This morning you will transfer to the Alazani Valley to visit Ikalto (VI century) and Alaverdi (IX century) monasteries. These are cross-dome churches and appear as the center of the culture of medieval centuries. Here you can also find out how Georgian monks were making wine. On our way, we should cross Gombori Pass.

Next, visit the Twin’s Old Cellar. Here they still keep the ancient tradition of making wine in clay jars. First of all, we will see the unique cellar, which represents the only crocks in Georgia “kvevri”, which are cross-cut to observe the fermentation process. Enjoy lunch here.

Drive to Tsinandali to visit the summer palace of Alexander Chavchavadze. He devoted his life to promoting Georgian culture. Chavchavadze was also the first Georgian noble to produce and bottle Georgian wine according to European technology. The Tsinandali Palace is a perfect blend of Georgian and European architectural traditions.

Return back to Tbilisi and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

This morning, you will check-out and start your journey to Mtskheta. Mtskheta is the ancient capital of Georgia. Hence the baptism of Georgia began.

En route, visit Jvari monastery, located on the top of a small hill with a fascinating view of old capital of Georgia – city of Mtskheta. After declaring Christianity the state religion in Kartli, the cross (in Georgian – “Jvari”) – symbol of new religion has been erected there, and later, in V-VI century AD, the Church was built. It is on the UNESCO List of the World Cultural Heritage.

Next stop is Svetitskhoveli – one of the most sacred places in Georgia. The first wooden church in Georgia was built here immediately upon declaring Christianity the state religion. Current impressive temple was built in 11th century and it is the biggest out of the churches built before 21st century in Georgia. According to the legend, the temple is built at the place where the tunic of Jesus Christ was buried. During the centuries, the temple has been seriously damaged and repaired several times. Currently it is on the UNESCO List of the World Cultural Heritage.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Our next destination is Stepantsminda, Kazbegi. On the way to Kazbegi, we will visit Ananuri fortress, built in XVII-XVIII centuries. From here, you will see the fascinating view to Jhinvali dam.

Enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Overnight in Kazbegi.

This morning, we embark on a jeep adventure to go up to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church. The Church is located 2200 meter above sea level. The landscape around is breathtaking, here you can see the glacier Mkinvartsveri. Holy Trinity Church was built in 13th century. For a long time during the invasion, Georgians used to bring and hide here icons, books and other holy things from Tbilisi. According to the legend, people from Gergeti village, never went to war because their duty was to protect the church.

Next head to Juta village by jeep. Juta is one of the highest settlements (2200 m) in the municipality of Kazbegi, and is located 24 km from Stepantsminda. The Chaukhi mountain range is located near the village and is situated on the main ridge of the Caucasus mountain range, at the source of the river Bakurkhevi. We will take an easy, 3-hour hike along Chaukhi Gorge. Comfortable hiking shoes, a cap, sunglasses, and sun protection cream are recommended. Picnic lunch along the way.

Enjoy dinner at a local family’s home this evening.

Overnight in Kazbegi.

Today we head to Borjomi (2.5 hour drive). On the way to Borjomi, we will visit Gori. Gori is one of the oldest cities in Georgia. Written sources testify to its existence from the beginning of the XII century, but archaeological finds indicate that settlements of urban type were located here in the 3rd millennium BC. The Gori fortress (XII century) is located in the center of the city on a high hill. In the middle of the 12th century, a layer of ancient antiquity was exposed in its foot. Obviously, the fortress was built on a fortification site dating back to the 1st century BC.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, visit the State House – Museum J. Stalin. The exposition of the museum includes a house in which Stalin was born and spent his first years of life. Here is represented the personal railway car of the head of the Soviet government, to which he went to the Teheran and Yalta Conference. In the museum there are many of Stalin’s items, including part of the furniture of his working classrooms, gifts. A large number of historical documents and photographs are also presented.

Continue driving to Borjomi and check-in at your hotel.

This evening enjoy a Borjomi Walking tour. Borjomi Mineral Water Park is widely known for its natural springs. Inside the park you can have a walk and also taste mineral authentic water. Borjomi appears as one of the most famous resort from XIX century, when Russian Royal family, Romanovs, built a palace here and used Borjomi as their summer residence. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Borjomi.