of this is the numerous ancient temples and churches with ancient icons and frescoes that were built and created in Georgia after the adoption of Christianity and have come down to us from the depths of centuries, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world.

1 Day: Meeting at the airport Tbilisi. Transfer to the hotel
Meeting at the airport Tbilisi.
Transfer to the hotel.
Free time
Night in Tbilisi

2 Day: Tbilisi city tour with a tour of churches.
Breakfast
Our cultural tour of Tbilisi is an amazing opportunity for those who want to learn as much as possible about Tbilisi. On our walk we will see old Tbilisi with its unique Italian courtyards and intricate architecture. New Tbilisi is a whole complex of unusual design solutions that amaze with their beauty.
Built in 2004, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity tsmindaSamebais called a symbol of the new Georgia. The Cathedral, whose beauty and size are breathtaking, stands majestically on the hill of St. Elijah. Sameba is the highest temple in Georgia, its height is 101 meters. Sameba temple is really built on a Grand scale, its glittering Golden dome can be seen from almost anywhere in Tbilisi.
Metekhi – Georgian Orthodox Church of the XII century in the center of Tbilisi on the Metekhi rock. This is the most prominent and most popular temple in the city. It can be seen from any point in the center. This is actually a visual symbol of the city-along with an equestrian statue of king Vakhtang next door.
Modern Tbilisi is impossible to imagine without one of the most colorful churches in Georgia — SurbGevorg. St. Gevorg Church in Tbilisi is the first Armenian Church in Georgia. It was built in the XIII century on the site of the temple of BerdSurbGevorg built in the VII century. The Church has a unique energy and atmosphere, a special color is given to it by frescoes discovered during restoration work, and the oldest paintings date back to the XIV-XV centuries.
Sioni or Zion Cathedral in the name of the assumption of our lady is one of the most famous monuments in the Old city. The beginning of its construction belongs to the V-VI centuries, and the end – to the first half of the VII century.the Cathedral is named after the Jerusalem Zion. Today Sioni is a Cathedral, the residence of the Catholicos-Patriarch of the Georgian Christian Church. Here is stored the greatest relic of Georgia-the cross of Saint Nino, who established Christianity in the Georgian land. The cross is made of two vines and is intertwined, according to legend, with the Saint’s own hair.
Anchiskhati-VI century Church dedicated to the feast of the Nativity of the virgin. The oldest surviving Church in Tbilisi. The beautiful rectangular Church building was built under the influence of ancient Palestinian architecture. The doors of the Anchiskhat Church are decorated with a traditional Georgian cross made by Saint Nino. The Church received its current name in the XVII century, when a large icon was moved here from the Anchi Cathedral (South Georgia). The icon of the Saviour not made with hands is one of the greatest shrines in Georgia.
Catholic Cathedral of the ascension of the virgin Mary is a religious building in Tbilisi, in the historical district of the Old city. The Catholic community of Tbilisi played a fairly active role in the life of the city, but did not have its own churches until the beginning of the XIX century. In 1804, the prefect of Tbilisi, Francesco Paduel, asked the Russian Emperor Alexander I to allow the construction of a Church in the city. The building was erected by 1808, and later expanded and restored.
Night in Tbilisi

