Itinerary
Day 1: Batumi
Arrive in Batumi, you will be met by our representative at the airport, then you
will be transfered to your hotel, today you will visit Batumi Botanical gardens,
in the evening enjoy the boulevard.
Overnight at a hotel in Batumi.
Day 2: Batumi – Akhaltsikhe
Today we start to follow the route of the apostle Andrew who he came to Georgia after
preaching Christianity in Greece and Asia Minor. First he came to West Georgia –
Adjara region and continued his way to the other region.
In Batumi which is the administrative center of Adjara we will visit the Roman style
Gonio fortress (1st century), here is the grave of the apostle Matthias that accompanied
St. Andrew in Georgia during one of his visits. Gonio fortress is also closely bound
with the history of the Golden Fleece and Argonauts. Afterwards we continue the route
of St. Andrew and arrive in Meskheti region via Goderdzi pass (2000 m), on the way
we enjoy the breathtaking views. According to the historical sources, St. Andrew
made many miracles in this region and converted people to Christianity. In Akhaltiskhe
we will visit the Ethnographic museum. Overnight in Akhlatsikhe next 2 nights in
a guesthouse with shared facilities.
Day 3: Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia – Akhaltsikhe
In the morning we start exploring Meskheti region, we travel to the cave town Vardzia
(12th century) which is one of the highlights of the trip. There used to be about
3000 caves and 50 000 people could live there. It has got a church hewn out in rock
with amazing 12th century frescos. Afterwards we continue to the Vanis Kvabebi cave
town, it used to be nunnery in 7th century. We will also visit Khertvisi fortress
(10th century).
Day 4: Akhaltsikhe – Uplistsikhe – Mtskheta
In the morning we will drive to the village of Atskuri. St. Andrew demolished the
pagan cults and established Christian church here. We will visit Atskuri fortress
(9th century), probably this is a place where Christian church was founded by St.
Andrew. Today we will also visit Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC), that’s
the place where the Great Silk Road used to pass. St. Andrew’s missionary work was
continued by St. Nino (4th century) and 13 Syrian fathers (6th century) and we will
visit the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia – Mtskheta (3000 years
old), which keeps a lot of memories from the time when Georgia officially got converted
to Christianity by St.Nino.
We will visit Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century)
where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World
Heritage sites.
Overnight in a hotel in Mtskheta.
Day 5: Mtskheta – Sighnaghi – Telavi
In the morning visit Samtavro monastery (11th century), St.Nino lived on this place
under a blackberry bush for 6 years. In 4th century the church was built at this
place, it is still preserved and is one of the oldest churches of Georgia. Afterwards
we drive to Shio-mgvime monastery which was found in the 6th century by St.Shio,
he was one of the Syrian fathers’ who arrived in Georgia in 6th century and played
a big role in the strengthening of Christianity. In the monastery we have a chance
to see a well where St. Shio spent last few years of his life. Afterwards we continue
our way to Kakheti region which is rich with the monasteries and churches founded
by Syrian fathers. Alongside you can visit the grave of St. Nino held here in a Bodbe
monastery (4th century) and taste the water from the spring which is considered to
be miraculous. Near Bodbe we will visit fortified town of Signagi (17th century)
and enjoy the splendid views of the Great Caucasus Mountains.
Overnight in Telavi at a family guesthouse with shared facilities.
Day 6: Kakheti region
We travel to Kakheti where Syrian fathers built many monasteries. We will visit Alaverdi
Cathedral (11th century), Ikalto monastery (6 century), then walking up to Nekresi
Monastery (4th century). Most of these churches hold the graves of St. Fathers.
As Kakheti is wine growing region and is famous for its food and wine we will take
you to a farmer’s house for lunch to enjoy the hospitality of the local people and
sample some delicious home-made food. We will also visit a farmer’s house to see
a unique 300 year-old wine-cellar. We get acquainted with the Georgian way of wine-making,
quite different from the European one and also taste typical Georgian red and white
wines.
Day 7: Telavi – David Gareja – Tbilisi
In the morning we drive to David Gareja cave complex located in a stark, semi-desert
landscape. This monastery was founded in 6th century by one of the Syrian fathers
David. Later on it grew and consisted of 19 monasteries. It was one of the major
spiritual centers which used to house even 6000 monks on special religious days.
After seeing Lavra Monastery we walk up for about 50 minutes to Udabno Monastery
to enjoy its wonderful painted caves and dramatic views across to Azerbaijan. In
the evening we return to Tbilisi.
Overnight in Tbilisi in a hotel.
Day 8: Tbilisi
In the morning we have Tbilisi Sightseeing program, during the tour we will take
you to the places which will show you a real old city. You will be able to take a
glance at the history of the city from early centuries to nowadays by walking in
narrow streets of the city and exploring the religious and secular architecture.
We will visit Sioni church (6-7 century) which keeps the Cross of St.Nino, Mamadaviti
church (6 century) where St. David lived before going to Gareji desert and Anchiskati
church (6th century) an oldest church in Tbilisi. Afterwards we visit the stunning
treasury of the Georgian National Art Museum, which houses unique collection of Georgian
religious artefacts.
Overnight in Tbilisi in a hotel
Day 9: Departure
Transfer to the airport and departure.
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