ROCS Guided Holidays 2024

VISITING: Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Akhaltsikhe, Gudauri 8-Day Breathtaking Georgia

8 DAY GUIDED TOUR € 1319 FROM

20 - 27 JUL 10 - 17 AUG

DAY 1 – MALTA – TBILISI Meet your Tour Manager at Malta International Airport for your flight to Georgia. Upon arrival transfer to your 4* Clocks Hotel for check in. DAY 2 – TBILISI CITY TOUR Breakfast and this day is entirely dedicated to visit of the capital of Georgia – Tbilisi. The program includes the Old Town and New Town. The city offers a wide variety of attractions, most of which are ancient. All the places of interest in the Old Town are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. We begin our visit to Old Tbilisi with the Sioni Cathedral (7th century). We climb the hill to visit the Narikala Fortress (4th century), one of the oldest fortifications in the city, and then we reach the Sulfur Baths with their domes built with bricks. Afterwards, we take a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue with a visit to the National Museum. Lunch and dinner in characteristic restaurants. DAY 3 – JVARI MONASTERY AND SVETITSKHOVELI CATHEDRAL – GELATI MONASTERY - KUTAISI After breakfast depart towards the west to visit the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia – Mtskheta – along with its historical monuments: Jvari Monastery (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century). Jvari Monastery stands atop a high hill, where Prince Stepanoz built the current cross-shaped church. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is considered one of the holiest places in Georgia, as it is believed to be the burial site of the robe of Christ. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We continue our journey towards Western Georgia and Kutaisi, which was the capital of the mythical kingdom of Colchis. It was here that the famous Golden Fleece, carried to Greece by the Argonauts with the help of the king’s daughter, Medea, was kept. We visit the extensive Gelati Monastery complex (12th century), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visit is captivating for the location, overlooking the hills of Kutaisi, the medieval architecture of the Cathedral, Churches, and the Academy of Philosophy, as well as the magnificent frescoes and well-preserved mosaics. Check in at your 4*Kutaisi Inn Hotel. Dinner in a characteristic restaurant.

ANANURI COMPLEX - GUDAURI After breakfast drive along the Silk Road, we visit the Rock-Hewn City of Uplistsikhe, the oldest existing rock-cut city in Georgia (6th century BC) along a branch of the Silk Road. We walk along ancient streets, passing royal palaces, pagan temples, and Christian churches. We can observe a rock-cut theater and the counter of a pharmacy. The remains of extensive granaries and terracotta vessels for wine storage provide insight into the daily life of the local inhabitants. We make a photographic stop in Gori, near the Stalin Museum. We traverse the historic military road as we head towards the Great Caucasus Mountains. The combination of green fields, alpine meadows, sparkling rivers, towering mountains, and peaks creates a truly mystical atmosphere that will leave everyone in awe. Along the military road, we see the fortified complex of Ananuri (17th century). This place will make you feel special for its beautiful nature and the taste of ancient history. This well preserved medieval monument was originally used for military purposes and later became the residence of the dukes of Aragvi, starting from the 13th century. Check in at your 4*Gudauri Marco Polo Hotel. Dinner at the hotel. DAY 7 – GUDAURI – GERGETI TRINITY CHURCH (4X4 VEHICLE) – TBILISI In the morning after breakfast we will proceed to Stepantsminda. Visit Gergeti Trinity Church, one of Georgia’s symbols, situated in a picturesque location at an altitude of 2170 meters above sea level, dominated by the imposing Mount Kazbegi. The ascent is planned using local 4x4 vehicles, and after the visit, there is time for a scenic walk. If weather conditions are favourable, we may admire the glacier of Mount Kazbegi, one of the highest in the Greater Caucasus (5047 meters). We visit an art studio to witness the felting process of wool, accompanied by a tasting of local Muraba tea. Drive back to Tbilisi and check in at your 4*Clocks Hotel. Farewell dinner in a restaurant with wine included. DAY 8 Breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Malta.

DAY 4 – KUTAISI - THE AGRICULTURAL MARKET - BAGRATI CATHEDRAL – PROMETHEUS GROTTO – AKHALTSIKHE In the morning after breakfast, we will visit the market in Kutaisi, where locals sell fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and fish every day. Exploring this place provides a truly authentic experience. We then visit the Bagrati Cathedral (11th century) on the Ukimerioni Hill, built in 1003 and representing a symbol of the united state of Georgia. Afterwards, we explore the Prometheus Cave, one of Georgia’s natural wonders that offers visitors breathtaking landscapes and views. The visit lasts for an hour, and we see the Halls of the Argonauts, Colchis, Medea, Love, Prometheus, and Iberia. We continue our journey towards southern Georgia, known for the diversity of its landscapes. Rocky terrain replaces humid forests here, forming the incredible volcanic plateau of Javakheti. Check in at your 4* Akhaltsikhe Inn. Dinner at the hotel. DAY 5 – AKHALTSIKHE – VARDZIA CAVE TOWN - KHERTVISI FORTRESS Breakfast and proceed to Vardzia, we will traverse the splendid landscapes of the Mtkvari Valley, encountering medieval terraces that were previously used for orchards and vineyards. Additionally, we will make a photographic stop at the Khertvisi Fortress (10th century). Vardzia once housed 50,000 inhabitants and consisted of 9 large stories. Earthquakes and invaders devastated the city for centuries, although today ancient churches, refectories, cellars, accommodations, a pharmacy, and more are preserved. The highlight of the day is the 12th century Church of the Virgin Mary, where unique frescoes can be found, including one depicting an illustrious Georgian figure, the fresco of King Tamar, completed during their lifetime. We can exit the city through ancient medieval tunnels. Upon returning to Akhaltsikhe, guests will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Rabati complex with numerous historical and cultural monuments. Dinner at the hotel. DAY 6 – AKHALTSIKHE - UPLISTSIKHE CAVE TOWN – DRIVE ALONG THE MILITARY WAY -

GEORGIA 2024

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