3 Day: Mtskheta-Jvari-Samtavro-Shio-Mghvime-Zedazeni.
Breakfast
Mtskheta is the most sacred city for pilgrimage in Georgia, and is declared a UNESCO world heritage site. The city was founded in the V century BC by the indigenous meshkin tribes, who are believed to have originally emigrated from Anatolia (Turkey). Legend has it that the city was named after the legendary ruler Mtsekhotos, the son of the first king of Kartli.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is one of the main Orthodox Georgian churches. It was built in the XI century (1010-1029).d.) on the site of the first Christian Church of the Twelve Apostles in Georgia, built in the IV century. According to legend, it was here that king Mirian received Holy Baptism, who believed the preaching of the Holy equal-to-the-apostles Nina. Still in Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is the baptismal font, where they take the Baptism of adults and children.
The monastery temple of Jvari-immortalized in literature by Mikhail Lermontov (the poem “Mtsyri”) – is an ancient cult monument built at the dawn of Georgian Christianity in the VI century (585 – 604). The temple got its name Jvari (translated from the Georgian “cross”) for a reason. This explains the ancient legend that Nino of Cappadocia placed the Holy cross in this place, which marked the adoption of Christianity by Georgia
Samtavro (XI century)- an active female monastery, where king Mirian and his wife Nana are buried – the first to be baptized with the Christian faith by Saint Nino in 337. The monastery itself was built in 1820. But it was based on a small ancient wooden Church of the IV century, built by king Mirian.
Shio-Mgvim monastery – an ancient monastery 9 kilometers from the city of Mtskheta on a dead-end road. The altitude from sea level is about 750 meters. The first monastic community was founded in the sixth century by the monk Shio, known as Shio Mgvimsky one of the ” thirteen Assyrian fathers. The name Shio Mgvime means “Cave of Shio”. Here he is buried.
Zedazen monastery — a monastery in Georgia, which was deserted in the XVII century (on the left Bank of the Aragvi river, East of Mtskheta, on the Zedazen ridge). It was founded in the VI century by John, one of the 13 Assyrian fathers, on the site of the former monasterypreviously, the temple of the idol was Set; it was emptied in the XVII century after the destruction of Georgia by Shah Abbas. In the Church where John is buried, there is a reservoir where, according to legend, water is only on may 7, when many pilgrims flock to the festival.
Night in Tbilisi

4 Day : Assumption Church in Ananuri-Gergeti Church
Breakfast
The most famous and historically interesting place in Ananuri is the assumption Church, which dates back to 1689. At that time, there were incessant wars on the territory of Georgia with Turkey and Iran, which actively inculcated Islam and destroyed Orthodox churches. Inside the assumption Church, you can see a rather beautiful, if atypical for Georgia, altar, erected at the very beginning of the 19th century. Also partially preserved are ancient frescoes depicting Assyrian fathers-monks who came to the territory of Georgia in the VI century and spread Christianity and monasticism here, laying several monasteries.
Trinity Church in Gergeti-located at an altitude of 2,170 m at the foot of Kazbek along the Georgian Military road. This temple was built in the XIV century, but almost nothing is known about its history. However, in one of the guides of 1906, it is written that the Church was built on the site of the worship of pagan idols. In the XVIII century, the Gergeti Church became the repository of the main Georgian relics that were transported here during the Persian invasion of Tbilisi.
Night in Tbilisi

5 Day: New Shuamta-Old Shuamta-Ikalto-Alaverdi
Breakfast
The monastery of Dzveli Shuamta is more ancient monument. It is an ensemble of several old churches. The small Church in the foreground dates from the fifth century, the other two-the large and small domed churches-from the seventh century. The large Church is very similar to the MtskhetaJvari temple. The churches have preserved paintings of the XII century.
Akhali Shuamta monasterywas built later, in the XVI century. This monastery is still active. The monastery complex includes a large temple, a bell tower, and a fence. According to legend, the monastery was built by Queen Tina of Kakheti. As a child, she had a dream that she was going to build an Orthodox Church. In a dream, she saw the place of its future construction. It was there that the monastery was founded, where Tina herself later took monastic vows.
The ancient Academy of Ikalto is famous for the fact that, according to legend, an outstanding Georgian poet of the XII century – Shota Rustaveli studied here. The Academy is part of the complex of the monastery of Saint Zeno, located 8 km from Telavi.Besides the Ikalto monastery ensemble, founded by Saint Zenon Calmiskin includes small churches Sameba ( VI), Periselene ( VIII – IX centuries), Kutesmile ( IX century). All of them were restored in the XIX century. In one of the churches the relics of Zeno Callistoga. The building of the Academy – at the latest ( XII century).
Alaverdi Cathedral Alaverdi appeared in the XI century, when Kakheti was an independent Principality. After its construction, it became the center of the diocese of Alaverdi and successfully fulfills this role to this day. Founded by Assyrian father Joseph of alaverd in the VI century. At that time, it was a small Hermitage where people came to listen to the stories of a hermit monk about faith, virtues and vices. After the death of Joseph of alaverdsk, he was buried in the Church, and his grave is still located in the Northern part of the modern Cathedral.
Night in Telavi

6 Day : Gremi-Nekresi-Bodbe
Breakfast
Gremi-was the capital of Kakheti from 1466 to 1672, but the city to the West of the citadel was completely destroyed by Shah Abbas in 1616. Inside the citadel, the Church of the Archangels was built in 1565 by king Levan (who is buried inside) and contains frescoesfrom 1577. You can climb to the nearby tower-a 15th-century Palace, and a small Museum contains explanatory panels on the old Gremi, as well as artifacts from the site.
Nekresi is an ancient monastery complex located on the top of a mountain in the Alazani valley in Kakheti. Many centuries ago, there was once the eponymous city of Nekresi, the ruins of which can be seen from the height of the monastery.
Bodbe monastery is a female monastery. It belongs to the Georgian Orthodox Church. It was founded in the VI century on the territory of the former Church of Saint Nina equal to the apostles. Saint Nina (CA. 280 – January 14, 335 (347)) was a Christian educator in Georgia. She is very revered, as she led the country to Orthodoxy. January 14 is the Saint’s memorial day. At this time, there are especially many pilgrims.
Night in Tbilisi

Day 7: Borjomi and 5 shrines
Breakfast
The Green monastery-officially known as the Chitakhevsky St. George monastery, is a monastery of the IX century. According to historians and archaeologists, it was built by Christopher and Tewdor, the disciples of St. GrigolKhandzteli, a very influential figure in Georgian history. The monastery complex includes a Basilica-type Church and a bell tower, also built in the IX century.
In the Borjomi forest, at the very top of the mountain, there is an amazing monastery of Seraphim of Sarov. Everything in it is carefully recreated, as in the Hermitage of a great Saint, by Bishop Seraphim, Metropolitan of Borjomi and Bakurian.
The Church of Saint George in Daba is located in the Borjomi municipality in the village of Daba. It is one of the oldest and strongest temples in Georgia, which is located in a dark forest and is not visible from the road. Half of it is covered by a cave.
This Church is a characteristic monument of Georgian architecture of the XIV century. It was built in 1333 by molaretukhutsev during the reign of George V the brilliant. Carved on the Western gate, the inscription says that the Church was builtbalaramapuram for the king George.
Sadgeri Church of St. George monument of the XV century. It is located in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, in the village of Sadgeri on the high Bank of the river. The Church is of a zonal type and does not have an apse. It is covered with a cylindrical arch of uneven contour. The temple is built of gray hewn stone.
Timotesubani monastery of the virgin Mary was built at the turn of the XII-XIII centuries. The temple was built by ShalvaEristavt-EristaviAkhaltsikheli, the owner of tori. The Central Church was consecrated in the name of the Dormition of the mother of God and is one of the most important monuments of Georgian cultural heritage. The dome is decorated azure bricks. The height of the temple (with a cross) is 28 meters, width 19,length 11 meters. In the North wall, the Windows are built up and painted. The temple was painted in 1205-1215 years(the Era of Queen Tamar) and in turn is unique.
Night in Borjomi

8 Day: Academy of Gelati-Motsameta monastery-Bagrat temple
Breakfast
Gelati monastery is a masterpiece of the Golden age of medieval Georgia, characterized by facades of smoothly hewn large blocks, balanced proportions and blind arches for exterior decoration. Gelat monastery, one of the largest medieval Orthodox monasteries, was also a center of science and education, and the Academy where it was located was one of the most important cultural centers of ancient Georgia.
Motsameta monastery is located 6 kilometers from Kutaisi. The modern Church dates from the 11th century, but historical records show that the Church was built on this site as early as the 8th century. Motsameta attracts crowds of tourists with an ancient superstition: if you crawl under the ark three times and make a wish, touching the shrines, then the wish will come true.
Bagrat temple-the greatest monument of culture and architecture of Georgia, was built in the 10-11 centuries during the time of Bagrat III, the Georgian ruler (975-1014), the progenitor of the Bagration princes. In 1994, the Bagrat temple revival Fund was established in Kutaisi . Today, the temple is included in the list of world-famous historical and cultural monuments of UNESCO.
Night in Kutaisi

Day 9: Katskhi Pillar
Breakfast
The katskhi pillar is one of the symbols of Imereti, the Western part of Georgia. This is a huge limestone block on which stands an amazing little Church. “Katskhi “means”peak” in Svan. The modern Church was built on the model of the old temple at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, largely thanks to the monk Maxim, who lived in the katskhi pillar gorge for a whole winter in 1993. The new Church is named after him. In addition to the temple, there is an ancient wine cellar on the katskhi pillar, a crypt that once served as a burial vault, and a part of the outer fortress wall.
Night in Tbilisi

10 Day:  Shavnabada Monastery- Sion Bolnisi — Dmanisi
Breakfast
St. George monastery of Shavnabada is a medieval Georgian Orthodox monastery complex built on the mountain of shavnabad. The original monastery was built in the 12th century, and renovated in the 17th century. In the past, monasteries and churches of this kind were built on strategically important sites. During various invasions, these churches and monasteries may have lit a fire to signal an attack. The monastery, which is still functioning, was founded in 1992 with the blessing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia Elijah II.
Bolnisi Sion — the oldest Georgian temple in the form of a Basilica. Built in 478 and completed in 493, it is the oldest and best-preserved Basilica in thecountry. Some of the most ancient inscriptions in the Georgian language were found in the temple. This is generally the first preserved architectural structure in Georgia, the very first temple, on the wall of which there is the very first inscription in the Georgian language. The temple is quite simple, almost primitive, but it all started with it, so it is valuable.
Dmanisiis located in the region of KvemoKartli. On the territory of Dmanisi traces of human life begin from ancient times. The first Europeans, Zezva and Mzia, lived here 1.8 million years ago..Dmanisi castle was once part of a Georgian medieval fortress. Its ruins are open for inspection all year round.
Just a few meters from the castle is the Church of DmanisiSioni, open to tourists and Orthodox believers. The Church was built in the VI century ad and abounds with frescoes of revered Georgian saints.
Night in Tbilisi

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Tbilisi with a tour of churches
Breakfast
We will start our tour by visiting the largest Historical Museum of Georgia with its Golden Fund, where ancient Georgian icons and many shrines are kept. In its exhibitions there are also some world-famous works of great artists.
The Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Prince Alexander Nevskywas built in 1864 with donations from the faithful. In 1886, a bell tower was added to the Church. The Church contains several shrines: fragments of the relics of Mary Magdalene, Saint Nina, Saint Nicholas, Saint Shio of Mgvim, and others. Along with the Church of Saint Vladimir in the Vera district, It is one of two churches in Tbilisi where worship is performed entirely in Church Slavonic.
The Catholic Cathedral of saints Peter and Paul in Tbilisi was built in 1887 largely due to donations from the Polish Catholic community and Georgian Catholic princes I. Tumanishvili, K. Eristavi and merchant S. Zubalashvili. The Cathedral’s architect was the famous Russian academic of architecture albert Salzman. Construction took about seven years.
Mtatsmindamountain is the highest point of Tbilisi, which is called the “Holy mountain”. The mountain is both a natural attraction, a point for entertainment, and a Holy place thanks to the temple of St. David of Gareja, one of the Assyrian fathers who preached Christianity in Georgia in the VI century.
Night in Tbilisi

12 Day: Transfer to the airport
Transfer to the airport Tbilisi

Rates include:

• 8 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in Tbilisi hotel 3*: City Inn, Shine Palace / or hotel 4* Tbilisi Inn , Just inn
  *Other hotels by the request
• 1 night accommodation with breakfast in Telavi hotel 3*  AlaznisVeli / or hotel 4* Schuchmann Wines Château,Villas& SPA
• 1 night accommodation with breakfast in Kutaisi hotel 3* Ponte / or hotel 4* Best Western Kutaisi
  *Other hotels by the request
• 1nights accommodation with breakfast in Borjomi hotel 3* or hotel 4* Borjomi Palace
  *Other hotels by the request
• High-quality guide service
• Transport services during the tour
• Transfer airport Tbilisi-hotel Tbilisi-airport Tbilisi
• Excursion: Tbilisi city tour
• Excursion: Mtskheta-Jvari-Samtavro-Shio-Mghvime-Zedazeni
• Excursion: Ananuri-Gudauri-Gergeti
• Excursion: New Shuamta-Old Shuamta-Ikalto-Alaverdi
• Excursion: Gremi-Nekresi-Bodbe
• Excursion:
• Excursion: Gelaty academy-Motsameta-Bagrat temple
• Excursion: Katskhi pillar
  Excursion:Shavnabada monastery-Bolnisi-Dmanisi
• Entrancetickets: Narikhalacablecar,Funiculer cable car, Gremi fortress, Historical Museum of Georgia
• Bottle of drinking water for every day

Rate doesn’t include:

• Extra meals and drinks
• Extra tours
• Souvenirs